Cal Poly Maritime Academy
Vallejo, CA
"Laborare Pugnare Parati Sumus"
At a Glance
Founded
1929
Enrollment
761
Acceptance
99%
Service
Multiple Services
The Verdict
California State University Maritime Academy (now Cal Poly Maritime Academy following the July 2025 integration) stands as the only degree-granting maritime academy on the West Coast. Founded in 1929, the institution trains graduates for leadership responsibility in the global maritime profession—with median earnings of $94,784 putting graduates among the highest-paid in higher education.
The Training Ship Golden Bear provides 12,000 nautical miles of open-ocean training during the annual Summer Sea Term, while the Corps of Cadets instills professionalism, teamwork, and self-discipline.
About
A specialized campus of the CSU system focused on maritime technology and operations.
Tuition & Costs
2025-2026 RatesIn-State
$32,367
Out-of-State
$45,687
Endowment
$19.16 million
*Total cost of attendance for Corps of Cadets programs including tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, uniforms, and insurance. Beginning fall 2026, students will be charged Cal Poly fees.
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
open
Key Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of CSU A-G requirements
- Test-blind policy - SAT/ACT scores not required
- Physical fitness standards for maritime training
- Valid documentation for USCG licensing (for license-track programs)
Admitted Student Profile
99%
Acceptance Rate
3.43
Avg GPA
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
88 acres
Housing
Dormitory
Enrollment
761
Student:Teacher
10:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
dorm
Daily Schedule
Cadets are organized into Squads, Sections, Divisions, and Companies based on academic majors. Morning Formations are held multiple times weekly, and cadets stand watches both on campus and aboard the training ship. Grooming and uniform standards apply on lower campus from 0700-1630, Monday through Friday during class days. The defining experience is Summer Sea Term aboard the 500-foot Training Ship Golden Bear, where cadets log 12,000 nautical miles over 65 days at sea.
Discipline Model
Life at Cal Maritime revolves around the Corps of Cadets, a student-led leadership program that prepares cadets for maritime careers with no military obligation. Freshmen are required to live on campus with housing guaranteed for all four years. Cadets wear Merchant Marine Navy-style uniforms with Khaki, Salt and Pepper, and Working uniform options. The Corps focuses on developing professionalism, confidence, teamwork, and self-discipline.
Academics & Outcomes
Hall of Fame
Captain Samar Bannister
Master Mariner with unlimited master's license, the highest qualification a seafarer can attain. Spent over 14 years navigating deep-sea routes with Maersk Line Ltd and Ocean Ships Inc. after starting her career on SWATH research vessels and Watson Class LMSR vessels.
Dr. Elizabeth C. McNie
Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Marine Transportation at Cal Maritime. Holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies from University of Colorado Boulder with fellowships from Harvard University and the National Science Foundation. Previously sailed as an officer on oil tankers and deep-sea offshore drilling rigs.
Sarah McDonald
Vice President of Vessel Construction and Repair at Hornblower Group. Oversaw construction management of the NYC Ferry fleet of 38 purpose-built vessels that revolutionized commuter transportation across New York City. Holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Cal Maritime and MBA from Louisiana State University.
Captain Brad Westlund
Vice President of Operations and Business Development at Stabbert Maritime. Holds both BS in Marine Transportation and MS in Transportation and Engineering Management from Cal Maritime. Nearly two decades of maritime career demonstrating consistent leadership and professional growth.
External Ratings
We don't collect or moderate reviews. Links point to trusted third-party sources.
Federal Outcomes Data
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard
67%
Graduation Rate
76%
Retention Rate
(1st to 2nd year)
$94,784
Median Earnings
(10 years after entry)
$17,555
Avg. Net Cost
(after financial aid)
$11,063
Avg. Grant
(institutional aid)
81% / 19%
Male / Female
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2026-01)
View on College ScorecardOfficial Federal Data Sources
Verify information directly from U.S. Department of Education databases:
NCES consumer portal with costs, programs, and retention data
Comprehensive institutional data from the IPEDS survey
Department of Education outcomes and cost data
Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
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