Do you love spending time near the ocean? Want to attend a school with a coastal view? Want to head to the beach during your downtime? Thankfully, there are plenty of beachside colleges in the United States! In this list, we’ve included some beachside colleges that see warm weather year-round and others that get a bit chilly, but are still known for their amazing beaches!
There are plenty of states that border the ocean, and plenty of schools that are considered “beachside colleges.” Here are just a few colleges and universities on the beach in the United States you’ll want to consider. (We’ve segmented by state)
Beachside Colleges in Florida
ELS Language Center. Source: Eckerd College on Google+
Winter barely touches Florida when it comes to cold temperatures. Throughout the year, you’ll really only see a couple of weeks of cold or cool weather, making spring and fall ideal for beach visits in the Sunshine State. And even if you love a college in Central Florida, don’t worry – the beaches are never far away. For example, if you’d like to go to school in Orlando, Tampa on the west coast and Melbourne on the east coast are only an hour or two drive away.
If you’re looking for other things to do in Florida if the weather is ever too cold for the beach, the state is chock full of seafood restaurants, beautiful state and national parks, aquariums, museums and historical sites, zoos, and more. And, of course, the theme parks in Orlando and Tampa aren’t too far away from a majority of the state, though it is a longer drive for those going to school in the panhandle (about 8 hours).
After you wrap up your degree in Florida, you might want to consider staying in the state and looking into the Disney College Program.
These are a few colleges near the beach in Florida:
1. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA – ST. PETERSBURG
- Enrollment: 49,600
- Acceptance Rate: 41.2%
The Tampa Bay area isn’t just home to the Buccaneers and Lightning – it’s home to the University of South Florida Bulls who participate in a number of competitive sports, including beach volleyball and sailing. Undergraduates can choose from dozens of majors, including Marine Biology, Sociology, and Sustainability Studies.
2. DAYTONA STATE COLLEGE
- Enrollment: 11,584
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
Daytona Beach Campus is the largest of the Daytona State College’s campuses. The area is well known for its unique events, surfing, fishing, NASCAR, Bike Week, snorkeling, and more.
3. UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
- Enrollment: 19,402
- Acceptance Rate: 19%
The University of Miami isn’t quite in Miami – it’s in Coral Gables, a suburb of the city. However, the beaches are never far away, especially since you’re near public transportation, and visitors have compared its gorgeous campus to a tropical resort.
4. ECKERD COLLEGE
- Enrollment: 1,993
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
Nestled on the coast in historic St Petersburg, Eckerd College boasts some of the most beautiful beach views a student could ask for. Students regularly share photos of stunning sunsets from the beach near campus.
5. UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA
- Enrollment: 10,566
- Acceptance Rate: 41.1%
Undergraduates attending the University of Tampa can study Marine Chemistry and Marine Science – Biology thanks to its ocean-side location. Spartans can also compete in beach volleyball, rowing, swimming, and more.
6. FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- Enrollment: 8,315
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
Located in Melbourne, right on the Space Coast, students interested in STEM and the beach will certainly find their home at the Florida Institute of Technology. The Kennedy Space Center, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and other organizations offer several unique opportunities for undergraduates.
7. UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA
- Enrollment: 13,521
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
The University of West Florida, found in Pensacola, is a short drive to the Emerald Coast with its green, clear waters and sugar white sand. Pensacola is considered one of the oldest cities in the United States, so history buffs will want to check out their Maritime Archaeology program.
8. KEISER UNIVERSITY
- Enrollment: 19,020
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
Keiser University’s campuses are found throughout Florida, but their main campus is found in Fort Lauderdale. Students can study everything from Golf Management to Baking and Pastry Arts to Biomedical Sciences.
9. SOUTHEASTERN COLLEGE
- Enrollment: 608
- Acceptance Rate: 80.6%
Many of Southeastern College’s programs focus on healthcare, but students can also study Business Administration, Cosmetology, and Early Childhood Education. Although their main campus is located in West Palm Beach, the school has three locations in the Carolinas and another in Miami Lakes.
10. FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY
- Enrollment: 15,969
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
Florida Gulf Coast University, near Fort Myers, features the Waterfront at Lake Como. Here, students can participate in watersports, including tubing, wake skating, waterskiing, kayaking, and more. And you don’t have to have your own equipment – the school rents some to students!
11. LYNN UNIVERSITY
- Enrollment: 3,520
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
Based in Boca Raton, Florida, Lynn University is central to just about everything, from major sports teams to art to the beach. Some majors for undergraduates include Professional Pilot, Graphic Design, and Cybersecurity.
12. PALM BEACH ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
- Enrollment: 3,828
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
A Christian school, Palm Beach Atlantic University undergraduates can study everything from Biblical Studies to Biology (with concentrations in Marine Biology) to Marine Science. Athletes can compete as the Sailfish in several sports, including beach volleyball, golf, and Esports.
13. FLAGLER COLLEGE
- Enrollment: 2,623
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
Located in the nation’s oldest city, Flagler College boasts a truly impressive decor of traditional Spanish architecture, flanked closely by palm trees and beaches that overlook the Atlantic Ocean.
California Colleges by the Beach
California also sees very high temperatures during the winter. For example, Los Angeles sees a range of 51 degrees F to 69 degrees. San Francisco is a little bit colder but not by much – with a range of 48 degrees F to 61 degrees on average. Due to the Pacific Ocean currents, however, the water does tend to be a lot colder compared to the ocean in Florida.
Plus, if you’re ever sick of the beach, the mountains are never far away. In Southern California, you can see a beach and mountains in the same view! The state is home to world famous national and state parks, boardwalks, theme parks, whale watching opportunities, zoos, and more.
For colleges by the beach in California, consider:
14. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA – SANTA BARBARA
- Enrollment: 26,420
- Acceptance Rate: 28%
If you love surfing, you’ll love Campus Point, also known as Goleta Point, the surfing beach found at the University of California, Santa Barbara. If surfing isn’t for you, you can also hike, sunbathe, or simply walk the beach!
15. LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY
- Enrollment: 10,165
- Acceptance Rate: 40%
Loyola Marymount University is a single mile away from the ocean! Found in Los Angeles, LMU offers several campus programs, including swim lessons, athletic training, Esports, and more.
16. CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY – SAN LUIS OBISPO
- Enrollment: 22,000
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
Cal Poly is five minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo and within 20 minutes of several beaches, including Morro Bay, Avila Beach, and others. The campus is also home to the Leaning Pine Arboretum, the Architecture Graveyard, and more unique features!
17. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA – SAN DIEGO
- Enrollment: 42,006
- Acceptance Rate: 25%
One of the nation’s leading schools for computer science, University of California, San Diego, is also home to breathtaking beach views and warm weather 365 days a year. It’s the southernmost campus in the UC system.
18. CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY – LONG BEACH
- Enrollment: 38,973
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
Long Beach, California, is home to the Aquarium of the Pacific with more than 100 exhibits, The Queen Mary, The Battleship IOWA Museum, several beautiful beaches, and, of course, California State University, Long Beach.
19. SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
- Enrollment: 37,402
- Acceptance Rate: 34.9%
Temperatures at the San Diego State University rarely dip below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Beaches and downtown San Diego are just 10 miles away. If you need a bit of a break from the sand, the mountains are only 50 miles away.
20. PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY
- Enrollment: 10,030
- Acceptance Rate: 50.1%
The picturesque campus of Pepperdine University is located in famed Malibu, CA and provides truly breathtaking views of the Pacific. Aside from just the gorgeous sights, Pepperdine offers a faith-based learning experience and rigorous academic standards.
Hawaii Colleges
Of course, Hawaii has picture perfect weather year-round and it’s an island! You’re never far from the beach. If you love surfing, Hawaii has some of the best beaches for surfing in the world. In fact, CNN named Pipeline, Oahu as their top surf spot choice around the globe.
From snorkeling to shark dives, you’ll never run out of activities to do at the beach. But Hawaii is also home to volcanos, farm tours, gardens, and so much more.
Sadly, due to Hawaii’s size, they’re limited on college options. Here are two options:
21. UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA IN HONOLULU
- Enrollment: 19,074
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
No list of colleges on the beach would be complete without the University of Hawaii Manoa. Everything that you think you know about UH—like the fact that it’s on an island and surrounded by miles and miles of beautiful beaches—is, actually, probably true. In total, there are ten schools in the UH system.
22. BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY – HAWAII (LAIE)
- Enrollment: 2,735
- Acceptance Rate: 38%
Brigham Young University’s main campus is in Utah, which is perfect if you love the snow. However, if you favor the beaches, you might just want to consider this Hawaii-based option. It’s also home to the Ocean Stewards Club for marine biology students, which hosts beach cleanups and other events.
South Carolina and North Carolina Beachside Colleges
During the colder months in South Carolina and North Carolina on the coasts, you can expect to see temperatures in the mid-50’s in South Carolina and low 40’s to mid 50’s in North Carolina. You may not have many ideal swimming days at the beach in this state, but you’ll still have access to some amazing coasts and watersports. The states are also home to theme parks, national and state parks, and historical sites.
These are just a few beachside schools in South Carolina and North Carolina you might want to look at:
23. THE CITADEL – THE MILITARY COLLEGE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
- Enrollment: 3,721
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
Charleston, South Carolina, is vibrant even without the beaches. Plus, the Citadel has several intramural and club teams, including inner tube water polo, flag football, badminton doubles, triathlon, and more.
24. COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY (CONWAY)
- Enrollment: 10,337
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
CCU technically isn’t on the beach, but it is only a 20 minute drive from famed party cove, Myrtle Beach. So, while you may not be able to see the sand from your dorm, you could at least smell the saltwater from class.
25. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA – WILMINGTON
- Enrollment: 17,843
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
The University of North Carolina, Wilmington, is well known for its beautiful campus found between the Cape Fear River and the ocean. The school is also home to a wildflower preserve, biking trail, nature preserve, and more.
Best Rhode Island Colleges by the Beach
There is 400 miles of coastline in the smallest state, Rhode Island, and it’s even known as the Ocean State. Their beaches have been named top destinations. There are also lakes and ponds for kayaking, boating, and more that are never far away.
The state offers countless museums, tours, historical sites, and more. In addition, you’re not far away from major cities like New York City and Boston if you’d like to take a day trip out of the state.
26. UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
- Enrollment: 17,473
- Acceptance Rate: 77.1%
Located in Kingston, the University of Rhode Island’s main campus is near no less than 12 public beaches. If you attend the Narragansett Bay campus, the ocean is just a few steps away. Plus, the school offers some unique opportunities, including aquatics programs, wildlife biology majors, and more.
27. SALVE REGINA UNIVERSITY
- Enrollment: 2,872
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
Salve Regina University, in Newport, is regularly named one the most beautiful coastal campuses in the United States. The school is home to several historical buildings, trees, and landscapes.
And Others
Plenty of states have warmer weather during winter and amazing beachside colleges. You may want to think about
28. TEXAS A&M – CORPUS CHRISTIE
- Enrollment: 10,778
- Acceptance Rate: 89.6%
Want to go to college inland but still feel like you’re on the coast? Check out Texas A&M’s Corpus Christi campus. The college is surrounded on three sides by water. “The Island University” offers an assortment of programs, including Business, Education, Health and Nursing, Science and Technology.
29. MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY (NJ)
- Enrollment: 5,027
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
Monmouth University is found in West Long Branch, New Jersey – just minutes away from several beaches. Home to the Urban Coast Institute and the Marine and Environmental Biology and Policy program, the school offers plenty of fun when the weather is right as well as unique research and academic opportunities.
30. UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND – BIDDEFORD (ME)
- Enrollment: 6,434
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
Biddeford, Maine, home to the University of New England, Biddeford, is just fifteen minutes away from beaches. When the weather gets too cold for nearby Freddy Beach, you can head to their 6-lane pool, hockey rink, and other facilities.
31. ENDICOTT COLLEGE (MA)
- Enrollment: 4,006
- Acceptance Rate: 72.6%
Located right on the ocean, Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts is on the North Shore of Massachusetts Bay. Endicott Beach is just across the street from residential halls and is home to a boat house and beach volleyball court.
32. ST. MARY’S COLLEGE OF MARYLAND
- Enrollment: 1,520
- Acceptance Rate: 75.3%
St. Mary’s College of Maryland sits right in the Historic St. Mary’s City, home of Maryland’s first colony. The school’s waterfront offers paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, and other recreational equipment rentals, and even offers some lessons!
The Benefits of Attending a Beachside College
Of course, when it comes to attending a beachside college, the major benefit is you get to visit the beach on your downtime! A few other benefits of attending one of these schools include:
- The weather tends to be fantastic year-round if you opt for a warmer state.
- You’ll likely have access to other fun activities to participate in during your free time, ranging from theme parks to concerts and snorkeling to zoos.
- You can study on the beach.
- You’ll benefit if you’re studying something related to water, such as shipwreck archeology or marine biology.
- You don’t have to travel for spring break.
- They tend to have plenty of delicious food options.
- You get to wear flip-flops almost all year round.
Attending a beachside college can be a great way to make sure you get enough sun even when schoolwork is at its height! Plus, you’ll never be bored as many beachside colleges have other fun activities, including zoos, theme parks, and delicious restaurants. Which will you be applying to?
Not sure which beachside school is best for your goals? Use College Match to uncover some schools you may not have even considered that have coastal views!
