Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Massachusetts Maritime Academy — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Massachusetts Maritime Academy at a Glance
Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a public university in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, focused on maritime-related fields. It was established in 1891 and is the second oldest state maritime academy in the United States. Originally established to graduate deck and engineering officers for the U.S. Merchant Marine, the academy has since expanded its curriculum. Though not required, many graduates go on to serve in the Merchant Marine or active and reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces.
1891
135 years old
$13M
$13,051,554 (2014)
1,493
1,407 undergrad · 86 grad
54 acres
Identity
Is Massachusetts Maritime Academy Worth It?
Massachusetts Maritime Academy delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $21,582/year, it's priced 6% above average, while graduates go on to earn $82,392 — 53% above the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 77% graduation rate means roughly 23% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With a 95% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: Massachusetts Maritime Academy delivers strong financial returns that justify the investment for most students.
How Massachusetts Maritime Academy compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #3 of 16 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus | 95 | $10,875 | $73,997 |
| #2 | University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | 74 | $16,403 | $73,997 |
| #3 | Massachusetts Maritime Academy | 73 | $21,582 | $82,392 |
| #4 | Cal Poly Maritime Academy | 73 | $20,555 | $94,784 |
| #5 | Charter Oak State College | 68 | $15,815 | $64,209 |
| #6 | University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown | 50 | $18,202 | $66,125 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Massachusetts Maritime Academy's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Massachusetts Maritime Academy
The highest-earning program at Massachusetts Maritime Academy is Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at $86,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other at $43,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering graduate from Massachusetts Maritime Academy earns $86,900, while a Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other graduate earns $43,000. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $25,250 for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,582/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering | $86,900 | $86,900 | $27,000 |
| Marine Transportation | $72,500 | $72,500 | $27,000 |
| Engineering, Other | $67,700 | $67,700 | $26,630 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $47,600 | $47,600 | $25,250 |
| International Business | $46,300 | $46,300 | $27,000 |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other | $43,000 | $43,000 | $25,250 |
Similar Colleges in MA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Buzzards Bay, MA
- Student Body
- 1,395 students
- Admission Rate
- 95%
- Graduation Rate
- 77%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,582
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $82,392
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000