Top Surf-Friendly Colleges in the U.S.

News Summary

SURFER magazine has unveiled its list of the top 10 surf-friendly colleges in the U.S., with UC San Diego taking the top spot. The list considers factors like proximity to surf spots and academic quality. UCSD not only provides access to the renowned Black’s Beach but also offers unique surfing-related courses and a vibrant cultural atmosphere. Other notable colleges include the University of Hawaii and California Polytechnic State University. Students can enjoy a balance of rigorous academics and surfing culture, along with numerous amenities in nearby college towns.

La Jolla, California – SURFER magazine has identified the top 10 surf-friendly colleges in the United States, considering essential factors such as proximity to surf spots, quality of education, tuition costs, and lifestyle options. The University of California San Diego (UCSD) takes the lead on this exclusive list, praised for its close access to the renowned Black’s Beach, known as a premier surf destination in Southern California.

UCSD is ideally located along a remarkable 70-mile stretch of coastline that features various surf breaks catering to all skill levels. As one of the oldest and largest ocean science research centers, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography enhances the academic atmosphere of UCSD. The college also offers a unique course called “The Physics of Surfing,” which attracts students with an interest in merging their love for surfing with scientific understanding.

For families considering UCSD, the annual tuition is set at $16,815 for in-state students and $51,015 for out-of-state students. The university boasts an undergraduate enrollment of 33,792 and a graduate enrollment of 8,584, fostering a diverse academic community. Incoming freshmen possess an average GPA ranging from 4.11 to 4.29, and the male to female student ratio is approximately 48 to 52, indicating a balanced campus environment.

Students at UCSD benefit not just from the exceptional surfing opportunities but also from the vibrant cultural scene that surrounds San Diego. With the top-rated beach breaks within walking distance, and only an hour’s drive from Baja California, the college experience offers ample surf culture immersion alongside rigorous academics.

While UCSD stands at the top, the remaining colleges on the list provide significant opportunities for aspiring surfers. The rankings include:

• No. 10: Monmouth University
• No. 9: University of North Carolina Wilmington
• No. 8: San Diego State University
• No. 7: San Francisco State University
• No. 6: California Polytechnic State University
• No. 5: University of Hawaii at Manoa
• No. 4: University of California Santa Barbara
• No. 3: Point Loma Nazarene University
• No. 2: University of California Santa Cruz

Pursuing a college education not only equips students with academic knowledge but also enhances job prospects, with nearly 90% of graduates securing employment compared to a 74% rate for those who only hold a high school diploma. For students passionate about surfing, collegiate programs offer an avenue to explore careers that align with their interests—ranging from environmental science and surfboard engineering to fashion design for surfwear.

College towns near UCSD boast a variety of amenities such as gastropubs, coffee shops, and an overall youthful atmosphere, resonating well with the millennial generation. San Diego beach towns, including Pacific Beach and Mission Beach, also provide relatively affordable living options for students, promoting a balanced lifestyle of study and recreation.

The cultural and environmental elements associated with surfing contribute to its status as an engaging activity for students. As campuses across the country beautify their surroundings with beach access and surf culture, universities align themselves with students’ passions, creating a unique blend of education and leisure.

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Additional Resources

• SURFER: Best Surf Colleges
• Wikipedia: Santa Cruz, California
• Red Bull: Best Surfing Spots in California
• Google Search: Surfing in California
• National Geographic: Santa Cruz California Surfing
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Surfing
• OC Register: Surf Legend Encounter
• Google News: Surf Park California