How does the cost of attendance work at the US Naval Academy?

I'm considering applying to the US Naval Academy, but I'm not clear on the cost of attendance. Do students have to pay for anything? I'm curious about how tuition and other expenses are handled.

Attending one of the U.S. Service Academies, such as the U.S. Naval Academy, is somewhat unique in terms of costs when compared to a traditional college or university. Essentially, students at the Naval Academy (called Midshipmen) receive a full scholarship that covers their tuition, room and board, medical and dental care.

In exchange for this full scholarship, Midshipmen commit to serve in the Navy or Marine Corps after graduation. This post-graduation commitment is typically for a minimum of five years but may be longer for certain specialties.

In regards to personal expenses, Midshipmen do receive a monthly stipend which helps cover the cost of uniforms, books, and other professional expenses. The stipend starts at $1,087.80 per month and increases each year. However, in the first year, most of the stipend goes towards paying for uniforms and other essentials.

It's also important to note that while the education is essentially "free," the commitment to military service after graduation is a significant one. This isn't a decision to take lightly and it can be useful to speak with current Midshipmen, alumni, or staff at the Naval Academy to get a sense of what this commitment entails.