About United States Merchant Marine Academy
The United States Merchant Marine Academy, a federal service academy, produces leaders of exemplary character. Graduates serve the country in marine transportation, economic needs, and national security.
This four-year public institution abides by the motto that translates to “Deeds Not Words.” Graduates honor the commitment of service above self in their work for both military and commercial marine transport in war and peace.
Known for its rigor in academic programs, USMMA provides online graduate degrees to working professionals interested in maritime service. The Academy strives to produce graduates who will lead with such traits as:
- Integrity
- Honor
- Intelligence
- Dedication
- Competence
Explore a different path to an education that will advance your career by pursuing an online degree from the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Accreditation & Licensing
United States Merchant Marine Academy is accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Master's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 947 ; Graduate: 13Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: Not applicable ; Graduate: 100%Graduation Rate:
82%Transfer Rate:
18%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$90,610Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$8,833Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
8%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$5,717Online Programs offered by United States Merchant Marine Academy
All Programs
USMMA follows a fixed schedule, not a self-paced format. The program is structured from day one. Students carry heavy course loads and meet officer training standards early.
Plebe year is often the toughest stretch. The first year can feel intense until students adjust to the pace. Progress depends on steady effort, strong habits, and day-to-day consistency.
This is a demanding path with a clear plan to finish. In return, students prepare for merchant marine work and military-maritime service. For many, the value is clear career training tied to a focused professional goal.
At USMMA, students often lean on each other first. Close friendships and strong class bonds matter a lot in a tough regiment. That peer support helps when pressure is high and daily rules feel hard.
Academic support can feel mixed across classes and offices. Many students praise strong teaching, while support services are less consistent. Mental health care is one area where students want better access and steadier help.
Even during major disruptions, like the temporary sea year pause in 2022, students kept relying on each other. Overall, USMMA offers a strong peer network, with clear room to strengthen school-led support.
Online learners should expect a strict structure here. Pace is set and demanding. Daily expectations are high. This is not a loose schedule model.
The workload is heavy and military-style. Plebe year brings the hardest adjustment. Support quality is mixed in key areas. Instructor quality needs improvement.
Mental health support also needs improvement. COVID-era lockdown and temporary sea year disruption showed how hard this pace can feel under stress.
Classes at USMMA are intense from day one. Plebe year is the toughest year mentally for many students. The pace is strict, and the workload is heavy. One description calls it a very rigorous school.
Another sums it up well: academics here are challenging but rewarding. Teaching and training are built for clear career direction. The structure prepares students for merchant marine and military/maritime roles, and that purpose shapes the whole class experience. Peer bonds are a major part of daily life under pressure. At the same time, notes about instructor quality and mental health support remain part of the academic experience.
USMMA is mission-first and very intense. The first year is the biggest hurdle. Plebe year can feel overwhelming. The academic load is heavy.
Military-style rules shape daily life. Pace is fixed, with little room to slow down. The payoff is clear professional direction. Training aligns with merchant marine and military/maritime work.
Many accept the pressure for that outcome. Peer bonds are a real strength in hard stretches. Formal support is less consistent. notes center on instructor quality and mental health support. Overall, this is a high-commitment path with strong career focus.
USMMA is mission-first and very intense. The first year is the biggest hurdle. Plebe year can feel overwhelming. The academic load is heavy.
Military-style rules shape daily life. Pace is fixed, with little room to slow down. The payoff is clear professional direction. Training aligns with merchant marine and military/maritime work.
Many accept the pressure for that outcome. Peer bonds are a real strength in hard stretches. Formal support is less consistent. notes center on instructor quality and mental health support. Overall, this is a high-commitment path with strong career focus.
Frequently Asked Questions About United States Merchant Marine Academy
Is United States Merchant Marine Academy accredited?
Yes. United States Merchant Marine Academy is institutionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How many online programs does United States Merchant Marine Academy offer?
United States Merchant Marine Academy offers 2 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does United States Merchant Marine Academy offer?
United States Merchant Marine Academy is focused on master's-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at United States Merchant Marine Academy?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is United States Merchant Marine Academy expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, United States Merchant Marine Academy falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at United States Merchant Marine Academy?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask United States Merchant Marine Academy first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
Is United States Merchant Marine Academy military friendly?
United States Merchant Marine Academy does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from United States Merchant Marine Academy through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for United States Merchant Marine Academy applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s) and Recommendation/Reference Letter(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does United States Merchant Marine Academy accept life experience credit?
United States Merchant Marine Academy does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are United States Merchant Marine Academy programs fully online or mixed?
United States Merchant Marine Academy programs are primarily listed as Mostly Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at United States Merchant Marine Academy?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any United States Merchant Marine Academy programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at United States Merchant Marine Academy?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For United States Merchant Marine Academy, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare United States Merchant Marine Academy programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a United States Merchant Marine Academy program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Geographic and Educational Overview
United States Merchant Marine Academy is located in New York
New York at a Glance:
Top Majors in New York:
Top Incentives in New York:
- Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): Up to $5,665 annually
- Excelsior Scholarship: Full tuition coverage
Top Career Pathways in New York:
- Entry Level: Financial Analyst ($85,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Analyst ($130,000)
- Senior Level: Finance Director ($200,000+)
- Required Education: BS Finance
- Certifications: CFA, Series 7, Series 63