Your son’s expectations may be a bit unrealistic.
- In general, the best-equipped marine science programs are going to be at large research universities, not small schools. Marine science is an expensive and specialized discipline with relatively narrow appeal, and most small schools will not be able to afford the investment (unless they are extremely wealthy, like Bowdoin).
- In general, schools that are located in sunny states with convenient access to warm ocean waters and beaches are likely to attract prospective partiers, as well as prospective marine scientists.