I would also suggest any one of the state merchant marine academies: Maine Maritime, Texas Maritime, New York Maritime, Massachusetts Maritime, California Maritime, and the Great Lakes Maritime Academy. All but the Great Lakes offer a four year degree in marine transportation operations or marine engineering as well as other majors. They are no nonsense colleges and all involve working on commercial merchant ship as a cadet for at least 60 days and training on a training ship as well.
The starting salaries for deck officers and marine engineers is anywhere from $60,000 to $80,000 per year.
Usually one works 7 days a week for a month on month off rotation or two months on and two months off. Room and board is provided and is tax free.
Maine Maritime Academy was just named the #1 public college in the US for the second year running by MONEY magazine.
Webb Institute: http://www.webb.edu/
“Ever wondered what goes into designing an America’s Cup yacht, U.S. Navy destroyer, or a cruise liner? Webb Institute is a four-year, fully accredited engineering college that has specialized in naval architecture and marine engineering for the last 125 years. Founded in 1889 by prominent New York shipbuilder William H. Webb, the Institute has produced the nation’s leading ship designers for over a century. Every Webb student receives a full-tuition scholarship founded by Mr. Webb and continued by the generous contributions of alumni/ae, friends of Webb, parents, corporations, and foundations.”
Academic requirements for admission are challenging and the curriculum jumps right into the engineering, no fluff. You only pay for living expenses.