2026 Best Value Marine Transportation Schools in the Far Western Region

1

Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CA

Orange Coast College earned the #1 spot for value among marine transportation schools in the Far Western Region. Located in the city of Costa Mesa, Orange Coast College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,392, with out-of-state students paying around $11,640. Typical student debt for marine transportation graduates is $8,978. Early-career marine transportation graduates make about $46,306. That is a strong return on a $8,978 median debt.

2

Seattle Community College Central Campus
Seattle, WA

Seattle Community College Central Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in marine transportation, landing the #2 spot this year. Seattle Community College Central Campus is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Seattle. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,238, with out-of-state students paying around $5,796. Students borrow a median of $14,699 to complete the marine transportation program here. Marine Transportation graduates of Seattle Community College Central Campus earn a median of $53,048 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,699 median debt.

3

University Of Alaska Southeast
Juneau, AK

University Of Alaska Southeast came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value marine transportation schools. Set in the rural area of Juneau, University Of Alaska Southeast is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,936 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. Marine Transportation graduates carry a median of $20,458 in student loans. Early-career marine transportation graduates make about $63,014. That is a strong return on a $20,458 median debt. The acceptance rate is 63%.

4

California Maritime Academy
Vallejo, CA

California Maritime Academy is a great value for students pursuing a degree in marine transportation, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Vallejo, California Maritime Academy is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,559 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,159. Marine Transportation graduates carry a median of $26,945 in student loans. Soon after graduation, marine transportation degree recipients from California Maritime Academy generally make around $87,464. That is a strong return on a $26,945 median debt. California Maritime Academy admits about 95% of applicants.

5

Divers Institute Of Technology
Seattle, WA

A rank of #5 makes Divers Institute Of Technology one of the best values for marine transportation. Set in the city of Seattle, Divers Institute Of Technology is a small private for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete the marine transportation program here. Soon after graduation, marine transportation degree recipients from Divers Institute Of Technology generally make around $38,699. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.