Loading…

UNITED STATES · BRONX

SUNY Maritime College

public · Founded 1874 · Languages: English

In short

SUNY Maritime College is a historic maritime academy offering specialized degrees and hands-on training within a unique regimental system. Located in New York City, it provides a strong foundation for careers in the global maritime industry.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1874
Students: 1,671
International students: 60
Acceptance rate: 72%
Tuition (intl): €17–22k/yr
Languages: ENGLISH
Location: Bronx, United States

SUNY Maritime College, established in 1874, is one of only seven degree-granting maritime academies in the United States and the oldest, located at Fort Schuyler in the Bronx, New York City. The college operates under a regimental Corps of Cadets system that develops discipline, leadership, and professional skills essential for careers in the maritime industry. Students sail on the training vessel Empire State VII as part of their practical education. Degrees span marine transportation, marine engineering, naval architecture, international transportation and trade, and humanities.

Why study here

One of only seven US maritime academies, with a 150-year track record of graduate success.
Hands-on training aboard the T/S Empire State VII provides real sea experience.
Graduates eligible for US Coast Guard unlimited officer's license.
Strong job placement — maritime industry offers competitive global salaries.
Located in New York City, with access to one of the world's busiest ports and shipping hubs.

Student life

Life at SUNY Maritime is unlike a typical college experience. Most cadets live within the regimental structure at Fort Schuyler, a historic Civil War-era fortification on Long Island Sound. The structured environment fosters tight-knit camaraderie, leadership development, and strong esprit de corps. Students participate in varsity sports (NCAA Division III), clubs, and annual events such as the formal Schuyler Ball. The Bronx location gives students access to New York City's cultural, dining, and recreational opportunities.

Fees

InternationalInternational students pay approximately USD 18,000–23,000 per year in tuition and fees (roughly EUR 17,000–22,000).

HomeNew York State residents pay approximately USD 7,500–9,000 per year; out-of-state US students pay approximately USD 17,000–20,000.

LivingRoom and board on campus costs approximately USD 15,000–17,000 per year.

All students are required to purchase a regimental uniform, sea bag, and related gear during their first year. Additional costs include professional licensing fees and cruise-related expenses.

Admissions

High school diploma or equivalentCompletion of a college-preparatory curriculum with strong grades in math and science.

SAT/ACT scoresCompetitive scores recommended; middle 50% SAT around 1050–1230.

Medical fitnessCadet applicants must pass a physical exam and meet US Coast Guard medical standards.

Letters of recommendationTypically 1–2 letters from teachers or counselors.

TOEFL iBT79

IELTS6.0

Rankings

US News Best Colleges (Regional Universities North)Top 50 Regional

University scholarships

NY State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)Up to USD 5,665/year for NY residents

Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized LoansVaries by need and enrollment

Maritime Administration (MARAD) scholarshipsVaries

Accreditation

SUNY Maritime College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Its engineering programmes are accredited by ABET. The college holds US Coast Guard approval for its sea licensing programmes.

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,420/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)

Scholarships

for United States

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Duke University

Karsh International Scholarship Program

Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.

University of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)

University of Miami Stamps Scholarship

Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What programs are offered at SUNY Maritime College?

SUNY Maritime College offers degrees in marine transportation, marine engineering, naval architecture, international transportation and trade, and humanities. These programs are designed to prepare students for careers in the maritime industry.

What are the estimated tuition and fees for international students?

International students can expect to pay approximately USD 18,000–23,000 per year for tuition and fees. Additional costs include uniforms, licensing fees, and cruise expenses.

What is the regimental Corps of Cadets system?

The college operates under a regimental Corps of Cadets system, which emphasizes discipline, leadership, and professional development. This structured environment is central to the SUNY Maritime experience.

What are the English proficiency requirements for international applicants?

International applicants typically need a TOEFL iBT score of 79 or an IELTS score of 6.0 to demonstrate English language proficiency.

What practical training opportunities are available?

Students gain hands-on experience through practical training aboard the training vessel Empire State VII. This provides essential real-sea experience crucial for maritime careers.

Last updated 3 July 2026