The Merchant Marine Academy is a federal service academy that educates 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.  

The Federal Government pays the majority of the cost associated with enrollment at USMMA.  Midshipmen receive tuition, room and board, uniforms, and textbooks at no cost.  Basic medical and dental care are provided through the Academy's Office of Health Services.  

Graduates can shoose to work five years in teh Untied States maritime industry with eight years of service as an officer in any reserve unit of the Armed Forces, or five years on active duty in any of the nation's Armed Forces.