U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

USMMA provides undergraduate educational programs for men and women (Midshipmen) to become shipboard officers and leaders in the maritime transportation field. Midshipmen, nominated by members of Congress, and competitively selected to the Academy receive a Bachelor of Science degree and a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner Credential with an officer endorsement, and an active duty or reserve commission as an officer in the U.S. Armed Forces or uniformed services. (NOAA or the Public Health Service Corps). Attendance at USMMA is without charge for tuition room or board. In exchange for a tuition-free education, Academy graduates incur an obligation to serve the Nation: 1) serving for five years as a Merchant Marine officer, or on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or uniformed services; 2) maintaining a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) license credential for six years; and 3) serving for eight years as a commissioned officer in a reserve unit of the U. S. Armed Services.