United States Merchant Marine Academy
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$3,780
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$61,770/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
0.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
32583%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The United States Merchant Marine Academy has a high return on investment. The median debt for graduates is $8,833, with only 6.6% of students receiving aid. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $59,168. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $96,770, and after ten years, earnings are $90,610.
Given the high earnings and low debt, the break-even timeline for graduates is short. The in-state tuition is $945. The high earnings, especially in the first year after graduation, suggest that graduates likely pay off their debt quickly.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$945
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,833
Median Earnings (5yr)
$96,770
Graduation Rate
79%
Receive Financial Aid
7%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Transportation. | $3,780 | $0 | N/A |
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. | $3,780 | $0 | N/A |
| Systems Engineering. | $3,780 | $0 | N/A |
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. | $3,780 | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
32583%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
1899%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
2213%
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.