California State University Maritime Academy
Acceptance rate
95.0%
2025
Peer median 80.5%
Out-of-state tuition
$22,159
In-state $9,559
Peer median $17,955
Undergraduates
804
Student-faculty ratio 11:1
Peer median 14 : 1
Graduation rate
49.2%
4-year; 6-year rate 63.1%
Peer median 26.9%
“Peers” are all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
California State University Maritime Academy (CSUM) is a unique institution that specializes in maritime education and training, situated in Vallejo, California. As one of the few maritime academies in the United States, CSUM offers a distinctive blend of academic rigor and practical training that prepares students for various careers in the maritime industry, including marine engineering, marine transportation, and logistics. The school’s motto, “Excellence in Education, Leadership and Service,” reflects its commitment to fostering leadership qualities and service-oriented values among its students. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, students participate in hands-on training aboard the academy's training ship, the T.S. Golden Bear, which enhances their practical skills and prepares them for real-world challenges.
The campus of CSUM is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced engineering labs, simulation centers, and a modern library, which support a comprehensive learning environment. The faculty comprises experienced professionals and scholars who bring a wealth of knowledge and industry experience to the classroom. The academy also boasts a vibrant student life, with numerous clubs and organizations focusing on maritime activities, leadership development, and community service. Additionally, CSUM has a strong track record of graduate employment, with many students securing positions in reputable maritime companies and governmental organizations shortly after graduation. The school's location in the San Francisco Bay Area, a hub for maritime commerce, further enhances its appeal, providing students with ample internship and networking opportunities in a thriving industry.
Analysis of Key Data Points at California State University Maritime Academy
California State University Maritime Academy has shown notable trends in several key areas over the past decade. One of the most significant observations is the steady increase in tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. From 2014 to 2024, in-state tuition rose from $6,536 to $7,672, marking an increase of approximately 17.4%. Similarly, out-of-state tuition grew from $17,696 to $19,552, culminating in a 10.5% increase. This consistent rise in tuition reflects broader national trends in higher education costs, which can impact enrollment figures and student debt levels.
In terms of student enrollment, there has been a concerning decline in the number of undergraduate students, from a peak of 1,107 in 2017 to just 808 in 2023. This 27% decrease could be attributed to various factors, including rising tuition costs, changing demographics, and potentially shifting interests among prospective students. The decline in students is particularly alarming in light of the retention rates, which have also fluctuated, dropping to 72.8% in 2023 from a high of 84.5% in 2017. Retention is critical for educational institutions as it directly affects graduation rates and overall institutional reputation.
Speaking of graduation rates, there has been a slight improvement in the timely graduation rate for undergraduates, which stood at 48.1% in 2023, up from 39.3% in 2015. This upward trend is encouraging, as it indicates that students are increasingly completing their degrees within the expected timeframe despite the challenges faced by the institution.
Additionally, gender representation among undergraduate students has seen a modest shift, with the proportion of female students rising slightly from about 14.3% in 2013 to approximately 20.2% in 2023. This gradual increase in female enrollment is a positive indication of the institution's efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.
Overall, while the California State University Maritime Academy is making strides in improving some areas such as graduation rates and gender diversity, the declining student enrollment and retention rates coupled with rising tuition fees pose significant challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the institution's long-term sustainability and success.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Midsize city
- Nearest major city
- San Francisco, about 50 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK), about 25 mi
- Also known as
- Cal Poly Maritime Academy
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Corey Cook, PhD (Vice President and CEO, Cal Poly Solano Campus)
- Phone
- 7076541000
- City
- Vallejo, California
- Address
- 200 Maritime Academy Dr, Vallejo, CA 94590-8181
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 80.5% · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 73.4%, women 84.3%.
Data insights
Trends in Admissions at California State University Maritime Academy
The admissions data for California State University Maritime Academy over the years presents a compelling narrative about the institution's attractiveness and selectivity. Notably, the male admission rate has fluctuated significantly, starting at approximately 81% in 2009 and eventually dropping to about 95% in 2023. This trend suggests a growing selectivity, possibly reflecting an increase in applications or a strategic shift in enrollment goals.
Conversely, the female admission rate has shown a remarkable increase, indicating a concerted effort to enhance gender diversity within the academy. From a rate of 74.2% in 2009, it reached nearly 97% in 2023. Such growth suggests that the institution is not only attracting more female applicants but also actively working to create a more inclusive environment.
The total enrollment figures also reveal interesting dynamics. The academy saw a peak enrollment of 241 students in 2017, but this number has been relatively stable in recent years, with enrollments in the range of 145 to 195. The number of denied applications has varied widely, peaking at 408 in 2016, which indicates a competitive environment for prospective students.
Overall, the data illustrates California State University Maritime Academy's evolving landscape, where both male and female admission rates have experienced significant changes, with an increasing focus on gender balance and selectivity in the admissions process. This trend aligns with broader national dialogues on diversity and inclusion in higher education, highlighting the academy's commitment to fostering an equitable academic community.
Test Scores
SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Test Scores at California State University Maritime Academy
The admission data from California State University Maritime Academy reveals some interesting trends in standardized test scores and submission rates over the years from 2007 to 2023. Notably, the percentage of students submitting SAT scores has remained consistently high, with figures hovering around 85% to 94% throughout the years. This indicates a strong reliance on SAT scores as a critical component of the admission process, reflecting a trend in many U.S. colleges where standardized tests continue to play a significant role in evaluating applicants.
Examining the SAT reading and math scores, there appears to be a slight decline in the lower bound of scores over the years. The 25th percentile for reading scores has dropped from 490 in 2007 to 470 in subsequent years, while the upper bound has remained relatively stable, indicating that the top-performing students have maintained a consistent performance level. This could suggest that while the overall applicant pool may be broadening, the top echelon of students remains competitive.
Moreover, the consistency in the middle 50% range of SAT scores over the years, particularly in math, where the upper bound has not exceeded 580, indicates a plateau in academic performance at this institution. This trend may prompt the academy to explore alternative evaluation metrics or support systems to enhance student preparedness.
It’s also worth noting the ongoing national conversation around the relevance of standardized tests in college admissions. As more institutions move towards test-optional policies, it will be interesting to see how California State University Maritime Academy adapts to such changes in the future, particularly in maintaining its standards while potentially expanding its applicant pool. Overall, these insights provide a glimpse into the evolving landscape of college admissions and the need for continuous assessment of evaluation methods in higher education.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 10 in 10
961 applicants in 2025, 95.0% admitted
913 admitted 48 not admitted Yield 20.7%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other · Master's13 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at California State University Maritime Academy
The graduation data from California State University Maritime Academy reveals intriguing trends, particularly in the fields of Marine Science and Business Administration. The Marine Science and Merchant Marine Officer program stands out with 53 bachelor's degree graduates, indicating a strong interest and demand in maritime professions. This aligns with the increasing focus on sustainable practices and the need for skilled professionals in the maritime sector, which is vital to global trade and environmental conservation.
In the realm of Business Administration, the regular program produced 30 graduates while one international student also completed their degree. This modest representation of international students suggests that while the program is popular among domestic students, it may not be attracting a diverse international cohort as strongly as other programs. The lack of master's or doctoral graduates in most fields, except for one in Business Administration, also raises questions about the pathways available for further education in these disciplines at this institution.
Notably, fields related to engineering, such as Marine Engineering Technology and Mechanical Engineering, show a limited number of graduates, with only 17 in Marine Engineering Technology at the bachelor's level. This could reflect broader trends in engineering education, where students may be gravitating towards more established or recognized programs at other institutions.
Overall, the data indicates a concentrated strength in maritime studies but highlights potential areas for growth, particularly in attracting international students and expanding graduate programs across various disciplines. This is crucial in a competitive educational landscape where diversity and advanced degrees can enhance institutional prestige and student experience.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Science/Merchant Marine Officer. | $101,735 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $79,890 | ||
| Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other. | $79,890 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering. | $98,324 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Engineering Technology/Technician. | $97,197 | ||
| Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| International/Globalization Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oceanography, Chemical and Physical. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Relations and National Security Studies, Other. | $39,705 |
Students
837 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 82:18 · Freshman retention 77.5%
- Continuing undergraduates 548
- First-year undergraduates 187
- Graduate students 33
- Transfers and others 69
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (804)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Student Demographics at California State University Maritime Academy in 2023
The 2023 demographic data for California State University Maritime Academy reveals insightful trends regarding the student population composition. The institution has a diverse mix of undergraduate freshmen, upperclassmen, transfer students, and graduate students, showcasing varying levels of male and female representation across these categories.
Among the undergraduate freshmen, a significant majority of 84.8% are male, while only 15.2% are female. This trend continues with upperclassmen, where 78.2% are male compared to 21.8% female. Such a stark contrast in gender representation raises questions about the inclusivity of maritime studies and whether efforts are being made to attract more female students into this traditionally male-dominated field.
Transfer students exhibit a similar pattern, with 82.9% male and 17.1% female. Graduate students show a slightly more balanced demographic, but still, 68.3% are male and 31.7% female. This suggests that while there is some progress in diversifying the student body, particularly at the graduate level, the overall gender disparity remains pronounced.
Ethnic diversity within these categories is another important aspect, particularly the representation of various racial and ethnic groups. The data indicates that white students constitute a majority across all student categories, which could reflect broader trends in higher education demographics. This underscores the need for ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in academic programs and recruitment strategies.
In conclusion, while California State University Maritime Academy has made strides in creating a diverse educational environment, the data highlights persistent gender disparities and the need for enhanced outreach to underrepresented groups in both gender and ethnicity to foster a more inclusive academic community.
Analysis of Student Age Demographics at California State University Maritime Academy
The age composition of students at California State University Maritime Academy reveals several interesting trends. The majority of students fall within the 18-21 age bracket, which is indicative of a typical undergraduate population, where young adults are transitioning from high school to higher education. Specifically, 68% of the total male students and 65% of the total female students are under the age of 22. This trend aligns with national statistics, where younger individuals dominate university populations, reflecting the societal norm of pursuing higher education immediately after high school.
Moreover, the data shows a noticeable decline in student numbers as age increases. For instance, the 25-29 age group comprises only 6% of the total male students and 8% of female students. This may suggest that older age groups are less likely to enroll in traditional undergraduate programs, possibly due to career commitments or family responsibilities.
Interestingly, the institution has a very small representation of students aged 40 and above, with only 8 students in total, which raises questions about the inclusivity of higher education for non-traditional students. The absence of graduate students in certain age brackets, such as 18-19, further emphasizes the age-related stratification within the student body.
Overall, the data reflects a youthful demographic that is typical of universities, while also highlighting areas where the institution might consider strategies to attract a more diverse age range, particularly non-traditional students, to enhance the learning environment and foster intergenerational exchange of ideas.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
3 in 2025 · 1.2% in 2016
0 in 2025 · 2.5% in 2018
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at California State University Maritime Academy
The data on international student enrollment at California State University Maritime Academy reveals a concerning trend over the years. Since 2004, the percentage of international undergraduate students has consistently declined, dropping from 3.72% to a mere 0.37% in 2023. This decline is particularly striking given the overall increase in total undergraduate enrollment during this period, suggesting a growing isolation of the institution in attracting a diverse student body.
Interestingly, while undergraduate numbers show a downward trend in international representation, there seems to be a slight fluctuation in graduate enrollment figures. The percentage of international graduate students peaked at 8.89% in 2021 but has since declined to 2.44% in 2023. This inconsistency highlights potential challenges in graduate recruitment strategies, especially in a competitive global education landscape.
Various factors could contribute to this decline, including geopolitical tensions, stricter immigration policies, and perceptions about the quality of education and living conditions in the U.S. Amidst these challenges, many universities are actively seeking to enhance their appeal to international students, recognizing the cultural and economic benefits they bring to campus.
To reverse the declining trend in international enrollment, California State University Maritime Academy must consider implementing targeted outreach strategies, improving support services for international students, and promoting the unique advantages of its maritime-focused programs. As global educational dynamics evolve, adapting to these changes will be crucial for maintaining a diverse and vibrant academic community.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$36,695
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $22,159
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $9,559
- Room and board
- $14,536
Peer median tuition + room and board $29,573 · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 25% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 24%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$91.2M
Expenses$73.1M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · California Pacific Conference
California Pacific Conference: basketball, cross country
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Other Sports | 34 | 13 |
| Soccer | 31 | 12 |
| Water Polo | 19 | 16 |
| Basketball | 17 | 13 |
| Cross Country | 13 | 6 |
| Rowing | 15 | 2 |
| Golf | 10 | 6 |
| Sailing | - | - |
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 27 | 14 |
| Water Polo | 22 | 15 |
| Other Sports | 37 | - |
| Basketball | 15 | 9 |
| Rowing | 15 | 2 |
| Cross Country | 10 | 6 |
| Golf | 10 | 5 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 1 | 1 |
| Sailing | - | - |
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 21 | 21 |
| Other Sports | 33 | - |
| Water Polo | 15 | 11 |
| Basketball | 14 | 10 |
| Cross Country | 15 | 5 |
| Golf | 10 | 7 |
| Rowing | 7 | 2 |
| Sailing | - | - |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley · 13.7 mi
U.S. News #20
-
University of San FranciscoSan Francisco · 23.5 mi
U.S. News #116
-
San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco · 27.5 mi
U.S. News #227
-
University of California-DavisDavis · 41.7 mi
U.S. News #34
-
Stanford UniversityStanford · 44.3 mi
U.S. News #5
-
University of the PacificStockton · 50.4 mi
U.S. News #121
-
Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara · 52.3 mi
U.S. News #55
-
University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz · 74.8 mi
U.S. News #109
-
University of California-MercedMerced · 110.0 mi
U.S. News #69
Data insights
Here are some notable universities near California State University Maritime Academy:
-
Stanford University - Ranked 3rd in the 2024 US News rankings, Stanford is renowned for its academic excellence and research contributions across various fields.
-
University of California-Berkeley - With a rank of 15, UC Berkeley is a prestigious institution known for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life.
-
University of California-Los Angeles - Also ranked 15th, UCLA is recognized for its diverse programs, strong athletics, and influential alumni.
-
University of California-Davis - Ranked 28th, UC Davis is distinguished for its research initiatives and outstanding agricultural sciences programs.
-
University of California-Santa Barbara - With a rank of 35, UCSB is known for its beautiful campus and strong emphasis on research and environmental studies.
-
California Institute of Technology - Ranked 7th, Caltech is famous for its science and engineering programs, producing some of the world's leading scientists and engineers.
These institutions offer a range of academic opportunities and are highly regarded in various fields of study.
Peer median 4.9 · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Crime Rates at California State University Maritime Academy: An Overview
The crime rates at California State University Maritime Academy show significant fluctuations over the years, reflecting various trends in campus safety and student behavior. In 2013, the average crime rate was reported at 11.72 incidents per 1,000 students. This figure peaked in 2019 at 22.37, indicating a worrying trend of increasing incidents. However, there seems to be a slight improvement in subsequent years, with a drop to 9.73 in 2022 before surging again to an alarming 28.03 in 2023.
Examining the breakdown of the subcategories reveals a concerning prevalence of drug-related arrests and alcohol-related incidents. The spike in the crime rate in 2023 may be attributed to rising issues with substance abuse among students, which is a growing concern across many college campuses nationwide. Such a trend emphasizes the need for effective preventive measures and support systems for students, particularly in managing the pressures of academic life.
Furthermore, the data suggests that while some categories like robbery and violent offenses have remained relatively low, the incidents of drug arrests and alcohol violations deserve further scrutiny. These categories can have a long-term impact on the campus environment and student well-being.
Addressing these challenges is crucial for maintaining a safe educational atmosphere. It is essential for the university to enhance its safety protocols and provide resources that promote healthy lifestyles among students. The fluctuating crime rates should serve as a call to action for both university administration and students alike to foster a supportive and secure campus community. For further insights on calculating crime rates, you can refer to the following link: Crime Rate Calculation.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.