Marine Transportation at Ocean Corporation

Ocean Corporation's Marine Transportation certificate sits in an unusual position: it ranks at the 60th percentile among Texas programs but just the 5th percentile nationally. This discrepancy exists because Texas only has two schools offering this program, and this one happens to be the lower performer—yet that still means starting earnings of $31,000, which trails the national median by only $4,000.

The debt load of $9,500 is manageable given the quick entry to work (it's a certificate program), and the 29% earnings jump to nearly $40,000 by year four suggests graduates gain traction once they establish themselves in the industry. The 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio is reasonable for a vocational program. However, parents should understand that marine transportation credentials can vary widely in earning power depending on specialization and location—this program's national ranking indicates it may not open doors to the highest-paying maritime roles like those at major shipping companies or in specialized vessel operations.

For families specifically interested in Houston's maritime industry and seeking affordable credentialing, this works as a low-risk entry point. But students aiming for the stronger earnings typical of marine transportation should investigate what distinguishes higher-ranking programs nationally, particularly regarding employer connections and vessel certifications obtained during training.