I'm trying to figure out the costs associated with attending the Naval Academy in Maryland. Does anyone know the current tuition fees and any financial aid options available for students?
The U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland, along with other federal service academies, is fully funded by the federal government. This means students - referred to as midshipmen - don't pay traditional tuition costs, room and board fees, or for their textbooks.
The reason for this is that the academy is preparing you for service in the United States Navy or Marine Corps. They view your time and commitment to military service as the cost associated with your education. Upon acceptance and after completing the plebe summer training, students commit to serve at least five years of active-duty service upon graduation.
In exchange for this, midshipmen receive monthly pay to cover personal expenses and miscellaneous costs. The pay increases each academic year as midshipmen rise in rank and responsibilities.
Regarding financial aid, while traditional scholarships or aid aren't available, students can apply for grants and loans to aid in personal expenses. The funds will be disbursed over time throughout the year from the government to help you with your personal needs.
Remember, serving in the military isn't just about attending a college with a great academic record - it's about a commitment to serve your country. Make sure you understand the demands and rewards of the service commitment before considering this pathway.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.