Midshipman Fee Refunds
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What are U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Midshipman Fees?
While there is no charge for tuition, books, uniforms, and room and board for U.S. Merchant Marine Academy midshipmen, the Academy collects fees for personal expenses of midshipmen, including computers; personal and academic supplies; and services such as barber, tailor, and laundry services.
2) Why are Midshipman Fees being reimbursed?
An extensive review of U.S. Merchant Marine Academy accounting records for the academic years 2003/2004 through 2008/2009 indicates that some Academy midshipmen were overcharged for Midshipman Fees. This became apparent during an audit of the Academy by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in 2009. After analyzing Academy midshipman fee collections and expenses paid over the academic years involved, the Maritime Administration determined that some midshipmen are eligible for reimbursement of the excess fees.
3) Who will receive reimbursements of Midshipman Fee overcharges?
Midshipmen who were students at the Academy during the six-year period 2003/2004 through 2008/2009 and were overcharged for midshipman fees are eligible for a reimbursement.
4) How will I receive my reimbursement if I am currently a student at the Academy?
Eligible Class of 2012 midshipmen will be notified by e-mail, and will receive their reimbursement by electronic funds transfer (EFT) to their bank account of record at the Academy. If there is no bank account information available, a check will be mailed to the student’s Academy address. The reimbursement will be processed within 3-4 weeks of notification.
5) How will I receive my reimbursement if I am a graduate of the Academy?
Eligible graduates of the Academy during the six academic years involved will be notified by e-mail
at the graduate e-mail address assigned by the Academy and the updated email address in the Maritime Service Compliance System (MSCS). This email will provide the graduate’s most recent mailing address from the MSCS. The recipient will be required to complete an “Address Confirmation or Change of Address” form to receive reimbursement by check. If payment by electronic funds transfer is preferred, an “ACH Payment Enrollment Form” must be completed. Both forms will be included in the email notification. The reimbursement will be processed within 4-6 weeks upon receipt of the applicable form.
6) How will I receive my reimbursement if I have left the Academy without graduating?
Students who left the Academy without graduating and are eligible to receive a reimbursement will receive a letter by certified mail at the last known address on record with the Academy Registrar’s office. The recipient will be required to complete an “Address Confirmation or Change of Address” form to receive reimbursement by check. If payment by electronic funds transfer is preferred, an “ACH Payment Enrollment Form” must be completed. Both forms will be included in the letter notification. The reimbursement will be processed within 4-6 weeks upon receipt of the applicable form.
7) Some of my classmates received a reimbursement. Why didn’t I receive a reimbursement or why did I receive a smaller amount?
Not all Midshipmen enrolled at the Academy during the academic years 2003/2004 through 2008/2009 are eligible for a reimbursement. Reimbursement eligibility and the size of the reimbursements were based on amount of midshipmen fee collections and expenses paid over the academic years involved and the length of time the student was enrolled at the Academy during this time period.
8) What became of the funds overcharged to Midshipmen?
The review of midshipman fee records provided no indication that excess fees were used for anything other than Academy programs.
9) What if I wish to give my refund to the Merchant Marine Academy?
Midshipman refunds are the property of their recipients and those recipients may use the refund money in any manner they wish. However, USMMA is always grateful for the generous support of donors, and if you wish to donate some or all of the refund money, send a check made payable to USMMA/MARAD to the following address:
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Attn: Assistant Superintendent for Program, Assessment, and Public Affairs
300 Steamboat Road
Kings Point, New York 11024-1699.
10) Where can I direct any questions related to the Midshipman Fee reimbursements?
For inquiries about U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Midshipman Fee reimbursements, please email MNFeeReimbursement@dot.gov or call toll free 888-719-9213 (or local 202-493-0263) Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST.
