<p>Not really meant to spark a debate; just expected disagreement.
Not really prepared to debate point by point. I did mis-state something: USMMA prepares you for a career in Sea Transportation; not just as a seagoing mariner.</p>
<p>ONe reason teh lifetime average earnings of a MMA graduate is higher is because of the early years, when they are making a lving and NA counterparts are not.
The MMA education is specialized in that it is directed towards maritime issues. One can obtian a physics degree at NA, but that doesn’t make one a physicist to the same extent others who obtain a physics degree form a civilian school is. The same can be said about “engineers” graduating from MMA or, in fact, the NA. the orienttion is different; the emphais is not on beomcing a licensed engineer, i.e. a PE, but, rather, that the foundational educaiton will be used as applied to their circumstances. In other words, the educaiton is not the means to a traditional end. That’s okay; that’s not what the purpose is.</p>
<p>So, one cnanot quite compare the education received to that received at a civilian college. Nor can one quite compare the educaiotn between the NA and MMA, different objectives.
That doesn’t take away, necessarily, from MMA. It’s a smaller entity. It has been underfunded in recent years. IN part, this a problem resulting from erosion of its mission: the US “merchant marine” needs are being satisfied through other, cheaper, sources, ie. state maritime schools. But that is best left for a different forum.</p>
<p>If my own child were interested in a maritime-related career, I would strongly advise them to consider the MMA. It’s a heck of a bargain.
Given a choice, however, between MMA and NA (assuming the priority is a military and, specifically, a naval career), there should be no hesitation.</p>
<p>As I originally, stated: Maritme Career: MMA Naval Career: NA Military Career: MMA if you want to be a mariner who is, now, in the Army. (assuming you can’t get into the rspective service academies for Army, Air Force, CG) It’s an odd choice but the bargain is still pretty good.</p>
<p>At the end of th day, it doesn’t matter what anybody else thinks. Do whatever the heck you think is right; it’s your decision.</p>
<p>Oh, yes, I’ve been there. Not too much as my engagement did not really rquire me to physically be there; I just happened to be in NY area and used it as an excuse to visit wiht the person I was advising.</p>