by our College Data Analytics Team
[Marine Engineering](/majors/engineering/marine-engineering/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 17 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value marine engineering schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in marine engineering, balancing cost against outcomes.
United States Merchant Marine Academy tops our 2026 list of the best value marine engineering schools in the United States. Located in the suburb of Kings Point, United States Merchant Marine Academy is a small public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $895. Marine Engineering 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.
University Of New Orleans is a great value for students pursuing a degree in marine engineering, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of New Orleans, University Of New Orleans is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,172, with out-of-state students paying around $14,008. Marine Engineering graduates carry a median of $23,048 in student loans. Marine Engineering graduates of University Of New Orleans earn a median of $42,720 early in their careers. Set against $23,048 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New Orleans admits about 74% of applicants.
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a great value for students pursuing a degree in marine engineering, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,137 to complete the marine engineering program here. Marine Engineering graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $87,749 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 16%.
Webb Institute is a great value for students pursuing a degree in marine engineering, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Glen Cove, Webb Institute is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $63,214. Soon after graduation, marine engineering degree recipients from Webb Institute generally make around $75,834. The acceptance rate is 14%.
Students looking for strong value in marine engineering will find it at Maine Maritime Academy, which ranked #5. Located in the rural area of Castine, Maine Maritime Academy is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,158, with out-of-state students paying around $31,102. Typical student debt for marine engineering graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, marine engineering degree recipients from Maine Maritime Academy generally make around $108,130. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 54% of applicants are accepted.
Suny Maritime College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value marine engineering schools. Located in the city of Throggs Neck, Suny Maritime College is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $8,589 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,159 for out-of-state students. Marine Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Marine Engineering graduates of Suny Maritime College earn a median of $92,559 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Massachusetts Maritime Academy earned the #7 position for value in marine engineering this year. Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a small public school located in the suburb of Buzzards Bay. Students from in state pay about $11,420 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,722. Marine Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career marine engineering graduates make about $100,024. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.
Explore the best-value marine engineering schools at other degree levels:
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 17 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.