Great Lakes Maritime Academy
Traverse City, MI
The Verdict
Great Lakes Maritime Academy prepares men and women for careers as licensed merchant marine officers aboard commercial vessels of unlimited tonnage on the Great Lakes and oceans. As the only maritime academy located on fresh water and the sole institution offering First Class Great Lakes Pilotage credentials, GLMA fills a unique niche in American maritime education—with a superb passing rate on licensing exams.
Unlike traditional military academies, GLMA operates with a professional rather than regimented approach—making it ideal for career-changers and veterans (average cadet age: 27).
About
The Great Lakes Maritime Academy, a division of Northwestern Michigan College, has been training merchant marine officers for the commercial shipping industry since 1969. The academy provides extensive hands-on training on its fleet of vessels, including the T/S State of Michigan.
Tuition & Costs
2025-2026 RatesIn-State
$31,494
Out-of-State
$33,570
Endowment
$300,000
*Estimated annual cost including tuition, fees, room/board, and other expenses for the 2025-2026 academic year.
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
selective
Key Requirements
- U.S. citizenship required
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum ACT composite of 20 or SAT of 1440
- Two letters of recommendation from non-relatives
- U.S. Coast Guard physical standards
- Official campus visit required before enrollment
Admitted Student Profile
1440
Avg SAT
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
100 acres
Housing
Dormitory
Enrollment
200
Student:Teacher
25:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
dorm
Daily Schedule
First-year cadets under age 20 must reside in East Hall for at least two semesters. Cadets wear uniforms during classes, lab sessions, and shipboard training but may dress casually in residence halls. Most evenings and weekends are free, and many cadets work part-time jobs. The academy does not operate on a rigid military schedule but maintains professional standards expected of future ship officers.
Discipline Model
Housing is situated on the Northwestern Michigan College campus in Traverse City with three options: East Hall, North Hall, and College Drive Apartments. The average cadet age is 27, reflecting the academy's appeal to career-changers and veterans. Automobiles are permitted with free campus parking. The academy emphasizes self-discipline, leadership qualities, and technical competence required of a Merchant Marine Officer.
Academics & Outcomes
Hall of Fame
Trevor M. Sweeney
Casino Boat Captain who became a leading industry advocate for GLMA training quality
Sean Laughlin
Third Mate and First Class Great Lakes Pilot who sailed internationally to Spain, Crete, and Sicily
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Cadets are encouraged to maintain physical fitness standards appropriate for demanding shipboard work. Access to NMC's intramural sports programs and fitness facilities is available.
Facilities
Northwestern Michigan College fitness facilities, Grand Traverse Bay waterfront for sailing and kayaking, outdoor resources for hiking and skiing in northern Michigan.
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
31%
Graduation Rate
$38,167
Median Earnings
(10 years after entry)
$5,243
Avg. Net Cost
(after financial aid)
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
Photo Gallery
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