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.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Massachusetts Maritime Academy enrolls 17.0% Pell-eligible students and 21.1% first-generation students, indicating a student body with some economic diversity though lower than many public institutions. The 7.3% transfer share suggests that most students begin their maritime education as first-time freshmen rather than transferring from other institutions. This composition reflects the specialized nature of maritime programs, which often require sequential course sequences that are difficult to replicate at other institutions. The relatively lower Pell share compared to typical public colleges may reflect the specialized career focus attracting students from maritime-connected families or regions. Students from lower-income families should note that while 17.0% of enrolled students receive Pell grants, this share is below the national average for public institutions. First-generation students will find that approximately one in five classmates shares their background, providing some peer support in navigating college. The low transfer rate indicates that students typically commit to maritime education from the beginning of their college careers, making initial program selection particularly important.
With a 94.5% acceptance rate, Massachusetts Maritime Academy offers open access admission, making it accessible for most qualified applicants. However, students seeking alternatives may want different geographic locations, cost structures, or program focuses.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
Massachusetts Maritime Academy demonstrates solid retention and completion outcomes for enrolled students. 78.9% of freshmen return for sophomore year, and 79.1% graduate within six years, both rates exceeding the peer median completion rate of 43.4%. Pell-eligible students graduate at 72.4%, creating a 6.7 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This gap suggests that lower-income students face some additional challenges in completing maritime programs, though completion rates remain substantial. The retention rate of 78.9% exceeds the peer median of 72.9%, indicating that students who enroll typically adjust well to the academy's specialized environment. Students who gain admission can expect institutional support systems that help most students persist to graduation, particularly given the focused career preparation and tight-knit maritime community. Prospective students should consider that success at the academy requires commitment to the demanding technical curriculum and maritime lifestyle. The completion rates suggest that students who align well with maritime careers typically thrive in this specialized educational environment.
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