Academics
Those looking for 鈥渁 Christian college in a downtown area鈥 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 鈥渁re small enough to develop a friendship with professors,鈥 educators who 鈥渁re personable and actually care about your learning; they want you to succeed.鈥 As one student notes, 鈥淚 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.鈥 A minority of students suggest professors 鈥渁re not passionate about educating and making it interesting for the students,鈥 but most 鈥渁bsolutely love the professors here.鈥 Most classes come in below 30 students, and the downtown school makes students feel connected to their surroundings. 鈥淚 feel like the college is a part of the community,鈥 one student notes.
Student Body
Christian students who 鈥渓ove great weather and the beach鈥 will find a home away from home at Palm Beach Atlantic. Though a few stereotype students here as 鈥渨hite, preppy and sheltered,鈥 most say 鈥渢hey鈥檙e just like anyone else,鈥 which is to say there is no typical student. 鈥淭here are students from across the globe, with various majors, from distinct backgrounds, and with a variety of hobbies.鈥 Almost all 鈥渓ove to worship and read the Bible,鈥 and most 鈥渟how interest in subjects, are involved in extracurricular activities, and takes time to enjoy life.鈥 They are ready to step up for one another, too. 鈥淚f one is struggling in academics, social, or spiritual, then friends will lovingly intercede and assist in every way.鈥 No matter one鈥檚 views, most here are 鈥渙pen to and accepting of diversity.鈥 The ties at Palm Beach Atlantic can be close ones. 鈥淓veryone meets people their freshman year and I believe they develop a strong bond with them for the rest of the years.鈥 As one student says, 鈥淵ou only get left out if you choose to be left out.鈥
Campus Life
Surf and sand is the rule of the day here. 鈥淭he beach is less than a mile away, so a lot of people go there to hang out.鈥 Students who do not go to the beach for fun, even only occasionally, are in the minority. Maybe that鈥檚 because 鈥渋f it rains there's not much to do besides maybe go to the mall or the movies.鈥 Walking along the beach, longboarding, or simply to 鈥済oing to the beach to spend time with God and fellowship鈥 are typical ways to spend time on this 鈥渓aid back鈥 campus 鈥渨ith intense classes.鈥 Otherwise, 鈥減eople watch movies, go out to eat, go bowling, go to church activities, and hang out for fun.鈥 Some students 鈥渄o feel there needs to be a larger emphasis on athletics,鈥 which gets short shrift here. Overall, other than missing out on sports, 鈥淲e are in the center of West Palm Beach, so there is always something to do.鈥