Maritime Schools

What's the difference between a state maritime school like SUNY Maritime and the US Merchant Marine Academy?

JohnPaulJones said:

What's the difference between a state maritime school like SUNY Maritime and the US Merchant Marine Academy?

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In reality not much except on is run by the state and the other the federal government.

A few other differences I thought of USMMA you have to pass DoDMERB, you have to pass a physical fitness test, and you must get a nomination. For life in and after the Academy, for USMMA, you receive a free education and you get paid during summer training while you pay for your education and training for State. For after graduation, you can go straight into the civilian field if you graduate from a State Academy. Also, some Academies do not require you to be in the Corps of Cadets or acquire a license. For USMMA, you must go into the military. Most fulfill this military obligation by going into the Navy Reserve, or graduates can choose to go Active Duty or Reserves/National Guard in any of the branches and the NOAA Corps. Military programs for State Academies are usually only Navy/Marine Corps ROTC and Coast Guard MARGRAD. A few have the Strategic Sealift Officer Program (The same Navy Reserve choice offered to USMMA graduates). The California Maritime Academy also has Air Force ROTC.

The United States Merchant Marine Academy offers many excellent opportunities to those willing to accept the challenge of a regimental lifestyle. I woke up every morning driven to be the best member of the regiment I can possibly be.

I have a DD at Maine Maritime and DS was accepted to VMI, Maine Maritime & Norwich for next fall. I have visited most of the related schools USNA, USMA etc and can tell you that in regard to Maine being a State Academy it is good as any of the pedigree schools, maybe even better with regard to job placement and earning power. As with any of these schools you are always on the bubble, constantly trying to raise your academic standing each year to move up the food chain.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the State schools if given the opportunity.