EC vs. USMMA

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmira College in Elmira, NY with United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

United States Merchant Marine Academy is larger than EC based on total student enrollment (976 students vs. 786 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmira College is located in Elmira, NY (Small City setting); United States Merchant Marine Academy is in Kings Point, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Elmira College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. United States Merchant Marine Academy is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmira College 11:1; United States Merchant Marine Academy 13:1.

EC vs. USMMA Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EC or USMMA? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at United States Merchant Marine Academy than EC ($4,101 vs. $23,682).
• Elmira College is 4,254.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than USMMA (about $38,081 more per year; $38,976.00 vs. $895.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4,254.9% higher at EC than at United States Merchant Marine Academy (about $38,081 more per year; $38,976.00 vs. $895.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elmira College than at United States Merchant Marine Academy (100% vs. 10%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmira College students is 468% larger than aid received by United States Merchant Marine Academy students ($28,780 vs. $5,067).

EC vs. USMMA Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EC or USMMA? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between USMMA and EC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elmira College (1240) is 30 points higher than at USMMA (1210).
• Incoming EC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at USMMA).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmira College 1090/1385; United States Merchant Marine Academy 1110/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmira College 26/29; United States Merchant Marine Academy 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EC - Test optional; USMMA - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: USMMA Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman USMMA students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at EC (3.22).
• EC has a higher acceptance rate (77%) than USMMA (34.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at EC vs. 64.1% at USMMA.

EC vs. USMMA Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EC and USMMA? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from United States Merchant Marine Academy earn a median of about $46,400 more per year than EC graduates about ten years after starting college ($92,400 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, United States Merchant Marine Academy graduates have a $20,500 lower median loan debt than EC graduates ($6,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, USMMA graduates have an estimated $212 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than EC graduates ($67 vs. $279).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.