Compare 5 Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $111,219. Top programs: $137,352+.
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering programs produce graduates earning between $93K and $137K—a $44K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 5 ranked programs nationally, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation. The school with the highest-ranked naval architecture program may surprise you.
Maine Maritime Academy leads with Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering graduates earning $137K—well above the $111K field average. Massachusetts Maritime Academy follows at $125K, and SUNY Maritime College at $106K. Three regional public maritime academies occupying the top three spots tells you everything: outcomes here track program focus, not university brand recognition.
Strong earnings pair with remarkably low debt burdens across this field. Maine Maritime Academy graduates borrow $27K in student loans and face just a 3.2% payment burden—an 'Excellent' GPS affordability rating meaning loan payments take a trivial share of discretionary income. For families factoring in parent loans, Massachusetts Maritime Academy leads with a 9.3% combined burden, rated 'Good.' [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $137,352
Strong outcomes ($125,016) with 95% acceptance rate
3.2% payment burden | Excellent
9.3% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Maine Maritime AcademyPublic | $137,352 | 61 | $27,000 | Excellent | $55,812 | Good |
| #2 | $125,016 | 59 | $25,000 | Excellent | $38,678 | Good | |
| #3 | Suny Maritime CollegePublic | $106,186 | 41 | $23,250 | Excellent | $38,700 | Good |
| #4 | $94,569 | 25 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Good | |
| #5 | Webb InstitutePrivate | $92,972 | 24 | — | — | — | — |
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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
