École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Student officers at Saint-Cyr experience an immersive military environment from admission through graduation. Daily life follows military routines including formations, inspections, and structured activities. The demanding schedule combines academic classes, military training, physical fitness, and mandatory activities. Personal time is limited, particularly in the first year. Traditions and ceremonies mark the academic year and military calendar. Historic ceremonies, regimental traditions, and peer relationships create bonds lasting throughout military careers. The promotion (class year) becomes a defining identity, with classmates maintaining relationships through decades of service. Upper-class students mentor newcomers, transmitting institutional culture and supporting development. The Guer location in rural Brittany provides space for field training while limiting urban distractions. On-campus facilities meet daily needs, with the small nearby town providing limited commercial services. Leave periods allow travel to larger cities. The Breton environment, while sometimes rainy, provides attractive countryside for outdoor activities.
Location & Surroundings
The Ecoles de Saint-Cyr Coetquidan occupy an extensive campus near Guer, a small town in the Morbihan department of Brittany in northwestern France. The campus includes academic buildings, barracks, training areas, and the famous Monument aux Morts. The 4,000-hectare training grounds provide space for tactical exercises. Guer has a population of approximately 8,000, with limited commercial and entertainment options. The nearby town of Ploermel is somewhat larger. Rennes, Brittany's capital and a significant city, is approximately 60 kilometers northeast. The isolated location minimizes distractions while providing appropriate environment for military training. Brittany's coastal environment brings variable weather with significant rainfall. The region is known for its Celtic heritage, distinctive landscape, and maritime traditions. When leave permits, students can explore the Breton coast, historic sites, and larger cities in the region. Paris is accessible in several hours by train.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Saint-Cyr students receive military pay as officer candidates, covering living expenses during training. The French state provides education, housing, meals, and medical care. Students receive modest salary that increases through the program. This arrangement means students graduate without educational debt. The commitment to military service following graduation is substantial. Graduates must serve as army officers for a minimum period, typically calculated based on training received. The return on investment for the state in training officers is recouped through service. Officers who depart before completing obligations may owe financial compensation. Career progression for Saint-Cyr graduates follows French Army promotion structures. Typical careers span 25-35 years, with advancement through company command, staff positions, and senior command for successful officers. Retired officers often transition to second careers in defense industry, consulting, or business. The Saint-Cyr network provides connections throughout French military, political, and business leadership.
Campus Location
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