At $21,781/yr net price, SUNY Maritime College graduates earn $95,951/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $61,951/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,781 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,124 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $95,951/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$61,951/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 74.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,478/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,378/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,225/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,922/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,193/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $87,973 | $25,064 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $86,129 | |
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. | Bachelor | $81,997 | $27,000 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $79,081 | $24,989 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $76,460 | $31,312 |
| Marine Transportation. | Bachelor | $73,446 | $23,250 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,219 | $26,000 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $19,500 |
| Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
The Risk Factor
74.9% of students at SUNY Maritime College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
SUNY Maritime College delivers strong financial returns with graduates earning nearly $96,000 annually against relatively low debt loads. Your typical graduate carries just $23,250 in debt, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio that few maritime programs can match.
The engineering programs justify the investment most clearly. Mechanical Engineering leads with $87,973 in median earnings, while Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering graduates earn $81,997 annually. These specialized programs tap directly into New York's shipping industry and broader maritime sector, where demand for technical expertise runs high. Industrial Engineering also performs well at $79,081 annually.
Business programs show more variation in outcomes. While some Business Administration graduates reach $86,129 in earnings, others plateau at $76,460 with higher debt loads reaching $31,312. The gap suggests program track and internship quality matter significantly for business majors.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the 25% of students who don't graduate. Maritime programs demand technical aptitude and the discipline to handle both academic coursework and hands-on training. The 79.7% retention rate signals that some students struggle with the transition.
This school works best financially if you're committed to maritime or engineering careers and can handle the technical demands. The New York location provides access to major shipping companies and engineering firms that actively recruit Maritime graduates. You should look elsewhere if you want broad liberal arts options or lack clear direction toward maritime industries.
The low financial aid percentage means most students pay close to full price, but the SUNY system keeps costs reasonable compared to private maritime academies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SUNY Maritime College worth the cost?
SUNY Maritime College delivers strong ROI with graduates earning $95,951 ten years after graduation while carrying relatively low debt of $23,250. The specialized maritime and engineering programs lead to high-paying careers that justify the $21,781 annual net price.
What are the highest paying majors at SUNY Maritime College?
Mechanical Engineering tops the list at $87,973, followed by Business Administration at $86,129 and Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at $81,997. Even the lower-paying programs still produce graduates earning over $76,000 annually.
How much debt do SUNY Maritime College graduates typically have?
The median debt is $23,250, which is manageable given the school's strong earning outcomes. This debt-to-income ratio makes SUNY Maritime a relatively safe financial choice compared to many other colleges.
Does SUNY Maritime College have good job placement after graduation?
With a 74.90% graduation rate and strong industry connections in maritime and engineering sectors, job prospects are solid. The specialized nature of the programs creates a direct pipeline to well-paying careers in shipping, engineering, and related industries.