Best colleges for Ocean Engineering
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Ocean Engineering by graduate earnings are Texas A&M University - College Station ($71,788), University of Rhode Island ($70,939) and Florida Institute of Technology ($68,475), 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%.
- Texas A&M University - College Station (College Station, TX): $71,788, 60 graduates a year
- University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI): $70,939, 37 graduates a year
- Florida Institute of Technology (Melbourne, FL): $68,475, 21 graduates a year
- Florida Atlantic University (Boca Raton, FL): $67,941, 21 graduates a year
Compare 15 U.S. colleges offering Ocean Engineering by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 11 states.
Ocean Engineering programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $70,939 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 14.24 and the Engineers, All Other occupation (BLS SOC).
About Ocean Engineering programs
Ocean Engineering is a specialized field within engineering that focuses on the design and construction of watercraft, ocean systems, and structures. This program is ideal for students interested in marine environments and the technologies that support them. Graduates can pursue careers in various sectors, including the merchant navy and offshore industries.
Students in the Ocean Engineering program will gain essential knowledge in marine engineering principles, including the design and operation of vessels and ocean structures. Coursework typically covers topics such as fluid dynamics, structural analysis, and marine systems.
Top 4 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 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $71,788 | 60 | 84% | — | $26,000 |
| 2 | University of Rhode Island Kingston, RI Public · Bachelor's degree | $70,939 | 37 | 73% | — | $25,147 |
| 3 | Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $68,475 | 21 | 64% | $33,585 | $27,000 |
| 4 | Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL Public · Bachelor's degree | $67,941 | 21 | 63% | — | $29,000 |
Specializations within Ocean Engineering
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 14.24 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 11 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texaslimited | 1 | $71,788 | Texas A&M University - College Station |
| Rhode Islandlimited | 2 | $70,939 | University of Rhode Island |
| Florida | 3 | $68,475 | Florida Institute of Technology |
| Hawaiilimited | 1 | — | — |
| Louisianalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Mississippilimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Hampshirelimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Jerseylimited | 1 | — | — |
| Virginialimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-2199, Engineers, All Other, and its national outlook.
The career outlook for Ocean Engineering is promising, with an expected growth rate of 2.1% and approximately 9,300 annual job openings. Graduates typically hold a Bachelor's degree and can earn a median wage of $117,750, making this a lucrative field for aspiring engineers.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Ocean Engineering
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 14.24.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 14.24 (Ocean Engineering) maps to 3 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9041 | Architectural and Engineering Managers |
| 17-2199 | Engineers, All Otherprimary |
| 25-1032 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Common questions
What is Ocean Engineering?+
Ocean Engineering focuses on the design and construction of watercraft, ocean systems, and structures.
What degree do I need for a career in Ocean Engineering?+
A Bachelor's degree is typically required for careers in Ocean Engineering.
What is the job outlook for Ocean Engineering?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 2.1%.
What is the median wage for Ocean Engineering graduates?+
The median wage for Ocean Engineering graduates is $117,750.
How much do Ocean Engineering graduates earn?+
Ocean Engineering graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $70,939, College Scorecard (2019); the Engineers, All Other occupation pays about $125,330 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Ocean Engineering?+
Ocean Engineering maps to CIP 14.24 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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