Overview
United States Merchant Marine Academy is a selective public four-year institution in Kings Point, New York. The school accepts 27.4% of applicants and enrolls 947 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 27.4%
- Average SAT
- 1,240
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,150–1,330
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 24
- Total Enrollment
- 947
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
The United States Merchant Marine Academy requires a congressional nomination, making your application process fundamentally different from civilian colleges. You must secure this nomination from your representative, senator, or the Vice President by October of your senior year, well before most college deadlines.
Your commitment to maritime service matters more than perfect grades. The admissions board wants to see genuine interest in the merchant marine, Navy, or Coast Guard through activities like Sea Cadets, sailing, swimming, or maritime internships. Simply wanting free college tuition will not impress anyone.
Physical fitness carries unusual weight here. You'll take a fitness assessment during Candidate Visitation Weekend, and your performance directly impacts admission. Train specifically for push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and running. The Academy operates more like a military institution than a traditional college.
Your essay should address why you want to serve at sea, not just why you want to attend Kings Point. Reference specific aspects like the Sea Year program, where you'll spend a year aboard commercial vessels worldwide, or the Regiment of Midshipmen structure. Avoid writing generic essays about leadership or overcoming challenges.
Don't apply thinking this is an easier path to becoming a naval officer. While graduates can commission into any armed service, the Academy's primary mission involves training merchant marine officers for commercial shipping. You'll study marine engineering, naval architecture, or marine transportation alongside military subjects.
The application includes a separate medical examination through the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board. Start this process early, as medical disqualifications can derail otherwise strong candidates. Vision requirements are particularly strict for deck officer programs.
Your nominating official will likely interview you, so prepare to discuss current maritime issues, global trade, and your career plans. They want assurance you understand the commitment involved, including potential military service obligations after graduation.
The Academy's small size means admissions officers will remember you if you visit or attend information sessions. Take advantage of the Summer STEM program or Candidate Visitation Weekend to demonstrate serious interest and experience campus culture firsthand.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $7,506/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $945
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $945
- Students Receiving Aid
- 7%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 80.6%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $90,610/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 90.0%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the United States Merchant Marine Academy require a congressional nomination?
Yes, applicants must receive a nomination from a member of Congress, the Vice President, or other authorized nominating sources. The nomination process typically opens in spring and closes by October 31.
What are the physical fitness requirements for United States Merchant Marine Academy admission?
Applicants must pass the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) and meet medical standards through DoDMERB (Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board). Vision requirements include 20/20 correctable vision.
Can you transfer to the United States Merchant Marine Academy from another college?
The academy accepts a very limited number of transfer students, typically only those from other service academies. Most admitted students enter as freshmen and complete the full four-year program.
When is the application deadline for the United States Merchant Marine Academy?
The application deadline is January 31. However, nomination deadlines from congressional offices are typically much earlier, often in October or November of the previous year.