With all that said, I graduated the Academy, worked in Admissions for 6 months and a few times I heard some general advice floating around if you're concerned about pay/advancement, etc; and as a Division Officer I'd give the same advice to my guys (when I get a division, that is) and it's this: I'm not sure I would recommend USNA for most priors. My reasoning is exactly the financial aspect. Your time does not count towards pay/retirement, and that's 4 years of earning you could have had in another program (someone correct me here - BDCP or STA-21 or one of those programs allows priors to collect their pay AND have school paid for right? I can't remember the exact details...) and that's 4 years of being paid as a Mid which is not very good pay (it's enough for your weekends but really, that's about it) compared to enlisted pay. If you're concerned about name recognition on your degree, or you want the Academy lifestyle, or they have a certain academic program you feel very strongly about, then yeah, by all means, go for the Academy. On the other hand, like many priors I have spoken to, you are more concerned with just earning the commission and becoming an officer, then I can't wholeheartedly recommend the Academy. It is a very different environment from the fleet which causes some friction for some of them and the whole pay thing is certainly going to be an adjustment.
My. 02...