Head-to-head · 2026
College of Staten Island CUNY vs United States Merchant Marine Academy
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 1 wins for College of Staten Island CUNY, 6 for United States Merchant Marine Academy — United States Merchant Marine Academy has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | College of Staten Island CUNY | United States Merchant Marine Academy |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 23.97 | 36.69 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $5,579 ✓ | $6,174 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $53,501 | $90,610 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 92.3% | 34.2% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 33.9% | 82.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $14,350 | $8,833 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 9,657 | 962 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1040 | 1207 ✓ |
| Wins | 1 | 6 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
United States Merchant Marine Academy costs $595 more per year than College of Staten Island CUNY ($6,174 vs $5,579). United States Merchant Marine Academy graduates report $37,109 higher median earnings after ten years ($90,610 vs $53,501). On EduGradify's model that puts United States Merchant Marine Academy ahead on projected ROI (36.69 vs 23.97, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (United States Merchant Marine Academy) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, College of Staten Island CUNY is accessible at 92.3% acceptance versus 34.2% (selective) at United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Frequently asked
College of Staten Island CUNY vs United States Merchant Marine Academy, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is College of Staten Island CUNY or United States Merchant Marine Academy the better value?
United States Merchant Marine Academy has the higher EduGradify ROI score (36.69 vs 23.97), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
College of Staten Island CUNY is cheaper — average net price $5,579 per year vs $6,174 at United States Merchant Marine Academy. The annual difference of $595 adds up to about $2,380 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
United States Merchant Marine Academy reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $90,610 vs $53,501 at College of Staten Island CUNY. The annual gap in the federal data is $37,109.
Which school is harder to get into?
United States Merchant Marine Academy is more selective at 34.2% acceptance vs 92.3% at College of Staten Island CUNY.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. College of Staten Island CUNY reports a A+ value grade; United States Merchant Marine Academy reports A+.