I'm really curious about the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Does anyone know the graduation rate there? I'm trying to get a sense of how challenging it might be to make it through the program.
The United States Merchant Marine Academy, also known as USMMA or Kings Point, traditionally has a graduation rate of approximately 80%. It's important to note that this rate includes both students who graduate in four years, as well as those who take an additional year or two to finish.
Remember that graduation rate is just one measure of a college's quality. The academically intensive nature of service academies - combined with their regimented lifestyle and structured schedule - can make them more challenging than others. However, the rewards can be significant. After graduation, students have numerous career paths open to them, including jobs in the maritime industry, commissioning into a branch of the military, and pursuit of graduate studies.
If you're seriously considering attending a service academy and are concerned about the challenges you may face, remember: these academies have a wealth of academic and personal resources to support their students. You may face some unique and demanding challenges, but you'll also be given support, guidance, and community to help you meet and surpass these challenges. College is ultimately what you make of it, and this is particularly true for service academies like the USMMA.
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