The United States Naval Academy (USNA), founded in 1845, trains officers for the Navy and Marine Corps. Located in Annapolis, USNA combines rigorous academics, physical training, and leadership development. The academy's engineering and cybersecurity programs are nationally ranked. Midshipmen graduate with bachelor's degrees and commissions as ensigns.
USNA's historic campus features the Bancroft Hall dormitory and Naval Academy Chapel. The institution's honor code??? midshipman does not lie, cheat, or steal?shapes character. Alumni include astronauts, presidents, and admirals. For those committed to service and leadership, USNA offers an unmatched education.
United States Naval Academy Acceptance Rate
United States Naval Academy (USNA) is one of the most selective universities in the USA. With an acceptance rate of 9.36%, the institution utilizes a Holistic Review process to identify students with exceptional intellectual depth.
Admissions Guidelines
- Elite Standards: Admitted students typically rank in the top 2-5% of their high school class.
- Curriculum Rigor: AP, IB, or Honors courses are essential to validate academic readiness.
- Character & Impact: Beyond grades, leadership, research, and unique 'spikes' in extracurriculars drive decisions.
At this level of selectivity, meeting average GPA and test scores is considered the 'baseline.' Because USNA values intellectual curiosity, your supplemental essays and personal recommendations are critical in distinguishing your application from thousands of other high-achieving candidates.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
United States Naval Academy Admission Requirements
USNA GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at USNA is 3.8. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.5 and 3.8, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
USNA GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at USNA utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.8, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.80 – 4.00 | Competitive Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.60 – 3.79 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.40 – 3.59 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.39 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At USNA, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
United States Naval Academy (USNA) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
United States Naval Academy Average SAT Score: 1308
The average SAT score of the admitted students at United States Naval Academy is 1308 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1308 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1420 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. United States Naval Academy allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1200, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to USNA. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 660 | 600 | 720 |
| SAT Reading | 650 | 600 | 700 |
| SAT Composite | 1308 | 1200 | 1420 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1200 then you are below most of the admitted students at USNA and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1420 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into United States Naval Academy (USNA) with a 1400 SAT?
With a 1400 SAT Score, your chances of admission at United States Naval Academy (USNA) are good but the admission staff at USNA tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
United States Naval Academy (USNA) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at USNA is 28.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes United States Naval Academy Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 28 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 28 | 25 | 30 |
| ACT English | 29 | 24 | 33 |
| ACT Composite | 28 | 24 | 31 |
Can I get into United States Naval Academy with a 31 ACT?
With a 31 ACT Score, your chances of admission at United States Naval Academy are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 28.USNA Profile
Name: United States Naval Academy (USNA)
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Elite Strategy: The 'Spike' Approach
To be successful at a world-class institution like USNA, you must move beyond being 'well-rounded' and demonstrate that you are institutionally necessary.
Elite schools favor 'pointy' students; those who are world-class in one niche. Achieve national-level recognition or produce original research rather than joining ten generic clubs.
Demonstrate 'self-driven learning.' This includes graduate-level coursework, mastering a complex skill independently, or attending top-tier summer programs (RSI/TASP).
Avoid safe, cliché topics. Use the supplemental essays to showcase creative risk-taking, quirky intellectualism, and authentic personality.
Admissions officers prioritize 'Founders' and 'Change-makers' over 'Office-holders.' Document quantifiable impact—what did you build that didn't exist before?
Does a degree from USNA Worth It?
Getting into USNA can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. USNA offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at USNA is USD: and unemployment rate is %.
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than United States Naval Academy. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Biola University | Biola University, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | Point Loma Nazarene University, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Thomas Aquinas College, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | United States Coast Guard Academy, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Delaware | University of Delaware, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| University of Central Florida | University of Central Florida, FL | 1277 | 27 |
| Florida Southern College | Florida Southern College, FL | 1263 | 28 |
| Agnes Scott College | Agnes Scott College, GA | 1296 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as United States Naval Academy. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | University of the Pacific, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| University of San Francisco | University of San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| Rollins College | Rollins College, FL | 1304 | 29 |
| University of Georgia | University of Georgia, GA | 1301 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than United States Naval Academy. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Pepperdine University, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Economics
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Engineering, General
- English Language and Literature, General
Frequently Asked Questions About United States Naval Academy Admissions
Answer: The acceptance rate of United States Naval Academy is 9.36 which is extremely low. Admission is highly competitive, and only the top candidates are accepted.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.8. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.5, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.5, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.5 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.4 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to United States Naval Academy if my GPA is below 3.4
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.8, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to United States Naval Academy is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1308 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1200-1420
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by United States Naval Academy.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.