Best colleges for Marine Sciences
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Marine Sciences by graduate earnings are University of Maine ($29,243), California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo ($27,337) and California State University - Monterey Bay ($27,268), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- University of Maine (Orono, ME): $29,243, 77 graduates a year
- California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA): $27,337, 27 graduates a year
- California State University - Monterey Bay (Seaside, CA): $27,268, 115 graduates a year
Compare 39 U.S. colleges offering Marine Sciences by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 19 states.
Marine Sciences programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $27,337 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 30.32 and the Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health occupation (BLS SOC).
About Marine Sciences programs
The Marine Sciences program is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the study of oceanic and coastal environments. It encompasses various scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, and environmental science, making it ideal for students interested in understanding marine ecosystems and their interactions with human activities. This program is suited for those passionate about marine life and environmental conservation.
Students in the Marine Sciences program will develop essential skills such as reading comprehension, critical thinking, and effective communication. Coursework typically includes environmental data analysis, pollution monitoring, and understanding environmental regulations, equipping graduates with the knowledge needed to address complex marine issues.
Top 3 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Maine Orono, ME Public · Bachelor's degree | $29,243 | 77 | 55% | — | $27,000 |
| 2 | California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $27,337 | 27 | 86% | — | — |
| 3 | California State University - Monterey Bay Seaside, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $27,268 | 115 | 59% | — | $17,800 |
Specializations within Marine Sciences
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 30.32 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 19 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainelimited | 2 | $29,243 | University of Maine |
| California | 7 | $27,337 | California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo |
| Alabamalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Alaskalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Florida | 5 | — | — |
| Georgia | 3 | — | — |
| Hawaiilimited | 1 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusetts | 4 | — | — |
| New Jerseylimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Yorklimited | 1 | — | — |
| Ohiolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Oregonlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Rhode Islandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Texas | 4 | — | — |
| Washingtonlimited | 1 | — | — |
| American Samoalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Federated States of Micronesialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Marshall Islandslimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-2041, Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Marine Sciences program can pursue careers in various sectors, including government agencies, environmental organizations, and industry. The job outlook is promising, with an expected growth rate of 4.4% and approximately 8,500 annual openings. A typical career in this field requires at least a Bachelor's degree, with a median wage of $80,060.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Marine Sciences
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 30.32.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 30.32 (Marine Sciences) maps to 7 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers |
| 19-1023 | Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists |
| 19-1029 | Biological Scientists, All Other |
| 19-2041 | Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healthprimary |
| 19-2042 | Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers |
| 19-2099 | Physical Scientists, All Other |
| 25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Marine Sciences programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.
- Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.
- Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples.
- Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
- Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.
- Process and review environmental permits, licenses, or related materials.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Marine Sciences program?+
The program focuses on the study of oceanic and coastal environments, integrating various scientific disciplines.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and environmental data analysis.
What is the job outlook for Marine Sciences graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.4% and around 8,500 annual openings.
What level of education is typically required?+
A Bachelor's degree is typically required for careers in Marine Sciences.
How much do Marine Sciences graduates earn?+
Marine Sciences graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $27,337, College Scorecard (2019); the Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health occupation pays about $91,680 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Marine Sciences?+
Marine Sciences maps to CIP 30.32 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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