If you get in to UCSB, chances are you’ll be here a lot. Photo: Joe Curren
5. University of California at Santa Barbara–Santa Barbara, CA
Looking for challenging classes, top-notch scenery and excellent waves? Look no further than UCSB. Situated just above the water with some dorms steps from the sand, going to school here isn’t really like going to school anywhere else. Santa Barbara boasts a beautiful downtown area, a quick drive to Rincon and is one of the best research universities in the nation. What you choose to research at UCSB is up to you, but between great waves, a tanned, beautiful student body and a great social scene, it’s going to be a great four years.
Undergraduate Enrollment: 18,617
Male/Female Ratio: 48/52
Average Incoming Freshman GPA: 3.9
Average Incoming SAT range: 1670-2030
Average Incoming ACT range: 24-30
Total Costs (In-state): $28,100
Tuition (In-state): $11,220
Total Costs (Out-of-state): $49,910
Tuition (Out-of-state): $33,030
Regular Application Deadline: 11/30
Percent Applications Accepted: 46%
Nearby Breaks: Sandspit, Campus Point, Ventura and that pointbreak…what’s it called?
This isn’t the only gem in Malibu, but it is a quick walk from Pepperdine’s campus. Photo: Paul Ferraris
6. Pepperdine University–Malibu, CA
360-degree views of the ocean, a hop, skip and a jump from one of California’s best pointbreaks, and a Christian influence are all hallmarks of a Pepperdine education. Some say that if the west coast had an Ivy League of their own, Pepperdine would be in the elite group. Though Malibu Point sits at the bottom of campus, it’s not the only place to surf in Malibu. There are other waves in the area and it’s all ripe for exploration.
Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,461
Male/Female Ratio: 44/56
Average Incoming Freshman GPA: 3.7
Average Incoming SAT range: 1680-1990
Average Incoming ACT range: 25-31
Total Costs: $56,572
Tuition: $42,520
Regular Application Deadline: 1/15
Percent Applications Accepted: 32%
Nearby Breaks: All of Malibu, Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Barbara to the north.
You’ll get used to the cold water. What you won’t get used to are views like this. Photo: Adam Warmington
7. University of San Francisco–San Francisco, CA
If you look past the sharkiness, freezing winter water temps and oft-gnarly locals, San Francisco is a great place to be a surfer and student. There is no shortage of surfing in the area between Marin, Fort Point, legendary Ocean Beach and spots to the south, so if you don’t let the aforementioned stop you, you’ll love being at USF. Students admit the academics aren’t the toughest which makes for maximum water time–something you never hear complaints about–especially in winter when Northwest swells storm down the coast. It also leaves time to explore the monstrous city of San Francisco. There’s always lots to do so if you’re a social butterfly, this may be your top choice.
Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,250
Male/Female Ratio: 37/63
Average Incoming SAT range: 1550-1880
Average Incoming ACT range: 23-27
Total Costs: $56,690
Tuition: $39,840
Regular Application Deadline: Rolling, 12/17
Percent Applications Accepted: 60%
Nearby Breaks: Ocean Beach, Fort Point and Pacifica are good bets. Santa Cruz and Marin have tons of surf.
