Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA) is a division of Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, established in 1969 as the only state maritime academy on the Great Lakes. It is one of only seven federal and state maritime academies in the United States and is recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration (MARAD). Graduates earn a bachelor's degree or associate degree along with a U.S. Coast Guard merchant mariner license as a third mate or third assistant engineer.
The academy offers a small, tight-knit, regimented environment where cadets combine classroom study with hands-on training and paid sea time aboard the training ship State of Michigan and commercial vessels on the Great Lakes. Cadets benefit from simulator-based training, strong ties to the Great Lakes shipping industry, and high demand from employers. Life on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay offers outdoor recreation, and the program's practical focus leads to strong job placement and competitive starting pay.
| Type | Public |
| Location | Traverse City, Michigan |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Total students | 150 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 8:1 |
| Acceptance rate | Open admission |
| Graduation rate | 60% |
| Average starting salary | $70,000 |
| In-state tuition | $9,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $15,000 |
| Room & board | $9,000 |
| Average financial aid | $8,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 75% |
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | N/A |
| Regular deadline | Rolling admission |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.