Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Castine, ME & Buzzards Bay, MA
When students choose between Maine Maritime Academy and Massachusetts Maritime Academy, they're comparing two specialized institutions with similar missions but different outcomes. Both schools focus heavily on engineering and maritime programs, feeding graduates into the same specialized career fields.
The data reveals a classic tradeoff: Maine Maritime delivers higher earnings at lower cost, while Mass Maritime provides stronger completion support. These are neighboring New England maritime academies with surprisingly different performance profiles.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$27,000
federal loans
$25,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$55,812
borrowed by parents
$38,678
borrowed by parents
Maine Maritime is predominantly engineering-focused, with 50% of graduates earning degrees in engineering fields. Mass Maritime has a similar but slightly more balanced mix at 44% engineering, 15% business.
Maine Maritime's largest programs include Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (71 graduates), International Business (36), and Marine Transportation (30). Mass Maritime produces similar specialties: Naval Architecture (83 graduates), Engineering Other (71), and Marine Transportation (67).
Both schools concentrate on the highly specialized maritime industry, explaining their strong earnings outcomes for graduates who complete their programs.
For students confident in their ability to complete a demanding maritime program, Maine Maritime delivers stronger financial value — costing $5,476 less per year while producing graduates who earn $7,572 more at the median. Mass Maritime offers better institutional support for completion, graduating 79% of students versus Maine Maritime's 61%, making it the safer choice for students concerned about academic risk.
The data points to Maine Maritime as the stronger financial value for students who graduate, but Mass Maritime provides better odds of actually graduating. If you're academically prepared and committed to maritime careers, Maine Maritime offers the better deal.
If you want more completion support in a challenging field, Mass Maritime is worth the extra cost.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
