Engineering at Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Massachusetts Maritime Academy's engineering program delivers strong early earnings—$77,421 in the first year—that climb to over $92,000 by year four. While this outperforms the national median for engineering programs by nearly $5,000, it lands around the middle of the pack among Massachusetts engineering schools (60th percentile). With an admission rate of 95%, this represents an accessible entry point into a field that typically commands high starting salaries, though students should note the relatively low Pell grant rate suggests this may not be the most economically diverse campus.

The debt picture looks favorable: $26,500 is manageable in absolute terms and actually lower than what many Massachusetts engineering students carry. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.34, graduates can reasonably expect to handle their loan payments while building financial stability. The 19% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests steady career progression, which matters when you're planning long-term returns on a college investment.

The bottom line: this program offers solid value for students who want engineering credentials without navigating highly selective admissions. The earnings won't match Massachusetts Institute of Technology's engineering grads, but they substantially exceed national averages while keeping debt in check. For families prioritizing accessibility and reasonable financial outcomes over prestige, this represents a practical path to a well-paying engineering career.