Difference between Annapolis Military Colleges?

Hey! I'm a bit confused about the different military colleges in Annapolis. I've seen multiple names pop up during my research. If someone could help me understand the major differences between these, that'd be a big help.

It seems there might be a slight misunderstanding as there is only one military college in Annapolis, which is the United States Naval Academy (USNA). The USNA, often referred to as Annapolis due to its location, is one of the five federal service academies in the United States. It is dedicated to training individuals who will eventually become officers in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

Here, students are referred to as midshipmen and engage in a rigorous four-year program aimed at preparing them for leadership roles in the Navy or Marines. The strength of this academy is in technical majors such as engineering, math, and science but also offers courses in humanities and social sciences. After graduation, students are obligated to serve in the Navy or Marines for a minimum of five years.

Though Annapolis only has one military academy, you may have seen other terms like "Naval Academy Preparatory School" (NAPS) or "Naval Academy Foundation Program" during your research. NAPS is a one-year program that prepares potential academy attendees who need a little more academic or physical preparation.

I hope this helps to clear up any confusion. If you're considering a career in the military after college, these programs could be an excellent way to achieve those goals!