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
Cal Maritime pays off, and the reason is narrow and specific: this is a maritime and engineering school, and those two paths drive the whole return. Median earnings ten years out clear $94k while median debt stays under $25k, so you graduate owing less than one year of typical pay. That ratio is strong.
Marine Transportation is the flagship, and it earns like it. A graduate makes nearly double what a Business Administration graduate here makes, and the maritime credential ties directly to licensed deck and engine jobs on ships and at ports. Mechanical Engineering also pays well and carries the lowest debt of any program listed, making it the best debt-to-earnings deal on campus. Business Administration and International Relations are the weak spots. Both land near or below $52k while carrying debt similar to the higher earners, so you take on Marine Transportation-level loans for half the payoff. If you come here, come for the maritime license or the engineering, not the general majors.
The specific risk is fit. This school works if you want to go to sea or into technical marine and engineering work. If you drop that track, the fallback majors don't clear the return that justifies the price. The 66.8% grad rate and 75.86% retention mean a real share of you won't finish, and unfinished debt with no license is the worst outcome here.
On price, if your family earns under $48k you pay around $11k-$12k a year, roughly half the sticker for families over $110k, who pay close to $24,740. For lower-income families targeting Marine Transportation or Mechanical Engineering, the math is clearly in your favor. For higher-income families paying near full price for Business or International Relations, look harder before committing.
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.