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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $29,853 |
| Tuition and Fees | $22,544 |
| Room and Board | $14,536 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,029 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$9,298 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $20,555 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $13,552 |
| $30–48k | $9,768 |
| $48–75k | $16,948 |
| $75–110k | $21,257 |
| $110k+ | $24,911 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
California State University Maritime Academy graduates carry median debt of $24,965, above the peer median of $21,500 by $3,465. Debt levels range from $8,750 at the 25th percentile to $29,197 at the 75th percentile, showing relatively concentrated borrowing patterns.
The debt percentile ranking of 36th nationally indicates debt levels are modestly below average when compared across all four-year institutions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 represents highly manageable borrowing given the strong earning outcomes, with graduates earning $94,784 annually to service this debt. Parent PLUS borrowing reaches a median of $25,316 with monthly payments of $333, reflecting family investment in specialized maritime education.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
California State University Maritime Academy represents exceptional educational investment value despite higher costs relative to peers. Graduates earn $7,196 beyond expectations, ranking at the 80.2nd percentile nationally for value-added performance.
The median debt of $24,965, while above peer institutions, results in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26—highly manageable given earnings of $94,784. The institution ranks in the top 5% nationally for median earnings and low-income earnings outcomes, indicating exceptional return on investment across student populations. Graduates earn $48,110 more annually than peer institution graduates, a premium that typically recovers the additional borrowing within the first few years after graduation.
For students committed to maritime careers, California State University Maritime Academy delivers among the strongest financial returns available in higher education, justifying the investment through specialized education that leads directly to high-demand, well-compensated maritime professions.
California State University Maritime Academy enrolls 28.7% Pell-eligible students, indicating meaningful access for lower-income families despite the institution's specialized mission. The $9,583 difference between sticker price and average net price demonstrates substantial financial aid availability, though the final net price of $17,555 remains above the peer median. The progressive pricing structure by income level shows that financial aid concentrates support where families need it most, with the lowest-income students paying $11,357 compared to $24,740 for the highest-income families.
This approach enables access for students from diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining the specialized maritime programs that distinguish the academy. The aid structure recognizes that maritime career preparation requires investment in specialized facilities and equipment while ensuring that family income does not prevent qualified students from pursuing these high-earning career pathways.
While debt levels exceed peer institutions, the exceptional earning potential—with graduates earning $48,110 more than peers—justifies the additional borrowing for most students. The debt burden becomes sustainable given the career trajectories available in maritime industries.
