Students at California State University Maritime Academy achieve some of the strongest financial outcomes among all public universities, with graduates earning nearly $95,000 ten years after enrollment.
The academy's specialized programs in maritime studies, engineering, and business create direct pathways to high-paying careers that consistently exceed national earnings expectations.
Azimuth ranks California State University Maritime Academy 25th out of 406 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the top 6% for overall value. What makes Cal Maritime exceptional is its laser focus on career preparation in specialized fields that lead directly to high-paying jobs. With median earnings of $94,784 ten years after enrollment—among the highest we track for any public university—graduates consistently outperform expectations by substantial margins.
The academy serves a focused student population of about 1,100 undergraduates, with roughly 29% receiving Pell Grants and 20% being first-generation college students. While access is more limited than at comprehensive universities, students who do enroll see remarkable financial outcomes. The institution's specialized programs in maritime studies, mechanical engineering, and business administration create direct pipelines into industries where starting salaries are strong and career advancement is predictable.
As California's designated maritime academy, Cal Maritime combines the intimate scale of a specialized college with the earning power typically associated with elite private institutions. For students drawn to maritime careers, engineering, or business logistics, few public options deliver stronger long-term financial returns.
California State University Maritime Academy's program portfolio reflects its specialized mission and exceptional earning outcomes. Commercial Fishing, the academy's signature program, graduates 69 students annually with median earnings of $94,408, representing the highest aggregate return among all majors. This program exemplifies Cal Maritime's unique position in higher education—offering specialized training that leads directly to high-demand careers in maritime industries.
Mechanical Engineering serves as the academy's largest program with 44 graduates earning around $78,971, while Business Administration graduates 38 students who earn $52,107 in early career roles. These programs reflect the academy's focus on practical, industry-connected education that prepares students for immediate career placement in maritime logistics, port operations, and marine engineering.
What distinguishes Cal Maritime's programs is their direct connection to high-paying career pathways. The academy's specialized focus means every major is designed around industry needs and employer demand, creating exceptional earning potential across the limited but highly targeted program portfolio. This concentrated approach explains why graduates consistently achieve top-tier financial outcomes regardless of their specific field of study.
California State University Maritime Academy delivers some of the strongest financial outcomes among all public universities nationwide. Graduates earn a median of $94,784 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the top 3% nationally for long-term earnings. Even more impressive, graduates earn about $7,200 more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting the academy's exceptional ability to prepare students for high-demand careers in maritime industries, engineering, and specialized business fields.
The academy's focused program portfolio drives these outstanding results. Commercial Fishing graduates—the institution's signature program with 69 graduates—earn around $94,408 and represent the highest aggregate return among all majors. Mechanical Engineering, the largest program with 44 graduates, produces median earnings of $78,971, while Business Administration graduates earn $52,107 in early career roles that often lead to management positions in maritime logistics and port operations.
What sets Cal Maritime apart is how consistently its specialized programs translate into immediate career placement and rapid salary growth. The academy's industry connections, hands-on training approach, and focus on high-demand maritime and engineering skills create a direct pathway from classroom to career. Graduates enter fields where employers actively recruit and starting salaries reflect the specialized nature of the training, leading to the exceptional long-term earnings outcomes that place Cal Maritime among the top-performing public institutions nationwide.
California State University Maritime Academy offers solid affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families seeking high-return specialized education. Low-income students pay about $11,357 annually, well below typical costs at comparable specialized institutions, while middle-income families see net prices around $16,648 per year. Even high-income families pay $24,740 annually, which represents strong value given the exceptional earning outcomes graduates achieve.
Debt levels are manageable relative to the strong earnings graduates command. Typical federal student loan debt is about $24,965, and Parent PLUS borrowing averages $25,316—both reasonable amounts considering graduates earn nearly $95,000 ten years out. The academy's focused career preparation means students generally move quickly into well-paying positions, making loan repayment straightforward for most borrowers.
What makes Cal Maritime particularly sustainable financially is the direct connection between program costs and career outcomes. Students invest in specialized training that leads immediately to high-demand careers in maritime industries, engineering, and logistics. With median earnings approaching $95,000 and strong early-career placement rates, graduates can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building long-term financial security in stable, well-compensated fields.
California State University Maritime Academy Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
