Maine Maritime Academy was founded in 1941 in Castine, Maine, to train merchant marine officers for the nation's wartime and commercial fleets. It is one of only a handful of state maritime academies in the U.S. and is known for its rigorous, hands-on programs in marine engineering, marine transportation, power engineering, and marine science. Students graduate with a bachelor's degree and, in many programs, a U.S. Coast Guard license, giving them exceptionally high job placement rates and strong starting salaries.
The campus sits on the waterfront in the historic coastal village of Castine, giving students direct access to Penobscot Bay and the school's training vessel, the State of Maine. Campus life is built around a regimental model for much of the student body, emphasizing discipline, leadership, and teamwork, with small classes and close faculty mentoring. Students complete sea terms aboard the training ship and commercial vessels, and the tight-knit community, active outdoor and maritime culture, and strong alumni network define the student experience.
| Type | Public |
| Location | Castine, Maine |
| Founded | 1941 |
| Total students | 1,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 13:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 75% |
| Graduation rate | 65% |
| Average starting salary | $75,000 |
| In-state tuition | $17,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $31,000 |
| Room & board | $12,500 |
| Average financial aid | $14,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 95% |
| SAT range | 1000-1200 |
| ACT range | 21-27 |
| Average GPA | 3.3 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling (priority March 1) |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.