The California State Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime) could merge with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo as soon as the 2026 – 27 school year, according to a news release from Wednesday afternoon.
The California State University (CSU) Chancellor’s Office recommended the integration to address Cal Maritime’s growing financial struggles and enrollment decreases.
The academy has faced a 31% decline in enrollment over the past seven years, which has “undermined its viability as a standalone institution,” according to the release.
Currently, there are just above 750 students enrolled at Cal Maritime, the only degree-granting maritime academy on the West Coast.
Graduates rank highly in early career salaries with a median of $82,600, according to Payscale. The majority of students graduate with degrees in marine transportation and mechanical engineering, according to enrollment data.
Should the recommendation be adopted, Cal Maritime’s specialized degree programs would still be available at the current campus in Vallejo. However, students would be considered part of the Cal Poly student body and reap the benefits of the university’s academics, research opportunities and facilities.
The CSU Board of Trustees will discuss the potential integration at meetings in July through September. An official announcement will be made in November, according to the CSU.
President Jeffrey Armstrong’s office sent out a schoolwide email this afternoon addressing the announcement.
“While change can be challenging, it also provides new opportunities — and I am optimistic about this new partnership and confident in our collective future,” it reads.