Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Massachusetts Maritime Academy's published cost of attendance totals $37,721 per year, including $23,910 in out-of-state tuition, $10,816 for in-state residents, $14,526 for room and board, and $1,500 for books and supplies. The average student pays $26,661 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,060 from the sticker price.

This net price significantly exceeds the peer median of $13,302, making the academy $13,359 more expensive than similar institutions. The higher net costs reflect the specialized nature of maritime education and the academy's unique training facilities, including ships and marine equipment that require substantial operational investments.

Despite the elevated costs, the academy's exceptional earnings outcomes help justify the premium pricing through strong long-term financial returns. Students should carefully consider the cost-benefit relationship, recognizing that maritime careers often provide compensation levels that support the higher educational investment required for specialized training.

Massachusetts Maritime Academy graduates demonstrate strong earnings trajectories with substantial growth potential over time. Median earnings begin at $80,424 six years after enrollment, rise to $99,847 at eight years, then settle at $82,392 at ten years, representing a 2.4% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on relatively small but stable cohorts of 87 graduates at six years, 74 at eight years, and 69 at ten years, providing confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $23,927 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Massachusetts Maritime Academy at the 95.8th percentile for earnings uplift and achieving top-tier performance.

The earnings distribution spans from $55,062 at the 25th percentile to $123,345 at the 75th percentile, reflecting career diversity within maritime and related technical fields. Approximately 31.6% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, though this estimate carries low confidence due to the specialized program mix.

Massachusetts Maritime Academy offers seven bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data, all achieving #1 rankings within Massachusetts in their respective fields. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering ranks #1 nationally, producing 83 graduates with median earnings of $114,713 and a perfect value score of 100.0.

Commercial Fishing also ranks #1 nationally, graduating 67 students with median earnings of $106,416 and a value score of 100.0. Engineering, Other ranks #2 nationally and #1 in Massachusetts, graduating 71 students with median earnings of $92,472.

Homeland Security and related protective services ranks #1 nationally, graduating 55 students with median earnings of $73,228. Environmental Science ranks #10 nationally and #1 in Massachusetts, with 41 graduates earning $64,846.

All seven programs rank #1 within Massachusetts, reflecting the academy's specialized maritime focus and lack of direct in-state competition.

Massachusetts Maritime Academy admits 94.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 19 in 20 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the academy in the Open Access category, with admission rates above 75%.

The peer median admission rate of 84.2% indicates that Massachusetts Maritime Academy is somewhat more accessible than typical institutions in its comparison group. This high acceptance rate reflects the specialized nature of maritime education and the academy's mission to serve students interested in maritime careers.

The open access admission policy means that most students who meet basic requirements and demonstrate interest in maritime fields can expect admission. For prospective students, this selectivity level suggests that admission decisions focus more on program fit and career commitment than academic competition.

Students should approach their application by emphasizing their interest in maritime careers and demonstrating understanding of the specialized nature of the academy's programs. This admission rate creates opportunities for students who might not qualify for highly selective institutions but seek strong career outcomes in maritime fields.