by our College Data Analytics TeamMarine Science degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.
College Factual analyzed 5 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best marine science schools.
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If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the marine science degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is San Jose State University, our #1 school for marine science. San Jose State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Jose. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. There were roughly 11 marine science students who graduated with this degree at San Jose State University in the most recent data year. Get the full marine science details for San Jose State University
A rank of #2 makes University Of California Davis one of the top schools for marine science. University Of California Davis is a very large public school located in the suburb of Davis. About 86% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 33 marine science students who graduated with this degree at University Of California Davis in the most recent data year. Marine Science graduates of University Of California Davis earn a median of $53,749 early in their careers. University Of California Davis graduates carry a median of $14,404 in student loans. More information about a degree in marine science from University Of California Davis
San Francisco State University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best marine science schools. Set in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public institution. San Francisco State University graduates 50% of students within six years. About 10 marine science degrees were awarded at San Francisco State University in the most recent year. Marine Science graduates of San Francisco State University earn a median of $49,716 early in their careers. San Francisco State University graduates carry a median of $17,020 in student loans. More information about a degree in marine science from San Francisco State University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in marine science, landing the #4 spot this year. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public school located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. About 86% of students finish within six years. 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. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo graduates carry a median of $19,273 in student loans. Read more about the marine science program at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Students looking for a strong marine science program will find one at California State University Monterey Bay, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of Seaside, California State University Monterey Bay is a moderately-sized public institution. About 59% of students finish within six years. About 115 marine science degrees were awarded at California State University Monterey Bay in the most recent year. Marine Science graduates of California State University Monterey Bay earn a median of $27,268 early in their careers. California State University Monterey Bay graduates carry a median of $17,800 in student loans. More information about a degree in marine science from California State University Monterey Bay
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 5 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.