Admissions & Residency Rules
Geographic Requirements
Massachusetts Maritime Academy accepts students from all states. Massachusetts residents receive significantly lower tuition. The academy has about a 72% acceptance rate.
A College-Level Maritime Option
Massachusetts' military education landscape is unique: the state's only military institution is a public university, not a K-12 school.
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay (on Cape Cod) is one of six state maritime academies in the nation:
- Founded: 1891 (second-oldest state maritime academy)
- Level: College and graduate (not K-12)
- Type: Public university, coed
- Cost: ~$11,800 in-state / ~$24,500 out-of-state
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
Key distinction: Unlike Maine Maritime (which has a civilian track), the Regiment is mandatory for all undergraduates—everyone wears a uniform, creating a unified leadership culture. This isn't boot camp; it's a uniformed college preparing students primarily for civilian Merchant Marine careers.
Famous alum: Captain Richard Phillips (Maersk Alabama captain during the 2009 Somali pirate attack, portrayed by Tom Hanks in "Captain Phillips") is a Mass Maritime graduate.
What Mass Maritime Offers
Mass Maritime is a career-focused institution. Students train on the TS Patriot State and graduate prepared for:
- Merchant Marine careers (civilian ship officers)
- Emergency Management (FEMA, Homeland Security—land-based, not just for sailors)
- Military officer commissions (through ROTC)
- Maritime industry and engineering positions
95% of graduates secure employment in their field within 90 days, with median earnings around $75,000.
What Massachusetts Lacks
Massachusetts has no K-12 military schools—no military boarding schools, military academies, or public military high schools. (Note: Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School has strong JROTC and "Minuteman" branding, but it is NOT a military school.) Families seeking K-12 options must look to nearby states:
- New York Military Academy - 3 hours from Boston
- US Coast Guard Academy - 2 hours from Boston (college level, no Congressional nomination required)
- Virginia Military Schools (Fork Union, Hargrave, Fishburne) - 8+ hours from Boston
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any military high schools in Massachusetts?
No. Massachusetts does not have any K-12 military schools—no military boarding schools, military day schools, or public military academies. The closest K-12 options are New York Military Academy (3 hours) or schools in Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
What is Massachusetts Maritime Academy?
Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a public university (not a high school) in Buzzards Bay that prepares students for maritime careers. Founded in 1891, it offers bachelor's and graduate degrees. Students can pursue military officer commissions through ROTC programs.
How much does Mass Maritime cost?
Massachusetts Maritime Academy costs approximately $11,800 per year for in-state students and $24,500 for out-of-state students. This includes tuition, fees, room, and board.
Is Massachusetts Maritime Academy a military school?
Mass Maritime is a uniformed college, not a boot camp—it primarily prepares students for civilian Merchant Marine careers. Unlike Maine Maritime (which has a civilian track), the Regiment is mandatory for ALL undergraduates—everyone wears a uniform. Military service after graduation is optional but many pursue it through ROTC. Fun fact: Captain Richard Phillips (the Maersk Alabama captain from the Tom Hanks movie) is a Mass Maritime alum.
What's the difference between Mass Maritime and the Coast Guard Academy?
Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a state public university that prepares students for civilian maritime careers or military service (optional). The Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut is a federal service academy where graduates are required to serve as Coast Guard officers. USCGA is free but requires military commitment; Mass Maritime charges tuition but offers more career flexibility.