Head-to-head · 2026
CUNY York College vs United States Merchant Marine Academy
Compare average net price ($4,456 at CUNY York College; $6,174 at United States Merchant Marine Academy), ROI score (31.95 vs 36.69), ten-year median earnings ($56,945 vs $90,610), and admissions selectivity (64.1% acceptance at CUNY York College; 34.2% at United States Merchant Marine Academy) using federal College Scorecard data. United States Merchant Marine Academy has a 6-1 metric-level edge. United States Merchant Marine Academy 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 York College | United States Merchant Marine Academy |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 31.95 | 36.69 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $4,456 ✓ | $6,174 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $56,945 | $90,610 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 64.1% | 34.2% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 32.3% | 82.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $11,000 | $8,833 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 4,345 | 962 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 880 | 1207 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 6 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
United States Merchant Marine Academy costs $1,718 more per year than CUNY York College ($6,174 vs $4,456). United States Merchant Marine Academy graduates report $33,665 higher median earnings after ten years ($90,610 vs $56,945). On EduGradify's model that puts United States Merchant Marine Academy ahead on projected ROI (36.69 vs 31.95, 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, CUNY York College is accessible at 64.1% acceptance versus 34.2% (selective) at United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Frequently asked
CUNY York College vs United States Merchant Marine Academy, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is CUNY York College or United States Merchant Marine Academy the better value?
United States Merchant Marine Academy has the higher EduGradify ROI score (36.69 vs 31.95), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
CUNY York College is cheaper — average net price $4,456 per year vs $6,174 at United States Merchant Marine Academy. The annual difference of $1,718 adds up to about $6,872 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
United States Merchant Marine Academy reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $90,610 vs $56,945 at CUNY York College. The annual gap in the federal data is $33,665.
Which school is harder to get into?
United States Merchant Marine Academy is more selective at 34.2% acceptance vs 64.1% at CUNY York 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 York College reports a A+ value grade; United States Merchant Marine Academy reports A+.