United States Merchant Marine Academy
United States Merchant Marine Academy is a public university in Kings Point, NY ranked #26 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A+, enrolling about 962 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 34.2%. Students most often pursue Marine Transportation.
Academically, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, 84.5% first-year retention, and 82.4% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $6,174, about $10,824 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 291.8%, roughly 206.5 points higher than typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $96,770. That's about $53,082 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
United States Merchant Marine Academy has an acceptance rate of 34.2%, annual tuition of $895, average net price of $6,174, and a national rank of #26 (Grade A+), with a 82.4% six-year graduation rate, about 962 undergraduates, and median earnings of $96,770 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is United States Merchant Marine Academy Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
United States Merchant Marine Academy graduates 82.4% of students within six years and keeps 84.5% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use United States Merchant Marine Academy's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $895 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,080 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,948 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $9,168 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 7.8% of United States Merchant Marine Academy students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $1,773 annually, while high-income families pay $9,168. Use United States Merchant Marine Academy's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $8,752/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $9,168/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $96,770
- 10-Year Median Earnings $96,770
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $6,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) Not reported
- Employment Rate 84.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for United States Merchant Marine Academy graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
United States Merchant Marine Academy vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how United States Merchant Marine Academy's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes United States Merchant Marine Academy's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: With a 291.8% return on investment, United States Merchant Marine Academy delivers exceptional value. Graduates earn $96,770 median—+122% above the national average—making this a strong investment for career-focused students.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 560-650
- SAT Math 550-650
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 22-29
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 962
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 84.5%
- Graduation Rate 82.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into United States Merchant Marine Academy
1. Meet Academic Requirements: United States Merchant Marine Academy requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 34.2%, United States Merchant Marine Academy is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: United States Merchant Marine Academy accepts 34.2% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1110 and 1300 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among United States Merchant Marine Academy undergraduates. Marine Transportation, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, and Systems Engineering draw the most students.
- Marine Transportation 47.5%
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 38.1%
- Systems Engineering 14.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Marine Transportation $101,017
Program Choice Matters: Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for United States Merchant Marine Academy. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Marine Transportation (Bachelor's Degree, 96 graduates)
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 77 graduates)
- Systems Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 29 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (3 programs)▼
- Marine Transportation
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
- Systems Engineering
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 962
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 81.8%
- Female Students 18.2%
- Caucasian 75.2%
- Asian 4.9%
- Hispanic 10.6%
- Black 2.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 7.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects United States Merchant Marine Academy's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of United States Merchant Marine Academy's undergraduate population. Women make up 18.2% of the student body, while men represent 81.8%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does United States Merchant Marine Academy support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at United States Merchant Marine Academy, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 75.2% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Men make up 81.8% of undergraduates. About 7.8% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does United States Merchant Marine Academy support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at United States Merchant Marine Academy, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
United States Merchant Marine Academy delivers an outstanding 291.8% ROI—ranking among the nation's best values while maintaining competitive admissions standards. Ranked #26 nationally, this flagship combines research university resources with public accessibility.
Impressive 82.4% six-year graduation rate and $96,770 median earnings demonstrate strong outcomes. The $6,174 annual net price provides significant savings versus private alternatives, with 84.5% retention reflecting student satisfaction.
Public University Value: United States Merchant Marine Academy's Competitive Position
EDsmart Grade: A+ | National Rank: #26 of 6101 | 98.7/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Value Proposition: At $6,174 annually, United States Merchant Marine Academy costs 50-70% less than comparable private universities while delivering similar career outcomes. The 291.8% ROI reflects strong earning potential ($96,770 median) relative to total degree cost—a hallmark of top public universities.
Best For: In-state students benefit from additional tuition savings. Students in STEM, engineering, business, and pre-med programs access research opportunities and industry connections rivaling elite privates. Value-conscious families seeking prestige without private school premiums find ideal balance here.
Trade-offs: Larger class sizes and less personalized attention than small liberal arts colleges. Out-of-state students pay higher rates but still typically save versus private alternatives. Career services and networking, while strong, may not match elite private school alumni networks in certain fields like investment banking.
Competitive Context: Among our dataset, 7 institutions achieve higher ROI scores, though many sacrifice academic quality or student experience. United States Merchant Marine Academy balances strong outcomes with reasonable costs—the definition of value in higher education.
Key Takeaways
- 82.4% six-year graduation rate sits 19.9 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 84.5% first-year retention is 7.7 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 291.8% return on investment is 206.5 points above the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $96,770 run about 122% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $6,174 is roughly $11,223 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 84.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 84.1% employment rate within three years sits 15.9 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 7.8% trails the national share by 31.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
United States Merchant Marine Academy, a public university in Kings Point, NY, secures a A+ grade in our latest review. It stands at #26 among 6101 schools Completion earns A-, Support B+, Career Outcomes A+, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 84.5% retention and 82.4% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures 291.8% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $6,174 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $9,168.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $2,994 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $6,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 7.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $96,770 six years after enrollment. That sits about 122% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 84.1% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near 291.8%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
34.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the United States Merchant Marine Academy admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is United States Merchant Marine Academy's acceptance rate?
United States Merchant Marine Academy's acceptance rate is 34.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does United States Merchant Marine Academy cost?
At United States Merchant Marine Academy, listed tuition and fees are $895 per year, and the average net price after aid is $6,174. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is United States Merchant Marine Academy's ranking?
United States Merchant Marine Academy ranks #26 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is United States Merchant Marine Academy's graduation rate?
At United States Merchant Marine Academy, the six-year graduation rate is 82.4%, and first-year retention is 84.5%.
What are United States Merchant Marine Academy's job outcomes?
Graduates of United States Merchant Marine Academy report median earnings of $96,770 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is United States Merchant Marine Academy's student population?
United States Merchant Marine Academy enrolls about 962 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Kings Point, NY 11024-1634
- Website www.usmma.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Transfer Enrollment Rate17.6%