Chancellor King Highlights SUNY Maritime’s Academic Excellence and Paths to Upward Mobility During a Visit to Campus
October 16, 2026
SUNY Maritime is the Oldest State Maritime Academy in the Country
Bronx, NY — State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. today highlighted SUNY's Maritime education excellence during a visit to campus with members of the SUNY Board of Trustees. The campus is the oldest State Maritime Academy, and offers students unique programs of study, job training programs, and the knowledge necessary to pursue a variety of careers across the maritime industry.
"SUNY Maritime exemplifies SUNY's dedication to providing students with an affordable, excellent education that opens the doors to upward mobility," said SUNY Chancellor King. "A SUNY Maritime education provides our students with a world-class education that prepares them for well-paying, high-demand maritime careers, and I commend the campus for its continued service to our students."
SUNY Board Trustee Marcos Crespo said, "Through its robust course offerings and educational opportunities, SUNY Maritime serves as a cornerstone institution for New Yorkers pursuing careers in the maritime industry. We are grateful for the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature for their continued support and investment in SUNY Maritime, so our students can enter careers in high-demand workforce areas."
SUNY Maritime President Rear Admiral John Okon said, "As a proud Alumnus and President, I can attest that Maritime College is the Peninsula of Opportunity and an Engine of Upward Mobility, delivering the nation's #1 return on investment among public colleges and universities. With 100 percent of our undergraduates gaining internship and hands-on professional experience, we prepare graduates for successful careers across the maritime industry, at sea and ashore. Our students graduate ready to lead, strengthen America's maritime workforce, and chart a course toward opportunity and lifelong success."
Founded in 1874, SUNY Maritime College offers over a dozen undergraduate majors — including five ABET-accredited engineering programs, two master's degree options, and a renowned U.S. Coast Guard license program. Beyond the classroom, SUNY Maritime College fosters hands-on learning and leadership with over 50 student clubs and organizations, 13 NCAA Division III teams, and independent collegiate sports. SUNY Maritime College is also home to the only Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program in New York City.
The SUNY Maritime Pay It Forward Fund Initiative also provides SUNY Maritime students with financial assistance to participate in the Summer Sea Term. This year, 64 SUNY Maritime students participated in the 2026 Summer Sea Term through the support of the SUNY Maritime Pay it Forward Fund. The initiative, a partnership with the national nonprofit Social Finance, provides financial assistance and supportive services for students participating in the Summer Sea Term. The training is a requirement for U.S. Coast Guard licenses, but can cost close to $45,000 per student over three summers, which can be a major recruitment challenge for the school and a significant financial challenge for many students from low-income backgrounds. The Pay It Forward Fund is part of SUNY's efforts to fill maritime workforce gaps, increase access to economic mobility, and help Pell-eligible New York State resident students pay the costs of the Summer Sea Term. Through the strong support of Governor Hochul, and area representatives State Senator Nathalia Fernandez and State Assemblymember Michael Bendetto, the fund was established to benefit at least 200 students over four or more years by providing students with 0% interest, $0 origination fee outcomes-based loans, with loan repayments from students or employers recycling to support future students.
The campus also administers the Cadet Appointment Program, a scholarship initiative that allows elected officials to nominate qualified New York State residents from their district to attend the college in the Regiment of Cadets and receive a four-year, full-tuition scholarship for their undergraduate studies. The program was approved by the New York State Legislature in recognition of the college's unique programs of study and proven career placement rate.
SUNY Maritime is also home to the state-of-the-art, ocean-going training ship, Empire State VII. Delivered in 2023, Empire State VII is the nation's first purpose-built maritime training ship and a state-of-the-art National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV). As the first vessel in a new class of training ships designed specifically for America's state maritime academies, Empire State VII has established a new gold standard for maritime education and training. Purpose built to provide cadets with hands-on instruction using the latest maritime technologies, the vessel is widely recognized as one of the most advanced maritime training platforms in the world.
In addition to its educational mission, Empire State VII is designed to support federal disaster response and humanitarian assistance operations when called upon. Continuing a proud tradition of national service, the previous training ship, Empire State VI, along with other state maritime academy training vessels, supported relief efforts following Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
State Senator Nathalia Fernandez said, "Maritime is a gem in the SUNY system that transforms lives—setting students on a path to high paying jobs in the maritime industry. It is my pleasure to partner with SUNY to make sure more students have this opportunity."
State Assemblymember Alicia L. Hyndman, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Higher Education, said, "I want to thank the philanthropists and members of the public who supported the Pay It Forward program, which ensures qualifying students can participate in the Summer Sea Term. Through this initiative, Maritime students gain hands-on training experience on a marine vessel. This program will help close maritime workforce gaps."
State Assemblymember Michael R. Benedetto said, "The SUNY system is a great educational institution, and to my mind, SUNY Maritime College is one of its crown jewels. The Pay It Forward Program is a tremendous benefit to cadets, giving them the opportunity to continue their education, gain valuable experience and prepare for successful careers."
About SUNY Maritime
The State University of New York Maritime College has a rich history dating back to 1874 and is the oldest State Maritime Academy. Established as the New York Nautical School, it was the first institution in the United States to offer commercial nautical instruction. The school's creation was driven by a need for trained maritime professionals, especially after the Civil War. Initially, the school operated aboard the USS St. Mary's, a sloop-of-war acquired from the U.S. Navy. Over time, the curriculum evolved to include advanced subjects in navigation, engineering, and marine sciences. In 1907, the training vessel was replaced by the USS Newport, a sail-steam hybrid. Facing financial challenges, the State of New York assumed control of the institution in 1913, renaming it the New York State Nautical School. The school continued to grow, and in 1929, it became the New York State Merchant Marine Academy. A significant milestone occurred in 1938, when the academy relocated to the historic Fort Schuyler in the Bronx, NY, providing a permanent shore-based training facility. In 1949, the academy joined the State University of New York (SUNY) System, adopting its current name.
Maritime College is more than just an institution— it's the Peninsula of Opportunity and an engine of upward mobility. Maritime College offers a unique opportunity to Chart Your Course—a personalized experience where you select the path that aligns with your aspirations. Whether you choose to thrive in the structured, leadership-focused environment of the Regiment or enjoy the flexibility of the traditional student lifestyle, Maritime empowers you to shape your future both academically and professionally. On board Training Ship Empire State VII, and with more than a dozen undergraduate majors—including four ABET-accredited engineering programs, two master's degree options, and a renowned U.S. Coast Guard license program—Maritime College arms you with the skills to navigate, power, and operate the world's maritime industry. Beyond the classroom, Maritime fosters hands-on learning and leadership development with over 50 student clubs and organizations, 13 NCAA Division III teams, independent collegiate sports, and various programs, including the only Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program in New York City. The college's global alumni network offers unparalleled career connections and support. As higher education continues to evolve, Maritime College remains steadfast in its mission to develop the next generation of leaders who will navigate the future with integrity and vision. Our legacy, rooted in loyalty, valor, and leadership, will continue to guide us into the next 150 years. New York Maritime – First and Foremost.
About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry, 12 Educational Opportunity Centers, over 30 ATTAIN digital literacy labs, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.7 million students across its portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and annually one in three New Yorkers who earn a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.
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Holly Liapis
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