United States Merchant Marine Academy: 27.4% Acceptance Rate

27.4%Acceptance

$945Tuition

947Students

81%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$90,610Earnings

#1 in New YorkPublic4-yearNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About United States Merchant Marine Academy

The United States Merchant Marine Academy trains the next generation of maritime officers through an intensive military-style program that few can handle. With just 947 students enrolled, this federal service academy sits on Long Island's North Shore and demands everything from its midshipmen. Every student must complete a mandatory sea year aboard commercial vessels, gaining real-world experience that sets graduates apart in the maritime industry. Notable alumni include NASA astronaut A.J. Herrington and bestselling author Robert Kiyosaki. The academy accepts only 27% of applicants, reflecting its selective standards.

Students pay virtually nothing for one of America's most valuable educations. Net costs average just $7,506 annually, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying only $3,476. Graduates earn a median of $90,610 ten years after graduation, while carrying just $8,833 in debt. With monthly loan payments of only $94, this represents one of the strongest financial returns in higher education. The employment rate hits 94.7%, as maritime industries desperately need qualified officers.

The student body is overwhelmingly male at 82%, reflecting the maritime industry's demographics. Nearly 90% of students return for their second year, despite the rigorous military discipline and academic demands that define daily life at Kings Point.

Academics & Faculty

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy operates as a highly specialized federal service academy focused on maritime and transportation leadership. Students pursue degrees in marine engineering, logistics, or ship operations through an intensive program that combines classroom learning with hands-on maritime experience. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship in technical subjects like naval architecture and marine systems. With a 79% four-year graduation rate, most midshipmen successfully complete the demanding curriculum that includes a mandatory year at sea aboard commercial vessels. The academy's engineering programs prepare graduates for careers in shipping, logistics, and maritime industries. Academic rigor mirrors military academies, with students balancing technical coursework alongside leadership training and physical conditioning requirements.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 78.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 78.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 80.6%
Retention Rate: 90.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $90,610
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Campus Life

Kings Point sits on 82 acres along Long Island Sound, just 20 miles from Manhattan. The campus houses 934 students, meaning nearly everyone lives in military-style barracks with strict regulations. You'll need winter coats for harsh Northeast winters and the academy's mandatory outdoor activities year-round.

The 82% male student body follows a regimented schedule that starts with morning formation at dawn. Students wear uniforms daily and must request permission to leave campus on weekends. The trimester system includes mandatory sea year, where students spend months aboard commercial vessels worldwide. Only 8% of students come from New York, creating a national student body bound by shared military discipline.

Weekend activities center around the waterfront and nearby Great Neck for those with liberty privileges. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means small, intensive classes focused on maritime engineering and logistics. Campus traditions include Ring Dance and formal military ceremonies. With 427 athletes competing in 19 Division III sports, physical fitness remains central to academy life. Most graduates immediately enter lucrative maritime careers, with median earnings reaching $90,610 within ten years.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 934 beds
Calendar System: Trimester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1943

Campus Safety (2023)

9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Rape	2	2
Fondling	2	1
Dating Violence	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–39°F
July Avg: 70°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.9"
Annual Snowfall: 29.8"

Student Demographics

This federal service academy draws future merchant marine officers from across the nation, with 92% of students coming from out-of-state. Men make up 82% of the student body, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated maritime industry the academy serves. The incoming class averages 1240 on the SAT, showing strong academic preparation for the rigorous military-style program. Only 7% receive Pell Grants, indicating students typically come from middle and upper-income families who can navigate the competitive federal academy admission process. These students commit to both demanding academics and mandatory sea training.

Men: 82.2%
Women: 17.9%
White: 77.2%
Black: 2.0%
Hispanic: 8.6%
Asian: 4.5%
In-State Students: 8.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 7.3%

Location

Kings Point sits on Long Island's North Shore, just 20 miles east of Manhattan. The 82-acre waterfront campus overlooks Long Island Sound from this affluent Nassau County suburb. Students train on actual ships docked at the academy's pier while major NYC employers remain easily accessible by train. The surrounding area blends residential neighborhoods with marinas and yacht clubs typical of Long Island's Gold Coast. With 8% of students coming from in-state, most midshipmen travel from across the country to this unique maritime setting. The trimester calendar system allows for mandatory sea rotations aboard commercial vessels worldwide. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare United States Merchant Marine Academy with similar schools in the region.

Address: Kings Point, New York 11024-1634

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $90,610
Median Earnings (5 years): $96,303
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $78,600
Monthly Loan Payment: $94/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,833

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at the United States Merchant Marine Academy?

The United States Merchant Marine Academy accepts 27.35% of applicants, making it highly competitive among service academies. Admitted students typically score between 1150-1330 on the SAT, reflecting the rigorous academic standards required for future merchant marine officers.

How much does the United States Merchant Marine Academy cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,506 per year, with tuition set at just $945 regardless of residency status. Only 7.30% of students receive financial aid since the academy is federally funded and most costs are covered by the government.

What makes the academic program unique at the United States Merchant Marine Academy?

The academy operates on a trimester system and maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio for intensive maritime training. All 947 students complete mandatory sea year experience aboard commercial vessels, preparing them for careers as licensed merchant marine officers.

How much do United States Merchant Marine Academy graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median salary of $90,610 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 94.7% employment rate. The strong job prospects reflect the academy's reputation for producing highly skilled maritime professionals in high demand.

Where do students live at the United States Merchant Marine Academy?

The campus houses 934 students in military-style dormitories, accommodating nearly the entire enrollment of 947. The regimental lifestyle reinforces discipline and teamwork essential for maritime careers, with students following strict military protocols.

Is the United States Merchant Marine Academy predominantly male?

Men make up 82.15% of the student body while women represent 17.85%, reflecting traditional gender patterns in maritime careers. The academy actively works to increase female enrollment in this historically male-dominated field of merchant marine service.