About California State University Maritime Academy
Cal Maritime trains the next generation of merchant marine officers and maritime professionals. With just 761 students, this specialized academy focuses intensively on nautical science, marine engineering, and related fields. The campus sits in Vallejo, providing direct access to San Francisco Bay for hands-on training aboard the academy's own vessel, the Golden Bear.
Students pay an average net price of $17,555, which proves remarkably affordable for the career outcomes it delivers. Graduates earn a median of $94,784 ten years after graduation, with many landing positions immediately after college. The 98% employment rate reflects the strong demand for maritime officers in commercial shipping. With median debt of just $24,965 and monthly loan payments of $265, graduates typically manage their educational investment well against their earning potential.
The student body skews heavily male at 81%, reflecting the traditionally masculine maritime industry. Nearly 90% of students come from California, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention from instructors who often have real-world maritime experience. NAIA athletics include 17 varsity sports for 216 student-athletes, though the academic and professional training programs remain the clear priority.
Students pay an average net price of $17,555, which proves remarkably affordable for the career outcomes it delivers. Graduates earn a median of $94,784 ten years after graduation, with many landing positions immediately after college. The 98% employment rate reflects the strong demand for maritime officers in commercial shipping. With median debt of just $24,965 and monthly loan payments of $265, graduates typically manage their educational investment well against their earning potential.
The student body skews heavily male at 81%, reflecting the traditionally masculine maritime industry. Nearly 90% of students come from California, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention from instructors who often have real-world maritime experience. NAIA athletics include 17 varsity sports for 216 student-athletes, though the academic and professional training programs remain the clear priority.
Academics & Faculty
California State University Maritime Academy trains future merchant marine officers and maritime industry professionals. The school specializes in hands-on maritime education, offering degrees in marine engineering technology, marine transportation, and global studies and maritime affairs. With just 761 students and a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, cadets receive intensive, personalized instruction that mirrors military academy training. The 64.93% four-year graduation rate reflects the program's demanding nature and rigorous academic standards. Students spend significant time aboard the training vessel Golden Bear, gaining real-world experience at sea. The academy's focused curriculum prepares graduates for immediate employment in shipping, logistics, and maritime operations, with a 98% employment rate proving the industry demand for these specialized skills.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 76.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 64.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 66.8%
- Retention Rate
- 75.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $94,784
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Transportation. | Bachelor | $94,408 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $78,971 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $78,971 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $66,171 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $47,394 |
Campus Life
Cal Maritime sits on 87 waterfront acres in Vallejo, about 30 miles northeast of San Francisco across the bay. With only 761 students total, this feels more like a specialized training program than a traditional college campus. Men make up 81% of the student body, creating a distinctly masculine atmosphere focused on maritime careers. The campus houses 774 students, meaning nearly everyone lives on-campus in a tight-knit community.
Students wake up to mild Bay Area weather year-round - you'll need layers for foggy mornings but rarely heavy winter gear. The famous Training Ship Golden Bear dominates campus life, where students complete hands-on maritime training alongside classroom work. Weekends often revolve around sailing, outdoor activities in nearby Napa Valley, or quick trips to San Francisco via ferry. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally. With 98% employment rates and median earnings of $94,784 within ten years, students here are laser-focused on launching maritime careers rather than typical college parties.
Students wake up to mild Bay Area weather year-round - you'll need layers for foggy mornings but rarely heavy winter gear. The famous Training Ship Golden Bear dominates campus life, where students complete hands-on maritime training alongside classroom work. Weekends often revolve around sailing, outdoor activities in nearby Napa Valley, or quick trips to San Francisco via ferry. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally. With 98% employment rates and median earnings of $94,784 within ten years, students here are laser-focused on launching maritime careers rather than typical college parties.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 774 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 42°–57°F
- July Avg
- 55°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 21.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
The student body at California State University Maritime Academy skews heavily male at 81%, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated maritime industry the school serves. Nearly 90% of students come from California, showing the academy's strong regional pull for aspiring merchant marine officers. The demographics mirror the state's diversity, with significant Hispanic and Asian populations alongside white students. About 29% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school attracts working-class students seeking stable maritime careers. This practical-minded student body values the academy's direct pipeline to well-paying jobs in shipping, engineering, and marine transportation.
- Men
- 81.1%
- Women
- 18.9%
- White
- 47.7%
- Black
- 3.2%
- Hispanic
- 22.2%
- Asian
- 10.3%
- In-State Students
- 89.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.7%
Location
Vallejo sits about 30 miles northeast of San Francisco in the San Francisco Bay Area. The city of 121,000 people offers a mix of suburban neighborhoods and waterfront access along the Carquinez Strait. Students here benefit from proximity to both San Francisco's job market and the maritime industry that defines the region. The campus overlooks the water, providing hands-on training opportunities with the school's fleet of vessels. Nearly 90% of students come from within California, drawn to this specialized maritime education. The area combines small-town feel with big-city accessibility. Students considering colleges in California may also compare California State University Maritime Academy with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Vallejo, California 94590-8181
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $94,784
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $108,075
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $76,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 81.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,965
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at California State University Maritime Academy?
The acceptance rate is 95.5%, making it very accessible to most applicants. This maritime academy focuses on training future merchant marine officers rather than competing for prestige through selectivity.
How much does California State University Maritime Academy cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $17,555, with lower-income students paying as little as $11,357. Only 28.7% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the school's focus on middle-class families entering maritime careers.
What is the student-faculty ratio at California State University Maritime Academy?
The student-faculty ratio is 10:1, providing hands-on training essential for maritime education. With only 761 students total, this specialized academy offers intensive, personalized instruction for future ship officers.
How much do California State University Maritime Academy graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median of $94,784 ten years after graduation, with an exceptional 98% employment rate. The maritime industry's demand for trained officers creates strong job security and high starting salaries for academy graduates.
Where is California State University Maritime Academy located?
The campus is located in Vallejo, California, strategically positioned on San Francisco Bay. This waterfront location provides direct access to maritime training facilities and the Pacific shipping industry.
Is California State University Maritime Academy mainly male students?
Yes, 81.1% of students are male, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated maritime industry. The academy is working to increase female enrollment in what remains one of the most gender-imbalanced fields in higher education.
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