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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Marine Science Master’s Degree Schools

3 Colleges in the United States
43 Marine Science Degrees Awarded
$49,826 Avg Early-Career Salary

Marine Science programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. The schools below stand out for the quality of their marine science programs.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 41 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for marine science students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Marine Science in the United States

Below are the best marine science schools at the master’s degree level, ranked by the quality of the education they deliver.

Top Schools in Marine Science

1

Our analysis ranked San Francisco State University the best school in the country for a degree in marine science. This very large public university is located in the city of San Francisco. About 50% of students finish within six years. San Francisco State University awarded about 14 marine science degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the marine science program make about $50,955 in their early career. San Francisco State University graduates carry a median of $17,024 in student loans. More information about a degree in marine science from San Francisco State University

2

Florida Atlantic University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in marine science, ranking #2. Located in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public university. Florida Atlantic University graduates 63% of students within six years. About 15 marine science degrees were awarded at Florida Atlantic University in the most recent year. Students who receive their marine science degree from Florida Atlantic University earn around $49,340 in the first couple years of their career. Florida Atlantic University graduates carry a median of $20,212 in student loans. Read more about the marine science program at Florida Atlantic University

3

A rank of #3 makes Hawaii Pacific University one of the top schools for marine science. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Honolulu. The six-year graduation rate is 35%. Hawaii Pacific University awarded about 14 marine science degrees in the most recent data year. Marine Science graduates of Hawaii Pacific University earn a median of $49,182 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,385. Read more about the marine science program at Hawaii Pacific University

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
Bachelor's Degrees in Marine Science
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View All Marine Science Rankings >

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Notes and References

This list is compiled 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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