Mechanical Engineering Technology at California State University Maritime Academy

Vallejo, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
66 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
66
Optimistic
66
Base Case
64
Pessimistic
Earnings $98,661/yr (59% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)
Job Market Large (87,000 openings/yr)
ROI 26.9x earnings multiple (10.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #26 of 59 Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

This program's exceptional outcomes stem directly from Cal Maritime's specialized mission. As a maritime academy, you'll receive rigorous, hands-on training tailored for critical roles in shipping, port operations, and related industrial sectors, particularly strong in the Bay Area. This isn't just a general engineering technology degree; it’s a focused pathway preparing you for complex electro-mechanical systems on vessels or land-based infrastructure. Employers like Maersk, Military Sealift Command, or local defense contractors highly value this specialized skill set and disciplined approach, leading to robust career opportunities maintaining intricate machinery. To truly leverage this, immerse yourself in the cadet experience and build strong connections within the tight-knit maritime professional network.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $847K $826K $754K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 27.6x 26.9x 24.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.8x 10.6x 9.6x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 66 66 64

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,688
Out-of-state: $78,208 (10.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$70,220
-129% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,757
3.0 months of Year 1 earnings

About California State University Maritime Academy

California State University Maritime Academy accepts 99% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 761 in Vallejo, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University Maritime Academy →

Top Career Paths

Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians $79,830/yr
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390/yr
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians $70,760/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Mechanical Engineering Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University Maritime Academy

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 66/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering Technology at California State University Maritime Academy?
At 66/100, California State University Maritime Academy's Mechanical Engineering Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →