The Verdict
Marine Military Academy is the only private school in the world based on the traditions and core values of the United States Marine Corps. Located in Harlingen, Texas—just 30 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican border—MMA has shaped young men into disciplined leaders since 1965.
The campus is home to the original Iwo Jima Monument, a powerful symbol that anchors the Academy's Marine Corps heritage. With a rigorous college-prep curriculum, mandatory physical training, and the Marine Corps' values of honor, courage, and commitment, MMA produces graduates ready for college, service academies, and life.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
Marine Military Academy is an all-boys college-prep boarding school in Harlingen, TX, serving grades 7-12 plus a post-grad year. Boarding tuition $51,500 (2026-27).
Tuition & Costs
2026-2027 RatesBoarding
$51,500
International
$51,250
*Tuition, Room & Board. Uniforms and Personal Care Items are a separate $1,750 fee. International students have a one-time $1,000 fee.
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
developmental
Key Requirements
- Completed application form
- Official school transcripts from previous two years
- Two teacher recommendation letters
- Standardized test scores (if available)
- Personal interview (in-person or virtual)
- Medical examination and immunization records
- Physical fitness assessment during enrollment
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
128 acres
Housing
Barracks
Enrollment
240
Student:Teacher
9:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
The day begins at 0600 with reveille, followed by room inspection, personal hygiene, and morning formation. Cadets attend breakfast in the mess hall before academic classes. Afternoons include mandatory athletics or physical training. Evening study hall (Call to Quarters) provides structured homework time with faculty supervision. Taps signals lights out, ensuring cadets are rested for the next day's rigorous schedule.
Discipline Model
MMA employs the Marine Corps-style discipline model with a chain of command structure led by cadet officers and NCOs under the supervision of the Commandant's staff. The merit/demerit system reinforces accountability, with consequences ranging from extra duty to restriction of privileges. The goal is to develop self-discipline and personal responsibility rather than mere compliance.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
100%
Where Graduates Go
MMA regularly sends graduates to U.S. service academies including the Naval Academy, West Point, Air Force Academy, and Coast Guard Academy. The Academy maintains an active JROTC program and provides dedicated service academy counseling.
Hall of Fame
Chris Perez
Grammy Award-winning musician; lead guitarist for Selena y Los Dinos
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
All cadets participate in daily physical training based on Marine Corps fitness standards. Morning PT includes running, calisthenics, and obstacle course training. Every cadet must pass the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and participate in at least one competitive sport or structured physical activity each season.
Facilities
142-acre South Texas campus featuring the iconic Iwo Jima Monument, natatorium with Olympic-size swimming pool, football stadium, baseball diamond, basketball gymnasium, weight training facility, obstacle course, rifle range, and multiple outdoor athletic fields
External Ratings
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Official Federal Data Sources
Verify information directly from U.S. Department of Education databases:
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Guides & Resources
Texas Hazlewood Act: 150 Hours of Free College Tuition
The Hazlewood Act gives Texas veterans up to 150 hours of free tuition at public colleges, including Texas A&M's Corps of Cadets. Unused hours transfer to children.
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