Each year the student body includes recent high school graduates, career changers, veterans, adult learners, and retirees.  Students come from across the US and abroad.  All programs are taught from an introductory level, so previous experience is not required.

No, it is free to apply to The Landing School.

The Landing School has a rolling admissions process and accepts applications year-round.  Applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee on a first come, first served basis. It is important to apply early as spaces fill up quickly.

In addition to completing the online application, prospective students must submit transcripts (high school and other institutions attended) and one letter of recommendation (from a non-family member).  Finally, a member of the admissions team will meet with each applicant (in person or virtually) for a 30-minute interview.

Our application includes questions about your personal, academic, and employment background.  In addition, there are a few “get to know you” questions.  We are really interested in learning about your interest in boats and your career goals.

For all programs, applicants need to show proof of a high school diploma or GED equivalent. 

Prospective students applying to the Yacht Design program should present a successful background in algebra and geometry.  In general, math grades of B or higher are considered solid for the Yacht Design program.  Basic computer skills, such as the Microsoft Office suite, are required as well. Starting in Fall 2026, all Yacht Design students will be required to complete a one-week, online Rhino Bootcamp at the end of August.

Previous experience is helpful but not required.  All programs are taught from an introductory level.

• All international transcripts must be translated to English and certified to determine either high school or college equivalency.  The following approved agencies provide translation and equivalency services: World Education Services, Inc, Education Evaluators International, Inc., and Center for Educational Documentation.

• International students whose native language is not English must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score.  A TOEFL score of 79 (IBT), 550 (PBT), or an IELTS of 6 are considered sufficient for study at The Landing School.

• Proof of Funding Form (documentation of a student’s ability to cover their expenses) is required to obtain an M-1 visa (non-immigrant visa for international students pursuing vocational studies in the United States).  This form will be made available to international students as part of the admissions/enrollment process.

Yes, please!  We offer Open Houses throughout the year.  Additionally, prospective students may tour the school and meet with an admissions representative Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm.  Phone and virtual appointments are available as well.  Please contact the Admissions Office (admissions@landingschool.edu) to make arrangements.

Yes, The Landing School is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Founded in 1978, TLS is the oldest operating school of its type in the US and first to be accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

TLS offers 9-month diploma programs in Marine Systems, Composite Boatbuilding,Yacht Design and Wooden Boatbuilding.

Each diploma program is two semesters totaling 9 months.  The academic year begins in early September and ends in May.

All of our current instructors are Landing School graduates with many years of relevant industry experience.  Bios can be found here.

Classes are small, typically 8-20 students per program. Each program usually has two instructors who are with students throughout the entire school day.

Each program shop is equipped with appropriate machinery and tools.  In addition, each program has a specific book and tool list.  This list is provided to students before the start of the year.  The required tools are used throughout the year and allows students to develop a tool kit that they will use in the field throughout their career.

Students are in the classroom and shops on Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

All programs require some classroom time and homework assignments.  However, the classroom to shop ratio varies by program.  Typically, students in the boatbuilding programs start the day with a brief lecture or instruction.  The rest of the day is hands-on and learn by doing.  The instructors coach students throughout the day.  Marine Systems and Yacht Design students split their time between the classroom and the shop or design studio.

Yes.  However, it will vary by program.  Additionally, most of your work is graded.

The required Professional Development Experience (PEP) takes place in early January.  Students spend two weeks working with an employer in the marine industry.  This is a great learning opportunity and a chance to try out different types of organizations.

Yes, for students who are seeking to learn a new skill before going to college, TLS offers a gap year experience.  This is a perfect opportunity for a boating enthusiast, or someone interested in hands-on learning.  Gap year students can select any of the 9-month diploma programs.

Marine Systems students take the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Marine Technician Certification exam in May.  This certification is valued in the marine industry.

Yes. Graduates of the Yacht Design program can apply to Southhampton Solent University for one of the three-year Bachelor of Engineering degrees (Hons) offered in Yacht and Powercraft Design or Yacht Design and Production.  TLS students admitted to one of these programs enter with advanced standing and can complete the program in two years.

Not at this time. All programs are full-time and in-person.

Not at this time.

Throughout the program students are exposed to a range of careers via field trips, industry visits, the Job Board, a two-week externship in January, and the annual job fair in March.  Additionally, our faculty and alumni are excellent resources for career guidance.  Students have access to resume workshops and career coaching as well.

Yes, in nine months our students obtain the skills needed for entry-level jobs in the marine industry.  Students with previous experience may be qualified for more advanced positions.

There are a wide range of jobs in the marine industry.  See our Job Board for current listings.   Please find below some examples by program type.

Yacht Design – yacht design, yacht construction, production engineering, component design, drafting, project management, technical consultancy, technical sales

Wooden Boatbuilding – new boat builds, restoration, repair work, interior finish work, joinery and outfitting, painting and varnishing

Marine Systems – service technician, systems installation technician, boatyard management, service writer, systems repair technician, boatyard operations, vessel crew, technical sales

Composite Boatbuilding – composite technician, boatbuilding and production, restoration, and repair work

Additionally, some graduates apply the skills learned at The Landing School to other industries.

Yes!  Currently there is significant demand for skilled tradespeople across the industry.  Graduates interested in working post-TLS should be able to find employment.

Some recent examples of where TLS graduates have gone to work in recent years include Lyman-Morse, Portland Yacht Services, Freeman Boatworks, Brooklin Boat Yard, Sabre and Back Cove Yachts, Bristol Marine, Duffie Boatworks, Safe Harbor Marinas, Hinkley Yachts, and Front Street Shipyard.

According to ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor, average salaries range from $52,000-$72,000 annually.  Salaries vary by location, experience, type of position, and employer.

The average graduation rate in the last three years was 97%.

According to a recent ACCSC survey, 92% were satisfied with their TLS education and 88% would recommend TLS to a friend.

The tuition for each diploma program in 2026-27 is $27,950.  In addition, each program has a program fee.  Other expenses include books and tools, room and board, and personal expenses.  The estimated cost of attendance can be found at this link.

Yes, financial aid is available to those who qualify.  US citizens and permanent residents interested in Federal Financial Aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) found at https://studentaid.gov/.

Additionally, The Landing School offers scholarships to those who qualify.  Both US citizens and international students are eligible for TLS scholarships.

Yes, The Landing School awards scholarships to those who qualify.  A list of TLS and externally-funded scholarships can be found here - https://www.landingschool.edu/scholarships.

To be eligible for a TLS Scholarship, you must complete the Scholarship Application form found at https://www.landingschool.edu/scholarships and submit answers to a few questions.  

Yes.  The Landing School is an approved by the Maine State Approving Agency for Veterans Education Programs.  We accept Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill®, Chapter 31 – Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits, Chapter 32 – Veterans Educational Assistance Program, Chapter 33 Post-911 GI Bill®, Chapter 35 – Survivors & Dependents Assistance, Chapter 1606 – Reserve GI Bill®, and Chapter 1607 – Activated Reservist after 9/11/2001.  In addition, we are a VA Yellow Ribbon School.  The School’s VA facility code is 31005019. Learn more at https://www.landingschool.edu/student-body.

The Landing School does not have housing on campus.  Students live in rental properties (ranging from rooms in houses, apartments, or entire homes) available in the local community or commute from towns nearby.  The Landing School provides enrolled students with a list of local rentals and housing resources.  The incoming student Facebook Group is a great place to find roommates.  Please note that most rentals are not in walking distance to the school.  Therefore, having a car is recommended.

TLS is located between Portsmouth, NH and Portland, ME.  Both cities offer many things to do – concerts, sporting events, restaurants, etc.  In addition, TLS is not far from beaches, lakes, forests, and mountains.  Maine is a terrific place for outdoor enthusiasts to live.

In addition to breaks throughout the day, all students break for lunch for an hour at noon.  There is a student lounge with a refrigerator where students gather.  Most students pack a lunch, while others run home for lunch.

Attendance is required on Monday – Friday from 8am to 3:45pm.  In addition, there are some out of classroom assignments.  This schedule does allow for limited evening and weekend work.

Yes.  We have a free parking lot for students at the school.  Students may park one vehicle in the lot during school hours.  Having access to a car while you are attending TLS is recommended given that all housing is off campus.