Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA)

Those looking for “a Christian college in a downtown area” will find it at Palm Beach Atlantic University, a school with a slew of majors, a highly beach-oriented lifestyles, and a distinctly Christian worldview. Classes sizes “are small enough to develop a friendship with professors,” educators who “are personable and actually care about your learning; they want you to succeed.” As one student notes, “I did not expect the extent to which the professors would be directly involved with this experience, nor how friendly and encouraging these professors would be.” A minority of students suggest professors “are not passionate about educating and making it interesting for the students,” but most “absolutely love the professors here.” Most classes come in below 30 students, and the downtown school makes students feel connected to their surroundings. “I feel like the college is a part of the community,” one student notes.

Christian students who “love great weather and the beach” will find a home away from home at Palm Beach Atlantic. Though a few stereotype students here as “white, preppy and sheltered,” most say “they’re just like anyone else,” which is to say there is no typical student. “There are students from across the globe, with various majors, from distinct backgrounds, and with a variety of hobbies.” Almost all “love to worship and read the Bible,” and most “show interest in subjects, are involved in extracurricular activities, and takes time to enjoy life.” They are ready to step up for one another, too. “If one is struggling in academics, social, or spiritual, then friends will lovingly intercede and assist in every way.” No matter one’s views, most here are “open to and accepting of diversity.” The ties at Palm Beach Atlantic can be close ones. “Everyone meets people their freshman year and I believe they develop a strong bond with them for the rest of the years.” As one student says, “You only get left out if you choose to be left out.”

Surf and sand is the rule of the day here. “The beach is less than a mile away, so a lot of people go there to hang out.” Students who do not go to the beach for fun, even only occasionally, are in the minority. Maybe that’s because “if it rains there's not much to do besides maybe go to the mall or the movies.” Walking along the beach, longboarding, or simply to “going to the beach to spend time with God and fellowship” are typical ways to spend time on this “laid back” campus “with intense classes.” Otherwise, “people watch movies, go out to eat, go bowling, go to church activities, and hang out for fun.” Some students “do feel there needs to be a larger emphasis on athletics,” which gets short shrift here. Overall, other than missing out on sports, “We are in the center of West Palm Beach, so there is always something to do.”