Home
Majors
Engineering
Naval & Marine Engineering

STEM Specialization

Naval & Marine Engineering

Naval & Marine Engineering graduates earn $114,055 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 8.1%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Engineering Teachers is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

Explore Program

About Naval & Marine Engineering

Naval & Marine Engineering is a focused area of study within Engineering. Graduates typically earn around $114,055 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 15 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 390 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $92,559
Median Earnings · 4yr: $114,055
Colleges Offering: 15
Graduates / Year: 390
Avg Net Price / yr: $20,048

How Much Do Naval & Marine Engineering Graduates Earn?

Naval & Marine Engineering graduates earn $114,055 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $86,595 and $147,815.

$92,559

1 Year After Graduation

Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.

$114,055

4-Year National Median

Well above average for college graduates.

$100,377

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Naval & Marine Engineering graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.

$86,595 25th pct.

$114,055 Median

$147,815 75th pct.

Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $114,055 against an estimated $80,192 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 12 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 390 students who complete Naval & Marine Engineering programs each year, the majority (84%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

84%

Bachelor's 84%

Master's 8%

Certificate 4%

What Can You Do With a Naval & Marine Engineering Degree?

Naval & Marine Engineering connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Architectural & Engineering Manager leads at $171,270/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.8% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Architectural & Engineering Manager

$171,270

$139K $213K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 14,500 openings/yr 220K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Complex Problem Solving Active Listening Writing Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects.
Direct, review, or approve project design changes.
Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.

↗ +5.8% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Marine Engineers and Naval Architects

$112,230

$99K $138K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 600 openings/yr 8K employed nationally

Critical Thinking Complex Problem Solving Reading Comprehension Judgment and Decision Making Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment, such as power supply and propulsion systems.

Perform monitoring activities to ensure that ships comply with international regulations and standards for life-saving equipment and pollution preventatives.
Design complete hull and superstructure according to specifications and test data, in conformity with standards of safety, efficiency, and economy.
Conduct analyses of ships, such as stability, structural, weight, and vibration analyses.

↗ +8.1% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Engineering Teachers

$109,270

$82K $151K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 4,100 openings/yr 40K employed nationally

Instructing Learning Strategies Speaking Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.

Top Colleges for Naval & Marine Engineering

Only 9 colleges had enough verified data to appear here. Sorted by Naval & Marine Engineering graduate volume, not selectivity.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	United States Merchant Marine Academy Kings Point, NY · Public	88	34.2%	$6,174	$90,610
2	Massachusetts Maritime Academy Buzzards Bay, MA · Public	73	94.7%	$21,582	$82,392
3	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI · Public	62	15.6%	$13,138	$83,648
4	Maine Maritime Academy Castine, ME · Public	25	54.1%	$23,414	$89,964
5	SUNY Maritime College Throggs Neck, NY · Public	22	72.4%	$22,367	$95,951
6	University of New Orleans New Orleans, LA · Public	17	74.3%	$12,384	$47,872
7	George Mason University Fairfax, VA · Public	4	87.5%	$17,915	$76,343
8	Drexel University Philadelphia, PA · Nonprofit	4	79.4%	$38,509	$84,648
9	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA · Public	2	54.8%	$24,953	$81,698

Ranked by Naval & Marine Engineering graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Naval & Marine Engineering program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Naval & Marine Engineering degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Naval & Marine Engineering Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make Naval & Marine Engineering a solid option. The 4 strengths and 2 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.

PROS

Strong median salary Graduates earn $114,055 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +8.1% over the next decade, with Engineering Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 19,200 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
High upside potential Top earners (75th percentile) in this program reach $147,815, a strong ceiling for high performers.

CONS

Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Limited program availability Only 15 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.

Naval & Marine Engineering Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Naval & Marine Engineering graduates earn?

Naval & Marine Engineering graduates earn a national median of $114,055 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $86,595 and $147,815. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Naval & Marine Engineering degree?

One year after graduation, Naval & Marine Engineering degree holders earn a median of $92,559. That climbs to $114,055 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Naval & Marine Engineering degree?

Naval & Marine Engineering degree holders pursue careers including Architectural & Engineering Manager, which pays a median of $171,270/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Naval & Marine Engineering program take?

A Naval & Marine Engineering bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Naval & Marine Engineering?

15 colleges and universities in the United States offer Naval & Marine Engineering programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Naval & Marine Engineering degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $114,055 and an average net price of roughly $20,048/yr, a Naval & Marine Engineering degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Naval & Marine Engineering and Engineering?

Naval & Marine Engineering is a focused concentration within the broader Engineering field. The Engineering major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Naval & Marine Engineering-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Naval & Marine Engineering graduates?

Employers hiring Naval & Marine Engineering graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.

Is graduate school worth it for Naval & Marine Engineering graduates?

In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Naval & Marine Engineering graduates?

The job outlook for Naval & Marine Engineering graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +5.9% job growth over the next 10 years. Engineering Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +8.1%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.