Founded in 1929 as the California Nautical School, Cal Maritime is located in Vallejo on the Carquinez Strait and is the smallest campus in the California State University system. It is one of only a handful of maritime academies in the United States, and its graduates earn a bachelor's degree along with a U.S. Coast Guard merchant mariner license through the Regiment of Cadets program. The school is best known for its strong job placement, its training ship, and its deep ties to the global shipping and maritime industry. In 2025 it was announced that Cal Maritime would become part of Cal Poly through a CSU merger plan.
Campus life is built around a small, tight-knit community with a strong emphasis on leadership, discipline, and teamwork. Distinctive strengths include licensed Marine Transportation and Marine Engineering Technology programs, a summer sea term aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear, and simulation labs for navigation and engine room operations. Students in the Regiment of Cadets live in uniform on campus, while non-regimented students can pursue majors such as Business Administration, Global Studies, and Facilities Engineering Technology. The waterfront setting and a close relationship with faculty and industry mentors define the student experience.
| Type | Public |
| Location | Vallejo, California |
| Founded | 1929 |
| Total students | 1,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 14:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 75% |
| Graduation rate | 60% |
| Average starting salary | $75,000 |
| In-state tuition | $7,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $19,500 |
| Room & board | $17,500 |
| Average financial aid | $14,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 80% |
| SAT range | 1000-1200 |
| ACT range | 20-26 |
| Average GPA | 3.40 |
| Regular deadline | March 1 |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.