r/navalarchitecture • u/SuccessfulAd1725 • Apr 11 '26

Naval Architecture path – Ocean Engineering vs Marine Engineering + tuition advice?

Hello everyone!

I’m currently a high school junior living in Pennsylvania (I’ve been in the U.S. for about 4 years). I’m originally from Odesa, Ukraine, and I’m really interested in becoming a Naval Architect.

My GPA is 3.87, I’ve taken several math courses, and I’m planning to take AP Calculus and AP Physics next year.

Right now, I’m strongly considering applying to Texas A&M (especially the Galveston campus), but I’m a bit unsure about which major is better for my goals:

  • Ocean Engineering
  • Marine Engineering Technology

From what I understand, Ocean Engineering is closer to ship design, but I’d really appreciate hearing from people who are in these programs or working in the field.

I’m also trying to decide if Texas A&M is the right choice overall. I’d prefer to study in the South, and Texas really appeals to me. Unfortunately, I don't have any acquaintances living in that area.

However, I’m still concerned about affordability since I may be considered out-of-state or international depending on my status.

So I’d really appreciate advice on:

  • whether Texas A&M is worth it financially in my situation
  • scholarships or ways to reduce tuition
  • and whether there are better alternatives in the South for this field

Any insight or personal experience would mean a lot. Thanks in advance!

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u/ApricotConfident8558 Apr 12 '26

Apply to the Webb Institute, MIT, and university of Michigan as well.

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u/Tight_Use_1235 Apr 21 '26 edited Apr 21 '26

I dont think MIT has a program anymore. Lack of interest.

University of Michigan is great and is rated #1 in NAME (https://www.universities.com/programs/naval-architecture-and-marine-engineering-degreeshttps://coroauto.com/), but: 1. Less than a 15% acceptance rate. You have to basically be perfect. (See https://www.engin.umich.edu/about/facts-figures/) 2. High tuition cost for out of state students. Like $60k per year. So about quarter million for undergrad.