SUNY Maritime admits approximately 78.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 out of 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places SUNY Maritime in the Open Access category, with admission rates well above most specialized technical institutions. The peer median admission rate of 84.2% indicates that SUNY Maritime maintains slightly more selective standards than typical public institutions of similar size and focus. This level of accessibility means that most academically prepared students who apply can expect admission, though the specialized nature of maritime programs may naturally limit the applicant pool to students with specific career interests. The combination of open access with highly technical program offerings creates opportunities for students seeking specialized maritime careers without the admission uncertainty of highly selective engineering schools. Prospective students should focus on demonstrating genuine interest in maritime careers and technical aptitude rather than worrying about competitive admission odds. This accessibility, combined with exceptional post-graduation earnings, makes SUNY Maritime an attractive option for students committed to maritime and marine engineering career paths.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at SUNY Maritime typically demonstrate strong academic preparation, with SAT scores ranging from 1091 to 1285 and a median of 1199. The middle 50% of enrolled students fall within this range, though students scoring outside these bounds are regularly admitted based on other qualifications and demonstrated interest in maritime careers. SAT Math scores range from 546 to 645, while SAT Verbal scores span 546 to 640, indicating balanced quantitative and communication skills essential for technical maritime programs. ACT scores range from 22 to 26 with a median of 26, reflecting solid academic foundation across subject areas. These test score ranges significantly exceed the peer median SAT of 1125 and ACT of 22, positioning SUNY Maritime students well above typical public institution academic profiles. The 74-point SAT advantage over peer institutions suggests that despite open access admission policies, the specialized program focus attracts academically capable students. Students scoring within or above these ranges can feel confident about their academic competitiveness, while those below the ranges should emphasize their commitment to maritime careers and relevant technical experience. The institution's focus on specialized career outcomes rather than broad liberal arts education means that demonstrated technical aptitude and career focus may weigh heavily in admission decisions.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
SUNY Maritime enrolls 20.6% Pell-eligible students and 21.5% first-generation students, indicating a student body with moderate economic diversity but fewer low-income students than typical public institutions. Transfer students comprise 12.3% of enrollment, reflecting the specialized nature of maritime programs that may be difficult to access through transfer pathways. This student composition suggests the institution serves primarily students from middle- to upper-middle-class backgrounds who can afford specialized technical education and maritime career preparation. The relatively low Pell share compared to comprehensive public universities reflects both the institution's specialized focus and the economic demographics of students drawn to maritime careers. Geographic diversity likely skews toward coastal regions and areas with maritime industry presence, given the specialized career focus. Students from lower-income backgrounds should note that while they represent a smaller share of enrollment, the institution's strong earnings outcomes provide substantial economic mobility potential. First-generation students comprise more than one-fifth of enrollment, indicating meaningful representation of students whose families may be less familiar with higher education navigation. The limited transfer enrollment suggests that students typically begin their maritime education at SUNY Maritime rather than transferring from other institutions.
Given SUNY Maritime's 78.5% acceptance rate, most qualified applicants should expect admission. However, students seeking alternatives should consider similar maritime academies, nearby engineering schools, or more affordable options with comparable outcomes.
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SUNY Maritime achieves a 79.7% retention rate and 74.9% graduation rate, with Pell-eligible students graduating at 74.2%, indicating strong institutional support across economic backgrounds. The 0.7 percentage point gap between overall and Pell completion rates is among the smallest we track, suggesting that once enrolled, low-income students receive effective support for degree completion. These completion rates exceed peer medians significantly, with retention 6.8 percentage points above peer institutions and completion 31.1 percentage points higher. The strong completion rates reflect both the career-focused nature of maritime programs and institutional commitment to student success across diverse backgrounds. Students who gain admission can expect substantial institutional support for degree completion, with completion rates well above national averages for specialized technical programs. The minimal Pell gap indicates that financial background does not significantly predict completion likelihood at SUNY Maritime, suggesting effective financial aid and student support systems. Lower-income students should feel confident that the institution provides adequate support for success, as evidenced by nearly identical completion rates across economic backgrounds. These retention and completion metrics indicate that the institution's specialized programs and career focus create strong motivation for degree completion among enrolled students.
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