At $17,555/yr net price, California State University Maritime Academy graduates earn $94,784/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $60,784/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,555 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $70,220 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $94,784/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$60,784/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,965 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,357/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,148/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,648/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,533/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,740/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Transportation. | Bachelor | $94,408 | $26,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $78,971 | $19,690 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $78,971 | |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $66,171 | $24,757 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $20,500 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $47,394 | $25,500 |
The Risk Factor
66.8% of students at California State University Maritime Academy graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 33% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
California State University Maritime Academy delivers strong financial returns through specialized programs that tap into California's maritime and engineering job markets. Your median earnings of $94,784 after graduation put this small public school well above national averages, while keeping debt manageable at under $25,000.
Marine Transportation stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $94,408 annually despite slightly higher debt loads. The program connects directly to California's massive shipping industry and maritime ports. Mechanical Engineering also performs well at $78,971, reflecting strong demand for technical skills in the Bay Area's industrial sectors.
Business programs show inconsistent returns, with identical majors producing vastly different outcomes ranging from $52,107 to $78,971. This suggests your career trajectory depends heavily on which specific business track you choose and how well you leverage the school's maritime industry connections.
The school presents two key financial risks. The 67% graduation rate means one in three students never finish their degree, wasting both time and money. The 76% retention rate signals that many students struggle with the specialized curriculum or maritime focus early on.
You should consider Cal Maritime if you want hands-on maritime training, can handle technical coursework, and plan to work in California's shipping or engineering industries. The school works best for students committed to maritime careers rather than those exploring general business or liberal arts paths.
Financial aid reaches only 29% of students, suggesting limited need-based support. However, the relatively low net price of $17,555 makes the school accessible even without significant aid packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University Maritime Academy worth the cost compared to other schools?
Cal Maritime graduates earn $94,784 after 10 years, which is strong for a state school with a net price of $17,555 annually. The specialized maritime programs lead to well-paying careers that justify the investment for most students.
Which programs at California State University Maritime Academy have the best return on investment?
Marine Transportation offers the highest ROI at $94,408 in median earnings, followed by Mechanical Engineering at $78,971. Business programs show more mixed results, with earnings ranging from $52,107 to $78,971 depending on specialization.
How much debt do California State University Maritime Academy graduates typically have?
The median debt is $24,965, which is reasonable given the strong earning potential. Marine Transportation and engineering graduates can typically pay this off quickly, but students in lower-earning business tracks may struggle more.
What are the biggest risks of attending California State University Maritime Academy?
The 66.8% graduation rate means one in three students don't finish, and the specialized programs limit career flexibility if maritime interests change. Students who switch to lower-paying majors may find the debt harder to manage.