Does the merchant marine academy still exist?
Yes, it still exists. No, they aren't military. And, heck no, don't ever call them “Merchant Marines”! Anyone working with veterans quickly learns two things: don't forget to include the Coast Guard, and don't forget to include the Merchant Marine, especially when talking about World War II.
Is USMMA a good school?
USMMA Ranked #2 Top Public School by "U.S. News and World Report" KINGS POINT, N.Y., September 12, 2017 - The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point has been named America's second Top Public School and third best Regional College North according to the 2018 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings.