Marine Transportationat Northwestern Michigan College
Graduates earn $87,281/yr in their first year — about 6.0% above the national Marine Transportation average. Base-case 10-year earnings $987K; scenarios range from $923K to $990K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Northwestern Michigan College
The robust outcomes for Northwestern Michigan College's Marine Transportation program stem directly from its specialized focus and critical demand within a niche industry. Located on the Great Lakes, this program benefits from strong regional ties to freshwater shipping, commercial fishing, and marine service companies. Your training here is intensely practical, designed to equip you with the hands-on skills immediately valued by employers, whether you're aiming for the bridge as a captain or the engine room as an engineer. The program's reputation for producing competent mariners means graduates are often sought after by companies operating across the Great Lakes and beyond, offering stable, high-responsibility careers. To maximize your prospects, prioritize securing internships and sea-time experience during your studies; these are invaluable for building your network and demonstrating practical readiness to future employers.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Northwestern Michigan College's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Marine Transportation
How Northwestern Michigan College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Marine Transportation offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Marine Transportation trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Marine Transportation at Northwestern Michigan College
How does Northwestern Michigan College's Marine Transportation program score?
A score of 71/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Northwestern Michigan College's Marine Transportation graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
Why does Northwestern Michigan College rank so high for Marine Transportation?
The #1 ranking out of 7 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.