USMMA Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at USMMA is 32.5%.  Its admission rate is the 15th lowest in New York and the 119th lowest the nation.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into USMMA and can you get accepted?

USMMA is a highly competitive school to get into. You have a moderate chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 452 out of the 1,392 who applied were admitted.

United States Merchant Marine Academy typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.6. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top quarter of their high school class. Of those applicants who were admitted, 61% enrolled. This indicates that the school is a top choice for many students who apply.

Can you get into USMMA?

32% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to United States Merchant Marine Academy you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.6 or better
• Earn B+ grades in high school
• Score 1220 on the SAT
• Score 26 on the ACT
• Graduate in the top 25% of your high school class

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into United States Merchant Marine Academy?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into USMMA are to have around a 3.6 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.

Even with a competitive GPA, admission to USMMA will be challenging as the school denies more applicants than it admits.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at USMMA is 3.6 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #41 in New York for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.6 GPA range.

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to United States Merchant Marine Academy?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at USMMA is 1220 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1140-1300. Students who get into United States Merchant Marine Academy score in the top 34 percent of all SAT test takers..  USMMA ranks #57 in the state of New York for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1220 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. USMMA regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1140 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1140, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 1060, but scores this low are outside the normal range. A competitive SAT score is very important as 75 percent of applicants submit SAT scores to the school.

View other colleges which accept students in the 1220 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1220, you have around a 32% chance of being admitted. A 1300 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 47% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into USMMA?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to USMMA is 26, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 23 and 29.  The school ranks #56 in New York for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 26. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 23 and score in the score in the top 32 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 20.

44 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into USMMA for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 26 score has around 32% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 47% with a 29 ACT score.

High School Class Rank

57% of United States Merchant Marine Academy freshman are in the top twenty five percent of their high school graduating class and 33% are in the top ten percent.

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Fall 2025 Application Deadline

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to United States Merchant Marine Academy is $0. The school is free to apply to.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to United States Merchant Marine Academy and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because USMMA is highly competitive, you have a moderate chance of acceptance depending on your GPA and test scores. If you earn at least a 3.6 GPA, you will have a fair shot at getting in. Additionally, you should score a 1220 on the SAT or 26 on the ACT to be competitive. If you can score a 1300 SAT you will be a very strong applicant.