Mental distress regarding anticipated academic challenges may not totally be inevitable. Academic stress will definitely be part of the story you will tell as a student.
However, this stress can be easily relieved if you visit beautiful sights often. And, studying near a beach in Florida gives you this option.
Hence, this article compiles a list of the best colleges on a beach near Florida to aid students to choose a study place that helps them cope with college stress.
Table of contents
- About Florida
- Benefits of Colleges on the Beach in Florida?
- What are the Admission Requirements?
- What are the Best Colleges on the Beach in Florida?
- #1. Eckerd College
- #2. The University of South Florida- St Petersburg
- #3. New College of Florida
- #4. Daytona State College
- #5. University of Miami
- #6. Flagler College-St Augustine
- #7. Bethune-Cookman University
- #8. The University of Tampa
- #9. Palm Beach Atlantic University
- #10. Florida Gulf Coast University
- #11. Florida Institute of Technology
- #12. University of West Florida
- #13. Florida Atlantic University
- #14. Keiser University
- #15. Southeastern College
- FAQs
- Sources
About Florida
Florida is among the top states in the united states that has a diverse selection of state universities, non-profit, and for-profit schools that offers various degrees in fields such as aviation, law, business, journalism, and fine arts.
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.
Check out: University of Florida: Admission, Tuition, Scholarships, Courses, and Ranking
Benefits of Colleges on the Beach in Florida?
Studying at any of the Colleges on the Beach in Florida can be very interesting and exciting as a student. Just like colleges in other locations, Colleges near the beach in Florida offer Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D., JD, LLM degrees, English language, and pathways programs.
Aside from your studies, you can also take a trip to the beach to watch the sunset, or take a walk on the wave is a luxury for a spring or summer vacation.
Interestingly, Florida colleges offer a wide range of art, history, and culture. In addition to numerous international festivals, high-level art exhibits, famous artists, and traveling Broadway exhibitions. Florida has white sand beaches, a unique shopping experience, and thousands of lakes and regional parks.
Additionally, you can spice up your academic life with some of the local festivals, legendary boardwalks, and community-organized activities organized by these colleges.
Furthermore, attending colleges in Florida can help you access unique research opportunities, Marine studies, and oceanographic specializations.
What are the Admission Requirements?
Admission requirements to colleges and universities located on the beach are the same as for institutions without access to the sea.
For instance, 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. Again, world-class institutions need solid scores collected prior to application.
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.
See Also:
13 Best PhD In Information Systems In 2023 | Programs, Requirements, Cost
What are the Best Colleges on the Beach in Florida?
There are so many colleges in Florida that are located near beaches in Florida. Studying in places like that can provide you with recreation, beauty, and educational opportunity.
Another interesting thing about making these colleges your study location is that the tuition fees are not too high and you will still have a variety of degree programs to choose from just like other colleges.
Like I mentioned earlier, there are 100s of colleges in Florida near beaches, let’s take a look at the best colleges by the beach.
- Eckerd College
- The University of South Florida- St Petersburg.
- New College of Florida
- Daytona State College
- University of Miami
- Flagler College-St Augustine
- Bethune-Cookman University
- The University of Tampa
- Palm Beach Atlantic University
- Florida Gulf Coast University
- The University of West Florida
- Florida Atlantic University
- Florida Institute of Technology
- Keiser University
- Southeastern University
Let’s take a look at some of the colleges
#1. Eckerd College
Location: 4200 54th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, United States
Eckerd College is one of the best colleges on the beach in Florida. This college is a private founded in 1958 as Florida Presbyterian College.
However, this Florida college near the beach offers more than 40 undergraduates degree programs in different fields including Business and Biology/Biomedical sciences which are the largest programs in the institute.
Also, the school provides every student with the opportunity to do 40 hours of service before graduation.
Note, Eckerd College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
The school enrolls over 2,000 undergraduate students
Click the button below to get more information about this college on the beach in Florida.
Tuition Rate
$44,540
Graduation Rate
61%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Student-faculty Ratio
12:0:1
#2. The University of South Florida- St Petersburg
Location: 140 7th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States
Next in our list of colleges near the beach in Florida is the University of South Florida.
This university is a large public research university located in Tampa, FL founded in 1956.
The USF is primarily known for its health science, public health, and criminology programs and is a nationwide leader in urban transport research.
This college is close to Florida beaches, and students can involve in activities like beach volleyball, boating, swimming, charter boat excursions, and coastal research programs.
Note, it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and enrolls more than 40,000 students on three campuses.
Click the button below to get more information about this Florida college near the beach.
Tuition Rate
$6,410 (in-state) $17,324 (out-state)
Graduation Rate
44%
Acceptance Rate
40%
Student-faculty Ratio
22:0:1
#3. New College of Florida
Location: 5800 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243, United States
New College of Florida is one of the best Florida colleges near the beach.
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.
Note, the college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission with an enrollment of over 808 students.
Click the button below to get more information about this best college by the beach.
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
#4. Daytona State College
Location: 1200 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, United States
Next in our list of colleges on the beach in Florida is Daytona Stae College.
This college offers 11 bachelor’s degrees in 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.
Moreso, DSC offers an associate’s degree in arts and various degrees. It is also a medium-sized institution with 5,366 undergraduate students.
Note, Dayton State College is accredited by the College and Schools Association South College Commission to award associate and bachelor’s degrees.
Click the button below to get more information about this Florida college near the beach.
Tuition Rate
$3,071 (in-state) $11,960 (Out-state)
Graduation Rate
37%
Acceptance Rate
100%
Student-faculty Ratio
26:1
See Also: University of Florida Acceptance Rate
#5. University of Miami
Location: 1320 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
When considering the best colleges in Florida near the beach, going to the University of Miami won’t be a bad idea at all.
At the university, there are just a few activities that are not done on the beach. Almost, all the academic activities are done around the beach. (https://driventheatre.com/)
Basically, the college offers over 200 programs in Bachelor’s Degrees, post-baccalaureate Certificates, Master’s Degrees, post-master Certificates, and Doctorates.
Note, that the University of Miami is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges with over 17,000 students enrolled.
Some of the renowned alumni produced by the university are actor/athlete Dwayne Johnson, musicians Bruce Hornsby and Enrique Iglesias, and NFL Hall of Fame members Michael Irvin and Jim Otto.
Click the button below to get more information about this best college on the beach of Florida.
Tuition Rate
$50,226
Graduation Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
38%
Student-faculty Ratio
12:0:1
#6. Flagler College-St Augustine
Location: 74 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
Flagler College is one of the most exclusive and unique universities in Florida, established in 1968. It is also known as one of the best universities near the beaches and a place for sun lovers.
Interestingly, as a Flagler student, you will be given some old Florida charm and access to St. Petersburg. Augustine’s beaches.
At leisure, you can visit San Augustíne Beach for hiking, swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and boating.
Basically, in terms of academics, the university is not far behind. It offers more than 60 specialties and specialized juveniles – from the humanities and liberal arts to pre-professional programs in business and education.
If Flager becomes your place of study, it will give you great opportunities to start a career and other experiential learning opportunities, preparing you for any job, no matter what the field.
Tuition Rate
$18,950
Acceptance Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
46%
Student-faculty Ratio
16:1
#7. Bethune-Cookman University
Location: 640 Dr Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd Daytona Beach, Florida
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.
Basically, this Florida college near a beach has 12 colleges and schools that offer over 43-degree programs. It also enrolls 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.
Note, the college was accredited Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Click the button below to get more information about this best college on the beach.
Tuition Rate
$24,276
Graduation Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
45%
Student-faculty Ratio
14:1
#8. The University of Tampa
Location: 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606, United States
Next on our list of best colleges near the beach of Florida is the University of Tampa.
This university was established in 1931. Basically, it is well known when you talk about business, marketing, nursing, criminology, and, in recent years, cybersecurity and entrepreneurship – staples of Florida education.
At, the University of Tampa area, there are dozens of ocean, river, and bay parks and beaches you can enjoy.
Interestingly, there are other beaches such as Davis Beach and Sand Key Park which you can also visit.
Tuition Rate
$29,208/Semester
Graduation Rate
48%
Acceptance Rate
49%
Student-faculty Ratio
17.0:1
#9. Palm Beach Atlantic University
Location: 901 S Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, United
Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) is a private Christian university in West Palm Beach, Florida.
It offers over 50 undergraduates and master’s degree programs including professional studies in 9 schools.
Studying at Palm Beach Atlantic University will make you enjoy the west palm beach tropical climate, and lots of sunshine. You can 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
Note, the university was 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.
Tuition Rate
$31,450/Semester
Graduation Rate
40%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Student-faculty Ratio
12:1
#10. Florida Gulf Coast University
Location: 915 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, United States
It won’t be a bad choice if you decide to go for Florida Gulf Coast University as the best in the list of Florida colleges located near the beach.
Established 29 years ago, Florida Gulf Coast University is a public, coeducational, comprehensive institution of higher education located in Fort Myers, Florida.
Basically, 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.
Moreso, the University 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.
Note, Florida Gulf Coast University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition Rate
$6,118 (in-state) $25,162 (out of state)
Graduation Rate
20%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Student-faculty Ratio
22.0:1
#11. Florida Institute of Technology
Location: 150 W University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901, United States
If you love going to beaches, the Florida Institute of Technology is a nice study destination for you.
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.
Aside from the lovely subtropical location, the university will also offer you the opportunity to choose from over 180 undergraduate and graduate programs once you make the university your study destination.
Basically, the university offers advanced education to professionals working in a space program now called the Kennedy Space Center.
Also, the university provides high-quality education to a culturally diverse group of students to prepare students to engage in the global workforce, seek higher education opportunities, and serve their communities.
Note, it was accredited by the Southern Colleges and Schools Association. And it has more than 6,500 students, including more than 3,500 undergraduate students.
Tuition Rate
$41,850
Graduation Rate
45%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Student-faculty Ratio
14.0:1
#12. University of West Florida
Location: 11000 University Pkwy, Pensacola, FL 32514, United
The University of West Florida is also one of the best colleges by the beach in Florida.
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.
Basically, the university is specifically designed to accommodate natural waterways and the surrounding forest.
Also, the university has beach features on Santa Rosa Island that can be used for recreational, academic, and research interests.
Tuition Rate
$6,360(in-state) $19,241 (out-of-state)
Graduation Rate
66%
Acceptance Rate
50%
Student-faculty Ratio
21:1
#13. Florida Atlantic University
Location: 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431, United States
Florida Atlantic University is a public university with its main campus in Boca Raton.
The university offers an excellent education (more than 180 undergraduate and graduate programs) in a subtropical location.
Click the button below to get more information about this best college near beaches in Florida.
Tuition Rate
$8,412 /Semester in-state; $18,192 /Semester out-of-state
Graduation Rate
56%
Acceptance Rate
60%
Student-faculty Ratio
21:1
#14. Keiser University
Location: 1500 NW 49th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, United
Next in the 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.
Basically, Keiser provides educational programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate levels in both traditional and online delivery formats.
More so, the university aims at providing you with the professional and academic foundation to meet your educational goals and objectives.
Note, the school is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
More information about this best college near the beach in Florida.
- Tuition Rate: $21,008
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Student-faculty Ratio: 15 to 1
#15. Southeastern College
Location: 1756 N Congress Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33409, United States
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 careers.
Note, Southeastern College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Tuition Rate
$21,346
Graduation Rate
67%
Student-faculty Ratio
11: 1
FAQs
Studying at any of the Colleges on the Beach in Florida can be very interesting and exciting as a student. Just like colleges in other locations, Colleges near the beach in Florida offer Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D., JD, LLM degrees, English language, and pathways programs.
Aside from your studies, you can also take a trip to the beach to watch the sunset, or take a walk on the wave is a luxury for a spring or summer vacation……
Let’s take a look at some of the colleges on the beach in Florida
Eckerd College
The University of South Florida- St Petersburg.
New College of Florida
Daytona State College
University of Miami
Flagler College-St Augustine
Bethune-Cookman University
Admission requirements to colleges and universities located on the beach are the same as for institutions without access to the sea.
For instance, 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.
