Thousand of requests from students and parents have led to this list of best colleges on the beach of Florida as we update our 2023 ranking of best schools. This list of best schools is part of our efforts to help students make informed decision regarding their choices of study in the United States and this time, in Florida.
As one of the major States in the southeastern part of the United States of America, Florida has some of the best colleges and universities that has placed this region in the list of best student destinations in the whole of America. This post, however, is designed to showcase the best colleges in the beach of Florida – for parents’ and students’ consideration.
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Education in 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. Florida being ranked the 5th in the nation for high-tech employment and 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.
Just like colleges in other locations, Colleges near the beach in Florida offer Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD., JD, LLM degrees, English language, and pathways programs.
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.
Aside the academic history and rich benefits of earning your degree in this region, a trip to some of the amazing beached could also spark positive one may need for reset and great recreational values.
List of Best Colleges on the Beach in Florida
As we head to the list of best colleges on the beach of Florida, one advantage to take home is the fact that their tuition is relatively affordable – and this is unlike speculations and the quality education that these institutions have to offer. Record has hundreds of these colleges and other schools around the beaches of Florida but this list is geared to capturing the popular names.
The Eckerd College
Location: 4200 54th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, United States
Tuition Fee: Around $20,246
Graduation Rate: 69%
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. The Eckerd College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, and the school enrolls over 2,000 undergraduate students
To learn more about the Eckerd College, for information and enrolment, simply visit the official website of the institution here.
The University Of South Florida- St Petersburg
Location: 140 7th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States
Tuition Rate: $6,410 (in-state) $17,324 (out-state)
Graduation Rate: 44%
Acceptance Rate: 40%
Student-faculty Ratio: 22:0:1
The University of South Florida is a large public research institution that is located in Tampa, FL founded in 1956.
The USF is primarily known for its health science, public health, criminology programs and is a nationwide leader in urban transport research.
This school is close to Florida beaches, and students can involve in activities like beach volleyball, boating, swimming, charter boat excursions, and coastal research programs.
The University of South Florida is also an accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and enrolls more than 40,000 students on three campuses.
To get more information about this institution as a student or guardian, kindly visit the university website for a more updates.
New College of Florida
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
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. As one of the colleges and universities on the beach of Florida, this college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission with an enrollment of over 808 students.
To learn more about the New College of Florida, here is the official website of the institution for your information, enrolment and other vital programs.
Daytona State College
Tuition Rate: $3,071 (in-state) $11,960 (Out-state)
Graduation Rate: 37%
Student-faculty Ratio: 26:1
Official Website: https://www.daytonastate.edu/
Location: 1200 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, United States
This college offers 11 bachelor’s degrees in business technology, education, Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Engineering Technology, and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Nursing Science, and Bachelor of Information Technology Science.
More so, DSC offers an associate’s degree in arts and various degrees. It is also a medium-sized institution with 5,366 undergraduate students.
As one of the colleges on the beach of Florida, the Dayton State College is accredited by the College and Schools Association South College Commission to award associate and bachelor’s degrees.
University of Miami
Tuition Rate: $50,226
Graduation Rate: 70%
Acceptance Rate: 38%
Student-faculty Ratio: 12:0:1
Website:https://welcome.miami.edu/
Location: 1320 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
When considering the best colleges in Florida near the beach, going for the University of Miami is won’t be a bad idea 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.
Basically, the college offers over 200 programs in Bachelor’s Degrees, post-baccalaureate Certificates, Master’s Degrees, post-masters Certificates, and Doctorates. The University of Miami is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges with over 17,000 students enrolled.
Additionally, renowned alumni produced by the university include actor/athlete Dwayne Johnson, musicians Bruce Hornsby and Enrique Iglesias, and NFL Hall of Fame members Michael Irvin and Jim Otto.
Flagler College-St Augustine
Tuition Rate: $18,950
Graduation Rate: 46%
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Student-faculty Ratio: 16:1
Website: https://www.flagler.edu/
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 Augustine 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 Flagler 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.
Bethune-Cookman University
Tuition Rate: $24,276
Graduation Rate: 72%
Acceptance Rate: 45%
Student-faculty Ratio: 14:1
Website: https://www.cookman.edu/
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.
Bethune-Cookman University was accredited Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
The University of Tampa
Tuition Rate: $29,208/semester
Graduation Rate: 58%
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Student-faculty Ratio: 17.0:1
Official Website: https://www.ut.edu/
Location: 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606, United States
Next in 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.
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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 where you can also visit.
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Tuition Rate: $31,450/semester
Graduation Rate: 51%
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Avg cost after aid: $27K
Student-faculty Ratio: 12:1
Website: https://www.pba.edu/
Address: 901 S Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, United States.
The Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) is a private Christian university in West Palm Beach, Florida. The school 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, lots of sunshine. You can go for boating activities like fishing, scuba diving, and 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. Also, the Palm Beach Atlantic University was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Florida Gulf Coast University
Tuition Rate: $6,118 (in-state) $25,162 (out of state)
Graduation Rate: 20%
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Student-faculty Ratio: 22.0:1
Official Website: https://www.fgcu.edu/
Location: 915 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, United States
The Florida Gulf Coast University was stablished 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 includes 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. Also, the Florida Gulf Coast University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Florida Institute of Technology
Tuition Rate: $41,850
Graduation Rate: 45%
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Student-faculty Ratio: 14.0:1
Official Website: https://www.fit.edu/
Location: 150 W University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901, United States
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.
As one of the institutions on the beach of Florida, the Florida Institute of Technology was accredited by the Southern Colleges and Schools Association. And it has more than 6,500 students, including more than 3,500 undergraduate students.
University of West Florida
Tuition Rate: $6,360(in- state) $19,241 (out-of-state)
Graduation Rate: 66%
Acceptance Rate: 50%
Student-faculty Ratio: 21:1
Official Website: https://uwf.edu/
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.
Florida Atlantic University
Tuition Rate:$8,412 /Semester in-state; $18,192 /Semester out-of-state
Graduation Rate: 57%
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Student-faculty Ratio: 21:1
Official Website: https://www.fau.edu/
Location: 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431, United States.
Florida Atlantic University is a public research university with its main campus in Boca Raton, Florida, and satellite campuses in Dania Beach, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Jupiter, and Fort Pierce. FAU belongs to the 12-campus State University System of Florida and serves South Florida. The university offers an excellent education (more than 180 undergraduate and graduate programs) in a subtropical location.
Keiser University
Tuition:$22K
Graduation Rate:71%
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Student-faculty Ratio: 14:1
Official Website: https://www.keiseruniversity.edu/
Location: 1500 NW 49th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, United
Next in the list of colleges on the beach in Florida is Keiser University; 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. In Florida, the Keiser University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Southeastern College
Tuition: $18,288
Graduation Rate: 67%
Acceptance Rate: 61%
Student-faculty Ratio: 20:1
Official Website:https://www.sec.edu/
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.
More so, the college provides financial supports to students who want to pursue their academic careers. The Southeastern College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Summary
For anyone looking for schools ( universities or colleges) near the beach of Florida or the schools on the beach of Florida, this list sums up the best for students in the United States and those coming from all over the world.
Taking into account that earning a degree is the dream of many students within and outside America, Florida provides one of the best atmosphere for rich academic results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students and sponsors who are vying for various degrees in any of the schools across Florida beaches are asking important questions that will help you actually get what you are looking for.
Which Florida university is on the beach?
There are quite a number of Universities and colleges on the beach of Florida and these include the Florida Atlantic, Palm Beach Atlantic University, the Keiser University, Bethune-Cookman University and others listed here.
Is there a College in Miami Beach?
On the beach of Miami, the University of Miami tops the list of prominent institutions. ‘Being that the distance from Florida to Miami is 247 kilometers, this school is also listed as one of the best schools close to the beach of Florida.
What are the best Beached in Florida?
Here is a list of best beaches in Florida:
- Siesta Key.
- Santa Rosa Beach.
- Marco Island.
- Delray Beach.
- Destin.
- Palm Beach.
- Fort Walton Beach.
- St. George Island.
How many beaches are in Florida?
With about 360 miles of coastline, it is on record that (at least) 189 official beaches are found in Florida – making it one of the biggest in the world ( in terms of the number of beaches located in one political region.
What is the General Admission Requirement in Florida?
Generally, for an undergraduate degree, students require 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.
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