U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point)

The Maritime Academy Route › U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point)

The short answer

The federal academy, in Kings Point, New York. Admission works like the other service academies: you must be qualified by the academy and hold an official nomination.
No tuition, room or board. Midshipmen still pay midshipman fees and other costs.
Graduates leave with a bachelor's degree, a Coast Guard officer license, and a service obligation.
Application for the Class of 2031 closes February 1, 2027.

1. Confirm you are eligible

Citizenship: U.S. citizen (limited exceptions apply to certain territories and foreign nominees). 46 CFR 310.54
Age: On July 1 of the year you enter, at least 17 and not past your 25th birthday.
Character: Good moral character, and able to meet the Navy's requirements for appointment as a Midshipman, U.S. Navy Reserve.
Academics: At least 15 high school units, including 3 of English, 3 of math (from algebra, geometry and trigonometry) and 1 of physics or chemistry with a lab. USMMA strongly recommends four years of math including calculus, and both physics and chemistry. USMMA Scholastic Requirements

2. Get a congressional nomination

You need at least one official nomination, from one of your two U.S. Senators or your U.S. Representative (or your Delegate, for territories and D.C.). USMMA does not accept military service-connected or Vice-Presidential nominations, which some other academies do. Each member of Congress sets their own nomination deadline, often in the fall of your senior year, so check their websites early in your junior year. USMMA Steps to Admission

3. Apply through the USMMA Applicant Portal

Create a USMMA Applicant Portal account and complete the application, including an essay of at least 500 words on why you want to attend, your intended program, your career interests, and your understanding of and willingness to accept the service obligation.

CAPTAIN'S TIP

Use a personal email address you'll keep, not a high school account that disappears when you graduate.

4. Send test scores, transcripts and evaluations

SAT and/or ACT: send official scores to USMMA. Non-standard or untimed administrations are not accepted.
Transcripts from your school.
Teacher evaluations from English, Math and Lab Science (Chemistry or Physics) teachers.

5. Pass the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA)

Six events testing strength, agility, speed and endurance, administered by a physical education teacher, J/ROTC instructor, Admissions Field Representative, or a commissioned or non-commissioned officer (not a parent or guardian). CFA instructions →

6. Complete the medical exam

The medical qualification process is managed by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB). You must meet the physical standards for a Navy Reserve commission. DoDMERB applicant site →

What it costs

USMMA states that midshipmen receive tuition, room and board, uniforms and textbooks at no cost. Midshipmen pay midshipman fees and other costs, such as laundry and tailor services, plebe and educational kits, TWIC and passport, supplies, transportation and health insurance. USMMA does not publish the dollar amounts on that page; ask the Financial Aid office (516-726-5638). USMMA Financial Aid

The service obligation

Because taxpayers cover the cost of your education, every graduate signs a service agreement. USMMA states that graduates must:

Serve 5 years after graduation in the U.S. maritime industry or national defense. This can be service as a merchant marine officer on U.S.-documented vessels, active duty as a commissioned officer in the Armed Forces or NOAA, approved maritime-related employment, or a combination.
Maintain an officer license in the U.S. merchant marine for at least 6 years after graduation.
Accept a reserve commission, if offered, in the U.S. Navy Reserve or Coast Guard Reserve, for 8 years after graduation.
Report on compliance to the Secretary of Transportation.

A graduate who doesn't meet the obligation can be ordered to active duty in the Navy for up to three years. USMMA Service Obligation

Costs change every year. Figures on this page come from the sources linked below and were checked in October 2026. Confirm current costs, admission requirements and deadlines with the academy before you apply. Mariners Online is not affiliated with any academy, MARAD or the Coast Guard.

Compare all seven academiesCosts side by side, and how the academy route compares with hawsepiping.Not sure an academy is for you?See the hawsepipe route to Third Mate.