<p>They will pay off IMO, but you need to evaluate what you’re definitely wanting to do afterwards…are you okay with serving 5 years in the Air Force? Developmental engineering is definitely an option after the Academy, but like you said, there’s no guarantee you will get that job, so are you okay with something else if you don’t get your first choice? I do think you can be just as competitive with Cornell. Are you wanting to serve in the Air Force regardless of whether it’s through the Academy or not?</p>