To quote:
At the U.S. Military Academy, cadets are not charged
for tuition, room, board, medical and dental expenses.
Cadets are responsible for certain costs, including academic
supplies, required equipment, a personal computer, personal
services, and laundry and dry cleaning.
To help a cadet meet these expenses, a cadet earns a
monthly paycheck and receives a $5,060 pay advance.
This pay advance is necessary because cadet expenses
accrue faster than cadet pay during the first few months
at the Academy. In addition, the cadet or cadet’s family
should make an initial deposit of $2,900.00 prior to his or
her arrival to pay for expenses incurred before receiving
the first paycheck. If you are unable to make the deposit,
please contact the Treasurer, USMA prior to arrival. This
deposit is nonrefundable after the cadet reports to USMA
on Reception Day. Questions may be addressed to the
Treasurer, USMA at (845) 938-4262, or write the Treasurer,
USMA, Official Mail and Distribution Center, 646 Swift
Road, West Point, NY 10996-1905.
Two accounts are used to help cadets manage their
funds. One is their own personal checking account and the
other is known as the “Cadet Account” managed by the
Treasurer, USMA.
The Cadet Account is opened upon receipt of the initial
deposit. In addition to the initial deposit, the $5,060 pay
advance and a monthly portion of the cadet’s pay are
credited to the account. One of the primary purposes of
the Cadet Account is to assist the cadet in saving for future
expenses. The funds in the Cadet Account will be used
to pay for textbooks, uniforms, Academy fees, a personal
computer, academic supplies, equipment, and some
optional purchases made available to cadets.
From c/o 2011 Information for New Cadets and Parents
Out of date, but probably still good information.