Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts · Public · 94.7% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 92/100 · Exceptional Value
Massachusetts Maritime Academy scores 92 (Exceptional Value) on the CampusROI scale, one of the highest scores among any public institution in New England. The profile is distinctive: a 93.8% repayment rate (sub-score 98 -- near the top of the national distribution), a 4.8-year payback period, $75,200 median 6-year earnings, and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.332. These numbers reflect an institution where graduates enter high-wage maritime, engineering, and security careers almost immediately after graduation. Every program in the Scorecard data earns B+ or B -- no weak program data appears in the roster. In-state tuition is $11,420; net price averages $21,582 due to the out-of-state student mix. Enrollment is 1,395 -- a small, highly focused student body. The 74.1% completion rate is strong for an institution with open admissions at 94.7%. Scorecard does not report SAT or ACT ranges. Pell grant rate of 19.0% reflects a student body with moderate low-income representation. The 10-year earnings figure of $82,392 is notably restrained relative to 6-year earnings of $75,200 -- an unusual compression that likely reflects the licensing-dependent nature of maritime careers, where earnings plateau for a period before union-scale and senior-officer advancement takes effect. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering graduates earn $100,024 at year one, the highest program-level figure in the Scorecard data.
The median graduate earns $82,392 ten years after entry - well above the national median of roughly $55,000 for 4-year college graduates.
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $11,420/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $23,722/yr |
| Average net price | $21,582/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $86,328 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $82,392 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $75,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $25,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $265 |
| Estimated payback period | 4.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 74.1% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,395 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Massachusetts Maritime Academy is $11,420/year ($23,722/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $21,582/year, or roughly $86,328 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $8,757/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $27,367/year.
The median graduate leaves with $25,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $265 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $82,392 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.33 - well within manageable territory.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,757 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,051 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,547 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,557 |
| $110,001+ | $27,367 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 income bracket pays $8,757 per year at MMA -- among the most favorable net price figures for any institution in the Scorecard data. At $8,757 annually against $75,200 median 6-year earnings, low-income students at MMA face one of the best financial propositions in public higher education in Massachusetts. The 93.8% repayment rate confirms that graduates do not struggle with repayment. Low-income students seeking licensing-pathway careers in the maritime and engineering sectors should place MMA near the top of their consideration set.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 30001-48000 bracket pays $9,051 and the 48001-75000 bracket pays $10,547 -- remarkably affordable for a Massachusetts public institution. At these net prices, the 4.8-year payback period means most graduates have repaid the equivalent of their education investment within five years of graduation. The earnings premium of 54.9% above a high school comparison benchmark reflects the specific career destination effect: maritime and engineering licenses command wages well above general labor market averages.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
The 75001-110000 bracket pays $15,557 and the 110001-plus bracket pays $27,367. Even at $27,367 annually, MMA is substantially below comparable private engineering and maritime institutions. At $109,000 in estimated four-year cost for the highest-income bracket against $75,200 median 6-year earnings, the payback math remains compelling. High-income families should understand that net price rises because institutional aid phases out, not because the credential becomes less valuable.
Earnings by Major
Top 7 most popular majors at Massachusetts Maritime Academy with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering | $125,016 | B+ |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other | $85,256 | B |
| International Business | $89,094 | C+ |
| Marine Transportation | $119,916 | B+ |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $74,393 | C+ |
| Systems Engineering | $125,191 | B+ |
| Engineering, Other | $104,007 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (73 graduates) earns a B+ grade: $100,024 year-one and $125,016 year-four with $27,000 in median debt and a ratio of 0.270 -- the lowest ratio in the program roster and one of the strongest outcomes in the national Scorecard data for this field. Year-one earnings of $100k are exceptional by any standard. The four-year trajectory to $125k reflects advancement within licensed marine engineering roles. This is the flagship program at MMA and the primary driver of the institution's overall ROI score.
Marine Transportation
Marine Transportation (47 graduates) earns a B+ grade: $84,187 year-one and $119,916 year-four with $24,686 in median debt and a ratio of 0.293. Graduates become licensed deck officers in the U.S. merchant marine and related transportation sectors. Year-one earnings of $84k entering a field requiring federal licensing demonstrate the direct wage premium of the MMA credential. The four-year figure of $120k reflects officer advancement consistent with maritime career ladders.
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
Homeland Security (69 graduates) earns a B grade: $55,702 year-one and $85,256 year-four with $25,000 in median debt and a ratio of 0.449. This program likely reflects port security, emergency management, and federal protective service careers -- a distinct application of MMA's maritime infrastructure curriculum. Year-one earnings of $56k are solid; the four-year trajectory to $85k shows strong appreciation. Scorecard groups several career tracks under this CIP code, so individual outcomes vary.
International Business
International Business (54 graduates) earns a C+ grade: $54,741 year-one and $89,094 year-four with $25,000 in median debt and a ratio of 0.457. The C+ grade reflects the year-one figure relative to debt; the four-year trajectory to $89k is excellent and suggests these graduates are entering maritime commerce, logistics, and supply chain roles that reward experience. Year-one earnings of $55k are consistent with entry-level trade and logistics positions. This is the lowest-earning program at MMA by year-one but among the strongest by year-four.
Natural Resources Conservation
Natural Resources Conservation (30 graduates) earns a C+ grade: $50,931 year-one and $74,393 year-four with $26,000 in median debt and a ratio of 0.510. This program likely reflects environmental and marine resource management careers in the New England coastal and federal resource management sectors. Year-one earnings of $51k are reasonable for entry-level environmental roles in Massachusetts. The C+ reflects competitive debt relative to year-one earnings rather than any structural weakness in the program.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 92.7% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 93.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 84.7% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 87.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 94.7% |
| Enrollment | 1,395 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 19.0% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $10,073 |
At 94.7% admission, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is effectively open access. The selectivity figure should not mislead: the curriculum is demanding and professionally oriented, with co-op and sea term requirements. Completion at 74.1% is healthy for an institution that accepts virtually all applicants. The academic challenge is less in admission than in sustaining the regimented program structure. Students should specifically research the sea term and licensing requirements before enrolling, as these define the career pathway and are not optional.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Scorecard peers include Bridgewater State University and California State University Maritime Academy -- the latter the most direct programmatic peer. Among Massachusetts public institutions, MMA's 92 ROI score is significantly above average; most Massachusetts state universities score in the 60-75 range. The 93.8% repayment rate distinguishes MMA from nearly every public institution in the national dataset. The key trade-off relative to a broader public university is program specialization: MMA is the right institution for students committed to maritime, engineering, or security careers, and a poor fit for those who want general academic flexibility.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Maritime Academy (this school) | 92 | $21,582 | $82,392 |
| California State University Maritime Academy | 90 | $20,555 | $94,784 |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | 87 | $16,403 | $73,997 |
| Charter Oak State College | 77 | $15,815 | $64,209 |
| Bridgewater State University | 59 | $16,383 | $57,466 |
| Fitchburg State University | 58 | $14,262 | $53,874 |
Who Thrives Here
Massachusetts Maritime Academy admits 94.7% of applicants and enrolls 1,395 students in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts on Cape Cod Canal. Scorecard does not report SAT or ACT score ranges. Pell grant rate of 19.0% reflects a predominantly middle-income student body. MMA is a state-supported maritime academy with a regimented, co-op-intensive curriculum; graduates enter licensed maritime officer, engineering, and homeland security careers. The student profile skews toward those seeking structured professional pathways with near-guaranteed employment in the Massachusetts and federal maritime sectors. The 74.1% completion rate is strong given open access admission.
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
Massachusetts Maritime Academy is one of the strongest financial investments in higher education. With a total 4-year net cost of $86,328 and median graduate earnings of $82,392 ten years out, the math works decisively in graduates' favor. The estimated payback period of 4.8 years is well below average.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 74.1% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $25,000 against $82,392 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.