Life as a student isn’t meant to be that stressful, students should learn how to make the best of their time in college. Colleges are not only a citadel of learning but also a place where social, extra-curricular, and personal relationship thrives. The best way to experience the social lifestyle as a student is by attending a college that has a vibrant social culture or one that is close to the beach. This article would list the best colleges on the beach in Florida.
Studying near a beach in Florida would give you the opportunity to visit beautiful sites of nature which can be a perfect stress reliever for the human body while studying. Students can also opt to study in a serene environment close to the beach for easy assimilation.
About Florida
Florida is one of the most beautiful states in America surrounded by beautiful beaches and lakes, it is also among the top states in America with numerous universities both for-profit and non-profit purposes. They offer both degrees and associate degrees in fields such as aviation, law, business, journalism, and fine arts.
Florida is a state with a high number of foreign students, according to the 2010 Open Doors report, there are about 30,000 international students studying in Florida alone.
Also, Florida is ranked 5th in the nation for high-tech employment and is home to 15 Fortune 500 companies, students pursue internships and career opportunities in a variety of industries from aerospace and aviation to financial and professional services.
Benefits of Colleges on the Beach in Florida?
Studying in any of the Colleges on the Beach in Florida is the same as studying in other colleges elsewhere, just that there are more social opportunities with colleges on the beach in Florida.
Aside from your studies, you take a trip to the beach to watch the sunset or take a walk on the wave during spring or summer vacation.
Colleges near the beach in Florida offer Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D., JD, and LLM degrees, English language, and pathways programs.
Another important benefit of studying in any of the Colleges on the Beach in Florida is the access to unique research opportunities like marine studies, oceanographic which would be beneficial to marine students or any other related discipline.
Aside from the beaches associated with Florida, the state also has a history and culture of local festivals, legendary boardwalks, art exhibits, community-organized activities, and other unique experiences which you can use to spice up your academic life.
Also Read: Best Law Schools Near The Beach
What are the Admission Requirements?
Admission requirements to colleges on the beach in Florida and other universities without access to the sea are all the same.
If you are going for an undergraduate degree, you will need a higher education diploma or equivalent, letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors, and satisfactory academic performance.
Additional undergraduate admission requirements include SAT or ACT scores.
Although not all colleges require SAT or ACT scores, they may be required by your chosen major if you plan to testify before enrolling. For most listed schools, SAT or ACT scores can be found on the institution’s website.
In addition to SAT scores, letters of recommendation, and required classes, you must submit a completed application to these colleges. Most applications can be completed online and require one to five essays.
International students may also be required to produce an IELTS result or any other test for proficiency in the English language.
What are the Best Colleges on the Beach in Florida?
There are so many colleges in Florida that are located near beaches with low tuition fees, you can check out their websites and choose from their varieties of degrees.
Related: Best West Coast Law Schools
So let’s take a look at some of the best colleges in Florida near beaches.
1. The University of South Florida- St Petersburg
The first institution on our list of colleges near beach in Florida is the University of South Florida.
This university is a large public research university located in Tampa, FL, and was established in 1956.
The university of south Florida lies close to the beach and students regularly engage in extra-curricular activities like beach volleyball, boating, swimming, charter boat excursions, and coastal research programs.
The USF is primarily known for its health science, public health, and criminology programs and is a nationwide leader in urban transport research.
The USF is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and enrolls more than 40,000 students on three campuses.
You can check out the website below to get more information about this Florida college near the beach.
Location: 140 7th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States
Tuition Rate: $6,410 (in-state) and $17,324 (out-state)
Graduation Rate: 44%
Acceptance Rate: 40%
Student-faculty Ratio: 22:0:1
2. Daytona State College
The next institution on our list of colleges on the beach in Florida is Daytona State College.
This college offers bachelor’s degrees and also associate degrees, some of its bachelor’s degrees include; business technology, education, Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Nursing Science, and Bachelor of Information Technology Science.
Dayton State College is accredited by the College and Schools Association South College Commission to award associate and bachelor’s degrees. It also has a population of 5,366 undergraduates.
visit the website below to get more information about this Florida college near the beach.
Location: 1200 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, United States
Tuition Rate: $3,071 (in-state) and $11,960 (Out-state)
Graduation Rate: 37%
Acceptance Rate:100%
Student-faculty Ratio: 26:1
3. Eckerd College
Eckerd College is one of the best private colleges in Florida, it is also the best on the list of colleges on the beach in Florida.
It was established in 1958 as a Florida Presbyterian college.
Eckerd college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and also the Commission on Colleges. It offers more than 40 undergraduate degrees.
Also, the school provides every student with the opportunity to do 40 hours of service before graduation.
The school admits over 2,000 undergraduate students annually.
Click the button below to get more information about this college on the beach in Florida.
Location: 4200 54th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, United States
Tuition Rate: $44,540
Graduation Rate: 61%
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Student-faculty Ratio: 12:0:1
4. New College of Florida
Next on our list of best Florida colleges near the beach is the New College Florida.
This college is a liberal art public college that was first established as a private institute.
At New College of Florida, most of the academic activities and learning are done on the sandy beaches of Sarasota.
Some are in the hammocks strung in the picturesque palm and banyan trees situated all over the campus.
The new college of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission with an enrollment of over 808 students.
Visit the school’s official website below to get more information about this best college by the beach.
Location: 5800 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243, United States
Tuition Rate: $16,445 (in-state) and full-time: $39,473 (out-of-state)
Graduation Rate: 71%
Acceptance Rate: 69%
Student-faculty Ratio:8:1
5. University of West Florida
The University of West Florida is also one of the best colleges by the beach in Florida. The university is designed to accommodate natural waterways and the surrounding forest.
The university has beach features on Santa Rosa Island that can be used for recreational, academic, and research interests.
Studying at this university will offer you the opportunity to participate in a Saturday sailing where you can enjoy the sun, the sea, and a relaxing day in the Gulf of Mexico.
Location: 11000 University Pkwy, Pensacola, FL 32514, United
Tuition Rate: $6,360(in-state) $19,241 (out-of-state)
Graduation Rate: 66%
Acceptance Rate: 50%
Student-faculty Ratio: 21:1
6. Palm Beach Atlantic University
Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) is a private Christian university located in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The university offers more than 50 undergraduate programs as well as postgraduate and master’s degree programs.
Studying at this university will make you enjoy the west palm beach tropical climate, and lots of sunshine. You can also go for boating activities like fishing, scuba diving, water skiing, and an abundance of tropical plants and palm trees.
In addition to ocean activities, West Palm Beach is home to many museums, art festivals, music venues, and waterfront restaurants
The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Click the button below to get more information about this best Florida college on the beach.
Location: 901 S Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, United
Tuition Rate: $31,450/Semester
Graduation Rate: 40%
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Student-faculty Ratio: 12:1
7. University of Miami
When considering applying for any of the best colleges in Florida near the beach, the University of Miami won’t be a bad option at all.
The university has a vibrant social life and almost all its activities are done on the beach.
The university offers over 200 programs in Bachelor’s Degrees, post-baccalaureate Certificates, Master’s Degrees, post-master Certificates, and doctorate and has a population of over 17,000 students.
The University of Miami is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
The University of Maimi has produced notable alumni such as Hollywood actor/athlete Dwayne Johnson, musicians Bruce Hornsby and Enrique Iglesias, and NFL Hall of Fame members Michael Irvin and Jim Otto.
You can visit the website below to get more information about this best college on the beach of Florida.
Location: 1320 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
Tuition Rate: $50,226
Graduation Rate: 70%
Acceptance Rate: 38%
Student-faculty Ratio: 12:0:1
8. Flagler College-St Augustine
Flagler college is one of the top colleges in Florida, it was established in 1968, and it is most notable for its beaches and a place for sun lovers.
As a Flagler student, you will be given some old Florida charm and access to St. Petersburg. Augustine’s beaches.
During leisure, you can visit San Augustíne Beach for hiking, swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and boating.
It is one of the best universities near the beaches and a place for sun lovers.
Location: 74 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
Tuition Rate: $18,950
Graduation Rate: 46%
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Student-faculty Ratio: 16:1
9. Bethune-Cookman University
Bethune–Cookman University (B–CU) is a private historically black university in Daytona Beach, Florida.
This college is a public research university and a member institution of the State University System of Florida.
This Florida college near a beach has 12 colleges and schools that offer over 43 degree programs. It also admits over 2,901 students yearly.
Because it’s in the same city where NASCAR is located, most of the students who take part in it have a unique opportunity will have the opportunity to involve in the sand to race in cars, combining a love of Motorsport and a love of the ocean in one single activity.
The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Visit the website below to get more information about this best college on the beach.
Location: 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd Daytona Beach, Florida
Tuition Rate: $24,276
Graduation Rate: 72%
Acceptance Rate: 45%
Student-faculty Ratio: 14:1
10. Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University is a public university with its main campus in Boca Raton.
The university offers more than 180 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Visit the website below to get more information about this best college near beaches in Florida.
Location: 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431, United States
Tuition Rate: $8,412 /Semester in-state; $18,192 /Semester out-of-state
Graduation Rate: 56%
Acceptance Rate: 60%
Student-faculty Ratio: 21:1
11. The University of Tampa
The University of Tampa is also one of the best colleges near the beach of Florida, it was established in 1931,
The University of Tampa is surrounded by oceans, rivers, bay parks, and also beaches you can enjoy.
There are other nice beaches where you can spend your leisure time such as Davis Beach and Sand Key Park.
Location: 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606, United States
Tuition Rate: $29,208/Semester
Graduation Rate: 48%
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Student-faculty Ratio: 17.0:1
12. Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University is also among the best Florida colleges located near the beach.
Florida Gulf Coast University is a public, coeducational institution that is located in Fort Myers, Florida.
This college near Florida beach offers over 80 degree programs, which include more than 50 undergraduate majors, 24 graduate degree programs, and at least three doctorate degrees.
The University also has several Colleges and schools, including the College of Arts and Sciences which encompasses the Bower School of Music and the Arts; the College of Education.
Florida Gulf Coast University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Location: 915 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, United States
Tuition Rate: $6,118 (in-state) and $25,162 (out-of-state)
Graduation Rate: 20%
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Student-faculty Ratio: 22.0:1
13. Florida Institute of Technology
The Florida Institute of Technology is also a nice study destination if your love studying near the beach.
Florida Institute of Technology is a private doctoral and research university with stunning sandy beaches where you can go for leisure or engage in activities like boating, hiking, swimming, and any other beach activities you can think of.
The university has over 180 undergraduate and graduate programs with more than 6,500 students.
The university programs are accredited by the Southern Colleges and Schools Association.
Location: 150 W University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901, United States
Tuition Rate: $41,850
Graduation Rate: 45%
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Student-faculty Ratio: 14.0:1
14. Keiser University
The next institution on our list of colleges on the beach in Florida is Keiser University. This university is a private university with its main campus located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Keiser University provides educational programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate levels in both traditional and online delivery formats.
The school is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Location: 1500 NW 49th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, United
Tuition Rate: $22,000
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Graduation Rate: 67%
Student-faculty Ratio: 16 to 1
15. Southeastern College
Southeastern College is one of the colleges on the east coast near the beach that offers top-notch educational and academic programs.
The college has career-oriented programs and flexible class schedules that make it one of the best options for most working-class people or students.
Moreso, the college provides financial support to students who want to pursue their academic career.
The Southeastern College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Location: 1756 N Congress Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33409, United States
Tuition Rate: $21,346
Graduation Rate: 67%
Student-faculty Ratio: 11: 1
School Website
Best Colleges on the Beach in Florida (Recap)
| 1 | The University of South Florida- St Petersburg | 9 | Bethune-Cookman University |
| 2 | Daytona State College | 10 | Florida Atlantic University |
| 3 | Eckerd College | 11 | The University of Tampa |
| 4 | New College of Florida | 12 | Florida Gulf Coast University |
| 5 | University of West Florida | 13 | Florida Institute of Technology |
| 6 | Palm Beach Atlantic University | 14 | Keiser University |
| 7 | University of Miami | 15 | Southeastern University |
| 8 | Flagler College-St Augustine | ||
Conclusion
Studying in any of the Colleges on the Beach in Florida is a very interesting adventure you wouldn’t want to miss as a student. Aside from your studies, you can also take a trip to the beach to watch the sunset, or take a walk on the wave.
Just like colleges in other locations, Colleges near the beach in Florida offer Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D., JD, and LLM degrees.
References
https://www.collegeconsensus.com/rankings/best-beach-colleges/
Best college review – College by The sea
Best value school – Coastal colleges
