California State University Maritime Academy — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
California State University Maritime Academy Acceptance Rate
California State University Maritime Academy maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 98.7%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Recommended Academic Profile
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
California State University Maritime Academy GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at California State University Maritime Academy is 3.43. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.63-3.83 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.13 and 3.43, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
California State University Maritime Academy GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at California State University Maritime Academy utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.43, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At California State University Maritime Academy, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at California State University Maritime Academy
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on California State University Maritime Academy's verified institutional data
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
California State University Maritime Academy Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into California State University Maritime Academy Without SAT or ACT?
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for California State University Maritime Academy
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
California State University Maritime Academy provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Ensure you have your high school diploma or GED ready. Open admission means you are in as long as you meet the basic administrative requirements.
Focus on the ACCUPLACER or internal placement tests. Performing well here allows you to jump directly into credit-bearing Math and English.
If you intend to move to a more selective school later, maintain a 3.5+ GPA here to make yourself a highly competitive transfer candidate.
Identify specific certificate programs or internships offered by California State University Maritime Academy that connect directly to the local job market.
California State University Maritime Academy Profile
Is a California State University Maritime Academy Degree Worth It?
Getting into California State University Maritime Academy can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. California State University Maritime Academy offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at California State University Maritime Academy is $78,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.58%.
How much does a degree from California State University Maritime Academy Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at California State University Maritime Academy is $27,138. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at California State University Maritime Academy is $17,555.
28.7% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 43.3 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to California State University Maritime Academy and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At California State University Maritime Academy, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist California State University Maritime Academy as your choice in the form.
How much does a California State University Maritime Academy Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $94,784. An average California State University Maritime Academy graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at California State University Maritime Academy
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by California State University Maritime Academy →
Frequently Asked Questions About California State University Maritime Academy Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $94,784 annually, depending on the industry.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $27,138 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
28.7% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of California State University Maritime Academy is 98.7% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.43. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.13, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.13, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.03 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.43, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
