Mechanical Engineering at California State University Maritime Academy

Cal Maritime's mechanical engineering program punches well above its weight class. With starting salaries of $92,315, graduates earn more than every California school except UC Berkeley—despite an admission rate that suggests far less selectivity. This places the program in the 80th percentile statewide and 95th percentile nationally, while debt loads remain manageable at $19,690.

The value proposition becomes even clearer when you consider accessibility. Students here achieve outcomes comparable to elite institutions like USC and Cal Poly SLO without the competitive admissions process or premium price tag. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 means graduates need less than three months of gross salary to cover their entire student debt burden—exceptional for any engineering program.

The specialized maritime focus likely explains both the open admission and premium outcomes: employers in maritime industries pay top dollar for engineers trained in this niche. The 10% earnings growth to $101,325 by year four shows strong career progression, though the moderate sample size means individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs. For families seeking engineering value without the stress of ultra-competitive admissions, this represents one of California's best-kept secrets.