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$27,700Tuition
43Students
100%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$65,849Earnings
#3 in MainePrivate nonprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About The Landing School

The Landing School transforms boat building enthusiasts into professional craftsmen and marine technicians. This specialized trade school enrolls just 43 students in rural Maine, creating an intimate learning environment focused entirely on maritime trades. The school trains students in yacht design, composite boat construction, and marine systems technology. With a student-faculty ratio of 7:1, students work closely with master craftsmen who have decades of industry experience.

Students pay an average net price of $24,342 after financial aid, with tuition set at $27,700 for all students regardless of residency. Graduates earn a median of $38,305 in their first year after completion, rising to $65,849 by their tenth year in the workforce. The investment pays off relatively quickly given the specialized skills and strong industry demand. Only 20% of students receive federal Pell grants, suggesting many come from middle-class families willing to invest in maritime careers.

The student body is overwhelmingly male at 95%, reflecting the traditional gender makeup of boat building and marine trades. Nearly 94% of graduates find employment in their field, and the school boasts a perfect 100% graduation rate. Most students come from out of state, drawn by the school's reputation as one of the few institutions offering full boat building education.

Academics & Faculty

The Landing School specializes entirely in marine trades, offering hands-on programs in boat building, yacht design, and marine systems technology. With just 43 students enrolled, this trade school creates an intensely focused learning environment where every student works directly with boats and marine equipment. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means individualized instruction from master craftsmen and marine industry professionals. The school achieves a 100% six-year graduation rate, reflecting the dedicated mentorship students receive in this niche field. Programs prepare graduates for careers as yacht builders, marine surveyors, and boat restoration specialists. Students spend most of their time in workshops rather than traditional classrooms, learning through authentic project-based work on actual vessels.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
7:1
Graduation Rate (6-year)
100.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$65,849

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Woodworking. Certificate $35,420
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Certificate $31,305

View all 8 programs →

Campus Life

The Landing School sits on 20 wooded acres in rural Maine, about 30 minutes from Portland and two hours north of Boston. With just 43 students total, you'll know everyone in your program within weeks. The student body is 95% male, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated marine trades the school specializes in. Maine's coastal climate means you'll need serious winter gear from November through March, with snow and temperatures often below freezing.

Most students commute from nearby towns since the school doesn't offer dorms. The 18% in-state enrollment shows how the school draws boat-building enthusiasts from across the country to this small Maine community. Weekends often involve working on personal projects in the shop or exploring Maine's rugged coastline. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors work closely with each student on hands-on projects. The rural setting creates a tight-knit community where students share a passion for traditional craftsmanship and maritime trades. Social life revolves around the shared workshop experience and local Maine culture.
Setting
Rural-Fringe
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
11°–31°F
July Avg
57°–76°F
Annual Precipitation
51.1"
Annual Snowfall
45.7"

Student Demographics

This tiny Maine trade school draws serious craftspeople from across the country, with over 80% of its 43 students traveling from out-of-state to master boat building and yacht design. The student body is overwhelmingly male, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated marine trades industry. Students come from middle-class backgrounds, with only 20% receiving Pell Grants. The school attracts dedicated individuals willing to relocate and pay premium tuition for specialized maritime skills that can't be learned elsewhere. These students prioritize hands-on expertise over traditional college experiences.
Men
95.4%
Women
4.7%
White
83.7%
Black
2.3%
Hispanic
4.7%
Asian
0.0%
In-State Students
18.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
20.0%

Location

Arundel, Maine sits in the rural-fringe outskirts of southern Maine, about 20 miles north of Portsmouth, New Hampshire and 90 miles north of Boston. The school draws just 18% of its students from in-state, reflecting its specialized marine focus rather than local appeal. This coastal region offers direct access to Maine's working waterfront and yacht-building industry. Students work in a setting where traditional boat building meets modern marine technology. The area provides hands-on learning opportunities with local shipyards and marine businesses. With 95% male enrollment, the school reflects the demographics of the maritime trades industry. Students considering colleges in Maine may also compare The Landing School with similar schools in the region.
Address
Arundel, Maine 04046

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$65,849
Median Earnings (5 years)
$44,027
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$36,600

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at The Landing School?

The Landing School maintains an intimate learning environment with just 43 students enrolled. This specialized boat building and yacht design program draws students who are serious about marine craftsmanship. The school's focused mission attracts dedicated individuals rather than casual applicants.

How much does The Landing School cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $24,342 after aid, with tuition set at $27,700 regardless of residency. Only 20% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the specialized nature of this trade program. The school offers institutional grants averaging $3,588 to about 23% of students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at The Landing School?

The Landing School maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring intensive hands-on instruction in boat building and marine systems. This small class environment allows master craftsmen to work closely with apprentices. The program operates on a semester calendar system focused on practical skills development.

What are the job prospects after graduating from The Landing School?

Graduates achieve a 100% completion rate within six years and a 93.8% employment rate in their field. Median earnings reach $38,305 in the first year and climb to $65,849 after ten years. The specialized marine industry skills taught here command premium wages in yacht building and boat repair sectors.

Where do students at The Landing School typically come from?

Only 18% of the 43 students come from Maine, with most traveling from across the country for this unique program. The student body is 95% male, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated boat building industry. Students are 84% white with small percentages of Black and Hispanic representation.

Is The Landing School worth it for marine industry careers?

The school's 100% graduation rate and focus on yacht design and marine systems technology create clear pathways into high-paying maritime careers. Graduates earn a median of $44,027 after five years, well above typical trade school outcomes. This rural Maine location provides an authentic maritime setting for learning traditional and modern boat building techniques.