California State University Maritime Academy vs Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College is extremely selective with a 6.2% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than California State University Maritime Academy (98.7%). Both schools produce similar 10-year median earnings around $91,627. For families earning $48k–$75k, Dartmouth College is more affordable at $12,172 net price vs $18,885. Students at Dartmouth College graduate with less debt ($17,000 vs $25,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Dartmouth College has a higher yield rate (67.1%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Dartmouth College is more affordable at $6,034 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $26,554 vs $52,251.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. California State University Maritime Academy enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (29%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
California State University Maritime Academy
- 1 Marine Transportation$94,408
- 2 Mechanical Engineering$78,971
- 3 Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians$66,171
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations$52,107
- 5 International Relations and National Security Studies$47,394
Dartmouth College
- 1 Computer Science$113,015
- 2 Mathematics$103,078
- 3 Economics$87,604
- 4 Engineering Science$78,343
- 5 Political Science and Government$62,192
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
California State University Maritime Academy
- 1 Marine Transportation
- 2 Mechanical Engineering
- 3 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 4 Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
- 5 International/Global Studies
Dartmouth College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Political Science and Government
- 3 Computer Science
- 4 Engineering, General
- 5 Engineering Science
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
California State University Maritime Academy
- International studentsN/A
- Tuition (international)$17,622
- Est. total cost/year$31,616
- School typePublic
Dartmouth College
- International students21%
- Tuition (international)$57,796
- Est. total cost/year$77,139
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 21% international enrollment, Dartmouth College likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into California State University Maritime Academy or Dartmouth College?
Dartmouth College is more selective with a 6.2% acceptance rate, compared to 98.7%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: California State University Maritime Academy or Dartmouth College?
Dartmouth College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $91,627 compared to $91,461. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: California State University Maritime Academy or Dartmouth College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Dartmouth College has a lower net price at $12,172 per year vs $18,885. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at California State University Maritime Academy vs Dartmouth College?
Dartmouth College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 94.9%, compared to 60.7%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: California State University Maritime Academy or Dartmouth College?
Dartmouth College has a larger international student population at 21% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at California State University Maritime Academy and Dartmouth College?
At California State University Maritime Academy, Marine Transportation graduates earn a median of $94,408 within two years. At Dartmouth College, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $113,015. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.