KINGS POINT, N.Y., September 23, 2025 - The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point has been named America’s second Top Public School and third best Overall Regional College North according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings.

USMMA’s Engineering Program has tied for # 29 of the Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs that do not offer a doctorate. In addition, USMMA is #37 Top Performers for Social Mobility.

Now in its 41st year, U.S. News & World Report rankings evaluate nearly 1,700 national colleges and universities on up to 17 measures of academic quality and place an emphasis on social mobility and outcomes for graduating college students.

According to their website, “to be included in the Best Colleges directory, U.S. institutions must:

• Grant bachelor's degrees
• Hold regional accreditation
• Offer traditional campus-based education

• Actively accept new applicants for first-year, full-time students

To receive an overall ranking, schools must also:

• Offer a broad curriculum under the 2021 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's Basic Classification system (a system categorizing colleges by mission and degree offerings)

• Enroll at least 100 undergraduates
• Report a six-year bachelor's graduation rate for an entering cohort of at least 25 first-time, full-time bachelor's degree-seeking students.”

“Once again, we are very proud to be ranked as one of the best colleges in the Nation,” said Captain Tony Ceraolo, USMS, Acting Superintendent. “Our consistently high rankings year after year, reflect the commitment to excellence of our faculty, staff, and midshipmen.”

Upon graduation, each Midshipman receives a Bachelor of Science Degree, a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner License and an Officer’s Commission in the U.S. Military. In exchange for their tuition-free education Kings Point graduates must serve five years on active-duty in the military or work in the maritime industry for five years, with an eight-year commission in any branch of the reserves.

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The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, located in Kings Point, N.Y., educates and graduates merchant mariners and leaders of exemplary character who will serve America’s maritime transportation and defense needs in peace and war. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is administered by the Maritime Administration under the auspices of the Department of Transportation.