Massachusetts Maritime Academy: 89.4% Acceptance Rate

89.4%Acceptance

$10,816Tuition

1,270Students

79%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$82,392Earnings

#14 in MassachusettsPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Massachusetts Maritime Academy trains the next generation of marine engineers, ship captains, and maritime professionals. The school enrolls 1,270 students on its Buzzards Bay campus, where cadets follow a regimented program that blends classroom learning with hands-on seamanship training. With an 89% acceptance rate, MMA welcomes motivated students ready for its disciplined maritime focus. The Buccaneers compete in 16 NCAA Division III sports, maintaining the academy's tradition of producing both skilled mariners and well-rounded graduates.

Students pay an average net price of $26,661, but the investment pays off quickly in the maritime industry. Graduates earn a median of $82,392 ten years after graduation, with many landing high-paying positions as ship officers or marine engineers immediately after completion. The typical graduate carries $25,000 in debt with manageable monthly payments of $265. For lower-income families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to just $5,269, making this career-focused education surprisingly affordable.

The student body is 86% male, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated maritime industry, though women are increasingly choosing maritime careers. With a 96.6% employment rate, MMA graduates rarely struggle to find work. The academy's specialized training and strong industry connections virtually guarantee career placement for those who complete the rigorous four-year program.

Academics & Faculty

Massachusetts Maritime Academy specializes in maritime training, marine engineering, and transportation logistics programs that prepare students for careers at sea and in the maritime industry. The school's 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures hands-on instruction in specialized fields like marine engineering, international maritime business, and emergency management. Students train on the academy's training ship and in state-of-the-art simulation labs. The 79% four-year graduation rate reflects the rigorous, specialized nature of the programs. Most graduates enter high-demand fields in shipping, offshore energy, and marine transportation. The academy's focus on practical maritime skills and industry connections makes it one of only seven state maritime academies in the United States.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 66.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 79.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 79.1%
Retention Rate: 78.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $82,392
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Engineering-Related Fields.	Master	$97,071
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.	Bachelor	$89,968
Marine Transportation.	Bachelor	$81,886
Engineering, Other.	Bachelor	$73,035
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other.	Master	$64,913
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other.	Bachelor	$50,439
Natural Resources Conservation and Research.	Bachelor	$50,231
International Business.	Bachelor	$49,631

View all 14 programs →

Campus Life

Campus life at Massachusetts Maritime Academy revolves around the working waterfront of Buzzards Bay, about 60 miles south of Boston. With housing capacity for 1,420 students and total enrollment of 1,270, nearly all students can live on campus in a tight-knit maritime community. The male-dominated student body (85.59% men) creates a brotherhood atmosphere centered around seamanship and engineering.

New England winters require heavy coats and boots, while spring and fall offer ideal sailing weather on the bay. The Buccaneers compete in 16 varsity sports with 448 total athletes, making athletics a major weekend activity. Students also spend time at nearby Cape Cod beaches or take the train to Boston for city adventures. The regimental structure means uniforms, inspections, and formal ceremonies are part of daily routine. Summer sea terms aboard the training ship break up the traditional semester calendar. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and career goals. The 96.6% employment rate reflects the academy's strong industry connections and the practical, hands-on culture that defines campus life.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 1,420 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1891

Campus Safety (2023)

5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	1	1	1	0
Fondling	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–38°F
July Avg: 64°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 51.1"
Annual Snowfall: 37.2"

Student Demographics

Massachusetts Maritime Academy draws students who are serious about careers at sea and in marine industries. Men make up 86% of the student body, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated maritime field. About 70% come from Massachusetts, showing the academy's strong reputation throughout New England's coastal communities. Only 17% receive Pell Grants, suggesting families who can invest in specialized maritime training. The student body is predominantly white at 80%, typical of many technical maritime programs. These students choose Mass Maritime specifically for its hands-on training ships and direct pipeline to high-paying maritime careers.

Men: 85.6%
Women: 14.4%
White: 79.9%
Black: 1.3%
Hispanic: 5.5%
Asian: 0.9%
In-State Students: 70.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 17.0%

Location

Buzzards Bay sits on Massachusetts' southeastern coast, about 60 miles south of Boston. The academy overlooks Cape Cod Canal, where students watch massive cargo ships navigate daily between Cape Cod Bay and Buzzards Bay. This coastal setting reinforces the school's maritime mission beyond the classroom. The surrounding area blends suburban neighborhoods with working waterfront communities. 70% of students come from within Massachusetts, drawn to this unique location where theory meets practice. Local fishing fleets and recreational boaters share the waters where cadets train on the academy's training ship. The campus sits minutes from Cape Cod's beaches while remaining accessible to Boston's job market. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Massachusetts Maritime Academy with similar schools in the region.

Address: Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts 02532-1803

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $82,392
Median Earnings (5 years): $98,832
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $75,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 84.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Massachusetts Maritime Academy?

Massachusetts Maritime Academy accepts 89.4% of applicants, making it relatively accessible for prospective students. The school focuses on finding students who are serious about maritime careers rather than being highly selective. With 1,270 students enrolled, the academy maintains a close-knit community atmosphere.

How much does Massachusetts Maritime Academy cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $26,661, though this varies by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,269 after aid, while those from higher-income families can expect to pay over $30,000. The school is known for producing graduates with strong earning potential in maritime industries.

What is Massachusetts Maritime Academy known for academically?

The academy specializes in maritime training and marine engineering programs with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Founded in 1891, it has built a reputation as one of the top maritime academies in the country. The hands-on training prepares students for careers in shipping, marine engineering, and maritime business.

How much do Massachusetts Maritime Academy graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median of $82,392 ten years after graduation, reflecting the strong demand for maritime professionals. The employment rate is an impressive 96.6%, with many graduates securing positions in shipping companies, the Coast Guard, and marine engineering firms. Even one year after graduation, the median earnings reach $73,306.

Where is Massachusetts Maritime Academy located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, in a large suburban setting along the coast. With housing capacity for 1,420 students, most of the 1,270 enrolled students can live on campus. The maritime setting provides an authentic environment for studying oceanography, marine transportation, and naval architecture.

Is Massachusetts Maritime Academy diverse in terms of gender and student body?

The student body is 85.6% male and 14.4% female, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated maritime industry. About 70% of students come from Massachusetts, creating strong regional connections. The academy's unique mission attracts students specifically interested in maritime careers rather than a general college experience.