The United States Naval Academy was established in 1845 by the Secretary of the Navy, George Bancroft. It was called the Naval School until 1850 when the curriculum changed from 5 years of study, with 3 spent at sea, to require only 4 years of study and summers at sea. The school now resembled other 4-year institutions and was renamed the U.S. Naval Academy. It is the second oldest of all 5 service academies.

Though the academy started with 50 plebes, or freshmen, on a 10 acre site of the former Fort Severn, today it graduates around 1000 and sits on 338 acres. Midshipmen must apply to the academy and be nominated, usually by a member of Congress. Originally midshipmen went on to either the Navy or Marine Corps as ensigns or second lieutenants, respectively, but as of 1959 they can choose to cross-commission in any service.

Women were accepted in 1976 after Congress admitted women into all the services. Today female midshipmen account for about 13-14% of each class. International students of allied nations also account for a small percentage. In 1933, President Roosevelt signed into law that every midshipman would receive a Bachelor of Science degree upon graduation, even back-issuing degrees to those who had already graduated. Of the roughly 1300 plebes who enter the academy each year, only around 1000 graduate.