What is the pay like for Naval Academy midshipmen?

I'm considering applying to the Naval Academy and am curious about the financial aspects. What kind of pay can midshipmen expect during their time at the academy? Does it cover personal expenses or mainly go towards tuition fees?

At the U.S. Naval Academy, midshipmen receive various benefits, including tuition, room and board, medical and dental care, and a monthly stipend. This stipend is meant to cover the cost of uniforms, books, and other professional equipment. The monthly stipend starts at around $1,087.80 but is subject to deductions for various items including uniforms, laundry, barber, cobbler, activities fees, a computer, and textbooks.

In the first year, after all the deductions, midshipmen receive a small amount of money. The remainder is placed into their personal Midshipman Account, which is similar to a regular bank account, to be used for personal expenses. Every month, a certain amount of money is automatically released from this account for personal spending.

As they progress through the Academy, the amount left over from their pay after these deductions increases. By the time they are seniors (first class), they should have a significant part of this monthly stipend available for personal use.

Overall, pay is generally not a large concern for midshipmen during their time at the Academy as most of their needs are covered. However, they should still learn how to budget and responsibly manage their money, as they will likely have fewer expenses than they will after graduation.