The percentage of female students nominated by U.S. lawmakers for admission to U.S. military academies has been rising over the last 25 years. But men are still nearly three times more likely than women to get a nomination, says a study released Tuesday. A member of Congress must nominate most applicants to the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy and the Military Academy at West Point. The schools provide a cost-free education, then require graduates to serve a number of years in the armed forces. Currently, women represent about 27% of Naval Academy students, 22% of Air Force Academy cadets, and 22% of students at West Point. However, women are able to hold nearly all jobs in the armed forces. Representatives of some lawmakers say the numbers of female students are low because only a small number of women apply. But Lory Manning, director of government operations for the Service Women’s Action Network, says congressional offices should change their recruiting efforts.