The Federal Government pays the majority of the costs associated with enrollment at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). Midshipmen receive tuition, room and board, uniforms, textbooks, and basic medical and dental care at no cost.   However, attending the Academy does require financial planning. Midshipmen do not receive a monthly salary while on campus, and they are responsible for specific personal fees and out-of-pocket expenses.   

Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA)

Your Cost of Attendance (COA) varies by class year and the number of terms spent on campus versus at sea. This overall COA is used to calculate your maximum financial aid eligibility and is broken down into three categories: Midshipman Fees (Payable to USMMA),Plebe Out-of-Pocket Expenses, and Ancillary Cost Allowance.

Types of Fees

Midshipman Fees (Payable to USMMA)

The Academy assesses Midshipman Fees in accordance with 46 CFR Part 310.62(b) to cover personal services provided on campus through federal service contracts. These include:

• Wash-and-fold laundry service: Weekly contracted laundry service for uniforms and personal garments.
• Tailor and seamstress service: Uniform maintenance, pressing, alterations, repairs, and supplies.

Midshipman Fees vary during the Second and First Class years based on the number of terms a student is in residence at Kings Point. Midshipmen are not charged fees while away on Sea Year sailing periods.

Note: Only Midshipman Fees can be covered by pending financial aid because they are the only costs payable directly to USMMA. 

Plebe Out-of-Pocket Expenses (Paid Upfront)

Incoming candidates must purchase several required items directly from outside vendors before reporting to Kings Point.

Important Payment Notice: Because these items are purchased from third parties (and not USMMA), they cannot be paid upfront using pending financial aid, scholarships, or 529 plans. Candidates must cover these expenses out of pocket initially; once excess financial aid is disbursed, funds will be refunded to the student's direct deposit account. (Tip: Setting up an account with Navy Federal Credit Union accelerates refund processing).

• U.S. Passport: All Midshipmen must report with a signed, valid U.S. Passport. Passports expiring prior to the mandatory date must be renewed before reporting. 
• TWIC Card: U.S. citizens must obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) through TSA Universal Enroll prior to Indoctrination. This biometric card is required for unescorted access to secure port facilities.
• Plebe Kit: A pre-bundled set of uniform accessories and essentials manufactured to Academy specifications, available tax-free through the USMMA Navy Exchange (NEX).
• Educational Kit & Computer Package: Academic supplies and required computer equipment purchased tax-free through the NEX in September once an academic major is declared. (Note: Once midshipmen take possession of NEX kit purchases, no returns are accepted).
• Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP): Midshipmen must carry an Academy-approved health insurance policy for care exceeding the basic services of the campus health clinic. Students must enroll in the Academy-sponsored SHIP unless they provide proof of an existing private policy that meets all USMMA minimum coverage requirements.

Ancillary Cost Allowance

These represent qualified, educationally-related expenses that a Midshipman may incur at their discretion, and the exact amount will vary by student. Cost allowances include transportation costs for liberty and leave periods, miscellaneous personal expenses, general supplies, and Academy-approved health insurance.

Financial Aid & Reimbursements

• Permitted Uses: Federal aid, scholarships, and savings plans can cover any USMMA attendance expense. You may reimburse yourself for Out-of-Pocket Allowances or repay third parties (credit cards, family, friends) for direct educational costs.
• Excess Funds: Credit balances refund directly to the Midshipman's bank account 2 to 3 weeks after posting to the student account.

Refund Policies & Eligibility

• The Residency Rule: Fees are strictly non-refundable for any term a Midshipman is in residence for any portion of that time. This includes students on hold awaiting academic or Board reviews.
• Indoctrination (INDOC): Declining an appointment after paying fees yields a 100% refund. Separation during INDOC refunds only the second and third terms.
• Disenrollment & Setbacks: Separated or set-back students receive refunds exclusively for future terms within the current academic year.
• Processing: All refunds are issued via direct deposit. Midshipmen must maintain updated bank details with OAFM to prevent processing delays.

Understanding Campus Offices

When navigating your COA, it is important to know the difference between the two primary financial offices on campus:

Financial Aid Availability 

The goal of the Office of Financial Aid is to ensure that all accepted students can attend the Academy regardless of financial need. Financial aid is available for all eligible Midshipmen to help offset out-of-pocket costs, regardless of family income.

• Federal Programs: USMMA participates in Title IV Federal Student Aid (FSA) programs, offering Federal Pell Grants and Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and Parent PLUS).
• How to Apply: Students should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Scholarships: USMMA does not offer institutional scholarships, but outside scholarships and state tuition assistance programs are welcomed.