United States Merchant Marine Academy

Kings Point, United States of America

The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), located in Kings Point, New York, is a federal service academy that trains individuals to serve as leaders in the U.S. Merchant Marine and other maritime industries. Established in 1943, USMMA offers a rigorous education with a focus on engineering, marine transportation, and maritime logistics.
Add to compare

Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find the answer? Contact our support team. We're here to assist.

Filter by All General Admission Process Student Safety Programs and Courses Scholarships and financial aid Location and Accommodation Post Study Work Visa
The key difference is the dual-commissioning path. Graduates earn both a U.S. Coast Guard merchant marine officer license and a commission as an ensign in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Their service obligation can be fulfilled by serving as a licensed officer in the U.S. merchant marine or as a commissioned officer in any branch of the armed forces.
Yes, it is one of the five federal service academies. Midshipmen live under a strict regimental system, wear uniforms, and adhere to a military structure. Upon graduation, they have a service obligation to the United States.
It is the Academy's motto, meaning "Deeds Not Words." It reflects the institution's core ethos of action, service, and sacrifice over mere talk. This is exemplified by the Academy's highest per-capita casualty rate during World War II, where graduates proved their commitment through ultimate sacrifice.
You must receive a nomination from an official source, most commonly a Member of Congress (your Representative or one of your two Senators). You can also receive nominations from the Vice President, the Secretary of Transportation, and through other specific military-related sources.
Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and must not have passed their 25th birthday before July 1st of the year they enter the Academy. There are no waivers for this age requirement.
The basic requirements are the same, but prior-service applicants may be eligible for a nominal service nomination. They should contact the Admissions Office directly to understand how their experience aligns with the application process and for guidance on specific requirements.
Midshipmen undergo intensive safety training in firefighting, water survival, and first aid before their Sea Year. The Academy and its shipping partners adhere to strict safety protocols aboard vessels. All training vessels are required to meet international safety standards, and midshipmen are taught to be advocates for their own safety and that of their crew.
The Academy has a zero-tolerance policy and a robust Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program. This includes comprehensive training for all midshipmen, a 24/7 response hotline, dedicated victim advocates, and clear reporting procedures. The program is designed to create a culture of respect and to support any midshipman who experiences such incidents.
The regimental system itself is a key safety feature, fostering a culture of accountability, mutual respect, and looking out for one another. Company officers and upper-class midshipmen are trained to identify and address risks, ensuring that every individual is responsible for upholding a safe and professional environment.
The Sea Year is a minimum of 300 days of hands-on training aboard U.S. commercial vessels spread over two years. It is the cornerstone of the USMMA education, providing practical, real-world experience that complements academic learning and is mandatory for earning the merchant marine officer license.
Yes, midshipmen select one of two primary tracks: the Deck Track (Marine Transportation) leads to a Third Mate license, and the Engine Track (Marine Engineering) leads to a Third Assistant Engineer license. There is also a dual-license program in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
All graduates earn a fully accredited Bachelor of Science degree. The specific major (e.g., Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering, Logistics) depends on the track chosen, but the core curriculum ensures a strong foundation in leadership, ethics, and maritime operations.
Appointed midshipmen do not pay for tuition, room, or board. These costs are covered by the U.S. government in return for a service obligation upon graduation. Midshipmen are responsible for fees to cover the cost of uniforms, books, a laptop, and other incidental expenses.
Graduates have a multi-faceted obligation: to serve five years in the U.S. maritime industry as a licensed officer, plus eight years as a commissioned officer in a U.S. armed force reserve component. They can also choose to serve five years on active duty in any U.S. military branch to fulfill the entire obligation.
While the government covers major costs, some outside organizations and alumni associations offer scholarships to help midshipmen with expenses for books, uniforms, and fees. The Academy's financial aid office can provide information on these opportunities.
The Academy is located in Kings Point, New York, on the North Shore of Long Island. It is a beautiful, self-contained 80-acre campus on the Long Island Sound with a mix of historic and modern facilities, including a museum, simulators, a waterfront center, and athletic complexes.
Yes, all midshipmen are required to live in the barracks for all four years. The barracks are the center of regimental life and are organized by company. Living on campus is an integral part of the leadership and character development program.
Midshipmen typically live in double or triple-occupancy rooms in a military-style barracks. The environment is structured and disciplined, designed to foster unit cohesion and prepare them for the close-quarters living they will experience at sea during their careers.
The United States Merchant Marine Academy only appoints U.S. citizens. Therefore, international students are not eligible for admission, and questions about student visas are not applicable.
Applicants must be citizens of the United States to receive a nomination and an appointment to the Academy. Proof of citizenship is a mandatory part of the application process.
Since all graduates are U.S. citizens, they do not require visa sponsorships for employment on U.S. flag vessels. The U.S. Coast Guard license they earn is specifically for commanding roles on U.S. registered ships, which by law must be crewed by American citizens.

University Of United States Merchant Marine Academy Application Statistics

950
950
150
2
15 %
$ 1050
$ 15460
3.2
33
80 %
1278
27

Learn About -

* All cost are in USD

University Of United States Merchant Marine Academy Application Statistics

950
950
150
2
15 %
$ 1050
$ 15460
3.2
33
80 %
1278
27

Learn About -

* All cost are in USD

We also can help you with following Services

Co-curricular Activities Guidance
Shortlisting of Programs
College Essays
Crafting Academic CV
Personal Statements
Scholarship & Financial Aid
Interview Preparation
Student Accommodation
SAT Preparation
IELTS Preparation
TOEFL Preparation
Standardized Test Prep

Connect With United States Merchant Marine Academy

Book Free Session with Our Admission Experts

Admission Experts

Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.