Analysis
Northwestern Michigan College's Marine Transportation program launches graduates into immediate high earnings—$87,281 in the first year—that surge to nearly $124,000 by year four. This 42% earnings jump reflects the maritime industry's career progression as graduates move from entry-level deck positions to better-paying officer roles. With debt around $26,500, graduates owe just three months' salary, creating breathing room that's rare even among well-paying technical fields.
The program punches above its weight nationally, placing in the 74th percentile for earnings despite being a community college program. Northwestern is currently the only institution in Michigan offering this bachelor's degree in marine transportation, which speaks to both the program's uniqueness and the specialized nature of maritime careers. The sample size is moderate but sufficient to trust these patterns, particularly given how consistent they are with broader maritime industry trajectories.
The core tradeoff here is geographic: maritime careers typically require working on vessels for extended periods and may involve relocating to major port cities or shipping lanes. But for students drawn to this lifestyle, the financial fundamentals are strong. You're looking at professional-level pay from day one, manageable debt, and clear advancement potential—a combination that makes this program a solid investment for anyone seriously committed to a maritime career.
Where Northwestern Michigan College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marine transportation bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Northwestern Michigan College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern Michigan College | $87,281 | $123,697 | +42% |
| Massachusetts Maritime Academy | $84,187 | $106,416 | +26% |
| Maine Maritime Academy | $82,725 | $102,847 | +24% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $87,444 | $100,933 | +15% |
| California State University Maritime Academy | $87,464 | $98,863 | +13% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Marine Transportation bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Northwestern Michigan CollegeTraverse City | $5,350 | $87,281 | $123,697 | $26,542 | 0.30 |
 California State University Maritime AcademyVallejo | $7,672 | $87,464 | $98,863 | $26,945 | 0.31 |
 Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station | $13,099 | $87,444 | $100,933 | $25,000 | 0.29 |
 Massachusetts Maritime AcademyBuzzards Bay | $10,816 | $84,187 | $106,416 | $24,686 | 0.29 |
 Maine Maritime AcademyCastine | $14,746 | $82,725 | $102,847 | $27,000 | 0.33 |
 SUNY Maritime CollegeThroggs Neck | $8,540 | $79,797 | $96,393 | $25,000 | 0.31 |
| National Median | — | $84,187 | — | $25,771 | 0.31 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with marine transportation graduates
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 Northwestern Michigan College, approximately 28% 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 71 graduates with reported earnings and 71 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.