Would you like to choose a college near the beach? After Winter Break, the cold suddenly returns to universities across the United States. Most American universities are indeed located inland, and except for a few friends who choose to go skiing, there are few daily outdoor activities. Universities with campuses built on the beach, where the daily routine is to enjoy the sunrise and sunset, spend evenings and weekends with your back against a folding chair, bury your toes in the sand, and go boating and surfing anytime you want without leaving the campus, are full of attractions.
The Benefits of Attending a College Near the Beach
1.The beauty of the beach environment
When exploring colleges near beach locations, the allure of combining academic pursuits with coastal living can be a significant draw for students seeking a well-rounded educational experience. The presence of universities in such scenic settings opens up opportunities for a unique lifestyle that blends learning with leisure, offering students a chance to immerse themselves in both intellectual growth and natural beauty.
2.Abundant outdoor activities for physical exercise
Colleges situated near beaches often provide a distinctive environment that fosters a sense of balance between study and relaxation. The proximity to the ocean offers scenic views and also encourages outdoor activities, water sports, and a connection to nature that can enhance overall well-being and enrich the college experience.
3.Convenient and fun beach facilities
Students attending these colleges close to the beach have the advantage of enjoying amenities at the beach, such as access to sandy shores, recreational opportunities like surfing or beach volleyball, and a tranquil setting that can serve as a calming backdrop for focused study sessions. academic rigour and a laid-back coastal atmosphere jointly create a unique ambience that appeals to many seeking a holistic educational experience.
4.Providing marine-related academic opportunities
Furthermore, colleges near beach locations frequently integrate their natural surroundings into academic programs, offering opportunities for marine research, environmental studies, or cultural exploration related to coastal regions. This fusion of academia with the coastal environment can inspire students to engage with real-world issues and develop a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of knowledge and nature.
12 Colleges Near the Beach in the USA
University of Rhode Island
Location: Kingston, Rhode Island
At the University of Rhode Island, known as a college on the East Coast, beach and class times can be the same! Students can conduct research on the coast, participate in ocean affairs projects, or teach children with cognitive disabilities how to surf through kinesiology classes, and most of these fun projects are credit-worthy!
URI offers undergraduates nearly 100 majors to choose from, and our ocean-friendly majors in aquaculture, fisheries science, and marine biology are not just good; they’re nationally recognized for their excellence. So you can be confident that you’re getting a top-notch education in the field of your choice.
Pepperdine University
Location: Malibu, California
Located in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, Pepperdine University’s location has been carefully chosen to be not only one of the safest and most affluent schools in the country, but students have easy access to high-quality sandy beaches close to the campus and with downtown Los Angeles less than an hour’s drive away, students can find plenty of activities to do in the year-round warm climate, and for those looking for the thrill of the surf, Pepperdine has its very own Surf Club.
Due to its location in an affluent neighbourhood away from the city, the vast majority of Pepperdine students choose to live on campus for all four years. Still, the mixed-occupancy cottages for first-year students and the condo hotels for upper-level students are eye-popping, stunning ocean-view rooms. Additionally, Pepperdine is a Christian school that requires undergraduates to take three religion courses as part of the traditional liberal arts curriculum.
University of California-Santa Barbara
Location: Santa Barbara, California
The University of California, Santa Barbara, is home to Campus Point Beach, a popular surfing destination with calm summer tides and gorgeous eroded rocks. UCSB also owns the famous “Ocean View Toilets”!
Students strolling along the shores of UCSB may find themselves at nearby Goleta Beach or Depressions Beach. The school offers scuba diving courses for those who want to explore the Pacific Ocean. US News named UCSB the Best College in California for 2024 and offers classes in computer science and zoology.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, the only university in the nation with its own island, is nestled on the serene Gulf Coast. Its campus provides students with the perfect place to relax and unwind, offering a unique connection to nature that is hard to find elsewhere.
At Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, adventure awaits at every corner. Through the Outdoor Adventure Programme, students can participate in workshops and clinics on thrilling water activities such as kayaking and surfing. They can also explore the campus’ hiking and biking trails, offering a variety of outdoor experiences that will keep them excited and adventurous.
Monmouth University
Location: West Long Branch, New Jersey
Monmouth University offers the best of both worlds for students who want to combine beach time with a trip to the big city. It is located on the Jersey Shore, less than a mile from the Atlantic Ocean and only about an hour from New York City and Philadelphia.
Monmouth College is a small, private institution that offers a wide range of academic opportunities. Students can enrol in one of more than 200 five-year Bachelor’s + Master’s degree programmes, which typically allow them to begin earning graduate degree credits in their final year of undergraduate study.
Cailifornia State University-Long Beach
Location: Long Beach, California
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, California State University, Long Beach is home to more than 3,200 peach trees. Pet lovers can take a quick trip to Rosie’s Dog Beach from campus.CSULB students enter one of the university’s eight colleges: College of Arts, College of Engineering, College of Education, College of Liberal Arts, College of Business, College of Health and Human Services, College of Professional and International Education, and College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
As a college at the beach, athletic students can participate in any of the five “ocean” sports on campus: crew, dragon boat racing, fishing, sailing and surfing. In addition, for water sports enthusiasts, there is an outdoor swimming pool on campus, which is free to use during the school year.
Eckerd College
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
The beach is probably more a part of daily life at Eckerd College than any other liberal arts college. Its beautiful waterfront campus, rich in native plants and wildlife, overlooks Boca Ciega Bay on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The campus boasts 100 metres of white sandy beach where students can borrow sailboats, paddleboards, water-skiing equipment, and more with their ID cards.
Additionally, Eckerd College operates on a 4-1-4 academic calendar, encouraging students to study abroad during the January term between the four-month fall semester and the spring semester.
St. Mary's College of Maryland
Location: St. Mary’s City, Maryland
St. Mary’s College of Maryland students can enjoy the campus waterfront with free use of kayaks, paddleboards and windsurfing equipment. The school’s sailing team has won 16 national championships, and interested students can also try sailing for free.
Students looking for a more expansive beach can walk to Elm’s Beach Park. Located 75 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., St. Mary’s College’s 361-acre campus ensures that all students have the opportunity for internships, research, or international experiences (such as study abroad) despite its relatively small student population.
Coastal Carolina University
Location: Conway, South Carolina
Founded in 1954 as Coastal Carolina Junior College, Coastal Carolina University has recently gained national recognition for building an outstanding NACC Division 1 athletic programme. Some students choose to live near Myrtle Beach, a resort about 20 minutes away.
CCU uses its proximity as an academic tool, offering undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees in marine science. Students have more than 150 campus organisations to choose from, and those who want to take in as much of the scenery as possible can opt for beach trips and golfing at the university-affiliated golf course.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
The University of Hawaii at Manoa, nestled on the vibrant island of Oahu, is a beacon of research and innovation. It proudly stands among a select few institutions in the United States to receive federal land, sea, and space grants. With its prime location, students can immerse themselves in the rich culture of downtown Honolulu and enjoy the world-renowned Waikiki surf beaches. The university offers a diverse range of popular majors, including Tropical Agriculture and the Environment, Oceanography, and Pacific Island Studies.
Salve Regina University
Location: Newport, Rhode Island
Salve Regina, which means “long live the queen,” is a Roman Catholic university located on the Newport waterfront, within walking distance of Belmont Beach. Among East Coast colleges, Newport prides itself on being a beach town and a great historic town (some Gilded Age mansions are now museums). More than half of undergraduates live on campus, attracted by the large, colourful dormitory buildings spread over 78 scenic acres.
Florida Gulf Coast University
Location: Fort Myers, Florida
Living in Florida Gulf Coast University, Students can unwind at the university’s beach, a serene 80-acre lake, or live in on-campus flats near the beach. The campus has amenities such as beach volleyball courts, swimming pools, and barbecue grills, providing the perfect setting for students to relax and enjoy their time on campus.
FGCU has an Honors College and a School of Water, whose best-known academic programs offer major, minor, and graduate degree options in fields related to global water issues.
Beyond Relaxation: Enriching Experiences at a College Near the Beach
Marine Conservation Efforts:
Volunteer Opportunities: Engage in beach clean-up initiatives or participate in marine conservation projects to contribute to environmental sustainability.
Research Programs: Collaborate with academic departments on marine research projects, studying local ecosystems and wildlife conservation.
Cultural and Community Engagement:
Local Festivals and Events: Immerse yourself in community celebrations, art festivals, or cultural events that showcase the region’s heritage.
Internship Opportunities: Seek internships with local businesses, marine institutes, or tourism organizations to gain practical experience and network within the community.
Educational Excursions:
Field Trips to Coastal Sites: Participate in educational outings to coastal landmarks, nature reserves, or historical sites for hands-on learning experiences.
Guest Lectures and Workshops: Attend talks by experts in marine biology, environmental science, or coastal management to expand your knowledge beyond the classroom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the presence of colleges near beach destinations adds a layer of richness to the college experience, providing students with a dynamic setting that stimulates both intellectual growth and personal development. The blend of academic excellence and coastal charm creates an environment where students can thrive academically while enjoying the benefits of seaside living, ultimately shaping a well-rounded and fulfilling educational journey.
1. University of Rhode Island
2. University of California—Santa Barbara
3. Pepperdine University
4. Monmouth University
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has its island, and the school is on the island, surrounded by the ocean.
Take Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi as an example. Its in-state tuition is $9,748 USD, and its out-of-state tuition is $20,745 USD. Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of $11,560, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is a little cheaper than average.
