Webb Institute: 20.8% Acceptance Rate

20.8%Acceptance

$61,060Tuition

105Students

81%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Webb Institute

Webb Institute operates as America's only undergraduate college focused entirely on naval architecture and marine engineering. The school enrolls just 105 students on a suburban Long Island campus, creating an intimate learning environment where everyone knows each other. Every admitted student receives a full-tuition scholarship, making this one of the most selective free rides in higher education with a 20.77% acceptance rate. Alumni include Lewis Nixon, who designed the landing craft that helped win D-Day, and the founders of Gibbs Cox naval architecture firm.

Students pay an average net price of $19,077 after aid, covering only room, board, and fees since tuition is completely covered. Even families earning over $110,000 annually pay just $20,065 net price. This represents extraordinary value for an engineering education that typically leads to high-paying careers in shipbuilding, offshore energy, and marine consulting. Only 8.82% of students receive additional financial aid beyond the universal tuition scholarship.

The student body skews heavily male at 75.24%, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated maritime industry. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio and 96% retention rate, students get personalized attention in a demanding program. The school fields seven varsity sports teams despite its tiny size, with 56 total athletes representing more than half the student body.

Academics & Faculty

Webb Institute is america's only undergraduate college devoted exclusively to naval architecture and marine engineering. Every admitted student receives a full-tuition scholarship worth over $60,000 annually. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentorship in this highly specialized field. Students graduate with expertise in ship design, ocean engineering, and marine systems. The 85% four-year graduation rate reflects the program's rigor and support structure. Webb's curriculum combines theoretical engineering with hands-on shipyard experience through mandatory internships. The college's 96% retention rate demonstrates student satisfaction with this unique educational model. Graduates typically enter strong naval architecture firms or pursue advanced degrees at top engineering schools.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 66.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 85.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 80.8%
Retention Rate: 96.0%

Campus Life

Webb's 26-acre waterfront campus sits on Long Island's Gold Coast, just 30 miles from Manhattan. Nearly all 105 students live in the historic mansion turned dormitory, creating an intimate residential experience where 96% return each year. The campus overlooks Hempstead Harbor, giving naval architecture and marine engineering students direct access to the water they'll spend their careers designing for.

With only 105 students total, everyone knows everyone. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors become mentors, not just instructors. Men make up 75% of the student body, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated shipbuilding industry. Long Island winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while spring and fall offer ideal sailing weather on the harbor. Students often spend weekends working on boats, studying together in small groups, or taking the train into New York City. The campus feels more like an top prep school than a typical college, with students bonding over their shared passion for ships and the sea. Webb's unique full-tuition scholarship program creates a tight-knit community where academic pressure runs high but financial stress stays low.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 122 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1889

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Domestic Violence	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–41°F
July Avg: 67°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 45.3"
Annual Snowfall: 18.5"

Student Demographics

Webb Institute draws future naval architects and marine engineers from across the nation, with 70% coming from outside New York. The student body of 105 reflects the specialized nature of shipbuilding careers. Men comprise three-quarters of students, typical for engineering programs focused on maritime industries. The college attracts academically top students who scored an average 1455 on the SAT. Only 9% receive Pell Grants, suggesting most families can afford the hefty sticker price before Webb's full-tuition scholarship kicks in. Students commit to a highly technical field with limited but lucrative career paths.

Men: 75.2%
Women: 24.8%
White: 79.1%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 7.6%
Asian: 2.9%
In-State Students: 29.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 8.8%

Location

Webb Institute sits in Glen Cove, New York, about 25 miles east of Manhattan on Long Island's Gold Coast. The 26-acre waterfront campus overlooks Hempstead Harbor, providing the perfect setting for a school focused on naval architecture. Students live and study in a former Gilded Age mansion that once belonged to financier Herbert Pratt. The Long Island Sound location gives students direct access to maritime environments essential for their specialized engineering studies. Glen Cove offers a suburban setting with easy access to both New York City internships and the region's extensive boating culture. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Webb Institute with similar schools in the region.

Address: Glen Cove, New York 11542-1398

After College

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Webb Institute?

Webb Institute accepts 20.77% of applicants, making it highly selective. The school looks for students with strong math and science backgrounds, with admitted students averaging 1455 on the SAT. Every student who gets in receives a full-tuition scholarship worth over $61,000 annually.

How much does Webb Institute cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $19,077 despite the school's $80,450 total cost of attendance. Webb provides full-tuition scholarships to all enrolled students, meaning families only pay for room and board plus personal expenses. Only 8.82% of students receive additional federal Pell Grant aid.

What makes academics unique at Webb Institute?

Webb is the only undergraduate college in the US dedicated exclusively to naval architecture and marine engineering. With just 105 students total and a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, every student gets intensive attention in this specialized field. The school maintains a 96% retention rate, showing students stay committed to this demanding program.

Does Webb Institute have good graduation outcomes?

Webb achieves an 85.19% four-year graduation rate and 80.80% six-year rate. The school's graduates include notable figures like Lewis Nixon, who designed landing craft for D-Day, and the founders of major naval architecture firm Gibbs Cox. Students enter a niche but well-paying field with strong industry connections.

Where is Webb Institute's campus located?

The campus sits in Glen Cove, New York, a large suburban setting on Long Island. With housing capacity for 122 students and total enrollment of just 105, nearly every student can live on campus. The school offers 7 varsity sports with 56 total athletes participating.

Is Webb Institute diverse in its student body?

Webb's student body is 75.24% male and 24.76% female, reflecting the gender patterns common in engineering fields. The school is 79.05% white with 7.62% Hispanic students and draws from across the country, with only 29.63% coming from New York state. Founded in 1889, Webb has maintained its specialized focus for over 130 years.