Marine biology is a field where science meets exploration—and where your classroom might be a coral reef, a research vessel, or a windswept shoreline. Whether you’re passionate about studying ocean ecosystems or protecting endangered species, choosing the right college can open doors to research labs, field studies, and hands-on fieldwork that bring marine science to life.
This Remitly guide will help you compare popular colleges for marine biology majors based on location, cost, and real-world opportunities. And if your degree leads to a job abroad, we’ll be here to help you send and receive money internationally with ease.
How to choose the right college for marine biology
If you’re dreaming of a career in marine biology, choosing the right college program is key. From hands-on experience to affordability, there’s a lot to consider. Here’s what to look for when comparing oceanography departments and marine science programs across the US.
Proximity to coastlines or marine ecosystems
Location matters when you’re diving into a marine biology degree. Choosing a college near a coastline or marine ecosystem gives you direct access to the environments you’ll be studying, whether that’s tidal zones, coral reefs, estuaries, or the open ocean.
This proximity makes it easier to get involved in fieldwork and hands-on research early in your studies. It also means more opportunities to work alongside local conservation groups or in marine labs and national parks—experiences that not only deepen your understanding but also strengthen your future career prospects.
Access to field research, internships, and lab equipment
Marine biology is a hands-on science. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a program with strong research facilities, internship opportunities, and field access.
Look for schools that provide modern labs, boats, research stations, and partnerships with marine institutes. These give you the chance to apply classroom knowledge in real time, whether that’s collecting data on ocean conditions, analyzing samples in a lab, or working alongside researchers and marine scientists in the field.
The more exposure you get to real-world research, the more prepared you’ll be for graduate studies or a career in ocean science.
Professors with expertise in ocean science, ecology, or conservation
Great programs start with great people. When you’re studying marine biology, learning from professors who are actively working in ocean science, ecology, or conservation makes a huge difference.
These experts bring real-world knowledge into the classroom—from current research to field experience—and often connect students with valuable opportunities like lab work, conferences, or internships.
Being mentored by someone who’s published in the field or leading local conservation efforts can shape not just what you learn, but how you imagine your future in marine science.
Study abroad or research station opportunities
Marine science is a global discipline, and the chance to study abroad or spend time at a dedicated research station can expand your perspective in ways a traditional classroom can’t.
Whether you’re tagging sea turtles in Costa Rica or collecting water samples in the Pacific Northwest, these experiences immerse you in real ecosystems and expose you to different research methods and conservation challenges.
Schools that offer these opportunities help you build practical skills, grow your network, and deepen your understanding of marine life around the world.
Best marine biology colleges in the US
With 95,471 miles of shoreline and hundreds of colleges located near coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, there’s no shortage of marine biology programs in the US. Whether you’re looking for a small coastal campus or a major research university, the schools below combine strong academics with direct access to the sea.
University of Miami (Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science)
Located on Virginia Key, the Rosenstiel School’s subtropical coastal setting and proximity to the Florida Keys—a hotspot for coral reef studies—make this a world‑class institute for marine science.
Students can earn their scientific diving certification through the on-campus Dive Training Facility and work in labs affiliated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Field-based opportunities include coral restoration through the Rescue‑a‑Reef program, experimental hatcheries, and summer research roles through internships and volunteer programs.
University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
The UCSB boasts a world-class Marine Science Institute (MSI) with multiple coast‑side labs on the Pacific Ocean, an analytical lab, and its own marine operations facilities.
Its EEMB and MCDB departments offer structured field and lab research opportunities for undergrads, with programs like the EEMB honors and Worster Summer Fellowship that take students into coastal, island, and freshwater environments.
With an environmental science focus, UCSB emphasizes hands-on work and gives students access to estuaries, kelp forests, and island ecosystems, making it a top choice for marine biology students focused on ecology and conservation.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Based in Honolulu, UH Mānoa offers unparalleled access to tropical marine ecosystems. Students conduct coral reef research at the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) on Coconut Island as well as hands-on lab work in the oceanography facilities in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST).
Undergrads study coral resilience, reef biodiversity, and Pacific Ocean science through internships, underwater surveys, and hands-on fieldwork. With its focus on warm-water ecosystems and Pacific conservation, UH Mānoa is ideal for students passionate about coral reef biology.
Oregon State University
If you’re interested in marine ecology and fisheries science, Oregon State might just be the school for you.
As a federally designated Sea Grant university, it receives top-tier public funding and offers access to excellent research resources. The Marine Biology and Ecology option requires students to complete a term at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, which will see you working in coastal labs and vessels, and taking part in intensive field courses.
Undergraduate research spans ecological data science, fish physiology, aquaculture, and coastal ecosystem monitoring under faculty experts such as ocean ecologist Bruce Menge and marine mammal expert Lisa Ballance.
University of North Carolina, Wilmington
This coastal marine biology college offers prime access to the Atlantic and excellent marine science credentials for an affordable yearly tuition. Its Center for Marine Science houses research labs, estuarine field stations, hatcheries, and a fleet of vessels for coastal study.
Here, undergraduates engage early in hands-on research across oceanography, aquaculture, ecology, and marine biotechnology, preparing them for careers in coastal monitoring, conservation, and marine policy.
Eckerd College (Florida)
Eckerd College is a small liberal arts school in St. Petersburg, Florida, with direct access to Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The Galbraith Marine Science Laboratory includes high-tech equipment and a seawater system sourced directly from the bay.
Undergraduates enjoy personalized mentorship from Ph.D faculty from day one, and classes often take place on campus waters or aboard research vessels.
With hands-on courses, tropical ecosystem research, and a focus purely on undergrads, Eckerd offers an immersive marine science experience in a supportive, close-knit environment.
Affordable marine biology degrees in the US
Marine biology can be one of the more expensive degrees to pursue, especially with the added cost of fieldwork, lab fees, and coastal living. But that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach. Several colleges across the US offer affordable tuition, financial aid, or in-state transfer options.
California State University, Monterey Bay
This affordable public university sits just inland from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, offering students convenient access to a rich coastal ecosystem.
Its Marine Science bachelor’s degree emphasizes applied learning through coast‑side labs, research vessels, and partnerships with Moss Landing Marine Labs, where students gain dive certification and hands-on field experience.
With reasonable tuition, local internships, and access to kelp forests and deep‑sea canyons, CSUMB delivers a budget‑friendly, immersive education in marine ecology and conservation.
Florida International University (FIU)
Located in Miami, FIU offers an affordable marine biology program with direct access to coastal and wetland ecosystems, from Biscayne Bay and mangrove forests to seagrass beds and the Everglades.
Its BS in Marine Biology is based on the Biscayne Bay campus and incorporates field-based courses like Oceanography at Sea and NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs). Paid internships and strong ties to local conservation programs enrich the learning experiences.
FIU blends urban affordability with environmental diversity, making it a top option for students interested in marine ecosystems ranging from coral reefs to wetlands.
College of Charleston (South Carolina)
Set against a backdrop of historic architecture and cobblestone streets, the College of Charleston delivers a rich mix of tradition and hands-on marine science studies.
Students benefit from the Grice Marine Laboratory, which sits on James Island and is equipped with wet labs, aquaria, and research vessels to complement field-based learning in nearby estuaries and coastal waters.
Undergraduates also engage in faculty‑mentored research, internships with agencies like NOAA and the South Carolina DNR, and study abroad programs targeting tropical and estuarine ecosystems. It’s an immersive, community‑driven experience on the South Carolina coast.
Community college pathways to marine science
If you’re not ready to head straight to a four-year marine biology program, starting at a community college can be a smart move. Not only will it ease you into academics, but it will also be more affordable than a university.
Many coastal states have articulation agreements between community colleges and public universities, so transferring into a marine-focused degree program isn’t too much of a problem.
How to set yourself up for success:
- Take general science courses like biology, chemistry, and oceanography to build a strong academic foundation.
- Choose a community college with transfer agreements to marine science departments at nearby universities.
- Look for programs with hands-on experience, such as partnerships with:
- Marine labs
- Aquariums
- Coastal research centers
Some colleges also offer introductory fieldwork or internships that give you early exposure to real-world marine science.
Once you’re ready to transfer, aim for universities with strong marine science programs and coastal access. By combining local affordability with a clear transfer pathway, you can still dive into a fulfilling career in marine biology without the heavy financial burden.
Chart a course toward a career in ocean conservation
From coral reef research and fishery management to shaping marine policy, a degree in marine biology opens the door to meaningful work in ocean science, conservation, and sustainability. It’s one of the most rewarding college majors, especially if you’re passionate about protecting our planet’s waters.
The key is finding a program that aligns with both your career goals and your budget.
Whether you’re looking for a major research university with advanced labs and funding or a small coastal college with immersive, field-based learning, there are plenty of institutions that can set you on the path to a successful career in marine conservation.
Tip for international students: With the right student visa (like the F-1 or J-1) and a solid school acceptance, you can study in the US and start building a future in marine science that makes a real difference.
FAQs
What careers can I pursue with a marine biology degree?
You can pursue careers such as marine research technician, environmental consultant, aquarist, fisheries manager, marine biotechnologist, and wildlife biologist. Some graduates work in policy, education, aquaculture, and lab-based biotech. Agencies like NOAA and aquariums also hire degree-holders for hands-on conservation and marine resource work.
Do I have to live near the ocean to study marine biology?
Not necessarily, but being close to water makes fieldwork much easier. If you’re inland, you can still study online or start at a nearby school and transfer later. You’ll need to carve out time for internships or field-like experiences, ideally at coastal labs, marine stations, or partnering organizations.
Are marine biology degrees expensive?
Lab fees, field trips, travel, and equipment can make marine biology degrees expensive. That said, many public institutions offer in-state tuition or financial aid. Plus, you can start at a community college to make your course more affordable. Just be sure to look for programs with strong transfer agreements, scholarships, or grant-funded internships.
What’s the difference between marine biology and oceanography?
Marine biology focuses on marine organisms (e.g., fish, corals, and mammals) and their behavior and physiology. Oceanography is much broader: it includes the study of ocean currents, chemistry, geology, and climate systems, along with marine life. You can think of marine biology as one branch of the larger oceanography field.