Located on a compact but scenic waterfront campus in Vallejo, California, California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime) is one of only seven degree-granting maritime academies in the United States — and the only one on the West Coast.
As one of the 23 campuses in the California State University (CSU) system, Cal Maritime enjoys the strength associated with this planet's biggest university system. Tuition and housing costs are no more than other CSU campuses up and down the state which makes us highly affordable.
Our academic quality, however, shares more in common with private colleges. Our average class size of 22 students as well as approachable, mentoring faculty creates the type of academic atmosphere more closely associated with small schools.
Forbes Magazine evaluated our value considering the relatively low cost of our education and the success of our graduates and has designated Cal Maritime as one of the top 3 "Best Values" among all California colleges and universities.
Academies are generally small, focused, structured, and offer a high-quality education. These characteristics all describe Cal Maritime. Our 1,075 students study one of only six majors, and students are generally very focused on their chosen fields. Quality, personalized teaching is provided with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13 to 1 and average class size of 22.
Some people assume Cal Maritime is a "military" academy because our students wear uniforms, but they are not correct. In fact, 92% of our graduates go directly into for-profit companies, non-profit organizations, government agencies, or graduate schools while 8% graduate as commissioned officers in the military.
We do stress some similar values as the military academies such as leadership and accountability – but our students have no obligation to join the military when they graduate.
Our reputation among the many corporations, industries, agencies, and graduate schools filled with Cal Maritime alumni is that of a school preparing professional, responsible, and successful graduates.
The California State University Maritime Academy's waterside campus on the northern end of San Francisco Bay is tucked into a quiet cove with ever-changing views of the ever-changing maritime world. This world is much more than operating commercial ships; it is a global economic force linking with various modes of transportation to get commodities and people from point A to point B. Operating this global enterprise requires engineers, business leaders, port managers, deck officers, environmental advocates, maritime security consultants, etc.
Cal Maritime produces professionals in these and other areas related to the ocean as a resource and an engine for a global economy.
