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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Marine Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools

7 Colleges in the United States
271 Marine Science Degrees Awarded
$41,521 Avg Early-Career Salary

Marine Science programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

College Factual analyzed 41 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best marine science schools.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Marine Science in the United States

These are the top schools for a bachelor’s degree in marine science, based on student outcomes and program quality.

Top Schools in Marine Science

1

Leading the list is University Of California Davis, our #1 school for marine science. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Davis. University Of California Davis graduates 86% of students within six years. About 19 marine science degrees were awarded at University Of California Davis in the most recent year. Graduates of the marine science program make about $53,749 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $14,404 to complete this degree. See the full marine science program report for University Of California Davis

2
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in marine science, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Florida awarded about 37 marine science degrees in the most recent data year. Marine Science graduates of University Of Florida earn a median of $58,388 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete this degree. See the full marine science program report for University Of Florida

3

A rank of #3 makes California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo one of the top schools for marine science. Located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public university. About 86% of students finish within six years. About 24 marine science degrees were awarded at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in the most recent year. Marine Science graduates of California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn a median of $27,337 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $19,273. More information about a degree in marine science from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

4

Students looking for a strong marine science program will find one at University Of Georgia, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public institution. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 11 marine science degrees were awarded at University Of Georgia in the most recent year. Students who receive their marine science degree from University Of Georgia earn around $53,546 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,792. More information about a degree in marine science from University Of Georgia

5

Western Washington University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in marine science, landing the #5 spot this year. Western Washington University is a large public school located in the city of Bellingham. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. Western Washington University awarded about 14 marine science degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the marine science program make about $41,118 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $20,361. See the full marine science program report for Western Washington University

6

University Of Maine ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best marine science schools. Set in the suburb of Orono, University Of Maine is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. About 67 marine science degrees were awarded at University Of Maine in the most recent year. Students who receive their marine science degree from University Of Maine earn around $29,243 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. Get the full marine science details for University Of Maine

7

California State University Monterey Bay earned the #7 position for marine science this year. Set in the suburb of Seaside, California State University Monterey Bay is a moderately-sized public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 59%. There were roughly 99 marine science students who graduated with this degree at California State University Monterey Bay in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, marine science degree recipients from California State University Monterey Bay generally make around $27,268. Students borrow a median of $17,800 to complete this degree. See the full marine science program report for California State University Monterey Bay

Other Marine Science Degree Levels

Explore the best marine science schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Marine Science
Associate's Degrees in Marine Science
Master's Degrees in Marine Science
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View All Marine Science Rankings >

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 41 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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