Marine Sciences Colleges Under $20,000

Marine Sciences programs span a remarkable cost spectrum, from Florida's flagship university charging just $6,351 net annually to Texas at Austin reaching $19,678. The College of the Florida Keys offers an unusual pathway with in-state costs of only $3,279, though its 40.80% graduation rate signals challenges. California dominates the middle tier with three strong options, while coastal job markets from Maine to California provide research opportunities at marine labs, aquariums, and federal agencies like NOAA.

Programs

$6,351 – $19,678

Net Price Range

$29,568

Avg. Program Earnings

71.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

8 Marine Sciences Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Florida Gainesville, Florida	$6,351	$6,381	91.5%	23.4%
2	The College of the Florida Keys Key West, Florida	$13,818	$3,279	40.8%
3	California State University-Monterey Bay Seaside, California	$14,487	$7,437	63.2%	92.4%
4	University of California-Davis Davis, California	$15,288	$15,247	85.1%	37.3%
5	California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, California	$15,624	$11,075	85.2%	30.4%
6	University of Maine Orono, Maine	$18,045	$12,606	56.4%	94.0%
7	Western Washington University Bellingham, Washington	$18,680	$9,286	65.5%	92.7%
8	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas	$19,678	$11,678	87.6%	31.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between Florida programs?

The University of Florida charges $6,351 net annually with a 91.50% graduation rate, while The College of the Florida Keys costs $13,818 net but only $3,279 for in-state students. Florida Keys has a 40.80% graduation rate, reflecting its smaller scale and different student population compared to the research university in Gainesville.

How do California marine science programs compare in value?

Three California schools offer marine sciences between $14,487 and $15,624 net annually. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and UC Davis both maintain 85% graduation rates with competitive admissions around 30-37%, while CSU Monterey Bay accepts 92.39% of applicants with a 63.20% graduation rate.

Where do marine science graduates typically earn after college?

Available earnings data shows graduates earning $29,141 at University of Maine and $29,995 at CSU Monterey Bay. These figures reflect entry-level positions in marine research, environmental consulting, or government agencies, with coastal locations often providing more opportunities in marine industries.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.