Texas A&M Maritime Academy
Galveston, TX
At a Glance
Founded
1962
Enrollment
352
Acceptance
50%
Service
Multiple Services
The Verdict
Founded in 1962 when Texas Governor Price Daniel and Texas A&M President General Earl Rudder signed the agreement authorizing the Texas Maritime Academy, the institution has grown from its first class of 23 "Saltwater Aggies" to become the only maritime academy on the Gulf Coast.
Located on Pelican Island in Galveston, the academy trains about 350 cadets, producing graduates who command starting salaries exceeding $100,000, with licensed engineers earning over $150,000 annually.
About
Texas A&M Maritime Academy in Galveston is one of six state maritime academies, training merchant marine officers. In-state cost $30,614 (2026-27).
Tuition & Costs
2026-2027 RatesIn-State
$30,614
Out-of-State
$60,128
Endowment
$5.6 billion
*Includes tuition, fees, housing, and food.
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
selective
Key Requirements
- Application through Common App or Apply Texas
- Top 10% of high school class qualifies for automatic admission
- Holistic review for others (coursework rigor, GPA, class rank, extracurriculars)
- Passing Merchant Mariner physical within two months of Orientation
- Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) through TSA
Admitted Student Profile
50%
Acceptance Rate
3.50
Avg GPA
1200
Avg SAT
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
135 acres
Housing
Dormitory
Enrollment
352
Student:Teacher
14:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
dorm
Daily Schedule
Cadets participate in one of three programs: U.S. Coast Guard License Program, NROTC, or Drill and Ceremonies. O-Week immerses new cadets in traditions and expectations. The defining experience comes during three Summer Sea Terms after freshman, sophomore, and junior years aboard the TS Kennedy (acquired 2023), with the NSMV Lone Star State (524-foot, 600-cadet capacity) expected in late 2026. Students embrace Texas A&M traditions including Yell Practice, Muster, Silver Taps, and the Aggie Ring.
Discipline Model
Life at Texas A&M Maritime Academy blends rigorous military structure with an ocean-focused campus on Pelican Island. Campus facilities include five residence halls, student center, library, classroom buildings, and the Sea Aggie Fitness Center. During Sea Terms, cadets stand navigation and engine watches, perform maintenance, and receive hands-on instruction in seamanship and cargo operations.
Academics & Outcomes
Hall of Fame
Captain Bennett M. Dodson, USN (Ret.)
First superintendent who established the academy's foundations and traditions, putting the first class of 23 Saltwater Aggies under training
Dr. Todd Sutherland
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Assistant Superintendent of Cadets at Texas A&M University at Galveston
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Physical fitness is emphasized as part of the Corps of Cadets program. Cadets participate in physical training and have access to the Sea Aggie Fitness Center. The maritime environment supports rowing, sailing, and water-based activities.
Facilities
Sea Aggie Fitness Center with Sea Aggie Studio, rowing facilities on Galveston Bay, sailing dinghies and equipment, intramural fields and courts. The Rowing Club competes nationally with 2-3 local races plus Oklahoma City competition in fall, and Regional Championship in Tennessee in spring.
External Ratings
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Official Federal Data Sources
Verify information directly from U.S. Department of Education databases:
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Guides & Resources
Texas Hazlewood Act: 150 Hours of Free College Tuition
The Hazlewood Act gives Texas veterans up to 150 hours of free tuition at public colleges, including Texas A&M's Corps of Cadets. Unused hours transfer to children.
Free Military Schools: 4 Tuition-Free Options
Yes — four options charge no tuition: public military academies, charter schools, service academies, and Youth Challenge. Private boarding runs $25,500-$67,000.
Career Paths After Military School: Most Grads Go Civilian
70-80% of military school graduates go on to civilian colleges and careers—in business, law, medicine, and tech—and employers value the discipline they bring.
Using a 529 Plan for Military School Tuition
As of 2026, 529 plans can pay up to $20,000 per year of K-12 military school tuition under federal law — double the old cap. See what qualifies and the state tax caveats.
The Service Academy & ROTC Roadmap
A West Point or Naval Academy education is worth over $400,000. How to win an appointment or ROTC scholarship—nominations, DoDMERB exams, and timelines.
U.S. Military Schools for International Students
International students can attend U.S. military schools on an F-1 visa. What overseas families need: TOEFL 70-90+, proof of funding, and a 12-18 month timeline.