
200 Maritime Academy Drive, Vallejo, CA 94590, USA


California State University Maritime Academy holds accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), which is a recognized regional accrediting agency. This accreditation ensures that the university meets established standards for institutional quality, academic rigor, and effectiveness in student learning.
The Academy's specialized programs also benefit from programmatic accreditation that aligns with the maritime industry's standards, providing additional assurance of the quality and relevance of its educational offerings. This dual level of accreditation is especially significant for students seeking credentials that are respected both academically and professionally within the maritime sector.
Admission to California State University Maritime Academy requires completion of a General Educational Development (GED) for prospective students who did not finish high school. Applicants must submit a secondary school record and meet the institution's college program requirements. While a secondary school GPA is mandatory, secondary school rank is recommended but not required. Recommendations, certain competencies, admission test scores aside from TOEFL, and other tests are all recommended but not obligatory.
California residents who satisfy the admissions resident index may receive preference during the admission process. The university does not maintain an open admission policy, nor does it offer dual credit opportunities. Prospective students can earn college credit and Advanced Placement (AP) credits toward their degree.
The TOEFL exam is a required component for admission, reflecting the university's emphasis on English proficiency for applicants. Submission of SAT scores is not required, and available data shows that only a small fraction (approximately 1.22%) of enrolled students submitted ACT scores, although these scores are recommended. ACT score distributions indicate that about 25.81% of students scored below 17, with larger portions scoring in higher ranges.
Overall, California State University Maritime Academy exhibits a highly selective acceptance procedure with an acceptance rate around 99%, categorizing it among institutions with a high acceptance rate. The number of applicants, admissions, and enrolled students is relatively low compared to other universities, particularly among women, who constitute a smaller proportion of the applicant and enrolled student body.
California State University Maritime Academy requires prospective students to pay an application fee when submitting their admission materials. This fee helps cover the administrative costs of processing applications and is a standard part of the application process for many colleges and universities.
Prospective students may be eligible for fee waivers under certain circumstances. Typically, waiver eligibility is based on financial need or participation in specific programs designed to support underrepresented or disadvantaged students. Applicants should check with the admissions office to determine if they qualify for a waiver and to learn the application process for obtaining one.
It is important for applicants to plan ahead for this fee as it is usually non-refundable and must be submitted along with the application to ensure it is considered complete. The university provides clear guidance on how to submit the application fee and any necessary documentation related to fee waivers.
California State University Maritime Academy does not have its own ROTC branch unit on campus. Instead, students interested in ROTC programs must participate through cooperating host institutions that offer these military training opportunities. Specific details about the branches or types of ROTC available through these affiliations are not provided by the university.
California State University Maritime Academy welcomes transfer students for the fall and spring terms, offering opportunities to continue their education without interruption. Prospective transfer applicants can submit credits earned through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), including both subject-specific and general exams, as well as credits from the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program. The university also accepts transfer credits from other institutions, facilitating a smoother transition for students seeking to advance their academic progress.
Admission to transfer programs is considered to be moderately difficult, reflecting a balanced level of selectivity. Additionally, the academy evaluates transfer applications that include recommendations, indicating that personal endorsements may support an applicant's candidacy.
California State University Maritime Academy offers a range of study abroad opportunities designed to complement its specialized maritime curriculum. These programs emphasize practical learning experiences that align with the institution's focus on the maritime industry, including sea terms and international voyages that allow students to gain hands-on exposure in global maritime operations.
The academy's study abroad options often integrate academic coursework with sea time aboard training ships, enabling cadets to fulfill degree requirements while acquiring real-world skills essential for maritime careers. These unique experiences provide immersive cultural insights and professional development in international ports and waters.
In addition, the academy maintains partnerships with select institutions and maritime organizations abroad, facilitating exchange programs and internships that broaden students' global perspectives and professional networks in the maritime sector.
Percent of students submitting ACT scores
1.22%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedPreferential admissions consideration text
California residents who meet the admissions resident indexOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
NoOff-campus study
NoROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring