California State University Maritime Academy
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$30,688
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$49,676/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
0.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
3137%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
California State University Maritime Academy has a high return on investment. One year after graduation, alumni earn an average of $82,458. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $84,676, and after ten years, earnings reach $94,784. The median debt for graduates is $24,965.
The debt-to-income ratio is favorable. With a median debt of $24,965 and an average starting salary of $82,458, graduates can likely manage their debt effectively. The high starting salary suggests a relatively short break-even timeline, where graduates can quickly recoup their tuition investment.
The high earnings potential is notable, especially considering the relatively low in-state tuition of $7,672. The high acceptance rate of 98.7% and the graduation rate of 64.9% indicate that the school is accessible, but students should be aware of the need to complete their degree.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$7,672
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,965
Median Earnings (5yr)
$84,676
Graduation Rate
65%
Receive Financial Aid
43%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Transportation. | $30,688 | $98,863 | 4062% |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $30,688 | $101,325 | 4223% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $30,688 | $0 | N/A |
| International/Global Studies. | $30,688 | $0 | N/A |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | $30,688 | $0 | N/A |
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. | $30,688 | $0 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $30,688 | $114,402 | 5075% |
| Engineering, Other. | $30,688 | $0 | N/A |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | $30,688 | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
3137%
20yr ROI
1110%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
2736%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.