At $26,661/yr net price, Massachusetts Maritime Academy graduates earn $82,392/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $48,392/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,661 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $106,644 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $82,392/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$48,392/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 79.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,269/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,843/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,919/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,991/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,261/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $97,071 | |
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. | Bachelor | $89,968 | $27,000 |
| Marine Transportation. | Bachelor | $81,886 | $23,250 |
| Engineering, Other. | Bachelor | $73,035 | $26,000 |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other. | Master | $64,913 | $33,263 |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other. | Bachelor | $50,439 | $25,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $50,231 | $26,000 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $49,631 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
79.1% of students at Massachusetts Maritime Academy graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 21% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Massachusetts Maritime Academy delivers strong financial returns with median earnings of $82,392 outpacing the $26,661 annual net price by a comfortable margin. The school's specialized maritime focus translates into solid career outcomes in fields where technical expertise commands premium wages.
Engineering programs offer the strongest payoff, with graduates earning $97,071 annually. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering follows at $89,968, while Marine Transportation graduates earn $81,886. These technical tracks justify their costs through access to specialized maritime industries where MMA's reputation carries weight with employers along the Eastern seaboard.
The $25,000 median debt load remains manageable given earning potential, though some programs require more borrowing than others. Homeland Security graduates carry $33,263 in debt for $64,913 in earnings, creating a less favorable debt-to-income ratio than the engineering tracks.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the school's narrow focus. If maritime industries face downturns or you discover the field isn't right for you, transferring credits becomes complicated. The 78.86% retention rate suggests some students do leave, potentially with debt and limited transferable coursework.
This school works financially if you're committed to maritime careers and can handle the military-style environment. The specialized training pipeline into well-paying technical roles makes the investment worthwhile for motivated students. However, only 16.97% of students receive financial aid, so merit scholarships may be limited.
Skip MMA if you're uncertain about maritime careers or need extensive financial aid options. The narrow curriculum and regimented structure create financial risk if you need to change direction mid-program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Massachusetts Maritime Academy worth the cost compared to other colleges?
Massachusetts Maritime Academy graduates earn $82,392 after 10 years with median debt of $25,000, giving it a strong debt-to-income ratio. The school's focus on maritime and engineering fields leads to higher starting salaries than most liberal arts programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Massachusetts Maritime Academy?
Engineering-Related Fields top the list at $97,071 annually, followed by Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at $89,968. Even the lower-paying programs like Homeland Security still average $64,913, well above the national median.
How much debt do Massachusetts Maritime Academy students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $25,000, which is manageable given graduate earnings of $82,000+. With a net price of $26,661 per year, many students can limit borrowing through financial aid and work opportunities.
Does Massachusetts Maritime Academy have good job prospects after graduation?
The 79% graduation rate combined with specialized maritime training leads to strong employment in shipping, engineering, and marine industries. The school's industry connections and hands-on training typically result in job placement rates above average for similar programs.