What academy is best is different for different candidates. One of the biggest positives of USMMA is the wide variety of options available upon graduation. For my two Kings Pointers, they were not sure exactly what path they wanted to take at age 17. Choosing KP over other academies allowed them to keep several good options open for as long as possible. Not only does maturity between ages 17 and 21 factor into what is right, but so do politics and world affairs. A lot can change in four years! The other big positive is the opportunity to try out possible future careers while at Kings Point. While other academies give you time over the summers to experience some of your options, Kings Point's Sea YEAR really allows Midshipmen to work in the industry before deciding what is right for them. And having the opportunity to see the world for a year is amazing. My DS saw 22 countries on four different classes of ship plus had a flight internship with the Navy. My DD is at sea right now, discovering Bahrain, learning so much and having a blast. Sea year left them both so mature and gave both a deeper appreciation for the blessings of living in America.
Another positive is location. Being young and having the opportunity to spend weekends in New York City is pretty cool. Certainly no shortage of things to see and do. Yes, hotels are expensive, but we have visited many times and have found really reasonable Air BnB's close to the academy.
You do not get paid all four years at Kings Point like at the DoD academies, but you do get paid during Sea Year, about $1,200 per month. The total cost at USMMA for our 2021 DD will be about $10,000 for four years, so no student loan debt. Also, lots of opportunities to work on the weekends if you choose to after recognition. (My kids have earned thousands of dollars just shoveling snow and raking leaves for wealthy people in Great Neck, catering, valet parking at parties, miscellaneous jobs at country clubs in the area, and more.). After graduation, if you choose to sail on your license, you can become wealthy as you work your way up to Captain or Chief Engineer, not to mention a huge variety of lucrative Whiteside opportunities. Many studies have ranked USMMA as one of the best ROI's for graduates of any university.
The curriculum is different at Kings Point compared to the other four academies. You have a choice of five majors. That's it. But if the subject matter interests you, it will be well worth your time. You cannot beat the hands-on experience you will get in the classrooms at Kings Point (not to mention the experiential learning during Sea Year.) You will develop a real understanding of how an engine works and what really happens on the bridge of a ship. Turns out both my kids are pretty darn good at welding. The hands on aspects will give you a confidence in your own abilities that you just can't get from reading books and listening to lectures. But if you really have your heart set on studying history or government, USMMA is probably not your best choice. You will also not have the prestige of a West Point or Naval Academy degree because few people outside the maritime industry have even heard of USMMA.
Yes, you can become a pilot from USMMA. It is the route our DS took. He had classmates who became Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy pilots. He had offers for both Marine Corps and Navy pilot and ultimately selected Navy. No regrets. But if you choose USMMA, you should have at least some interest in a maritime career or you will have a tough (and probably unhappy) four years.
One of the things that has impressed us the most about Kings Point is the alumni network. I have never seen a more tightly knit and supportive group anywhere. My kids have had so many offers of free places to stay and help with transportation and other issues from alumni and classmates all over the country that it is hard to believe. I think it is because Kings Point is a smaller academy and because it has so many challenges to graduate (surviving Sea Year, passing licensing exams, fitting a four year degree into three years on campus) that the mids really share a common bond.
Sorry for the long post, but I tried to answer all your questions. Let me know if there is anything more specific you want to know about and I will try to help. Best wishes for success in your future plans!
