USMMA Ranked #2 Public College in the Region by "U.S. News and World Report"
KINGS POINT, N.Y., September 9, 2014 - Once again the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point has been named America’s second best public regional college in the North and third best regional college according to the 2015 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings.
USMMA’s Engineering Program has been ranked the 29th best of undergraduate engineering programs that are accredited by ABET (formerly known as Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). USMMA’s Masters in Marine Engineering Program is also ranked as one of America’s best online graduate engineering programs.
“We are very proud to be ranked as one of the best colleges in the nation,” said Rear Admiral James A. Helis, Ph.D., Superintendent. “We are also proud to have a Regiment of Midshipmen that better reflects the diversity of our nation.”
The U. S. Merchant Marine Academy was the first federal service academy to admit women in 1974. Since that time the minority percentage of midshipmen has steadily risen. The Class of 2018 makes up one of the most diverse classes in Academy history with minority enrollment at 27.4% and the percentage of females at 18.7%.
“This is an excellent testimonial to the professionalism, commitment, and dedication of our faculty and staff,”said Shashi Kumar, Ph.D., Master Mariner and Academic Dean. “We will continue to enhance the quality of our academic offerings and the top notch support services we provide for student success.”
Upon graduation, each midshipman receives a Bachelor of Science Degree, a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner License and an Officer’s Commission in the U.S. Military. In exchange for their tuition-free education Kings Point graduates must serve five years on active-duty in the military or work in the maritime industry for five years, with an eight year commission in any branch of the reserves.
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, located in Kings Point, N.Y., educates and graduates merchant mariners and leaders of exemplary character who will serve America’s maritime transportation and defense needs in peace and war. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is administered by the Maritime Administration under the auspices of the Department of Transportation.
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Last updated: Tuesday, September 9, 2014