Head-to-head · 2026
CUNY City College vs United States Merchant Marine Academy
Compare average net price ($3,776 at CUNY City College; $6,174 at United States Merchant Marine Academy), ROI score (43.72 vs 36.69), ten-year median earnings ($66,039 vs $90,610), and admissions selectivity (60% acceptance at CUNY City College; 34.2% at United States Merchant Marine Academy) using federal College Scorecard data. United States Merchant Marine Academy has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. CUNY City College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | CUNY City College | United States Merchant Marine Academy |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 43.72 ✓ | 36.69 |
| Avg net price | $3,776 ✓ | $6,174 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $66,039 | $90,610 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 60% | 34.2% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 56.8% | 82.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $11,990 | $8,833 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 12,505 | 962 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1260 ✓ | 1207 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
United States Merchant Marine Academy costs $2,398 more per year than CUNY City College ($6,174 vs $3,776). United States Merchant Marine Academy graduates report $24,571 higher median earnings after ten years ($90,610 vs $66,039). On EduGradify's model that puts CUNY City College ahead on projected ROI (43.72 vs 36.69, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (CUNY City College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, CUNY City College is accessible at 60% acceptance versus 34.2% (selective) at United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Frequently asked
CUNY City College vs United States Merchant Marine Academy, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is CUNY City College or United States Merchant Marine Academy the better value?
CUNY City College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (43.72 vs 36.69), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
CUNY City College is cheaper — average net price $3,776 per year vs $6,174 at United States Merchant Marine Academy. The annual difference of $2,398 adds up to about $9,592 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
United States Merchant Marine Academy reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $90,610 vs $66,039 at CUNY City College. The annual gap in the federal data is $24,571.
Which school is harder to get into?
United States Merchant Marine Academy is more selective at 34.2% acceptance vs 60% at CUNY City College.
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. CUNY City College reports a A+ value grade; United States Merchant Marine Academy reports A+.