Located on Cape Cod, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy is in an ideal spot for lovers of all things nautical, which — as the name might give away — describes most of its roughly 1,700 students.
The Academy prides itself on getting students ready for both sea-going and shoreside careers, offering seven undergraduate degrees in fields such as marine engineering, marine transportation, international maritime business and emergency management.
MMA is structured like a military academy. And during orientation, all freshmen (aka “youngies”) undergo a two-week military-style training bootcamp. This admittedly “intense” indoctrination program is designed to immerse newcomers in Academy tradition and customs. Once on board, students in certain majors are required to complete "sea terms," spending weeks training aboard a ship en route to a variety of U.S. and foreign ports.
The Academy does offer aspects of traditional college life, albeit on a smaller scale: Students can play on more than a dozen NCAA Division III sports teams and have their choice of several organizations, including clubs for hockey, water polo and rock climbing. There's also Safe Harbor, a program that encourages MMA's students and staff to identify themselves as LGBTQ+ allies.
The Academy stands out in Money's affordability measures, with the estimated net price of a degree under $73,000 — among the 10 cheapest of all the colleges we analyzed. Median earnings of graduates are also well above those of colleges that enroll similar students.
Notes: Prices reflect in-state charges for public universities. Students who get merit grants are full-time undergraduates who had no financial need and were awarded grants. Graduation rate measures degree completion within six years for both transfer students and first-time students. Early career earnings are the median earnings for both graduates and non-completers, 10 years after they first enrolled.
Sources: U.S. Department of Education, Peterson’s, Money/Witlytic calculations.
Massachusetts Maritime Academy tuition and fees
Estimated cost and due date
Tuition and fees at Massachusetts Maritime Academy are $10,634 (in-state) and $24,522 (out-of-state). You should also factor in room and board, books, and living expenses while enrolled.
The due date for Fall is July 16, 2023, but it's always a good idea to check the university's official calendar or your student portal for any changes. Late payments may incur extra fees.
Feeling overwhelmed by the cost? That’s understandable – college can be expensive, but there are a variety of financial aid sources you can use, including student loans, grants, and scholarships. Here is a brief overview of the available options; for a more comprehensive step-by-step, read our How to Pay for College guide.
Exploring financial aid options at Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Scholarships and grants
The typical grant aid for undergraduates at Massachusetts Maritime Academy is $16,173, which is composed of awards from federal, state, local and college programs. A popular source of college aid is the federal Pell Grant, which is given to students with lower incomes. Approximately 18% of students at Massachusetts Maritime Academy receive a Pell Grant. To be eligible for Pell Grants and other types of financial aid, you must fill out the FAFSA.
State grants
In Massachusetts, there are multiple programs — such as the Massachusetts Gilbert Matching Student Grant — that are available to residents looking to fund their college education. Most states have such grant programs, though the eligibility requirements may vary; thus, double-check your state regulations to determine eligibility.
University scholarships, aka institutional aid
Massachusetts Maritime Academy provides scholarships for 78% of their freshmen, and the average value of the award is $11,313. This is part of the two types of financial aid typically given at colleges; need-based aid, which is based on financial circumstances, and merit-based aid, which is earned on the basis of academic achievement, artistic talent or leadership qualities.
External scholarships
Don't forget to search for external scholarships too. There are many local organizations that provide scholarships to assist students with college costs, and some scholarships have year-round deadlines, so you can get funds after you've enrolled. Check out our guide on college grants and scholarships to find out more about the various types of gift aid.
Student loans
Federal student loans
Federal student loans are one of the most prevalent sources of funds for educational purposes. Such loans come from the government and have comparatively low-interest rates in addition to providing flexible repayment plans.
Private student loans
Private student loans are an alternative. These are offered by private lenders such as banks and credit unions. They can be used to cover expenses not covered by federal loans, but they usually have higher interest rates and less flexible repayment plans.
How to pay tuition bills at Massachusetts Maritime Academy
If you are awarded a loan, grant or scholarship, the funds will usually be sent directly to the university. Any remaining balance must be paid by you. Tuition payments can be made online at https://www.maritime.edu/.
The information included in this page contains data published in university sites, government public records and other vetted sources as of June 23, 2023. Be advised to validate this information with the university registrar or financial office.
This content was created with the assistance of AI technology and has been reviewed, edited and fact-checked by Money's editorial staff.
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