California State University Maritime Academy vs Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Massachusetts Maritime Academy is moderately selective with a 94.5% 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 $91,668. For families earning $48k–$75k, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is more affordable at $12,099 net price vs $18,885.
Admissions & Outcomes
Massachusetts Maritime Academy has a higher yield rate (37.7%), 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), Massachusetts Maritime Academy is more affordable at $6,379 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $26,554 vs $24,835.
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
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
- 1 Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering$89,968
- 2 Marine Transportation$81,886
- 3 Engineering, Other$73,035
- 4 Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other$50,439
- 5 Natural Resources Conservation and Research$50,231
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
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
- 1 Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
- 2 Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
- 3 Marine Transportation
- 4 International Business
- 5 Natural Resources Conservation and Research
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
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
- International students1%
- Tuition (international)$17,010
- Est. total cost/year$40,159
- 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into California State University Maritime Academy or Massachusetts Maritime Academy?
Massachusetts Maritime Academy is more selective with a 94.5% 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 Massachusetts Maritime Academy?
Massachusetts Maritime Academy graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $91,668 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 Massachusetts Maritime Academy?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Massachusetts Maritime Academy has a lower net price at $12,099 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 Massachusetts Maritime Academy?
Massachusetts Maritime Academy has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 84.7%, 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 Massachusetts Maritime Academy?
Massachusetts Maritime Academy has a larger international student population at 1% 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 Massachusetts Maritime Academy?
At California State University Maritime Academy, Marine Transportation graduates earn a median of $94,408 within two years. At Massachusetts Maritime Academy, the top-earning major is Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at $89,968. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.