United States Merchant Marine Academy

Quick Facts about United States Merchant Marine Academy

• Type: Public
• Students: 976
• Campus: Suburban
• Tuition: Up to $945/year
• Language: English
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Intakes: August

About United States Merchant Marine Academy

Academics

The USMMA offers five Bachelor of Science degree programs: Marine Transportation, Maritime Logistics and Security, Marine Engineering, Marine Engineering Systems, and Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management. These programs provide a comprehensive education in nautical science, maritime business management, and various engineering disciplines. The curriculum is demanding, combining a broad college education with specialized training for merchant marine officer licensing and military knowledge. The Academy maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1.

International Students

The USMMA accepts international students, though the application process has specific requirements. International candidates do not require a congressional nomination, unlike U.S. citizens. Applicants must be between 17 and 25 years old by July 1st of the entry year and provide official transcripts in English, along with SAT or ACT scores and TOEFL scores if English is not their native language. International students are responsible for all educational expenses, as the U.S. government does not offer scholarships or financial aid to them for attending the Academy. However, international students do receive uniforms, textbooks, and transportation allowances provided to U.S. citizens. The Academy aims to foster an inclusive environment, with student organizations like the Cultural Diversity Club and the Asian Pacific Islander Club promoting cultural integration and awareness.

Campus & Location

The USMMA campus is situated in Kings Point, New York, on Long Island's picturesque north shore, offering views of the New York City skyline. The 82-acre campus features modern science and engineering laboratories, a ship's bridge simulator, and a waterfront center. The campus also houses the American Merchant Marine Museum. Kings Point is accessible by public transportation, including bus services and the Long Island Rail Road, and is within 15 miles of LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy airports.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the USMMA have exceptional career prospects, with nearly 100% securing employment within a few months of graduation, and many receiving job offers before completing their studies. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science degree, an Unlimited USCG License as a Merchant Marine Officer, and a commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy Reserve Strategic Sealift Officer Program or other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Career paths include roles as ship officers, engineers, port operators, and positions in marine insurance, logistics, and maritime law. Many graduates also pursue careers in the federal government or as active-duty officers in the military. Starting salaries for USMMA graduates are competitive, often ranging from $70,000 to $85,000, with some reaching six figures within a few years.

Information for International Students at United States Merchant Marine Academy

United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, United States welcomes international students.

• No visa support offered
• No on-campus work
• Student housing available
• Work placement / internship opportunities available
• Teaching languages: English

Admissions Requirements for United States Merchant Marine Academy

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to United States Merchant Marine Academy:

• GPA minimum: 2.5
• Selectivity: Selective (20-40%)
• Application deadline: February 1

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Programs at United States Merchant Marine Academy (5 programs)

United States Merchant Marine Academy offers 5 programs across Bachelor levels.

Bachelor Programs (5)

• Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
  This program combines marine engineering principles with business and management skills relevant to shipyard operations and maritime logistics.
  Field: Marine Engineering
  Career outcomes: Shipyard Manager, Marine Project Manager, Engineering Officer
• Marine Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
  This program prepares students for careers as licensed marine engineers, responsible for the operation and maintenance of propulsion and engineering systems on merchant vessels. It includes a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles.
  Field: Engineering
  Career outcomes: Licensed Marine Engineer, engineering roles in the maritime industry, commissioned officer in the U.S. armed forces
  Deadline: Typically February 1 annually (for the following academic year)
• Marine Transportation (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
  This program focuses on the navigation, seamanship, and business aspects of the maritime industry, preparing students to become licensed deck officers and leaders in maritime operations.
  Field: Maritime Operations, Business
  Career outcomes: Licensed Deck Officer, ship's captain, maritime logistics, port operations, commissioned officer in the U.S. armed forces
  Deadline: Typically February 1 annually (for the following academic year)
• Logistics and Intermodal Transportation (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
  This program provides a comprehensive understanding of supply chain management, transportation systems, and logistics, preparing graduates for roles in the global transportation industry.
  Field: Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation
  Career outcomes: Logistics Manager, Supply Chain Analyst, Transportation Manager, roles in freight forwarding, shipping, and distribution
  Deadline: Typically February 1 annually (for the following academic year)
• Maritime Logistics and Security (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
  This program combines aspects of maritime logistics with a focus on security issues relevant to the global maritime domain, preparing students for careers in maritime security, port management, and related fields.
  Field: Maritime Security, Logistics, Transportation
  Career outcomes: Maritime Security Specialist, Port Security Officer, roles in government agencies, private maritime security firms
  Deadline: Typically February 1 annually (for the following academic year)

Scholarships & Tuition at United States Merchant Marine Academy

Annual tuition for international students: Up to $945/year

✅ United States Merchant Marine Academy offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of United States Merchant Marine Academy

• National Ranking: #2 in United States
• Ranking tier: Military Academy
• Research output: Low

Campus & Facilities at United States Merchant Marine Academy

• Student housing available
• Sports facilities available
• No disability support info
• Campus type: Suburban

Key Highlights

• Federal service academy
• Leaders for national security
• Bachelor of Science degree
• Coast Guard license
• Officer in armed forces reserve
• One year at sea

Accreditation

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• ABET

Notable Alumni

• Lane Kirkland
• Robert Kiyosaki
• Mark H. Buzby
• Elliot See
• Richard Phillips

Frequently Asked Questions about United States Merchant Marine Academy

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