Analysis
Texas A&M's Marine Transportation program launches graduates into six-figure careers faster than almost any maritime program in the country. With $87,444 in first-year earnings that grow to over $100,000 by year four, graduates rank in the 93rd percentile nationally—placing them among the elite in this specialized field. The $25,000 median debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.29, meaning graduates earn back their entire educational investment in roughly four months of work.
The context matters here: only seven schools nationwide offer this bachelor's program, making it inherently selective in the marketplace. As the sole Texas provider, A&M holds a regional monopoly that appears to serve students well. While the 60th state percentile ranking might seem middling at first glance, it's somewhat misleading given there's only one other Texas program to compare against. The real story is that 15% earnings growth trajectory and those strong absolute numbers—graduates are entering the merchant marine officer track or maritime logistics roles that command serious compensation from day one.
The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests stable but not massive program cohorts, which aligns with the specialized nature of maritime careers. For families comfortable with a niche career path that requires time at sea, this program delivers exceptional financial returns with manageable debt.
Where Texas A&M University-College Station Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marine transportation bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Texas A&M University-College Station 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $87,444 | $100,933 | +15% |
| Northwestern Michigan College | $87,281 | $123,697 | +42% |
| Massachusetts Maritime Academy | $84,187 | $106,416 | +26% |
| Maine Maritime Academy | $82,725 | $102,847 | +24% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station | $13,099 | $87,444 | $100,933 | $25,000 | 0.29 |
 California State University Maritime AcademyVallejo | $7,672 | $87,464 | $98,863 | $26,945 | 0.31 |
 Northwestern Michigan CollegeTraverse City | $5,350 | $87,281 | $123,697 | $26,542 | 0.30 |
 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 Texas A&M University-College Station, approximately 19% 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 96 graduates with reported earnings and 91 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.