Compare 6 Commercial Fishing. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $101,078. Top programs: $106,416+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Commercial Fishing tells a different story. Across 6 programs, earnings range from $96,393 to $106,416—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Massachusetts Maritime Academy's Commercial Fishing program leads with graduates earning $106,416, well above the $101,078 average. Maine Maritime Academy follows at $102,847, showing how specialized maritime academies dominate this field regardless of broader institutional rankings.
For families, the math changes dramatically. United States Merchant Marine Academy achieves a 0.09 debt-to-earnings ratio with graduates borrowing just $8,833 and facing a 1.5% payment burden—earning an 'Excellent' affordability rating. Meanwhile, Maine Maritime Academy's family burden reaches 15.6% when parent loans are included.
Highest program earnings: $106,416
Strong outcomes ($106,416) with 95% acceptance
1.5% payment burden | Excellent
1.5% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $106,416 | 67 | $25,000 | Excellent | $38,678 | Good | |
| #2 | Maine Maritime AcademyPublic | $102,847 | 30 | $27,000 | Excellent | $55,812 | Manageable |
| #3 | $101,017 | 96 | $8,833 | Excellent | $0 | Excellent | |
| #4 | $100,933 | 81 | $17,804 | Excellent | $32,258 | Good | |
| #5 | $98,863 | 69 | $24,965 | Excellent | $38,432 | Manageable | |
| #6 | Suny Maritime CollegePublic | $96,393 | 110 | $23,250 | Excellent | $38,700 | Manageable |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
