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The United States Merchant Marine Academy is a federal service academy that educates and graduates leaders of exemplary character who are inspired to serve the national security, marine transportation, and economic needs of the United States as licensed Merchant Marine Officers commissioned officers in the Armed Forces. With 95 percent of the world's products transported over water, these leaders are vital to our merchant fleet's effective operation for both commercial and military transport during war and peace. Academy graduates abide by the motto "Acta Non-Verba" - deeds not words, and are leaders that exemplify the concept of service above self. Known for its rigorous academic program, USMMA requires more credit hours for a baccalaureate degree than any other Federal service academy. This challenging coursework is augmented by the Academy's Sea year experience, allowing midshipmen to acquire hands-on, real-world experiences aboard working commercial vessels sailing to ports worldwide. For this reason, Academy graduates are highly sought after as officers in the military and the merchant marine. This merchant fleet of efficient and productive commercial ships owned by U.S. companies and registered and operated under the American flag forms an essential part of our domestic and international transportation system. U.S. Merchant Marine graduates play a vital role in this industry, vital to America's economy and continued prosperity. In a time of war or national emergency, the U.S. Merchant Marine becomes vital to national security as a "fourth arm of defense." Our merchant ships bear the brunt of delivering military troops, supplies, and equipment overseas to our forces and allies operating as an auxiliary unit to the Navy. The stark lessons of the twenty-first-century conflicts again prove that a healthy merchant marine is an essential part of American security and sea power. The nation's economic and security needs met by the U.S. Merchant Marine are compelling. Today, the United States imports approximately 85 percent of some 77 strategic commodities critical to America's industry and defense. Although we, as a nation, account for only six percent of the world population, we purchase nearly a third of the world's raw materials output. Ninety-nine percent of these materials are transported by merchant's vessels. But the most crucial element in a productive merchant fleet and strong transportation industry is people - men and women who can lead with integrity, honor, intelligence, dedication, and competence. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy ensures that such people are available to the nation as shipboard officers and as leaders in the transportation field who will meet the present and future challenges. Our mission is "To educate and graduate leaders of exemplary character who are inspired to serve the national security, marine transportation, and economic needs of the United States as licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces." A United States Merchant Marine Academy education is one of the great adventures of a lifetime. For half a century, young individuals like you have come to Kings Point to acquire the knowledge, experience, discipline, and skills that strong leadership demands. Graduates of the United States Merchant Marine Academy serve their country by pursuing highly successful careers in the maritime industry and the armed services. After fulfilling their obligation, many continue their studies in graduate or professional schools. Many become outstanding government and business leaders. The direction you take after you graduate will be up to you. However, two things are certain: You'll have choices, and you will be prepared to make the most of them. While getting here may not be easy, it will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your lifetime. Whether you're learning about us for the first time, deciding whether to attend, looking for additional information, or mentally preparing yourself for the challenges and rewards of a Kings Point education, we've done our best to bring together the information you need for the journey. Welcome, and good luck. It is the Financial Aid Office's goal to ensure that all students who are accepted to the Academy can attend, regardless of financial need. Midshipmen attending the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) receive their full tuition, room and board, uniforms, and books at no cost from the Federal Government. The Academy's four-year program centers on a regimental system that instills its students - called midshipmen (a term used for both men and women) - with the traits of leadership, discipline, and dedication required for a career that typically may include service at sea, maritime employment ashore, and serving as a commissioned officer in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Academy's Regiment of Midshipmen numbers approximately 950 young men and women who represent every state of the Union as well as U.S. Trust Territories and Possessions. The student body's size contributes to a real sense of camaraderie among the members of the Regiment and permits the Academy to maintain an excellent student-teacher ratio. A sound college education is a foundation for every profession in our society, and the mariner's profession is no exception. The Middle States Commission accredits the academic curriculum at the Academy on Higher Education. It provides each midshipman with the broad college education required for a bachelor of science degree, specialized training for licensing as a marine merchant officer, and the military knowledge for commissioning in a reserve component of the Armed Forces. Few colleges can offer such a full range of credentials at graduation. View full university