Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Buzzards Bay, MA
"Discipline, Knowledge, Leadership"
At a Glance
Founded
1891
Enrollment
1,271
Acceptance
95%
Service
Multiple Services
The Verdict
Massachusetts Maritime Academy produces ship captains, not soldiers—but everyone wears a uniform. Unlike Maine Maritime (which offers a civilian track), the Regiment of Cadets is mandatory for all undergraduates, creating a unified leadership culture.
Most famous alum? Captain Richard Phillips, whose 2009 Somali pirate ordeal became the Tom Hanks film "Captain Phillips." As the second-oldest state maritime academy, MMA has produced Merchant Marine officers since 1891 with 95% job placement and $75K+ starting salaries.
About
Public maritime college in Buzzards Bay, founded 1891. The Regiment of Cadets is mandatory for all undergraduates. About $27,800 all-in for in-state students (2026-27).
Tuition & Costs
2026-2027 RatesIn-State
$27,837
Out-of-State
$40,887
Endowment
$53.8 million
*All-in: tuition/fees + room $9,336 + board $6,350. New England Regional rate available. Engineering/MET adds $1,486.
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
selective
Key Requirements
- Four years of mathematics including Algebra I, II, Geometry, and Precalculus/Trigonometry
- Four years of English with emphasis on grammar, composition, and literature
- Two sequential years of foreign language study
- Three laboratory science courses with chemistry and physics strongly recommended
- Official high school transcripts and 1-3 letters of recommendation
- Essay of minimum 300 words explaining reasons for attending Mass Maritime
- $50 application fee
Admitted Student Profile
95%
Acceptance Rate
3.25
Avg GPA
1110
Avg SAT
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
55 acres
Housing
Dormitory
Enrollment
1,271
Student:Teacher
12:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
dorm
Daily Schedule
Daily life revolves around the regimental schedule: Morning Formation, cleaning stations, academic classes, physical training, and study hours. New cadets (Youngies) arrive in mid-August for Orientation, a two-week indoctrination program with physical training, drill, and maritime safety instruction. License-track cadets complete three 52-day Sea Terms aboard the Training Ship Patriot State, carrying 540 cadets on voyages for hands-on experience in vessel operations and navigation.
Discipline Model
Unlike some maritime academies that offer civilian tracks, the Regiment of Cadets is mandatory for all undergraduates at Mass Maritime—everyone wears a uniform. This military-style organization instills discipline, leadership, and maritime tradition without requiring military service after graduation. Cadets live in seven dormitories, each housing one Company, supervised by Commandant's Staff and senior cadet officers. The unified regimental culture sets Mass Maritime apart from schools where only license-track students participate.
Academics & Outcomes
Hall of Fame
Admiral William J. Flanagan Jr., USN (Ret.)
Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (CINCLANTFLT) 1994-1996
Captain Richard Phillips
Maersk Alabama captain during the 2009 Somali piracy attack, whose story became the film "Captain Phillips" starring Tom Hanks
Captain Emery Rice, USNR
Quartermaster of USS Olympia at the Battle of Manila Bay; received the Navy Cross
William P. Doyle
Commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission
Andrew E. Gibson
Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce for Maritime Affairs
Christine M. Griffin
Past Deputy Director of the United States Office of Personnel Management
Lee Van Gemert
Author of "Stability and Trim for the Ship's Officer," the Merchant Marine standard textbook; co-founder of Sierra Bravo Delta Club
Athletics & Physical Training
Facilities
Football home games are played at Clean Harbors Stadium in Buzzards Bay. The sailing program benefits from the Academy's waterfront location on Buzzards Bay, providing exceptional training conditions.
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
79%
Graduation Rate
79%
Retention Rate
(1st to 2nd year)
$82,392
Median Earnings
(10 years after entry)
$26,661
Avg. Net Cost
(after financial aid)
$16,962
Avg. Grant
(institutional aid)
86% / 14%
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
Photo Gallery
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