SUNY Maritime College
Throggs Neck, NY
"Loyalty, Valor"
At a Glance
Founded
1874
Enrollment
1,243
Acceptance
79%
Service
Multiple Services
The Verdict
SUNY Maritime College stands as America's first maritime academy, founded in 1874, developing leaders for the global maritime industry. With median earnings of $95,951—the highest among all state maritime academies—graduates command exceptional career outcomes. Located at historic Fort Schuyler on a 55-acre peninsula where Long Island Sound meets the East River, the college combines rigorous academic excellence with the disciplined structure of the Regiment of Cadets.
The Training Ship Empire State VII (2023) ensures cadets receive hands-on training aboard one of the most advanced training platforms in the nation.
About
The oldest maritime academy in the US, combining engineering/business degrees with regimented training.
Tuition & Costs
2025-2026 RatesIn-State
$27,181
Out-of-State
$38,081
Endowment
$10.2 million
*Rates are for the fall and spring semesters. Health insurance cost is not included. Rates are subject to change per the SUNY Board of Trustees.
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
selective
Key Requirements
- High school GPA of approximately 3.4 or above
- College-preparatory program completion (recommended)
- SAT scores typically between 1100-1290 or ACT scores between 22-28 (test-optional)
- English proficiency test for international students (TOEFL required)
- Recommendations (recommended but not required)
Admitted Student Profile
79%
Acceptance Rate
3.40
Avg GPA
1195
Avg SAT
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
55 acres
Housing
Dormitory
Enrollment
1,243
Student:Teacher
14:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
dorm
Daily Schedule
Cadets are organized by class year: fourth-class (MUGs), third-class, second-class, and first-class. Approximately 85% of students participate in the Regiment of Cadets, which requires dormitory residency for the first two years, uniform wear, and adherence to a structured daily schedule. Senior first-class cadets serve as cadet officers overseeing daily operations both ashore and aboard the Training Ship Empire State VII.
Discipline Model
The historic Fort Schuyler campus features a mix of older buildings reminiscent of ship interiors alongside modern facilities including a LEED Silver-certified academic building. Room configurations include single, double, and three-person arrangements. As cadets advance, they earn increasing privileges. Upon graduation, regimental cadets earn a U.S. Coast Guard License as a Merchant Marine Officer with no military service obligation.
Academics & Outcomes
Hall of Fame
Geraldo Rivera
Emmy-winning journalist, attorney, author, and political commentator; hosted tabloid talk show Geraldo (1987-1998)
Harry Manning
Master mariner and Captain of the SS United States on her maiden Blue Riband Atlantic crossings; navigator for Amelia Earhart
Ernest Henry Preeg
Economist and U.S. Ambassador to Haiti (1981-1983)
Commodore Leroy J. Alexanderson
Last Master of the SS United States
John W. Anderson
Longest-serving Master of the SS United States
Ross Marvin
Accompanied Robert Peary on expeditions to the North Pole
Felix Riesenberg
Master mariner and acclaimed author
Daniel J. McCarthy
President and CEO of Frontier Communications
John Ferriola
President and COO of Nucor Corporation
Michael Chalos
Renowned maritime law attorney; notably defended the Exxon Valdez captain
John Konrad
Founder of gCaptain maritime news website; ship captain, journalist, and Distinguished Alumni Award recipient
Kevin McCarey
Environmentalist, author, and Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker
Peter Coleman
Won the Gold Medal Mallory Cup (1983) for North American Men's Sailing Championship
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
76%
Graduation Rate
80%
Retention Rate
(1st to 2nd year)
$95,951
Median Earnings
(10 years after entry)
$21,781
Avg. Net Cost
(after financial aid)
$3,782
Avg. Grant
(institutional aid)
88% / 12%
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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Guides & Resources
New York's Excelsior Scholarship: A Free Path to SUNY Maritime
How New York families can attend SUNY Maritime Academy tuition-free through the Excelsior Scholarship—a maritime military education at zero tuition cost.
Free Military Schools: Your Complete Guide to No-Tuition Options
Yes, free military schools exist. Public academies, charter schools, service academies, and Youth Challenge programs offer tuition-free military education—each with different requirements and trade-offs.
Beyond the Uniform: Career Paths for Military School Grads Who Don't Join
Military school doesn't mean military career. Discover how alumni thrive in business, law, medicine, tech, and every field—and why employers value military school graduates.
The Cadet Readiness Checklist: Is Your Child Actually Ready?
Not every child is ready for military school. This honest assessment covers emotional maturity, physical ability, and the traits that determine success or failure.
Military Schools for Girls
Options for girls seeking military-style education, from the nation's only all-female cadet program to coed academies with strong traditions of female leadership.
Behavioral History: What Disqualifies a Student from Military School?
Will past suspensions, legal issues, or disciplinary problems prevent admission? Learn how military schools evaluate behavioral history and when issues can be overcome.