Visiting the Academy

The Academy grounds, museum, and gift shop are open to the general public throughout the year, daily from 8:00 to 4:30, with the exception of federal holidays and the summer and winter leave periods.

A visitor's guide is available for self-guided tours, and organized guided tours are available through the Office of External Affairs, 516-773-5387.  Group tours of the American Merchant Marine Museum are also available at 516-773-5515.

For prospective midshipmen, a visit to the Academy is strongly encouraged. There are two types of visits available while Academy classes are in session. Both day and overnight visits are limited to high school juniors and seniors, high school graduates, college students, and those in the military who meet the Academy's age restrictions.  You must contact the Admissions Office to check if you are eligible for a visit.

Day Visit (Monday thru Friday) - Includes an admissions interview, lunch with the Regiment of Midshipmen, and an escorted campus tour. Students must arrive at the Admissions Center no later than 10:30 a.m. At that time, they may meet with an admission recruiter who will provide information and answer questions. At 11:50 a.m., visiting students are paired with midshipman escorts for lunch in Delano Hall. They then attend afternoon classes with their escorts and finish at approximately 4 p.m.  Since the Academy is not authorized to pay the cost of meals for visiting students, those electing to come for a Day Visit are required to bring payment for their lunch with them.  The cost is $7.00, which can be paid in cash or by check made payable to "NANA Services, LLC".

Overnight Visit (Monday thru Thursday) - This consists of an interview and accompanied overnight stay. Students must arrive at the Admissions Center no later than 3:00 p.m. At that time, they may meet with an admissions recruiter who will provide information and answer questions. At 4:15 p.m., visiting students are paired with midshipman escorts for a campus tour. Later they will attend regular afternoon and early evening activities, such as sports practices and club meetings. Visiting students will have dinner with the Regiment of Midshipmen in Delano Hall and will stay overnight in the midshipman escort's room. The following morning, they will have breakfast in Delano Hall, attend morning classes with their escort, have lunch with the entire Regiment at Noon, and finish at approximately 12:30 p.m.  Since the Academy is not authorized to pay the cost of meals for visiting students, those electing to come for an Overnight Visit are required to bring payment for their three (3) meals with them.  The cost is $21.00, which can be paid in cash or by check made payable to "NANA Services, LLC".

Parents and family members accompanying the student are invited to participate in the admissions interview and campus tour. However, only the visiting student may attend meals and classes. Parents and family members may continue to tour the Academy on their own. Meals for parents and family members are available in the Seafarer Canteen. Overnight accommodations, if needed, can be arranged at local hotels.  Information regarding local hotels can be obtained through the Parent's Club website at http://www.usmma.edu/parents/hotels 2004.htm.

There are several periods during the year when escorted visits to the Academy are not available (although a meeting and interview with an admissions representatives may be possible) :

There are several "blackout" dates during the course of the academic year due to special campus events. During the periods when no escorted visits are available, students may still arrange an "Interview Only" visit (excludes weekends and holidays) with an admissions recruiter. Note that this option is not available during the month of July when Indoctrination of incoming freshmen (plebes) is underway. The Academy campus is closed to visitors during Indoctrination.

Students interested in visiting the Academy should call, toll free, 1-866-546- 4778, or 516-773-5391 to schedule an appointment. Any visit must be scheduled at least one week in advance.