US Merchant Marine Academy starting salaries?

I'm looking into the US Merchant Marine Academy and wondering about the starting salaries for graduates. How does their pay compare to other service academies or maritime schools? I'm curious about potential financial prospects after graduation.

Upon graduation from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), a high percentage of graduates find gainful employment in their field of interest. USMMA graduates have a wide range of career paths to choose from including working as a ship's officer, serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, or working in the maritime and transportation industry.

In terms of starting salaries, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the median salary for recent USMMA alumni is approximately $72,000. However, this can vary largely based on the specific industry and job function a graduate goes into.

Comparably, when we look at other service academies like United States Naval Academy (USNA) or U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the starting salary may not be directly comparable because graduates from these academies typically enter active duty military service where pay is determined by military pay charts and not by civilian salary standards. The base pay for a newly commissioned officer (O1 rank) in the U.S. Armed Forces starts at $39,445 annually, excluding allowances and benefits.

If we were to compare it to other maritime schools like SUNY Maritime College or California Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime), the starting salaries for recent graduates are competitive but might be lower or higher depending on the specific industry and geographic location. For instance, according to College Scorecard, the average earnings after graduation for SUNY Maritime College is around $75,000 while for Cal Maritime, it's around $85,000.

In conclusion, USMMA graduates have a promising financial outlook with lucrative starting salaries that are often on par or better than graduates from other maritime schools. Just remember, it's not just about the starting salary. Consider your long-term career interests and the overall value of the educational experience at USMMA.