by our College Data Analytics TeamMarine Science is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 8 schools to find the best for marine science students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall marine science education in the Far Western Region.
San Jose State University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in marine science. This very large public university is located in the city of San Jose. About 69% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 11 marine science students who graduated with this degree at San Jose State University in the most recent data year. See the full marine science program report for San Jose State University
A rank of #2 makes University Of California Davis one of the top schools for marine science. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Davis. About 86% of students finish within six years. University Of California Davis awarded about 33 marine science degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their marine science degree from University Of California Davis earn around $53,749 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $14,404 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in marine science from University Of California Davis
San Francisco State University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in marine science, landing the #3 spot this year. San Francisco State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Francisco. The six-year graduation rate is 50%. There were roughly 10 marine science students who graduated with this degree at San Francisco State University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the marine science program make about $49,716 in their early career. San Francisco State University graduates carry a median of $17,020 in student loans. Read more about the marine science program at San Francisco State University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best marine science schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. About 27 marine science degrees were awarded at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in the most recent year. Students who receive their marine science degree from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn around $27,337 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $19,273 to complete this degree. Get the full marine science details for California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Oregon State University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in marine science, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State University is a very large public university. Oregon State University graduates 70% of students within six years. Oregon State University awarded about 18 marine science degrees in the most recent data year. Marine Science graduates of Oregon State University earn a median of $51,326 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $24,041. Read more about the marine science program at Oregon State University
Western Washington University placed #6 among the best marine science schools. This large public university is located in the city of Bellingham. Western Washington University graduates 65% of students within six years. Western Washington University awarded about 24 marine science degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the marine science program make about $41,118 in their early career. Western Washington University graduates carry a median of $20,361 in student loans. See the full marine science program report for Western Washington University
Hawaii Pacific University placed #7 among the best marine science schools. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Honolulu. About 35% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 12 marine science students who graduated with this degree at Hawaii Pacific University in the most recent data year. Marine Science graduates of Hawaii Pacific University earn a median of $49,182 early in their careers. Hawaii Pacific University graduates carry a median of $25,385 in student loans. Get the full marine science details for Hawaii Pacific University
California State University Monterey Bay ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best marine science schools. This moderately-sized public university is located in the suburb of Seaside. About 59% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 115 marine science students who graduated with this degree at California State University Monterey Bay in the most recent data year. Graduates of the marine science program make about $27,268 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $17,800. See the full marine science program report for California State University Monterey Bay
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 8 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.