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Ocean Engineering

STEM Specialization

Ocean Engineering

Ocean Engineering graduates earn $89,337 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 8.1%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Engineering Teachers is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

Explore Program

About Ocean Engineering

Ocean Engineering is a focused area of study within Engineering. Graduates typically earn around $89,337 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 17 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 290 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $69,707
Median Earnings · 4yr: $89,337
Colleges Offering: 17
Graduates / Year: 290
Avg Net Price / yr: $20,757

How Much Do Ocean Engineering Graduates Earn?

Ocean Engineering graduates earn $89,337 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $76,433 and $105,130.

$69,707

1 Year After Graduation

Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.

$89,337

4-Year National Median

Well above average for college graduates.

$85,868

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a moderate earnings spread across Ocean Engineering graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.

$76,433 25th pct.

$89,337 Median

$105,130 75th pct.

Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $89,337 against an estimated $83,028 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 8 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 290 students who complete Ocean Engineering programs each year, the majority (57%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

57% 26%

Bachelor's 57%

Master's 26%

Doctorate 9%

What Can You Do With an Ocean Engineering Degree?

Ocean Engineering connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Architectural & Engineering Manager leads at $171,270/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.8% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Architectural & Engineering Manager

$171,270

$139K $213K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 14,500 openings/yr 220K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Complex Problem Solving Active Listening Writing Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects.
Direct, review, or approve project design changes.
Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.

↗ +8.1% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Engineering Teachers

$109,270

$82K $151K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 4,100 openings/yr 40K employed nationally

Instructing Learning Strategies Speaking Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.

Top Colleges for Ocean Engineering

The 15 colleges below are ranked by how many Ocean Engineering students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Texas A&M University-College Station College Station, TX · Public	64	57.4%	$21,315	$72,097
2	University of Rhode Island Kingston, RI · Public	46	72.2%	$21,440	$69,743
3	Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL · Public	45	66.1%	$8,752	$56,746
4	Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FL · Nonprofit	25	57.7%	$35,639	$43,137
5	University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Durham, NH · Public	20	88.2%	$23,805	$66,479
6	University of Florida Gainesville, FL · Public	17	24.2%	$6,541	$71,588
7	Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA · Public	12	90.4%	$14,638	$54,914
8	Stevens Institute of Technology Hoboken, NJ · Nonprofit	6	47.6%	$41,346	$108,772
9	University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HI · Public	5	86.6%	$15,664	$57,624
10	University of New Orleans New Orleans, LA · Public	4	74.3%	$12,384	$47,872
11	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA · Public	3	73.3%	$19,151	$61,251
12	University of Delaware Newark, DE · Public	2	70.6%	$17,799	$72,950
13	University of Miami Coral Gables, FL · Nonprofit	2	18.9%	$37,244	$75,328
14	University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MS · Public	2	99.1%	$21,708	$44,140
15	University of Georgia Athens, GA · Public	1	37.7%	$13,936	$68,726

Ranked by Ocean Engineering graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Ocean Engineering program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Ocean Engineering degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Ocean Engineering Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make Ocean Engineering a solid option. The 4 strengths and 2 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.

PROS

Strong median salary Graduates earn $89,337 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +8.1% over the next decade, with Engineering Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 18,600 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
High upside potential Top earners (75th percentile) in this program reach $105,130, a strong ceiling for high performers.

CONS

Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Limited program availability Only 17 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.

Ocean Engineering Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Ocean Engineering graduates earn?

Ocean Engineering graduates earn a national median of $89,337 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $76,433 and $105,130. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Ocean Engineering degree?

One year after graduation, Ocean Engineering degree holders earn a median of $69,707. That climbs to $89,337 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Ocean Engineering degree?

Ocean Engineering degree holders pursue careers including Architectural & Engineering Manager, which pays a median of $171,270/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Ocean Engineering program take?

A Ocean Engineering bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Ocean Engineering?

17 colleges and universities in the United States offer Ocean Engineering programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Ocean Engineering degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $89,337 and an average net price of roughly $20,757/yr, a Ocean Engineering degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Ocean Engineering and Engineering?

Ocean Engineering is a focused concentration within the broader Engineering field. The Engineering major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Ocean Engineering-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Ocean Engineering graduates?

Employers hiring Ocean Engineering graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.

Is graduate school worth it for Ocean Engineering graduates?

In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Ocean Engineering graduates?

The job outlook for Ocean Engineering graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +6.0% job growth over the next 10 years. Engineering Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +8.1%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.