Overview
The United States Naval Academy is a public institution established in 1845. As of fall 2023, it has an undergraduate enrollment of 4,465 students. The campus spans 338 acres in an urban setting, and the school follows a semester-based academic calendar. In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, the United States Naval Academy ranks #4 among National Liberal Arts Colleges.
United States Naval Academy Rankings
To get a clearer picture of what this institution offers, here’s how it stacks up in various categories:
- #4 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
- #1 in Top Public Schools
- #6 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (tie) — At schools where a doctorate is not offered
- #8 in Electrical / Electronic / Communications — At schools where a doctorate is not offered
- #8 in Mechanical (tie) — At schools where a doctorate is not offered
- #65 in Economics (tie)
- #49 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (tie)
United States Naval Academy Admissions
The academy has a highly selective acceptance rate of just 9%. Among admitted applicants who submitted test scores, half had SAT scores between 1200 and 1420 or ACT scores between 24 and 31. That said, a quarter of admitted students scored above these ranges, while another quarter scored below. The application deadline is January 31.
Admissions officers place a strong emphasis on an applicant’s GPA, high school class rank (when available), and letters of recommendation. For more details on academic factors and other data, you can explore College Compass.
United States Naval Academy Tuition & Financial Aid
The academy does not charge tuition.
Tuition & Expenses
- In-state tuition and fees: N/A
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: N/A
- Net price for federal loan recipients (2021-2022): N/A
Net Price by Family Income (2021-2022)
| Family Income | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 0−0−30,000 | N/A |
| 30,001−30,001−48,000 | N/A |
| 48,001−48,001−75,000 | N/A |
| 75,001−75,001−110,000 | N/A |
| $110,001+ | N/A |
- Food and Housing: N/A
- Net price calculator: N/A
United States Naval Academy Academics
With an impressive student-faculty ratio of 8:1, the academy ensures personalized attention—66.3% of its classes have fewer than 20 students. Popular majors include:
- Engineering, General
- Social Sciences, General
- Physical Sciences, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Military Science, Leadership and Operational Art, Other
- History, General
- Foreign Languages and Literatures, General
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Mathematics, General
The freshman retention rate, a key indicator of student satisfaction, stands at 98%.
United States Naval Academy Student Life
As of fall 2023, the undergraduate enrollment is 4,465, with a gender distribution of 70.4% male and 29.6% female students. The academy competes in NCAA Division I athletics.
United States Naval Academy Campus
Students have access to a variety of support services, including:
- Nondevelopmental tutoring
- Placement services
- Health services and insurance
Campus safety is a priority, with measures such as:
- 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols
- 24-hour emergency phones
- Well-lit pathways and sidewalks
- Student patrols
- Controlled dormitory access (key or security card required)
Alcohol is permitted for students who are of legal age.