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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Marine Transportation Bachelor’s Degree Schools

6 Colleges in the United States
$25,862 Avg Student Debt
$80,566 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Marine Transportation Bachelor's Degree Badge [Marine Transportation](/majors/transportation-materials-handling/marine-transportation/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong marine transportation education at a price that pays off.

College Factual analyzed 27 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value marine transportation schools.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Marine Transportation Schools in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in marine transportation, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Marine Transportation Schools

1

Northwestern Michigan College earned the #1 spot for value among marine transportation schools in the United States. Set in the city of Traverse City, Northwestern Michigan College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,860 in tuition and fees, compared with $13,476 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,542 to complete the marine transportation program here. Marine Transportation graduates of Northwestern Michigan College earn a median of $87,281 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

A rank of #2 makes United States Merchant Marine Academy one of the best values for marine transportation. United States Merchant Marine Academy is a small public school located in the suburb of Kings Point. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $895. Marine Transportation graduates of United States Merchant Marine Academy earn a median of $69,847 early in their careers. United States Merchant Marine Academy admits about 34% of applicants.

3

California Maritime Academy is a great value for students pursuing a degree in marine transportation, landing the #3 spot this year. California Maritime Academy is a small public school located in the city of Vallejo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,559, while out-of-state students pay about $22,159. Typical student debt for marine transportation graduates is $26,945. Early-career marine transportation graduates make about $87,464. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

4

A rank of #4 makes Texas A And M University College Station one of the best values for marine transportation. Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public school located in the city of College Station. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Marine Transportation graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career marine transportation graduates make about $87,444. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Maine Maritime Academy earned it the #5 place for marine transportation. Located in the rural area of Castine, Maine Maritime Academy is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $15,158 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,102. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the marine transportation program here. Early-career marine transportation graduates make about $82,725. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Maine Maritime Academy admits about 54% of applicants.

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Suny Maritime College crest
Suny Maritime College
Throggs Neck, NY

Suny Maritime College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value marine transportation schools. Suny Maritime College is a small public school located in the city of Throggs Neck. Students from in state pay about $8,589 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,159. Marine Transportation graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, marine transportation degree recipients from Suny Maritime College generally make around $79,797. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

7

Massachusetts Maritime Academy landed the #7 spot for marine transportation value this year. Located in the suburb of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a small public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,420, while out-of-state students pay about $23,722. Marine Transportation graduates carry a median of $24,686 in student loans. Marine Transportation graduates of Massachusetts Maritime Academy earn a median of $84,187 early in their careers. Set against $24,686 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Massachusetts Maritime Academy admits about 95% of applicants.

Other Marine Transportation Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Marine Transportation rankings across degree levels:

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

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 27 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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