United States Merchant Marine Academy
Kings Point, NY
"Acta Non Verba"
The Verdict
The United States Merchant Marine Academy offers a unique federal service academy experience where midshipmen spend nearly a year at sea aboard commercial vessels during their signature "Sea Year" program. Unlike other service academies, USMMA graduates earn both a Bachelor of Science degree and a U.S. Coast Guard merchant mariner credential.
With the flexibility to pursue careers in the maritime industry, active duty military service in any branch, or the Strategic Sealift Officer Program in the Navy Reserve, the Academy produces leaders who serve America's marine transportation and defense needs in peace and war.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) is a federal service academy that educates and graduates licensed Merchant Marine Officers who serve America's marine transportation and defense needs in peace and war. Midshipmen are trained in marine engineering, navigation, ship's administration, maritime law, personnel management, international law, and customs.
Tuition & Costs
2025-2026 RatesEndowment
$61.96 million
*Tuition-free; Midshipmen are responsible for other costs, including fees, supplies, and transportation. A 5-year service obligation can be fulfilled through Merchant Marine, active duty, or reserves.
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
selective
Key Requirements
- Congressional nomination required (from U.S. Representative or Senator)
- Candidate Fitness Assessment (basketball throw, pull-ups, standing long jump, sit-ups, push-ups, 1-mile run)
- Teacher evaluations from English, Math, and Lab Science (Chemistry or Physics)
- Medical and physical qualification
- U.S. citizenship required
Admitted Student Profile
32%
Acceptance Rate
3.60
Avg GPA
1220
Avg SAT
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
82 acres
Housing
Barracks
Enrollment
947
Student:Teacher
13:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
Midshipmen follow a structured regimental routine during the academic year. New candidates begin with Indoctrination (Indoc), a nearly 20-day orientation emphasizing military discipline, physical fitness, basic seamanship, and academic preparation. On 'Day Zero,' candidates receive uniforms, regulation haircuts, and take the merchant mariner oath on Barney Square. The unique Sea Year experience occurs between sophomore and junior years, when midshipmen spend approximately 300 days aboard commercial or military vessels as deck or engine cadets, gaining real-world maritime experience.
Discipline Model
The Academy operates under a regimental system with the Regiment of Midshipmen organized into companies. Midshipmen progress through class ranks: Plebe (fourth class), Third Class, Second Class, and First Class (senior). The transition from civilian to regimental life takes several months to complete, with emphasis on naval traditions, customs, and the Academy's core values of Courage in Adversity, Respect for Others, Integrity from Within, and Service Above All.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
N/A (4-year degree-granting institution)
Where Graduates Go
N/A (this IS a federal service academy)
Hall of Fame
Mark Kelly
U.S. Senator from Arizona, NASA astronaut, Navy Captain; commanded Space Shuttle Endeavour and Discovery (Class of 1986)
Elliot See
NASA astronaut (Group 2), Navy test pilot; selected as command pilot for Gemini 9 (Class of 1949)
Michael P. Murphy
Medal of Honor recipient (posthumous), Navy SEAL Lieutenant; first Navy Medal of Honor since Vietnam War (Class of 1998)
Carl Seiberlich
Rear Admiral, USN; commanded USS Hornet for Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 astronaut recoveries (Class of 1944)
Robert Kiyosaki
Author of 'Rich Dad Poor Dad,' entrepreneur and financial educator (Class of 1969)
Carroll O'Connor
Four-time Emmy Award-winning actor; starred as Archie Bunker in 'All in the Family' (Class of 1946)
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Required for all midshipmen. Physical fitness is a core component of the Academy experience, with structured PT sessions and the Candidate Fitness Assessment. Midshipmen must maintain fitness standards throughout their four years.
Facilities
O'Hara Hall gymnasium with Olympic-size swimming pool and diving well, football/baseball/lacrosse/soccer fields, quarter-mile surfaced track, tennis and handball courts, cardio/core/weight training facilities, wrestling rooms, Yocum Sailing Center on Little Neck Bay, customized obstacle course, and HITT locker.
External Ratings
We don't collect or moderate reviews. Links point to trusted third-party sources.
Federal Outcomes Data
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard
81%
Graduation Rate
90%
Retention Rate
(1st to 2nd year)
$90,610
Median Earnings
(10 years after entry)
$7,506
Avg. Net Cost
(after financial aid)
82% / 18%
Male / Female
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2026-01)
View on College ScorecardOfficial Federal Data Sources
Verify information directly from U.S. Department of Education databases:
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