Maritime Fees and Costs FAQ

The Cal Poly fee structure was overlaid on the Maritime Academy fee structure, creating one unified structure across both campuses. The new fees will apply to all Cal Poly students in the 2026–27 academic year. 

Whether you are a new or continuing student, fees support essential resources for academics and student life. College based fees, which will be new for Cal Poly Maritime Academy students, help sustain educational quality, advance Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing mission, and directly support student learning in alignment with the university’s academic mission. The Student Success Fee increases access to classes and labs and helps to improve the graduation and retention rate of all students. 

Additional fees, such as the ASI Fee and the University Union Fee, support students by providing access to events and initiatives such as student government, general programming, Student Community Services, club sports and intramurals. 

Changes in fee classification follow Chancellor’s Office requirements and are structured to support shared resources and services available to students across both locations, while still reflecting differences in campus experience, program requirements, and coursework. 

Continuing students at Cal Poly Maritime Academy will automatically receive the Integration Scholarship to offset the difference in tuition and registration fees resulting from the campus integration until they graduate. However, the Integration Scholarship for continuing students will not automatically cover standard annual increases, including the CSU-approved 6% tuition increase and other minor fee adjustments that typically occur from year to year. 

First-year students, transfers, or students not enrolled in the 2025–26 academic year will not receive the Integration Scholarship. However, if you need additional assistance to cover the cost of attendance, it is recommended that you contact the Financial Aid office (707) 654-1287 or finaid@csum.edu). 

Access to facilities is determined by ASI. Impacts and information on access will be shared later.  

Continuing Cal Poly Maritime Academy students will receive the Integration Scholarship, which offsets integration-related fee changes but does not automatically cover standard annual tuition and fee increases including the CSU-approved 6% tuition increase and other minor fee adjustments that typically occur from year to year.

Incoming first-year, licensure-track students from select states and territories (AK, HI, OR, WA, Guam, Samoa, CNMI, Palau, Micronesia, Marshall Islands) may be eligible for the Maritime In-State Tuition (MIST) Program, which provides California resident (in-state) tuition.  

Students who have concerns about affordability are encouraged to contact Financial Aid to discuss available options, including federal loans and other forms of assistance.

If you have questions about fees, due dates, or payment plans, please contact Student Accounts for assistance and available options. 

As part of the campus integration, fees were realigned to ensure consistency across the unified Cal Poly system. Some fees were adjusted to reflect changes in how student services are provided, while others were updated to more accurately reflect the services and resources students receive. These changes support a clearer, more consistent fee structure across both campuses.

Please refer to the Costs and Affordability page on the Cal Poly website. 2026-27 costs will be available in March 2026. 

Please refer to the Costs and Affordability page on the Cal Poly website. 2026-27 costs will be available in March 2026.  

It is a scholarship beginning in fall 2026 for continuing students (students who were enrolled in the 2025–26 academic year and who have not yet graduated) that covers tuition and registration fee increases related to the campus integration. This scholarship will continue for those students through graduation. 

Through graduation.

Yes, license‑track cadets do pay different (and typically higher) fees than non‑license‑track students, largely because of summer sea training‑related costs, uniforms, and specialized training requirements tied to U.S. Coast Guard licensing programs. 

Only students in the Corps of Cadets must pay the uniform fee.

Housing and dining costs are subject to annual increases unrelated to the campus integration. 2026–27 rates are still being finalized and are expected to be available in March 2026.