by our College Data Analytics Team
[Marine Engineering](/majors/engineering/marine-engineering/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 3 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value marine engineering schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the marine engineering degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked United States Merchant Marine Academy the best value for a degree in marine engineering in New York. Located in the suburb of Kings Point, United States Merchant Marine Academy is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $895. Marine Engineering graduates of United States Merchant Marine Academy earn a median of $69,847 early in their careers. The acceptance rate is 34%.
Students looking for strong value in marine engineering will find it at Webb Institute, which ranked #2. Located in the suburb of Glen Cove, Webb Institute is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $63,214. Marine Engineering graduates of Webb Institute earn a median of $75,834 early in their careers. The acceptance rate is 14%.
Suny Maritime College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in marine engineering, landing the #3 spot this year. Suny Maritime College is a small public school located in the city of Throggs Neck. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,589, compared with $19,159 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the marine engineering program here. Soon after graduation, marine engineering degree recipients from Suny Maritime College generally make around $92,559. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.
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This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.