At $21,185/yr net price, Maine Maritime Academy graduates earn $89,964/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $55,964/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,185 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,740 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $89,964/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$55,964/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,499/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,642/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,372/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,427/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,342/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $106,421 | $27,000 |
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. | Bachelor | $97,705 | $27,000 |
| Marine Transportation. | Bachelor | $82,440 | $27,000 |
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. | Bachelor | $81,997 | $27,000 |
| Systems Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,749 | |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $49,464 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
61.4% of students at Maine Maritime Academy graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Maine Maritime Academy delivers strong financial returns for a specialized institution, with median earnings of nearly $90,000 placing graduates well above national averages for their debt load of $27,000.
Business Administration leads earnings at over $106,000, making it the clear winner financially among MMA's programs. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering follows closely at nearly $98,000, reflecting strong demand for specialized maritime engineers. Marine Transportation graduates earn $82,440, solid for the field but lower than you might expect from a maritime-focused school. Systems Engineering significantly underperforms at $63,749, making it a questionable choice given similar debt loads across programs.
The school's specialized focus creates both opportunity and risk. You'll find excellent job placement in maritime industries, but your career options remain narrow compared to traditional universities. The 61% graduation rate signals academic challenges, likely due to the technical rigor of maritime programs.
MMA works best if you're committed to maritime careers and can handle technical coursework. The relatively low net price of $21,185 makes the financial risk manageable even if you switch majors or struggle academically. However, only 25% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited need-based assistance.
Avoid MMA if you're uncertain about maritime careers or prefer keeping your options open. The specialized curriculum doesn't transfer well to other fields, and the rural Maine location limits internship and job opportunities outside maritime industries. Choose Business Administration or Naval Architecture for the strongest returns, but skip Systems Engineering unless you have specific industry connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maine Maritime Academy worth the cost compared to other schools?
Maine Maritime Academy graduates earn $89,964 annually after 10 years, which is strong for a regional school. The $21,185 net price and $27,000 median debt create a reasonable debt-to-income ratio for most programs.
Which Maine Maritime Academy programs have the best ROI?
Business Administration leads with $106,421 average earnings, followed by Naval Architecture at $97,705. Marine Transportation and Engineering Technologies also clear $80,000, making these programs solid investments.
What are the risks of attending Maine Maritime Academy?
The 61% graduation rate means nearly 4 in 10 students don't finish, which creates debt without degree benefits. The specialized maritime focus also limits career flexibility if students change interests.
How much debt do Maine Maritime Academy students typically graduate with?
Median debt is $27,000, which is manageable given the $89,964 average earnings after 10 years. This creates a debt-to-income ratio around 30%, which is considered reasonable for student loans.