Analysis
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.
Where California State University Maritime Academy Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How California State University Maritime Academy graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State University Maritime Academy | $92,315 | $101,325 | +10% |
| Santa Clara University | $81,865 | $99,067 | +21% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $88,497 | $98,455 | +11% |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $79,016 | $97,701 | +24% |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $83,011 | $97,466 | +17% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (29 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 California State University Maritime AcademyVallejo | $7,672 | $92,315 | $101,325 | $19,690 | 0.21 |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $88,497 | $98,455 | $13,200 | 0.15 |
 University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles | $68,237 | $83,356 | $93,001 | $17,500 | 0.21 |
 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $83,011 | $97,466 | $20,500 | 0.25 |
 Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara | $59,241 | $81,865 | $99,067 | $19,500 | 0.24 |
 University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara | $14,965 | $81,108 | $90,072 | $15,908 | 0.20 |
| National Median | — | $70,744 | — | $24,755 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Aerospace Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Fuel Cell Engineers
Automotive Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Cost Estimators
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 46 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.