Ace of Clubs
Go out.
Beach bars, live music, and the people you meet along the way.
Your island.Your kind of degree.
The University of South Padre Island & Lower Laguna Madre. Earn your degree in island life.
A different kind of university
Less studying. More living.
Ace of Spades
Wander off.
Take the scenic route. The road trip is part of the experience.
Ace of Diamonds
Drop a line.
Early starts, Gulf waters, and a catch worth talking about.
Ace of Hearts
Do a little less.
Slow mornings, salt air, and absolutely nowhere to rush.
How it works
Make memories.Make them count.
- 01
Find your island thing.
Visit a Pillar Business or try a new degree experience.
- 02
Save the moment.
Upload a receipt or photo to claim your credit.
- 03
Earn a degree worth a story.
Complete your credits. Download your diploma.
Your university guide
Included with enrollment
Meet Betty.Your island insider.
A friendly face for every step, from your first credit to your diploma.
Find your next stop
Get to know the university and its Pillar Businesses.
Follow your progress
Keep your degree credits and milestones in view.
Celebrate the good stuff
From your first credit to the diploma you earn.
Enrollment opens soon
Grand Opening rates.
Single enrollment
For one individual student.
$200one-time fee
For one student
- Access to all four degree programs
- Your own student profile and progress
- Betty, your university guide
- Personal Action Jackson referral link
- Mermaid Society membership
- Diplomas as you complete each degree
Group enrollments up to 13
Great for study buddies, teams, families and traveling classmates going on a field trip.
$197 eachone-time fee
Up to 13 students
- All four degree programs for every student
- Individual student profiles and progress
- Betty, your university guide
- A personal Action Jackson link for every student
- Mermaid Society membership for every student
- Diplomas as you complete each degree
The local side of SPIU
Meet the placesbehind your degree.
The planned Pillar Business network will connect your degree journey with local places across South Padre Island, Port Isabel and Lower Laguna Madre.
Eat & gather
Discover cafés, restaurants, and live-music spots.
Get on the water
Find guides, fishing charters, and local outfitters.
Explore & unwind
Make room for tours, shops, and slower afternoons.
Good to know
Your questions,answered.
Do I have to finish in one trip?
No. Your approved progress carries between visits, so you can pick up where you left off when you return.
Who can join a group enrollment?
Couples, lab partners, study buddies, researchers, crews, squads, families, teams, field trippers, cohorts and travel caravans are all welcome. When enrollment opens, groups of up to 13 students can enroll for a one-time fee of $197 each. Single enrollment is $200.
How do the other students get access?
When enrollment opens, you’ll be able to invite students by email from Members after paying for their places. Each student verifies their invited email to get access without paying again.
Can students choose different degrees?
Yes. Each student gets their own account, four degree paths and personal progress. Follow different paths and go at your own pace.
Can one visit count toward more than one degree?
Yes, if the participating business qualifies for more than one degree. Submit the receipt once; approved credit goes to each eligible path.
Are my photos and receipts public?
No. They’re private submissions. University reviewers can see them, and a business owner can review receipts for their own business.
What if a submission isn’t approved?
You’ll see the reason and can submit again with a clearer photo or more detail.
Do I need to download an app?
No download needed. You’ll use the university through your web browser, including on your phone.
Opening soon
See you on the island.
Get notified when enrollment opens.