Cost of attending USMMA

[peppypea]

I know in the past, entering MMA came with some modest costs- unlike the other SA's which do not cost an initial investment. Looking at the cost to attend for the class of 2021 vs 2022, the bill is more than double. While $6,337 per year isn't horrible (compared to, say an Ivy League school) it's still a big consideration.

My DS has double nominations to USMMA (a single nomination to his first choice SA) and is at a prep school now. That being said, the cost of attendance is giving us a bit of pause. If he gets a slot but doesn't get a spot at his first choice SA there will be some very hard decisions to make: do the prep school again or go to USMMA?

If you or your child decide to attend, will you pay outright or consider student loans. I really worry about entering the spiral of student loan debt. Are there many (if any) scholarships he can try to get to cover some of the costs?

Do you all have any other thoughts or things we may want to consider?

Thanks for your time and consideration,
Peppy

 

[azmilmom]

The upfront costs are not too high: startup costs for our 2021 were as follows:

Passport (needs to be valid for all 4 years): $190.00
TWIC: $130.00
Personal Items: $475.00 (male kit)
Personal Items Technology (laptop, printer): $2,000
Personal Gear: varies but we spent about $200 for sneakers, undergarments, etc.
Midshipmen Fees: $1,020 (plebe year)
PLEBE YEAR TOTAL: $4,015 (without healthcare)

Our health care coverage was sufficient for a waiver and so we did not need to purchase through AJ Flood and perhaps someone could address that cost. Midshipmen fees need to be paid every year. For 3/C year, the cost was $720 for A split. All the other costs are a one time cost. Not including transportation to/from home but no academy pays for that.

If you look at the fact that other academies pay a stipend BUT they change for uniforms books, etc., it pretty much evens out with USMMA Midshipmen getting paid for Sea Year through their commercial ship companies. My 3/C Mid is at sea right now and earning about $1100 per month. That rounds out to around $12,000 total and after you take out what is taken out of other academies stipends, they're close.

You can use any scholarship your son is awarded and use it at KP. Also, financial aid is available and I'd encourage you to contact admissions to discuss. The figures used in the web site and such include a lot of things like incidentals etc. that you'd pay for at any other university or academy. Frankly, my Mid is a very cheap date for his KP experience compared to his siblings at traditional state, private and Ivy League schools---even with great scholarships.

Hope this helps!

 

[peppypea]

The upfront costs are not too high: startup costs for our 2021 were as follows:

Passport (needs to be valid for all 4 years): $190.00
TWIC: $130.00
Personal Items: $475.00 (male kit)
Personal Items Technology (laptop, printer): $2,000
Personal Gear: varies but we spent about $200 for sneakers, undergarments, etc.
Midshipmen Fees: $1,020 (plebe year)
PLEBE YEAR TOTAL: $4,015 (without healthcare)

Our health care coverage was sufficient for a waiver and so we did not need to purchase through AJ Flood and perhaps someone could address that cost. Midshipmen fees need to be paid every year. For 3/C year, the cost was $720 for A split. All the other costs are a one time cost. Not including transportation to/from home but no academy pays for that.

If you look at the fact that other academies pay a stipend BUT they change for uniforms books, etc., it pretty much evens out with USMMA Midshipmen getting paid for Sea Year through their commercial ship companies. My 3/C Mid is at sea right now and earning about $1100 per month. That rounds out to around $12,000 total and after you take out what is taken out of other academies stipends, they're close.

You can use any scholarship your son is awarded and use it at KP. Also, financial aid is available and I'd encourage you to contact admissions to discuss. The figures used in the web site and such include a lot of things like incidentals etc. that you'd pay for at any other university or academy. Frankly, my Mid is a very cheap date for his KP experience compared to his siblings at traditional state, private and Ivy League schools---even with great scholarships.

Hope this helps!

Thank you- looks like it has gone up:
https://www.usmma.edu/admissions/financial-aid/cost-attendance

 

[peppypea]

The upfront costs are not too high: startup costs for our 2021 were as follows:

Passport (needs to be valid for all 4 years): $190.00
TWIC: $130.00
Personal Items: $475.00 (male kit)
Personal Items Technology (laptop, printer): $2,000
Personal Gear: varies but we spent about $200 for sneakers, undergarments, etc.
Midshipmen Fees: $1,020 (plebe year)
PLEBE YEAR TOTAL: $4,015 (without healthcare)

Our health care coverage was sufficient for a waiver and so we did not need to purchase through AJ Flood and perhaps someone could address that cost. Midshipmen fees need to be paid every year. For 3/C year, the cost was $720 for A split. All the other costs are a one time cost. Not including transportation to/from home but no academy pays for that.

If you look at the fact that other academies pay a stipend BUT they change for uniforms books, etc., it pretty much evens out with USMMA Midshipmen getting paid for Sea Year through their commercial ship companies. My 3/C Mid is at sea right now and earning about $1100 per month. That rounds out to around $12,000 total and after you take out what is taken out of other academies stipends, they're close.

You can use any scholarship your son is awarded and use it at KP. Also, financial aid is available and I'd encourage you to contact admissions to discuss. The figures used in the web site and such include a lot of things like incidentals etc. that you'd pay for at any other university or academy. Frankly, my Mid is a very cheap date for his KP experience compared to his siblings at traditional state, private and Ivy League schools---even with great scholarships.

Hope this helps!

Can they use their own laptop? We JUST got him one for his time at his prep school

 

[azmilmom]

The upfront costs are not too high: startup costs for our 2021 were as follows:

Passport (needs to be valid for all 4 years): $190.00
TWIC: $130.00
Personal Items: $475.00 (male kit)
Personal Items Technology (laptop, printer): $2,000
Personal Gear: varies but we spent about $200 for sneakers, undergarments, etc.
Midshipmen Fees: $1,020 (plebe year)
PLEBE YEAR TOTAL: $4,015 (without healthcare)

Our health care coverage was sufficient for a waiver and so we did not need to purchase through AJ Flood and perhaps someone could address that cost. Midshipmen fees need to be paid every year. For 3/C year, the cost was $720 for A split. All the other costs are a one time cost. Not including transportation to/from home but no academy pays for that.

If you look at the fact that other academies pay a stipend BUT they change for uniforms books, etc., it pretty much evens out with USMMA Midshipmen getting paid for Sea Year through their commercial ship companies. My 3/C Mid is at sea right now and earning about $1100 per month. That rounds out to around $12,000 total and after you take out what is taken out of other academies stipends, they're close.

You can use any scholarship your son is awarded and use it at KP. Also, financial aid is available and I'd encourage you to contact admissions to discuss. The figures used in the web site and such include a lot of things like incidentals etc. that you'd pay for at any other university or academy. Frankly, my Mid is a very cheap date for his KP experience compared to his siblings at traditional state, private and Ivy League schools---even with great scholarships.

Hope this helps!

Thank you- looks like it has gone up:
https://www.usmma.edu/admissions/financial-aid/cost-attendance

It has only gone up a bit as the only thing I didn't have in there was the health insurance which was $2262.00. Midshipmen fees only went up $60.00, I forgot the MMC (don't even remember what this is but seem to think it is a cost incurred further into the plebe year and not at the front end), computer/printer the same, and the Personal Items says it is $644 but I think there are some things optional in that fee. So, a couple of hundred more than 2021--without healthcare.

 

[azmilmom]

The upfront costs are not too high: startup costs for our 2021 were as follows:

Passport (needs to be valid for all 4 years): $190.00
TWIC: $130.00
Personal Items: $475.00 (male kit)
Personal Items Technology (laptop, printer): $2,000
Personal Gear: varies but we spent about $200 for sneakers, undergarments, etc.
Midshipmen Fees: $1,020 (plebe year)
PLEBE YEAR TOTAL: $4,015 (without healthcare)

Our health care coverage was sufficient for a waiver and so we did not need to purchase through AJ Flood and perhaps someone could address that cost. Midshipmen fees need to be paid every year. For 3/C year, the cost was $720 for A split. All the other costs are a one time cost. Not including transportation to/from home but no academy pays for that.

If you look at the fact that other academies pay a stipend BUT they change for uniforms books, etc., it pretty much evens out with USMMA Midshipmen getting paid for Sea Year through their commercial ship companies. My 3/C Mid is at sea right now and earning about $1100 per month. That rounds out to around $12,000 total and after you take out what is taken out of other academies stipends, they're close.

You can use any scholarship your son is awarded and use it at KP. Also, financial aid is available and I'd encourage you to contact admissions to discuss. The figures used in the web site and such include a lot of things like incidentals etc. that you'd pay for at any other university or academy. Frankly, my Mid is a very cheap date for his KP experience compared to his siblings at traditional state, private and Ivy League schools---even with great scholarships.

Hope this helps!

Can they use their own laptop? We JUST got him one for his time at his prep school

It has to be EXACTLY what they specify so unless it is exactly the same Dell as they require, count on buying a new one. It is completely configured with all the software, safety software etc., and comes with a 4 year guarantee. Our son had a new Apple laptop and we didn't even try to have that be accepted as we knew it would not.

Does your son have any scholarships? Don't let finances stand in the way of him going to KP. I know a couple of Mids who have financial aid on their own and who have already paid off the loans with their Sea Year income. Here is the financial aid office contact information:

Lauri D'Ambra
Financial Aid Specialist
dambral@usmma.edu
300 Steamboat Road
Admissions Office, 2nd Floor
Kings Point, NY 11024
United States
financialaid@usmma.edu
Phone: 516-726-5638

Fax: 516-773-5390


Business Hours:
7:30am-4:00pm ET, Mon, Tues, Thurs

 

[azmilmom]

The upfront costs are not too high: startup costs for our 2021 were as follows:

Passport (needs to be valid for all 4 years): $190.00
TWIC: $130.00
Personal Items: $475.00 (male kit)
Personal Items Technology (laptop, printer): $2,000
Personal Gear: varies but we spent about $200 for sneakers, undergarments, etc.
Midshipmen Fees: $1,020 (plebe year)
PLEBE YEAR TOTAL: $4,015 (without healthcare)

Our health care coverage was sufficient for a waiver and so we did not need to purchase through AJ Flood and perhaps someone could address that cost. Midshipmen fees need to be paid every year. For 3/C year, the cost was $720 for A split. All the other costs are a one time cost. Not including transportation to/from home but no academy pays for that.

If you look at the fact that other academies pay a stipend BUT they change for uniforms books, etc., it pretty much evens out with USMMA Midshipmen getting paid for Sea Year through their commercial ship companies. My 3/C Mid is at sea right now and earning about $1100 per month. That rounds out to around $12,000 total and after you take out what is taken out of other academies stipends, they're close.

You can use any scholarship your son is awarded and use it at KP. Also, financial aid is available and I'd encourage you to contact admissions to discuss. The figures used in the web site and such include a lot of things like incidentals etc. that you'd pay for at any other university or academy. Frankly, my Mid is a very cheap date for his KP experience compared to his siblings at traditional state, private and Ivy League schools---even with great scholarships.

Hope this helps!

Thank you- looks like it has gone up:
https://www.usmma.edu/admissions/financial-aid/cost-attendance

Oh, and I forgot the 'Educational Kit'. That is billed in late first trimester or second and has to do with their major. Deck and Engine have different amounts but I seem to remember it was around $125? for deckies. So, all said and done, I'd say that the cost is pretty spot on. We are fortunate that our health insurance is acceptable. That is the only big cost every year with the bulk of the expenses in the plebe year. Smooth sailing after that!

 

[peppypea]

The upfront costs are not too high: startup costs for our 2021 were as follows:

Passport (needs to be valid for all 4 years): $190.00
TWIC: $130.00
Personal Items: $475.00 (male kit)
Personal Items Technology (laptop, printer): $2,000
Personal Gear: varies but we spent about $200 for sneakers, undergarments, etc.
Midshipmen Fees: $1,020 (plebe year)
PLEBE YEAR TOTAL: $4,015 (without healthcare)

Our health care coverage was sufficient for a waiver and so we did not need to purchase through AJ Flood and perhaps someone could address that cost. Midshipmen fees need to be paid every year. For 3/C year, the cost was $720 for A split. All the other costs are a one time cost. Not including transportation to/from home but no academy pays for that.

If you look at the fact that other academies pay a stipend BUT they change for uniforms books, etc., it pretty much evens out with USMMA Midshipmen getting paid for Sea Year through their commercial ship companies. My 3/C Mid is at sea right now and earning about $1100 per month. That rounds out to around $12,000 total and after you take out what is taken out of other academies stipends, they're close.

You can use any scholarship your son is awarded and use it at KP. Also, financial aid is available and I'd encourage you to contact admissions to discuss. The figures used in the web site and such include a lot of things like incidentals etc. that you'd pay for at any other university or academy. Frankly, my Mid is a very cheap date for his KP experience compared to his siblings at traditional state, private and Ivy League schools---even with great scholarships.

Hope this helps!

Thank you- looks like it has gone up:
https://www.usmma.edu/admissions/financial-aid/cost-attendance

Oh, and I forgot the 'Educational Kit'. That is billed in late first trimester or second and has to do with their major. Deck and Engine have different amounts but I seem to remember it was around $125? for deckies. So, all said and done, I'd say that the cost is pretty spot on. We are fortunate that our health insurance is acceptable. That is the only big cost every year with the bulk of the expenses in the plebe year. Smooth sailing after that!

Thank you for ALL of your experience and information!

Yeah, I am sure we will have to buy yet another laptop, then, lol.

Finance wouldn't be the only thing holding us back- lots to think about. The number one problem is there doesn't seem to be a degree he is super interested in. BUT, I told him that if he is fortunate enough to get an appointment, then we will visit the campus and really talk to folks to be absolutely sure. He's still got another SA in his heart, but with your urging (and another kind mom who has messaged me) I encouraged him to try for USMMA- I think it could be an amazing opportunity for him...one that he never knew he really wanted, if that makes sense. You know how they are at 20: they know WAY more than their dear old parents ever could *insert eyeroll here, lol

 

[justdoit19]

@peppypea, I remember you from last year! Routing for you and your DS so much!! The only thing I can add to this discussion, is the ‘major’ part. As DS is currently thinking about his own major selection. I don’t know how it works at other academies, but I would assume it’s the same. That the major doesn’t matter. To pick one that they enjoy doing the program during their time at the academy (so for DS, this got him thinking about ocean engineering Bc they do ‘really cool stuff at school’). Bc when they serve post academy, their major doesn’t matter. And then when (if) they go civilian, it’s the leadership/management that experience that will lead them to their career path. Wish I could find what @captmj provided regarding her sponsor kids over the years and their majors ~careers. But my mindset really changed!!

As long as there is something interesting to choose while at the SA (and most looks so cool!!), I wouldn’t hesitate to select to attend. If the major is the only deciding factor. Additionally, of my own 3 children who went into college thinking they wanted to be a XXX major? Non of them are what they thought they would be.

Excited to hear where you (DS) end up!
I have a good friends who’s son may be MMA ‘23!!

 

[Capt MJ]

This one? I enjoyed writing it, and bookmarked it.

I’ll add a few more:

Aero>Marine Ground > personal trainer and nutrition consultant with a thriving business (she had a med DQ issue come up for Marine air, started focusing on her health, made lemonade from the lemons)

Mech e>subs>TVA engineer

History>subs>major DOD contractor as project engineer

Econ>Navy helos>account exec for major aerospace firm



Choosing a Major
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/Choosing-a-Major.65456/

 

[KP Eng]

Bc when they serve post academy, their major doesn’t matter.

One point of clarification. I would say this does not apply at USMMA like the other Academies, because the majority of graduates do not go on active duty. Your major at USMMA will be tied to the license you receive, which will influence your work greatly as a civilian mariner.

 

[G-Man'sMom]

One great thing about USMMA is that you can apply for financial aid. My Plebe took out a small student loan, and it covered everything. Plus, he will make enough at sea year to cover expenses for the rest of his time at the Academy.

As for majors, my Plebe knew he wanted engineering, so it was an easy choice. However, I know several KP grads doing all sorts of things regardless of deck or engine major. They went into law, medicine, oil and gas, etc. The major is a stepping stone that can lead in many directions.

 

[justdoit19]

One point of clarification. I would say this does not apply at USMMA like the other Academies, because the majority of graduates do not go on active duty. Your major at USMMA will be tied to the license you receive, which will influence your work greatly as a civilian mariner.

Great point!! As I said in my post, not sure about other SA’s.

 

[cmakin]

The upfront costs are not too high: startup costs for our 2021 were as follows:

Passport (needs to be valid for all 4 years): $190.00
TWIC: $130.00
Personal Items: $475.00 (male kit)
Personal Items Technology (laptop, printer): $2,000
Personal Gear: varies but we spent about $200 for sneakers, undergarments, etc.
Midshipmen Fees: $1,020 (plebe year)
PLEBE YEAR TOTAL: $4,015 (without healthcare)

Our health care coverage was sufficient for a waiver and so we did not need to purchase through AJ Flood and perhaps someone could address that cost. Midshipmen fees need to be paid every year. For 3/C year, the cost was $720 for A split. All the other costs are a one time cost. Not including transportation to/from home but no academy pays for that.

If you look at the fact that other academies pay a stipend BUT they change for uniforms books, etc., it pretty much evens out with USMMA Midshipmen getting paid for Sea Year through their commercial ship companies. My 3/C Mid is at sea right now and earning about $1100 per month. That rounds out to around $12,000 total and after you take out what is taken out of other academies stipends, they're close.

You can use any scholarship your son is awarded and use it at KP. Also, financial aid is available and I'd encourage you to contact admissions to discuss. The figures used in the web site and such include a lot of things like incidentals etc. that you'd pay for at any other university or academy. Frankly, my Mid is a very cheap date for his KP experience compared to his siblings at traditional state, private and Ivy League schools---even with great scholarships.

Hope this helps!

Wow, cadet pay has really increased. . . . US$350 or so per month in my day. . . .

 

[Mr2020]

The upfront costs are not too high: startup costs for our 2021 were as follows:

Passport (needs to be valid for all 4 years): $190.00
TWIC: $130.00
Personal Items: $475.00 (male kit)
Personal Items Technology (laptop, printer): $2,000
Personal Gear: varies but we spent about $200 for sneakers, undergarments, etc.
Midshipmen Fees: $1,020 (plebe year)
PLEBE YEAR TOTAL: $4,015 (without healthcare)

Our health care coverage was sufficient for a waiver and so we did not need to purchase through AJ Flood and perhaps someone could address that cost. Midshipmen fees need to be paid every year. For 3/C year, the cost was $720 for A split. All the other costs are a one time cost. Not including transportation to/from home but no academy pays for that.

If you look at the fact that other academies pay a stipend BUT they change for uniforms books, etc., it pretty much evens out with USMMA Midshipmen getting paid for Sea Year through their commercial ship companies. My 3/C Mid is at sea right now and earning about $1100 per month. That rounds out to around $12,000 total and after you take out what is taken out of other academies stipends, they're close.

You can use any scholarship your son is awarded and use it at KP. Also, financial aid is available and I'd encourage you to contact admissions to discuss. The figures used in the web site and such include a lot of things like incidentals etc. that you'd pay for at any other university or academy. Frankly, my Mid is a very cheap date for his KP experience compared to his siblings at traditional state, private and Ivy League schools---even with great scholarships.

Hope this helps!

Wow, cadet pay has really increased. . . . US$350 or so per month in my day. . . .

I think mine was about $1,500 a month.

 

[KPEngineer]

I made $520 and I thought I was rolling in it. My last ship I didn't really spend much while on board and then got paid off in cash, I felt like a gangster with my fat roll.

 

[cmakin]

I made $520 and I thought I was rolling in it. My last ship I didn't really spend much while on board and then got paid off in cash, I felt like a gangster with my fat roll.

I spent a good chunk of mine, but I had some pretty good ships and runs, including a couple of break bulk. I really didn't feel like I was rolling in it until I paid off of my first ship after school, three months as a Day Third on an SL-7. . . THAT was some dough. . . . .

 

[cousmma5280]

Back to the original thread topic . . .
Cost of attending USMMA

The Logging In (Class of 2022) book has a breakdown of the Fees (page 11) and what you (pages 8-10) need to bring for Indoc.
It also has the prices of the various Kits (pages 14, 15) you can order and the cost of the Computer/Printer package (page 20).
These prices vary from year to year but are a good example for planning purposes.
Link to book https://www.usmma.edu/sites/usmma.e...class-2022-logging-reporting-instructions.pdf

 

[KPEngineer]

I spent a good chunk of mine, but I had some pretty good ships and runs, including a couple of break bulk. I really didn't feel like I was rolling in it until I paid off of my first ship after school, three months as a Day Third on an SL-7. . . THAT was some dough. . . . .

My last ship was a great run ... break bulk, two days each in Maui and Kauai, lots of time off, the Captains truck and a pocket full of cash from both crew and officers! It's good to be a gangster!!!

 

[Maysaber]

The upfront costs are not too high: startup costs for our 2021 were as follows:

Passport (needs to be valid for all 4 years): $190.00
TWIC: $130.00
Personal Items: $475.00 (male kit)
Personal Items Technology (laptop, printer): $2,000
Personal Gear: varies but we spent about $200 for sneakers, undergarments, etc.
Midshipmen Fees: $1,020 (plebe year)
PLEBE YEAR TOTAL: $4,015 (without healthcare)

Our health care coverage was sufficient for a waiver and so we did not need to purchase through AJ Flood and perhaps someone could address that cost. Midshipmen fees need to be paid every year. For 3/C year, the cost was $720 for A split. All the other costs are a one time cost. Not including transportation to/from home but no academy pays for that.

If you look at the fact that other academies pay a stipend BUT they change for uniforms books, etc., it pretty much evens out with USMMA Midshipmen getting paid for Sea Year through their commercial ship companies. My 3/C Mid is at sea right now and earning about $1100 per month. That rounds out to around $12,000 total and after you take out what is taken out of other academies stipends, they're close.

You can use any scholarship your son is awarded and use it at KP. Also, financial aid is available and I'd encourage you to contact admissions to discuss. The figures used in the web site and such include a lot of things like incidentals etc. that you'd pay for at any other university or academy. Frankly, my Mid is a very cheap date for his KP experience compared to his siblings at traditional state, private and Ivy League schools---even with great scholarships.

Hope this helps!

Thank you- looks like it has gone up:
https://www.usmma.edu/admissions/financial-aid/cost-attendance

It has only gone up a bit as the only thing I didn't have in there was the health insurance which was $2262.00. Midshipmen fees only went up $60.00, I forgot the MMC (don't even remember what this is but seem to think it is a cost incurred further into the plebe year and not at the front end), computer/printer the same, and the Personal Items says it is $644 but I think there are some things optional in that fee. So, a couple of hundred more than 2021--without healthcare.