How does the Naval Academy assist with tuition in exchange for service?

I've heard that attending the Naval Academy can help with tuition because of the service commitment. Can someone explain how tuition is handled and what the exchange looks like in terms of service?

If you're accepted into the United States Naval Academy, the government essentially pays for all of your costs: this includes tuition, room, board, medical and dental care, and you also receive a monthly midshipman stipend. Essentially, you graduate without any student loan debt, which is a massive advantage compared to traditional colleges.

The financial benefits of attending the Naval Academy do come with a commitment. Upon graduation, midshipmen are commissioning as officers in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps, and there's a five-year active duty service obligation following graduation, although the exact terms can vary depending on the specific career path and training. In most cases, students are serving as active duty military officers during this period. They might serve aboard ships, in aviation squadrons, with SEAL or EOD teams, or other designated Navy or Marine Corps units.

Part of their Naval Academy experience and education is preparing for this unique career path. While this service commitment is substantial, many officers find their service fulfilling and choose to make a career in the Navy or Marine Corps beyond the initial commitment. There are also some who transition into civilian careers after fulfilling their service obligation, leveraging the leadership and technical skills they developed at the Academy and during their service.