Business Administration, Management and Operations at California State University Maritime Academy
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Cal Maritime's business program punches well above its weight for a campus with a 99% admission rate. Graduates earn $57,265 in their first year—putting them ahead of 89% of business programs nationally and substantially above California's median of $49,543. The maritime connection likely explains this advantage: students gain business training in the context of global shipping and logistics, industries known for strong early-career compensation. At $20,500 in debt, the financial burden is manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.36.
The gap between the national percentile (89th) and state percentile (60th) reflects California's concentration of elite business schools rather than any weakness in this program. Yes, Berkeley and USC graduates earn more, but those schools come with far more selective admissions and typically higher costs. For families seeking accessible business education without the competitive admissions gauntlet, Cal Maritime delivers earnings that outpace both national and state medians while keeping debt reasonable.
The value proposition here is straightforward: strong outcomes without the admissions anxiety. If your child can handle the maritime-focused curriculum and location in Vallejo, this program offers better first-year earnings than 60% of California business programs with debt well under control.
Where California State University Maritime Academy Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How California State University Maritime Academy graduates compare to all programs nationally
California State University Maritime Academy graduates earn $57k, placing them in the 89th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (98 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California State University Maritime Academy | $57,265 | — | $20,500 | 0.36 |
| University of California-Berkeley | $90,008 | $123,780 | $12,195 | 0.14 |
| Golden Gate University | $77,752 | $87,027 | $33,968 | 0.44 |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $71,876 | $85,332 | $17,000 | 0.24 |
| University of Southern California | $71,668 | $87,767 | $17,375 | 0.24 |
| Pepperdine University | $69,751 | $82,688 | $28,000 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Berkeley Berkeley | $14,850 | $90,008 | $12,195 |
| Golden Gate University San Francisco | $31,243 | $77,752 | $33,968 |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $71,876 | $17,000 |
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $68,237 | $71,668 | $17,375 |
| Pepperdine University Malibu | $66,742 | $69,751 | $28,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At California State University Maritime Academy, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 47 graduates with reported earnings and 49 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.