U.S. Naval Academy: Acceptance Rate and Your Chances
Updated June 2026 · CollegeCalcAI
| Acceptance rate | 8% |
| SAT (75th percentile) | 1400 |
| ACT (75th percentile) | 32 |
| Location | MD |
| School type | Public |
The U.S. Naval Academy is a federal service academy in Annapolis, Maryland. It admits about 8% of applicants, but the path to admission is unlike any other college in the country. Candidates must secure a congressional nomination and meet strict physical and medical standards in addition to demonstrating strong academic credentials.
Calculate your chances at U.S. Naval Academy free →How hard is it to get into the U.S. Naval Academy?
Getting into the Naval Academy is a multi-step process that goes beyond what most colleges require. You need a congressional nomination, which you apply for separately from the academic application. You also need to pass a Candidate Fitness Assessment and meet medical requirements set by the Department of Defense.
Even with a nomination and strong academics, admission is not guaranteed. The 8% acceptance rate reflects how many qualified candidates compete for a limited number of spots. The process rewards students who have demonstrated leadership, physical fitness, and a clear commitment to military service.
Test scores that make you competitive
Admitted Naval Academy students reach a 1400 on the SAT and a 32 on the ACT at the 75th percentile. Those benchmarks are somewhat lower than at comparably selective civilian universities, which reflects the broader range of qualities the Academy evaluates. The Naval Academy does not have a formal test-optional policy, and academic preparedness is still an important part of the review.
What the U.S. Naval Academy looks for
The Naval Academy selects candidates who have shown academic ability, physical fitness, and leadership potential. Time spent in student government, athletics, community service, or other leadership roles strengthens an application significantly.
Character and a genuine desire to serve in the Navy or Marine Corps carry real weight. The Academy is not just selecting students for an education. It is selecting future officers, and the admissions process reflects that responsibility.
Estimate your chances at the U.S. Naval Academy
The CollegeCalcAI calculator at collegecalcai.com offers a free estimate of your chances at the Naval Academy based on your GPA, test scores, and activities. It is one useful data point as you plan your application and work through the nomination process.
Frequently asked questions
What is the U.S. Naval Academy's acceptance rate?
The Naval Academy accepts approximately 8% of applicants. Keep in mind that candidates must also obtain a congressional nomination and meet physical and medical requirements.
What SAT or ACT score do I need for the U.S. Naval Academy?
The SAT 75th percentile for admitted students is 1400, and the ACT 75th percentile is 32. Those are the benchmarks that competitive candidates tend to meet or exceed.
Is the U.S. Naval Academy hard to get into?
Yes. The 8% acceptance rate combined with the requirement for a congressional nomination and physical standards makes the Naval Academy one of the most demanding admissions processes in the country.
See your real odds at U.S. Naval Academy
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Sources: U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS), NCES, and publicly reported Common Data Sets. Acceptance rate and score figures are rounded and reflect recent admissions cycles. How we calculate chances.