United States Coast Guard Academy prepares young men and women to serve as commissioned officers in the United States Coast Guard. The academy's campus covers 100 acres (48 hectares) on the banks of the Thames River in New London, Conn. The academy is comparable to those of the other armed forces. However, its enrollment is smaller and entrance is by annual national competition rather than congressional appointment. Students are called cadets. Graduates receive bachelor of science degrees and commissions as ensigns in the United States Coast Guard.