Maritime Fees and Costs FAQ

Find answers to common questions about the Maritime In-State Tuition (MIST) program and fees and costs associated with the Corps of Cadets.

MIST Program

What is the MIST program?

The MIST program is an admissions pathway for incoming license-track students from select states and territories (AK, HI, OR, WA, Guam, Samoa, CNMI, Palau, Micronesia and Marshall Islands) that aligns with California in-state tuition. It will apply from enrollment through graduation for eligible students.

Additionally, it transitions the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program into a more accessible pathway for license-track students tailored to Cal Poly Maritime Academy’s long-term enrollment goals. It also strengthens maritime workforce pipelines without compromising quality or capacity.

Do I need to apply separately for MIST?

No. Students from participating states and territories are automatically considered for MIST upon admission.

How are MIST program participants determined?

Participation in the MIST program is limited and determined based on program capacity, informed by historical enrollment and projected demand from each participating state or territory.

Does MIST guarantee admission or financial aid?

No. Admission and financial aid decisions are made independently of MIST and follow standard university processes.

Is MIST available to all majors?

No. MIST is only available to students pursuing any U.S. Coast Guard license program at Cal Poly Maritime Academy.

Who determines MIST eligibility?

Eligibility requirements are established in partnership with each participating MIST state and applied after students have been admitted.

What happened to the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program?

While WUE continues nationally, MIST is Cal Poly Maritime Academy’s new access pathway, designed specifically to support maritime education and workforce needs. Under WUE, eligible students paid a reduced out-of-state tuition rate equal to 150% of the California resident rate. MIST provides eligible license track students with the California resident (in-state) tuition rate directly, resulting in a lower overall cost of attendance.

Who should I contact with questions?

Contact the Cal Poly Admissions Office at (805) 756-2311 or admissions@calpoly.edu.

Corps of Cadets

Do cadets pay different fees than non-license track majors?

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.

Am I required to pay the uniform fee?

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