ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

An applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1st of the year of admission to a Service Academy:

• Must be a United States citizen

• Must be a legal resident of South Carolina

• Must be at least 17 years of age, but cannot have passed their 23rd birthday
The US Merchant Marine Academy varies slightly, allowing individuals between the ages of 17 and 25 to apply.

• Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy (contact the Academies directly for more information regarding their standards)

• Cannot be pregnant or have a legal obligation to support children or other dependents

The application process for a nomination from Senator Graham will open on July 1, 2025. High School Seniors for the Class of 2026 will need to complete the application for nomination by November 1, 2025. All information will be collected online via a portal that will open for students July 1, 2025.