Analysis
Engineering degrees from specialized maritime academies often deliver strong technical training with targeted career pathways, and the estimated outcomes here suggest Massachusetts Maritime follows that pattern. With first-year earnings projected around $78,200—based on comparable Massachusetts engineering programs—and estimated debt of $25,800, graduates would face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33. That means roughly four months of gross pay to cover total borrowing, a solid financial position for an engineering graduate.
The maritime academy setting matters here. While the data comes from peer programs rather than this specific school's outcomes, similar institutions typically channel graduates into marine engineering, naval architecture, or maritime industry roles that command competitive salaries. The estimated earnings match what other Massachusetts engineering programs produce and sit well above the national median of $67,900. The projected debt load, meanwhile, aligns closely with typical engineering program borrowing both nationally and in Massachusetts.
For families evaluating this path, the numbers point toward reasonable value—if the maritime focus aligns with your student's career interests. The 95% admission rate suggests accessibility, though the low percentage of Pell recipients (17%) indicates the student body skews toward higher-income families. The key uncertainty is whether this particular program's outcomes match those of its peers; you'll want to ask the academy directly about job placement rates and starting salaries for recent graduates to confirm these estimates reflect reality.
Where Massachusetts Maritime Academy Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,816 | $78,211* | — | $25,832* | — | |
| $64,458 | $109,455* | $114,228 | $14,512* | 0.13 | |
| $41,010 | $78,211* | — | $27,000* | 0.35 | |
| $61,568 | $53,571* | $77,485 | $19,000* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $67,911* | — | $26,056* | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
Robotics Engineers
Nanosystems Engineers
Wind Energy Engineers
Solar Energy Systems Engineers
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 Massachusetts Maritime Academy, approximately 17% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.