PROGRAM FEES

Sea Cadets is the Best Value in Youth Leadership Development

World-class skill-building, character development, and career opportunities.

For about $3 per day, your child gets:

Leadership training
Real Navy/Coast Guard training
International exchange opportunities
Character development
STEM & technical skills
Career exploration

Investment Overview

Sea Cadets offers unparalleled leadership training, adventure, and personal growth that rivals programs costing several times as much. Here’s exactly what families invest:

Item	Frequency	Amount	Details
Annual Enrollment Fee	Every year	$125	This national fee covers your cadet's official enrollment & insurance for the program year.
Unit Fee	Every year	$50-$200	Set by the local unit to keep operations running. Covers facility use, training materials, supplies, and admin costs.
Uniform Package	One-time (per growth stage)	$100-$400	Covers dress & working uniforms. Sizes are exchangeable as cadets grow. Some units have uniform exchange closets.
Sea Bag Essentials	One-time	$100-$200	Personal basics like underwear, socks, undershirts, towel, toiletries kit, small blanket, and labeling supplies. Many items can be repurposed from home.
Recruit Training (RT)	First year	$300	Required for high school Sea Cadets in Year 1. A 9-day residential training that includes instruction, daily routine, meals, and lodging. Middle school cadets attend optional League Cadet Orientation (NLO).
Total First Year (with RT):		$675-$1,225	Please note that financial assistance may be available for qualifying families.

After Year 1: Annual costs drop to approximately $475–$625 since uniforms and gear are already purchased. This includes enrollment, unit operations, and one overnight training annually.

Important Notes:

Additional trainings are roughly $300 each with no cap on the amount of opportunities you can take advantage of
Transportation to/from training locations is not included
Middle school cadets attend League Cadet Orientation (NLO) instead of RT. Training is optional for Navy League Cadets
Costs vary by unit and specialty programs

How Sea Cadets Compares to Other Youth Programs

Annual Program Costs (First Year)
Sea Cadets	$675-$1,225	Includes uniform, gear, 1 training
Private Camps	$1,000-$2,000+	Per week, summer only
Travel Sports	$1,000-$10,000+	Annual costs plus travel, equipment, tournaments

Sources: Travel Sports costs from Aspen Institute Project Play 2025 survey and Towson University research (2024-2025). Private Camp costs from American Camp Association data and SummerCamps.com analysis (2024).

Ready to Invest in Their Future?

Join thousands of families who’ve discovered the exceptional value of Sea Cadets leadership training.

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CONTACT US

www.seacadets.org
info@seacadets.org
2300 Wilson Blvd, Suite 200
Arlington, VA 22201

MISSION

The mission of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps is to build leaders of character by imbuing in our cadets the highest ideals of honor, respect, commitment, and service.

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