I'm thinking about applying to the US Naval Academy and I'm trying to understand all the financial aspects. Are there dormitory costs or any expenses I should be aware of during my time there?
At the U.S. Naval Academy, tuition, room, and board, as well as medical and dental care, are fully covered, meaning you won’t have to worry about any dormitory costs.
However, students, or "midshipmen" as they are called at the Academy, do receive a monthly stipend that covers the cost of uniforms, books, and other supplies. It's important here to note that the salary begins at $1,273.20 monthly from which laundry, barbering, cobbler service, and activity fees are deducted. This results in a net pay of about $100 per month during your first year.
The stipend increases each year, so by the time midshipmen are seniors, they receive $1,500.00 monthly with fewer deductions which can help cover personal expenses. One thing to keep in mind is that upon accepting an appointment to the Academy, midshipmen also commit to a minimum of five years of service in the Navy after graduation.
So while there is no outright "cost" to attend, it's important to keep these commitments and aspects in mind as you make your decision.
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