SUNY Maritime College Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 19, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~80%
- Middle 50% ACT: 25
- Middle 50% SAT: 1200
- Average GPA: 3.3
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📌 SUNY Maritime College at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Cadet Appointment Program (CAP))
Average Net Price
$22,118/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
Check college site
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
11 opportunities
2 automatic · 5 competitive · 4 hidden gem
Merit Evaluation
Holistic Review / Varies
Merit depends on profile rigor.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Jan 15 • FAFSA: Feb 15
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Cadet Appointment Program (CAP)
Residency & Waivers
suny_tuition_match
SUNY Maritime is one of those schools that looks straightforward on the surface—but the money side depends heavily on the path your student chooses. If they’re going into the cadet/licensing track, the biggest savings often come from programs like CAP or state-based aid, not just standard merit. If they’re a civilian student, automatic merit is still in play—but it’s usually more modest and tied closely to GPA and test scores.
The families who do best here are the ones who understand the structure early—how cadet status, state residency, and program choice all affect cost. This isn’t a “set it and forget it” scholarship school. It rewards students who are intentional about their path, hit deadlines, and stack the right pieces together. Use the guide below to map that out before you apply—not after.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — SUNY Maritime College is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 25; SAT: 1200.
Average net price? About $22,118/year after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in suny_tuition_match.
💰 Cost of Attendance at SUNY Maritime College 2026-2027
📅 2027–2028 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2026–2027). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2027–2028 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$8,900 |
$19,800 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$17,100 |
$17,100 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$26,000 |
$36,900 |
Average Federal Net Price: $22,118 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
⚓ New York & SUNY Tuition Programs:
- Cadet Appointment Program (CAP): Legislative nomination for NY residents; covers in-state tuition (~$7,070 portion).
- Excelsior Scholarship: Covers in-state tuition (after other aid) for eligible NY residents; separate HESC application and 30 credits/year required.
- SUNY Tuition Match (select states): Some out-of-state residents qualify for in-state tuition rates depending on program/year.
Example: A NY resident qualifying for Excelsior could reduce the in-state total from $26,000 to roughly $18,900 (tuition portion covered; fees still apply).
Sources for COA figures:
• SUNY Maritime — Estimated All Charges 2025–2026 (tuition, fees, room, meal plans).
• NYS HESC — Excelsior Scholarship program details.
• SUNY — Tuition Match overview (select states).
• SUNY Smart Track / system estimates (books, transportation, personal).
• TuitionTracker — Net price estimate.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Admitted students are automatically considered for certain merit scholarships—no extra forms needed. While not all awards publish hard cutoffs, the table below uses the most current data and best estimates for GPA/test scores.
Automatic
Admissions Merit Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Auto w/ admission
✓ Renews
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with NYS Excelsior, NYS TAP, and external scholarships, subject to cost-of-attendance limits. FAFSA is required to be eligible for institutional scholarship dollars.
💡
Strategic Detail
SUNY Maritime automatically reviews every admitted freshman for merit scholarship consideration — there's no separate application to fill out. Awards are based on the strength of your student's overall academic profile in their admission file, and Maritime is upfront that meeting the minimum academic threshold doesn't guarantee an award. The strongest admit files tend to surface the most generous offers.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Top of the applicant pool — students whose transcripts, test scores (when submitted), and overall application story stand out. Maritime hasn't published specific GPA or test thresholds, so the smart move is simply to apply with the strongest application possible and meet the priority deadline.
Automatic
Out-of-State Tuition Match
📅 Deadline: Auto w/ admission
✓ Renews
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Coordinates with home-state grants and outside scholarships. Designed to bring your total tuition cost down to your partner-state in-state rate — if other aid pushes the total above cost of attendance, expect institutional aid to be adjusted first.
💡
Strategic Detail
Maritime's Out-of-State Tuition Match is a real, named scholarship that brings your tuition down to the in-state flagship rate of your home state. If your student lives in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Illinois, or California, Maritime will compare its sticker price to the tuition and fees at your state's flagship public — UConn-Storrs, Penn State-University Park, Rutgers-New Brunswick, UMass Amherst, UVM-Burlington, UNH-Durham, UIUC, or UC Berkeley — and award a scholarship covering the difference. It's an automatic part of your admission offer.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted students with permanent legal residency in one of the eight partner states. No separate application required — just apply for admission and let SUNY Maritime calculate the match.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to apply for these? No—admission triggers consideration.
Does SUNY Maritime superscore? Yes—highest SAT or ACT section scores from multiple sittings are considered for admission and merit.
Who are the Out-of-State Match partner states? CT, PA, NJ, MA, VT, NH, IL, and CA (subject to update each year).
Are awards guaranteed? No—merit is competitive and amounts may change depending on funding and the applicant pool.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These awards are limited and require extra steps beyond admission—such as a separate application, nomination, or industry-specific involvement. Winning means having a strong academic record and a standout leadership or maritime/STEM background.
Full TuitionApp Required
Cadet Appointment Program (CAP)
📅 Deadline: Varies by district
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✔ Stackable
👥 ~2 per Senate district / 1 per Assembly district per 4-year cycle; 5 each from Governor, Senate Majority Leader, Assembly Speaker winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
CAP covers full tuition, which means most institutional aid will be capped to avoid exceeding cost of attendance. Outside scholarships are still welcome and typically go toward room, board, books, uniforms, and fees — exactly where families need the extra help.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to SUNY Maritime through the standard process, then contact your New York State elected officials (senator and assembly member) to express interest in receiving a CAP nomination from their district. Once admitted, submit the CAP scholarship application; the CAP Scholarship Committee can be reached at CAPscholarships@sunymaritime.edu with questions.
💡
Strategic Detail
The Cadet Appointment Program is SUNY Maritime's flagship scholarship for New York families — a four-year full-tuition award funded by the state legislature for students nominated by an elected official. If your student is admitted to Maritime, joins the Regiment of Cadets, and earns a nomination from your local senator or assembly member, this scholarship can cover the full undergraduate tuition cost for all four years. Reach out to your state senator's and assembly member's offices early — nominations are tied to your home district and are limited.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving New York students who plan to live in the Regiment of Cadets and who proactively secure a nomination from their state senator, assembly member, or one of the leadership offices (Governor, Senate Majority Leader, Assembly Speaker). Each senator may nominate two students per district every four years; each assembly member nominates one; the Governor, Majority Leader, and Speaker each nominate five. Strong academics, leadership track record, and a clear commitment to maritime careers all help.
App Required
Norm Manly YMTA Maritime Educational Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Spring (see YMTA)
Non-Renewable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
External scholarship — can stack with SUNY Maritime institutional aid and federal or state grants, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply directly through YMTA in the spring — the YMTA scholarship portal handles the full process. SUNY Maritime does not select recipients.
💡
Strategic Detail
This award comes from the Young Mariners Training Association (YMTA) and goes to graduating high school seniors heading into maritime studies. SUNY Maritime promotes it on their scholarship listing, but the application runs through YMTA directly each spring. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Graduating high school seniors with a clear plan to pursue maritime education — strong academics, demonstrated interest in the industry, and a thoughtful application help your student stand out in the YMTA pool.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Ports of Philadelphia Maritime Society Scholarship
📅 Deadline: April 15
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.3+ GPA🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
External scholarship — stacks with institutional and federal aid, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the Ports of Philadelphia Maritime Society scholarship portal by April 15. Maritime does not handle the selection process.
💡
Strategic Detail
A $2,500 award funded by the Ports of Philadelphia Maritime Society, available to SUNY Maritime juniors and seniors with home addresses in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware. Maritime promotes it on their scholarship listing each year, but the application runs through the society directly with an April 15 deadline.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Upper-class Maritime students from PA, NJ, or DE who have maintained at least a 3.3 GPA. An active connection to the regional maritime industry helps.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Robert N. Herbert Undergraduate Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Spring (see SNAME)
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
External scholarship — stacks with institutional and federal aid.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through SNAME's scholarship portal. Confirm current cycle deadlines on the SNAME website each spring.
💡
Strategic Detail
Up to $5,000 from the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) for an undergraduate scholar pursuing naval architecture, marine engineering, or ocean engineering. SUNY Maritime publicizes it on their scholarship listing, but applications and selection happen through SNAME. Active involvement in the SNAME student chapter matters here.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Undergraduate engineering students in the three eligible majors who are actively engaged with SNAME — chapter leadership, conference attendance, and a demonstrated commitment to the profession all carry weight.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Trooper Joseph J. Gallagher Memorial Scholarship
📅 Deadline: July 1
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
External scholarship — stacks with institutional and federal aid, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via the CONTACT US link on the Troopers Memorial Fund website with a brief biographical description and a statement on why you should be selected. Deadline July 1.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
A $1,000 award from the Troopers Memorial Fund for any SUNY Maritime undergraduate who plans to pursue a career in law enforcement or the United States Coast Guard. The application itself is light — a short biographical statement and a paragraph on why your student is a good fit — submitted via the CONTACT US link on the Troopers Memorial Fund website. The deadline is July 1.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Maritime undergraduates with a clear career path toward law enforcement or the Coast Guard. A genuine, well-articulated commitment to the field matters more than test scores here.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Why are these competitive? Limited spots, nomination processes, and rigorous eligibility standards.
How many are awarded each year? Typically a small number per award—final number and awardees depend on funding and sponsor criteria.
Tips for applying: Highlight maritime/STEM involvement, leadership roles, and meet all deadlines early.
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These awards don’t always show up on the main scholarship charts but can make a real difference. Many are tied to specific backgrounds, programs, or majors and can often be stacked with merit and need-based grants.
App Required⚠ Junior Only
Departmental & Donor-Funded Awards
📅 Deadline: Spring (most cycles)
Non-Renewable
🎓 Junior
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with merit, need, and external awards.
📄
How to Apply
Awarded via department application or nomination process, usually in spring; based on major, GPA, or service.
💡
Strategic Detail
Details and eligibility vary annually by department and donor.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Upperclassmen with strong records/service or major-specific involvement; nomination or application.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Identity-Based Donor Awards
📅 Deadline: FAFSA and spring app windows
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with merit, need, and other program aid.
📄
How to Apply
Submit FAFSA and/or an application tied to specific background (first-gen, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women in STEM/maritime, etc.) in spring.
💡
Strategic Detail
Eligibility, selection, and funding vary each year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students active in affinity groups or inclusion leadership, or who meet a donor's stated demographic or background.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Maritime Industry Internship Tuition Benefit
📅 Deadline: Semester before internship (apply early)
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Often stacks with other scholarships or financial aid.
📄
How to Apply
Secure approved industry internship with academic program tie-in; apply through Career Services or for-credit co-op option before the placement semester.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amount tied to value of 3–6 credits depending on internship.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students completing pre-approved, credit-bearing industry internships.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Strategic Sealift Officer Program (SSOP)
📅 Deadline: NROTC deadlines (varies; apply early fall)
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other federal and institutional aid; confirm with financial aid office.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through NROTC unit for Coast Guard license-track; midshipmen must maintain program standing and academic/fitness standards.
💡
Strategic Detail
Military service obligation applies if accepting this scholarship. Semester-based stipend.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Midshipmen on Coast Guard license track in good academic and fitness standing; often STEM majors.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Study Abroad Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Program and FSA deadlines (apply semester in advance)
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with need or other merit, subject to aid caps.
📄
How to Apply
Participate in approved SUNY Maritime study abroad; apply via Faculty Student Association or program.
💡
Strategic Detail
Amounts vary by program, donor, and student status.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with strong study abroad plan/faculty endorsement.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Hidden Gems FAQ
Can these stack with other aid? Often yes, especially with state/federal grants—but check each award’s rules.
When to apply? ROTC funds follow military timelines; other awards usually have deadlines 1–2 semesters before need.
Who should look first? Students in niche majors, ROTC, or leadership/identity-based organizations; any upperclassman seeking recognition or extra funding.
Are amounts guaranteed? No—awards depend on funding, donor criteria, and participation rates each year.
🎖️ Honors College
SUNY Maritime does not have a formal Honors College or undergraduate honors track. However, standout students can build a strong résumé through advanced coursework, cadet leadership, research, and competitive awards.
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
High-Achieving Pathways at SUNY Maritime:
- Serve in leadership roles within the Regiment of Cadets
- Apply for departmental or donor-funded competitive scholarships and fellowships
- Engage in undergraduate research/engineering projects or industry internships
While SUNY Maritime offers no formal “honors” designation, high-performing students often earn recognition through these avenues, strengthening both their résumé and post-graduation options.
⭐ College Specialty
Top Program Spotlight:
Marine Engineering & Merchant Marine Officer Training
Maritime College is renowned as the oldest maritime training school in the U.S., where nearly all undergraduate degrees are aligned with preparation for U.S. Merchant Marine Officer licensing—an immersive blend of academics and real-world seafaring leadership.
Other areas where SUNY Maritime shows strength or recognition at a national level:
- Engineering — Undergraduate Engineering Program: Ranked #49 among best undergraduate engineering programs without doctoral offerings.)
- Business, Management & Marketing: Named the highest-ranked major at Maritime in College Factual’s 2024 program-specific rankings.
- Marine Science & Transportation: Among the most specialized majors at the college, with high concentration compared to national averages.
- Return on Investment (ROI): Consistently ranked among the top five public colleges nationwide for ROI, reflecting strong early- and mid-career earnings.
📎 Official Links — SUNY Maritime College
💬 Final Thoughts
SUNY Maritime College offers one of the most unique college experiences in the country—where classroom learning meets hands-on training on the water.
With specialized programs in marine engineering, naval architecture, and international transportation, Maritime students graduate career-ready and in high demand.
For families, the combination of affordable SUNY tuition, strong post-graduation salaries, and ROTC or regiment pathways makes it an exceptional value.
If your student thrives in structured, purpose-driven environments and loves the idea of blending academics with real-world application, SUNY Maritime is hard to beat.
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