Strong graduate outcomes with earnings well above peer institutions.
What graduates earn 10 years after enrollment.
Annual salary at 10 years
Lower quartile earnings
Upper quartile earnings
How graduate earnings grow in the decade after enrollment.
California State University Maritime Academy demonstrates strong earnings growth with unique mid-career patterns reflecting maritime industry progression. Graduates earn $84,676 six years after enrollment, increase to $100,202 at eight years, then moderate to $94,784 at ten years.
How outcomes compare to similar institutions.
Graduates from this institution significantly outperform peers — earnings are 103% higher than similar schools.
Financial justification for the investment.
Excellent affordability. Median debt of $24,965 is well under annual earnings, enabling comfortable repayment.
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.
California State University Maritime Academy delivers exceptional return on investment, ranking at the 95.4th percentile nationally with excellent tier performance. Graduates earn $7,196 beyond expectations compared to similar students, placing the academy at the 80.2nd percentile for value-added earnings.
Approximately 24.8% of California State University Maritime Academy graduates continue to graduate study, though the confidence level is low given lim...
Program mix explains much of the earnings story.
Program-level earnings at California State University Maritime Academy demonstrate how technical maritime specializations drive exceptional institutional outcomes. Mechanical Engineering graduates earn $101,325, ranking #4 nationally and contributing significantly to overall return performance.
Commercial Fishing graduates earn $98,863, representing a unique specialization that ranks #1 in California and #6 nationally. Business Administration graduates earn $52,107, providing essential maritime management skills while earning solid middle-class wages.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
Earnings distribution at California State University Maritime Academy shows relatively tight variation reflecting focused maritime career pathways. The spread from $63,941 at the 25th percentile to $134,253 at the 75th percentile represents a 2.1:1 ratio, indicating consistent outcomes across maritime specializations.
