How much do Merchant Marine Academy graduates typically earn?

I'm considering the Merchant Marine Academy as a college option and was wondering about the career prospects post-graduation. How much can graduates expect to earn? I'm specifically curious about long-term earnings in comparison to other maritime schools.

Graduates from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) generally have strong career prospects. They are required to fulfill a service obligation after graduation, which can take several forms, including employment in the maritime industry, serving in any branch of the military, or working in a maritime-related field within the federal government.

In terms of salary, according to the Collegedata site, the median starting salary for alumni with 0-5 years of experience is around $73,300, which is considerably higher than the national average for recent college graduates in general. By mid-career (defined as having 10+ years of experience), this number increases significantly. However, exact figures can vary greatly depending on the specific career path an individual chooses within the maritime industry - such as becoming a ship's officer, working in maritime law, or working in a maritime-related role within the federal government.

While it's difficult to make a direct comparison with other maritime schools without specific information, the USMMA tends to score very well in terms of both starting salaries and mid-career earnings when compared to other maritime programs. This is due to a combination of the academy's rigorous program, its federal backing, and the service requirement, which often leads graduates to lucrative careers.

Just remember, earnings shouldn't be the only factor you consider when choosing a school. Your passion for the field, the school's educational quality, your personal fit with the school, and other factors are also very important.