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Best Value Marine Transportation Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Northwestern Michigan College stands out dramatically in marine transportation education, charging just $5,243 while producing graduates who earn $105,306 annually. This creates the strongest return on investment in the field, particularly relevant as the Great Lakes shipping industry faces a critical shortage of licensed officers. The seven maritime academies show striking cost variations, from Northwestern's bargain pricing to Massachusetts Maritime's $26,661 net cost, yet all maintain direct pipelines to major shipping companies and federal maritime positions.
7
Programs
$5,243 – $26,661
Net Price Range
$87,269
Avg. Program Earnings
67.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

7 Marine Transportation Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $5,243 $105,306 $5,350 24.9%
2 $17,555 $94,408 $7,672 66.8% 95.5%
3 $20,924 $86,129 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
4 $21,185 $82,440 $14,746 61.4% 57.7%
5 $21,781 $73,446 $8,540 74.9% 80.3%
6 $26,661 $81,886 $10,816 79.1% 89.4%
7 $7,506 $945 80.6% 27.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Northwestern Michigan College's unusually high graduate earnings of $105,306?

Northwestern's location on the Great Lakes connects students directly to bulk shipping operations that transport iron ore, coal, and grain across the region. The college's 24.90% graduation rate reflects the program's selective nature and demanding coursework that prepares officers for immediate high-paying positions.

How do acceptance rates correlate with program quality in marine transportation?

The most selective program, US Merchant Marine Academy at 27.35% acceptance, produces federal service graduates, while California Maritime accepts 95.50% of applicants yet maintains strong industry connections. Texas A&M's 62.65% acceptance rate balances selectivity with the program's 83.80% graduation rate, the highest among these schools.

Does geographic location significantly impact marine transportation program costs?

Regional differences create substantial cost gaps, with California Maritime charging $17,555 net despite $7,672 in-state tuition. East Coast maritime academies like Maine and Massachusetts charge over $21,000 net cost, reflecting higher operational expenses in traditional maritime education centers.

More Marine Transportation Rankings

Cheapest Marine Transportation Marine Transportation Under $20,000

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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.