For Financial Aid purposes, reaching your 18th birthday does not guarantee Independent status. The policy regarding determination of Dependent vs Independent students is determined by the US Department of Education. For further details regarding Dependency issues, please visit:

http://financialaidtoolkit.ed.gov/tk/learn/fafsa.jsp#dependency

Federal Student Aid may be used for any expenses associated with attendance at USMMA. Examples include transportation costs for periods of leave, personal expenses, Academy-approved health insurance.  Students are advised to use their funds responsibly!

Direct Deposit Refunds are issued 3-4 weeks after your award has been disbursed by the Department of Education. Be sure your information is correct when filing, as errors in information could lead to delays.

Yes. Similar to filing your taxes, you must reapply every year.  The financial aid year runs from July1-June 30. It is strongly encouraged that you file your taxes before submitting a FAFSA.

Direct Federal Loans, both Subsidized and Unsubsidized, have a grace period of six months following graduation. In the event you are disenrolled or take a leave of absence, the same rules will apply. For further information please visit:

https://studentaid.gov

No. You are responsible for repayment of your student loans. You parents are not required to cosign your federal student loans, even if you are under age 18. The 'defense of infancy' does not apply to federal student loans. (The defense of infancy presumes that a minor is not able to enter into contracts, and considers any such contract to be void. There is an explicit exemption to this principle in the Higher Education Act with regard to Federal Student Aid.)

IF YOU CURRENTLY HAVE INSURANCE COVERAGE: 

An online waiver may be submitted during the annual open enrollment/waiver process. All Midshipmen will be provided notification for when the waiver process will be available to them. The waiver website can be located at www.mystudentmedical.com.  All Midshipmen must complete the requested information on this website.  The waiver requires the midshipman’s date of birth and student ID to access. 

USMMA recommends that you contact your insurance provider to confirm the answer to these questions that will be asked in the waiver process: 

1. Will your current coverage remain in effect through December 31st of the current coverage year? 
2. Is your insurance company headquartered/operated in the United States with a US Claims address and Customer Service phone number? 
3. Does your current plan provide both emergency and non-emergency benefits for medical and mental health treatment? 
4. Does your current plan provide inpatient hospital, outpatient physician visits, laboratory services, radiology and outpatient mental health benefits?  Coverage limited to Emergency care does not satisfy this requirement.  
5. Does your plan have hospitals and providers within 10 miles of the Academy for nonemergency care? 
6. Does your plan provide coverage in all 50 states and internationally? 
7. Does your coverage comply with all Federal and New York States regulations for student health insurance?  

Please note that you cannot waive the USMMA insurance plan if you have answered “No” to items 1 – 7 above, or have an HMO or Tricare Prime. Tricare Standard is accepted. 

If your current insurance plan meets all the above requirements, you will be able to “waive” the purchase of the academy sponsored plan as long as you intend to keep your own plan which meets these USMMA requirements. 

The Academy is concerned about the welfare of its students. The insurance waiver procedure has been used effectively by many colleges and universities throughout the United States for the purpose of making sure each student has appropriate insurance coverage that is current & valid. Without proper health insurance, Midshipmen can be at risk and be responsible for expenses related to healthcare needs. These expenses can become extremely high and become serious financial burdens.

Midshipman Counseling & Personal Development (MCPD) is located in Patten Hall upstairs from the Medical Department on the second deck. Someone may see you entering Patten, they will not know if you are there for Medical, Dental or MCPD. Each case is unique and specific to that individual. For questions related to your specific situation, please reach out to a MCPD clinician.

Most times, students can be seen during their free periods so it does not impact academics. If you have to miss class to be seen, you will receive a Health Services Pass.