Which colleges are best for marine biology?

I'm a high school junior interested in marine biology, and I want to find the best colleges that offer strong marine biology programs. Preferably somewhere with access to marine research and field studies. Any suggestions?

Sure, there are a number of colleges that offer strong marine biology programs and have access to marine research and field studies.

1. Duke University: Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke University has a highly-regarded marine biology major. Its Nicholas School of the Environment offers a Marine Lab where students can participate in marine research.

2. University of California, Santa Barbara: UCSB is often lauded for its marine biology program. It offers extensive hands-on research opportunities and is located by the Pacific, with easy access to diverse marine environments.

3. Stanford University: Stanford's Hopkins Marine Station provides unique marine research opportunities for students studying marine biology. A high caliber program accompanied by proximity to marine resources make it an excellent choice.

4. University of Washington: Situated in Seattle, the Uni offers one of the best marine biology programs in the U.S. It has the Friday Harbor Laboratories, a marine field station in the San Juan Archipelago.

5. University of Hawaii at Manoa: The university is located in a tropical marine environment and has a dedicated Marine Biology department that offers widespread research opportunities.

6. The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science: The school provides an extensive Marine Biology and Ecology major that emphasis hands-on, experiential learning including field-work and lab-based classes.

Remember to consider other factors such as location, size, financial aid, and overall fit while making your decision. It might be a good idea to reach out to these departments to see if they can connect you with current students or faculty who can provide more information about their programs, or even try to arrange a campus visit. That will certainly assist you to make a well-informed decision.