California State University Maritime Academy

California State University Maritime Academy admits 98.7% of applicants, representing one of the most accessible admission policies among four-year institutions nationally. This open-access approach means that nearly all students who apply and meet basic eligibility requirements receive admission offers. The peer median admission rate of 84.2% shows that even among similar small public institutions, California State University Maritime Academy maintains exceptionally accessible admission standards.

This accessibility reflects the academy's specialized mission in maritime education, where the focus is on career preparation rather than academic selectivity. The high admission rate should not be interpreted as indicating lower academic quality—rather, it represents the institution's commitment to providing maritime career pathways to students who demonstrate interest in these specialized fields. For prospective students, this means that admission is highly probable, allowing applicants to focus on program fit and career goals rather than competitive positioning. Students should view California State University Maritime Academy as a reliable option while building college lists that align with their maritime career interests.

California State University Maritime Academy's published cost of attendance reaches $27,138 annually, including $19,552 in out-of-state tuition (or $7,672 for California residents), $13,976 for room and board, and $1,032 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $17,555 after financial aid, representing savings of $9,583 from the sticker price.

Compared to peer institutions with a median net price of $13,302, California State University Maritime Academy costs $4,253 more annually. This premium reflects the specialized nature of maritime education, including vessel operations, maritime laboratories, and industry-specific facilities that require substantial investment. The higher net price relative to peers corresponds with significantly higher graduate earnings, with California State University Maritime Academy graduates earning $48,110 more annually than peer institution graduates. For families, this means higher upfront costs but substantially stronger earning potential that typically justifies the additional investment over a career.

California State University Maritime Academy graduates demonstrate strong earning trajectories with notable mid-career growth. Median earnings increase from $84,676 six years after enrollment to $100,202 at eight years, before settling at $94,784 at ten years, reflecting the specialized nature of maritime career progression. These outcomes are based on cohorts of 356, 347, and 310 graduates respectively, providing confidence in the reported figures.

The academy generates $7,196 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking at the 80.2nd percentile nationally for value-added performance. Low-income graduates earn $87,300, placing California State University Maritime Academy in the top 5% nationally for serving students from lower-income backgrounds. Earnings variation from the 25th percentile ($63,941) to the 75th percentile ($134,253) represents a 2.1:1 ratio, indicating consistent outcomes across maritime specializations. Approximately 24.8% of graduates continue to graduate study, though most enter the workforce directly into maritime officer positions with strong earning potential.

California State University Maritime Academy offers 3 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data, each serving distinct maritime industry sectors. Mechanical Engineering ranks #4 nationally and #4 in California, graduating 44 students with median earnings of $101,325 and an exceptional value score of 98.7, indicating outstanding return on investment.

Commercial Fishing ranks #6 nationally and #1 in California, representing the academy's largest program with 69 graduates earning $98,863 annually. This unique specialization reflects California's commercial fishing industry needs and the academy's distinctive maritime mission. Business Administration graduates earn $52,107 with 38 students in the cohort, ranking #252 nationally but serving essential maritime business management roles. All three programs qualify as top majors at the school, reflecting the academy's focused mission in maritime education and industry preparation.