Cheapest Marine Transportation Colleges

Northwestern Michigan College delivers the nation's most affordable Marine Transportation program at just $5,243 net cost, yet graduates earn $105,306 annually. This creates an unusual pattern where the cheapest option produces the highest salaries among these seven schools. The Great Lakes shipping industry relies heavily on these programs to staff vessels carrying iron ore, grain, and other cargo across the region's 95,000 square miles of navigable waters.

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	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Northwestern Michigan College Traverse City, Michigan	$5,243	$5,350	24.9%
2	United States Merchant Marine Academy Kings Point, New York	$7,506	$945	80.6%	27.4%
3	California State University Maritime Academy Vallejo, California	$17,555	$7,672	66.8%	95.5%
4	Texas A & M University-College Station College Station, Texas	$20,924	$13,099	83.8%	62.7%
5	Maine Maritime Academy Castine, Maine	$21,185	$14,746	61.4%	57.7%
6	SUNY Maritime College Throggs Neck, New York	$21,781	$8,540	74.9%	80.3%
7	Massachusetts Maritime Academy Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts	$26,661	$10,816	79.1%	89.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Northwestern Michigan College graduates earn more than other programs?

Northwestern Michigan College graduates average $105,306 in earnings, outpacing even the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy despite costing $2,263 less. The Great Lakes shipping industry offers premium wages for experienced mariners who can navigate the region's challenging weather and ice conditions.

How do graduation rates compare across these maritime programs?

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy leads with an 80.6% graduation rate, followed closely by Texas A&M at 83.8%. California State University Maritime Academy accepts 95.5% of applicants but maintains a solid 66.8% graduation rate, showing that accessibility doesn't compromise completion.

Does the Maritime Academy system offer better value than traditional universities?

Maritime academies typically cost between $21,000-$27,000 annually but produce graduates earning $73,000-$94,000. Texas A&M offers the best balance at $20,924 net cost with $86,129 earnings and maintains the highest overall graduation rate at 83.8%.

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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.