The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), established in 1943, is one of five federal service academies that educates officers for the U.S. Merchant Marine and armed forces. Located in Kings Point, New York, USMMA's rigorous program combines academic education with professional training and sea year experience. Midshipmen choose from six license programs in marine engineering or transportation, earning both a Bachelor of Science degree and a merchant marine officer's license.
USMMA's 82-acre waterfront campus features ship simulators and engineering labs. The academy's honor code?'A midshipman does not lie, cheat, or steal'?guides character development. Graduates serve as licensed officers in the maritime industry or commission as ensigns in the military. Alumni include shipping executives, naval officers, and leaders who maintain America's maritime strength.
United States Merchant Marine Academy Acceptance Rate
United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) is a well-known institution with a selective admissions process. With an acceptance rate of 32.47%, successful applicants typically show strong performance across both academic and personal categories.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
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 Merchant Marine Academy Admission Requirements
USMMA GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at USMMA is 3.6. USMMA is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.3 and 3.6, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
USMMA GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at USMMA utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.6, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.60 – 4.00 | Target/Match | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.40 – 3.59 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.20 – 3.39 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.19 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At USMMA, 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 Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) 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 Merchant Marine Academy Average SAT Score: 1226
The average SAT score of the admitted students at United States Merchant Marine Academy is 1226 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to well to score 1226 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1300 SAT or 29 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. United States Merchant Marine 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 1140, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to USMMA. 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 | 610 | 570 | 650 |
| SAT Reading | 610 | 570 | 650 |
| SAT Composite | 1226 | 1140 | 1300 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1140 then you are below most of the admitted students at USMMA and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1300 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 1250
Can I get into United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) with a 1300 SAT?
With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) are good but the admission staff at USMMA 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 Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at USMMA is 26.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes United States Merchant Marine Academy Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 26 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 26 | 23 | 28 |
| ACT English | 27 | 23 | 30 |
| ACT Composite | 26 | 23 | 29 |
Can I get into United States Merchant Marine Academy with a 29 ACT?
With a 29 ACT Score, your chances of admission at United States Merchant Marine 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 26.USMMA Profile
Name: United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA)
City: Kings Point
State: New York
Type: Public
Zip: 11024-1634
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
How much does a degree from USMMA Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at United States Merchant Marine Academy is USD: 9547. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at United States Merchant Marine Academy is USD: 7506
How can I get a scholarship?
7.3% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 6.55 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to USMMA and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At United States Merchant Marine Academy, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist USMMA as your choice in the form.
How much a USMMA Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 90610. An average USMMA graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than United States Merchant Marine Academy. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Ouachita Baptist University, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | Dominican University of California, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Eastern Connecticut State University, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of Hartford | University of Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
| University of New Haven | University of New Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
| Quinnipiac University | Quinnipiac University, CT | 1212 | 27 |
| Howard University | Howard University, DC | 1205 | 25 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as United States Merchant Marine Academy. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| California Lutheran University | California Lutheran University, CA | 1224 | 26 |
| University of Redlands | University of Redlands, CA | 1231 | 28 |
| University of South Florida | University of South Florida, FL | 1235 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than United States Merchant Marine Academy. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, 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 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | Biola University, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| University of the Pacific | University of the Pacific, CA | 1303 | 27 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Marine Transportation
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
- Systems Engineering
Masters Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About United States Merchant Marine Academy Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $90610 annually, depending on the industry.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $9547 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of United States Merchant Marine Academy is 32.47 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.6. 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 3.3, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.3, 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 3.3 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.2 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 Merchant Marine Academy if my GPA is below 3.2
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.6, 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 Merchant Marine Academy is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1226 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1140-1300
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 Merchant Marine 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.