SUNY Maritime College
Throggs Neck, New York · Public · 72.4% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 91/100 · Exceptional Value
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
SUNY Maritime College scores 91 (Exceptional Value) on the CampusROI scale. Average 6-year earnings of $66,500 and a 3.8-year payback period are the standout metrics. The earnings premium sub-score of 95 and payback score of 98 reflect the maritime and engineering sector's strong compensation structure. Median debt of $23,250 with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 is the overall institutional figure; program-level debt ratios are similarly favorable. Repayment rate of 91.2% at three years is exceptional. The primary weakness is the 64.4% completion rate. Marine Transportation (81 graduates, $79,797 year-one, $115,831 year-four, ROI grade B+) is the highest-volume program and a defining strength: $115,831 at year four for marine transportation officers is extraordinary. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (22 graduates, $92,559 year-one, $106,186 year-four, ROI grade B+) and Industrial Engineering (12 graduates, $91,470 year-one, ROI grade B+) reinforce the pattern. All engineering and maritime programs earn B+ grades. Business, General (40 graduates, $44,675 year-one, ROI grade B) is the program outside the technical core and performs noticeably below the maritime programs.
Graduates recoup their total investment in just 3.8 years. The median across the schools we score is about 12 years.
SUNY Maritime College
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $8,589/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $19,159/yr |
| Average net price | $22,367/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $89,468 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $95,951 |
| Average earnings (6yr post-entry) | $66,500 |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,250 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $246 |
| Estimated payback period | 3.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 64.4% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,285 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The first number you'll see is the sticker price: $8,589/year ($19,159/year out-of-state), which covers tuition and fees only. The net price counts books, supplies, and average living costs on top of tuition and fees, then subtracts grants and scholarships. For the average student here it comes to $22,367/year, or roughly $89,468 over four years. That's the number to plan around.
What you actually pay depends a lot on what your family earns. Families making under $30,000/year pay an average of $11,726/year here, while families earning over $110,000 pay $27,565/year.
Among graduates who borrowed, the median federal loan debt from this school is $23,250, which works out to about $246 a month on the standard 10-year repayment plan. Our debt-to-earnings ratio divides that debt by average earnings six years after entry ($66,500) and comes to 0.35, which in our view is comfortably manageable.
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 | $11,726 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,577 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,721 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,634 |
| $110,001+ | $27,565 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 bracket pays $11,726 per year. Four years at $11,726 totals $46,904. Against average 6-year earnings of $66,500 and a 3.8-year payback, this is outstanding value for a mission-aligned student. Marine Transportation graduates at $79,797 year-one recover this four-year cost in approximately seven months of year-one earnings. The regimented environment and specific career path are self-selecting filters; low-income students who fit the mission find strong financial returns.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $20,721 and the 75001-110000 bracket pays $23,634. At $20,721 annually ($82,884 over four years), the financial case for marine transportation or engineering students is compelling. A $115,831 year-four Marine Transportation salary against $82,884 total four-year cost is an exceptional return. Business students at $44,675 year-one see a longer payback but still benefit from the institution's low net price.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
The 110001-plus bracket pays $27,565 per year, totaling approximately $110,260 over four years. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering graduates at $92,559 year-one recover the full four-year cost in approximately 14 months.
Earnings by Major
Top 7 most popular majors at SUNY Maritime College with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Transportation | $115,831 | B+ |
| Mechanical Engineering | $106,932 | B+ |
| Business, General | $85,603 | B |
| Electrical Engineering | $107,749 | B+ |
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering | $106,186 | B+ |
| Industrial Engineering | $102,563 | B+ |
| Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology | $65,068 | - |
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.
Marine Transportation
Marine Transportation is SUNY Maritime's highest-volume program and the strongest financial credential in the institution: 81 graduates, $79,797 year-one, $115,831 year-four, debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.313 (ROI grade B+). Median debt of $25,000 at $79,797 year-one is a 0.31 ratio - negligible at this earnings level. The four-year trajectory to $115,831 reflects licensed Merchant Marine Officers commanding premium compensation in international shipping, offshore energy, and port operations.
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (22 graduates) earns $92,559 year-one and $106,186 year-four with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.292 (ROI grade B+). Median debt of $27,000 at $92,559 year-one is a 0.29 ratio. Year-one earnings above $92k for a 22-year-old with a bachelor's degree reflect the extreme specialization premium in ship design and marine engineering. The B+ grade is constrained by the absolute debt level relative to the excellent earnings.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering (50 graduates) earns $77,895 year-one and $106,932 year-four with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.334 (ROI grade B+). Median debt of $26,000 at $77,895 year-one. Maritime's mechanical engineering program benefits from the marine industry employer relationships that general engineering programs at larger universities do not have.
Business, General
Business, General (40 graduates) earns $44,675 year-one and $85,603 year-four with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.436 (ROI grade B). Median debt of $19,500 at $44,675 year-one is a 0.44 ratio - manageable. The four-year trajectory to $85,603 shows strong recovery, likely reflecting maritime industry management roles for business graduates who leverage the institution's industry connections. The B grade is solid for a business program at a specialized technical college.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Median of schools we score |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 89.3% | 68.8% |
| 3-year repayment | 91.2% | 73.6% |
| 5-year repayment | 78.1% | 67.7% |
| 7-year repayment | 81.0% | 72.8% |
Completion Rate
Trends Over Time
How SUNY Maritime College’s cost and outcomes have moved across College Scorecard releases (2009-2024).
Average Net Price
Completion Rate
Median Earnings, 10 Years After Entry (as reported)
Earnings reflect borrowers measured 10 years after entry and publish on an irregular cadence with a multi-year reporting lag, so this series shows only the years the Department of Education reported - the data is never interpolated.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, release years shown. Net price and completion are reported annually.
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 72.4% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 553-648 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 570-640 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 22-28 |
| Enrollment | 1,285 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 22.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $8,873 |
At 72.4%, SUNY Maritime is broadly accessible. SAT 553-648 Math and 570-640 Reading, ACT 22-28, reflect a mid-range academic profile. The institution's selectivity is not the enrollment filter - program mission is. Students who enroll understand they are committing to a structured regimented campus environment with merchant marine licensing requirements. The fit question is mission alignment, not academic threshold.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
The payback is 3.8 years and the repayment rate is 91.2%.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUNY Maritime College (this school) | 91 | $22,367 | $95,951 |
| CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | 92 | $3,033 | $75,971 |
| Virginia Military Institute | 88 | $17,113 | $77,369 |
| CUNY Brooklyn College | 81 | $3,103 | $60,752 |
| Charter Oak State College | 77 | $15,815 | $64,209 |
| University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online | 72 | $10,864 | $66,479 |
Who Thrives Here
SUNY Maritime admits 72.4% of applicants with SAT ranges of 553-648 Math and 570-640 Reading; ACT 22-28. At 1,285 enrolled, it is a small specialized maritime academy. The Pell grant rate of 22.1% indicates moderate financial diversity. Maritime is a regimented institution with a Corps of Cadets structure and U.S. Merchant Marine Officer training. Students attend for highly specific professional goals: merchant marine licensing, naval architecture, or maritime engineering. The college is not a general liberal arts alternative; students who fit do so because of a clear career direction in the maritime industry, shipping, or related engineering fields.
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
If you're asking whether SUNY Maritime College is worth it, the short answer is yes - it's one of the strongest money decisions in higher education. Four years here run about $89,468 after aid, and the typical graduate earns $95,951 ten years out. That earnings head start covers the cost in roughly 3.8 years, well ahead of most schools.
What it has going for it: a strong earnings premium over high school graduates, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $23,250 among graduates who borrowed, against average earnings of $66,500 six years after entry, gives a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, under the 1.0 point at which debt would equal a full year of those earnings. Your major matters a lot here: graduates in higher-earning fields will see the better end of this.
SUNY Maritime College: Common Questions
Is SUNY Maritime College worth it?
In our view, yes - for most students SUNY Maritime College pays off. It scores 91/100 on our ROI scale. You'd pay about $22,367 a year after aid ($89,468 over four years), and the typical graduate earns $95,951 ten years after enrollment, so the cost takes roughly 3.8 years to earn back.
How much does SUNY Maritime College cost after financial aid?
The average net price - the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books, supplies and average living costs) minus grants and scholarships, for full-time, first-time students receiving federal aid - is about $22,367 a year, or roughly $89,468 over four years. Because it counts living costs, it can run above tuition alone. That is the number to plan around. Actual cost varies by family income, per the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.
What do SUNY Maritime College graduates earn?
The typical graduate earns about $95,951 ten years after enrolling, roughly $54,151 a year more than the median high-school graduate ($41,800, per NCES, 2022). That earnings gap is what has to cover the cost of the degree.
How long does it take to pay off SUNY Maritime College?
We estimate the payback period - the time it takes for the earnings bump over a high-school graduate to cover what you spent - at about 3.8 years for SUNY Maritime College. The median across the schools we track is about 12 years.
How much debt do SUNY Maritime College graduates take on?
Among graduates who borrowed, median federal loan debt from this school is about $23,250, against average earnings of $66,500 six years after entry - a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35. In our view that is reasonable, though your major matters: higher-earning fields will see the better end of it.
What is the graduation rate at SUNY Maritime College?
The six-year graduation rate is 64.4%, at or above the 64% national average for four-year schools (NCES, 2022). Completion is 15% of our ROI score, since a degree you don't finish rarely pays back.
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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.