Students at Maine Maritime Academy achieve some of the highest earnings in American higher education, with graduates consistently outperforming expectations by substantial margins.
The academy's specialized maritime and engineering programs deliver exceptional financial returns that place it among the top-performing institutions nationwide for both overall and low-income student outcomes.
Maine Maritime Academy ranks among the most specialized and financially successful public institutions in the country, delivering exceptional return on investment through its focused maritime and engineering programs. Located in Castine, this small public college serves a selective student body with just under 25% receiving Pell Grants, but graduates achieve remarkable financial outcomes that place the institution in the top 2% nationally for long-term earnings.
What makes Maine Maritime Academy distinctive is its laser focus on high-demand technical fields. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering graduates earn a median of $97,705 ten years after enrollment, while even specialized programs like Commercial Fishing lead to strong earnings of $82,440. The academy's graduates consistently earn about $11,464 more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting both the specialized nature of the programs and the strong industry demand for maritime professionals.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Maine Maritime Academy combines moderate access with outstanding mobility outcomes. Low-income students who do enroll see exceptional results, earning nearly $100,000 ten years out and achieving some of the strongest upward mobility in higher education. For students drawn to maritime careers, engineering, or specialized technical fields, the academy offers a unique combination of focused training and exceptional financial returns.
Maine Maritime Academy's program portfolio reflects its specialized mission and exceptional earning potential. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering dominates both enrollment and outcomes, graduating 71 students annually with median earnings of $97,705 and representing the institution's flagship program. This field combines technical rigor with strong industry demand, creating exceptional career prospects for graduates who enter shipbuilding, offshore energy, and maritime consulting sectors.
Commercial Fishing represents another unique strength, with 30 graduates earning $82,440 early in their careers. This specialized program prepares students for leadership roles in fishing operations, aquaculture, and marine resource management—fields with strong earning potential but limited academic options nationwide. International Business, while more traditional, still benefits from the academy's maritime focus, with 36 graduates earning $49,464 as they enter logistics, shipping, and global trade careers.
The academy's concentrated program mix creates exceptional value through specialization rather than breadth. Unlike comprehensive universities where outcomes vary dramatically by major choice, Maine Maritime Academy's focused mission ensures that nearly all graduates enter high-demand technical fields with clear advancement paths. The small scale allows for intensive industry connections, hands-on training, and personalized career development that translates directly into the exceptional financial outcomes the academy consistently delivers.
Maine Maritime Academy delivers some of the strongest financial outcomes in American higher education. Graduates earn a median of $89,964 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the top 2% nationally for long-term earnings. Even more impressive, graduates earn about $11,464 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the exceptional value of the academy's specialized programs and industry connections.
The academy's program portfolio drives these outstanding results through focused training in high-demand maritime and technical fields. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering stands out as the flagship program, graduating 71 students annually with median earnings of $97,705 and representing the highest aggregate return among all majors. Commercial Fishing, despite its specialized nature, produces graduates earning $82,440 early in their careers, while International Business provides a more traditional pathway with earnings of $49,464 for the academy's 36 annual graduates in that field.
The concentrated focus on maritime, engineering, and technical specialties creates a unique value proposition. Unlike comprehensive universities where outcomes vary widely by major choice, Maine Maritime Academy's specialized mission ensures that nearly all graduates enter industries with strong earning potential and clear career advancement paths. The academy's small scale and industry focus translate directly into exceptional financial outcomes that few institutions can match.
Affordability at Maine Maritime Academy varies significantly by family income, with the institution providing strong support for low-income students while requiring higher contributions from middle and upper-income families. Low-income students pay about $12,499 annually, which is competitive with many public institutions, while middle-income families face costs around $18,372 per year. High-income families pay approximately $25,342 annually, reflecting the academy's smaller scale and specialized programs.
Debt levels reflect the institution's focused mission and strong outcomes. Typical graduates leave with about $27,000 in federal student loan debt, a manageable amount given the academy's exceptional earning potential. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $40,000, higher than many public institutions but reasonable considering the specialized training and career outcomes the academy provides. The institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can comfortably manage their debt obligations given their strong post-graduation earnings.
What makes the debt sustainable is the academy's exceptional return on investment. With graduates earning nearly $90,000 ten years out and achieving earnings well above expectations, most borrowers can handle standard repayment without significant financial strain. The specialized nature of maritime and engineering careers provides both job security and earning potential that justify the investment for most families.
Maine Maritime Academy Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
