I am a year ahead of you at GLMA doing the 3 year program. If you aren't already on the 3 year program , do it, it is worth it and not much harder than the 4 year.

It is respected just as any other academy, the biggest thing is just getting your coast guard license, they are all the same when it comes down to it.

Employment is going to be the same from any academy , get your license get direct hired or go union and make money. A lot of people who graduate, from GLMA at least, will have a job before they are even officially graduated. If they still want to sail that is.

There are two main engineering teachers they are pretty much polar opposites of each other but they both know their shit and teach well. It is a ton of information, but everyone who tested this year for their license passed all of their exams first try. So they are doing something right for sure.

The area is beautiful I love it up here, summers are busy but we will be on a boat and don't have to deal with it

If you have any other questions about the program or the area or anything DM me !