Overview
Located in St. Petersburg, FL, Eckerd College is a 4-year liberal arts institution on a mile-long waterfront beach. Eckerd offers upwards of 40 majors, all of which include 4 years of classes in art, literature, and the natural and social sciences regardless of major in an effort to create well-rounded students with a wide variety of skills. Every student is paired with a faculty mentor to develop a personal 4-year plan, which, for 70% of the Eckerd population, includes study abroad to one of more than 300 locations. With a Tree Campus USA® designation, Eckerd functions with sustainability in mind, from LEED-certified buildings to bike share programs. Students engage in sustainability through extracurriculars as well, such as the Beekeeping Club and a student-run organic vegetable garden that grew into a full-fledged campus community farm. Situated between the water's edge and an urban edge, Eckerd also is home to the only college marine rescue team in the country, EC-SAR, which works with the US Coast Guard to respond to more than 500 distress calls per year.
Acceptance Rate:
65%
Average Net Price:
$43,732
Campus Setting:
Major city
Average GPA
3.6
Average ACT Composite
26
Average SAT Composite
1210
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Affordability & Cost
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $50,374 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $50,374 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $14,268 |
| Books and Supplies | $1350 |
Aid & Grants
0
100
58%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
20%
Average Aid Per Year
$26,456
20%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$10,331
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$23,567
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
54%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$11,150
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$19,853
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$252
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Private
- Not for Profit
- Presbyterian Church (USA)
- Coed
Need Blind
This school does not consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Major city
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Test Optional
Yes
Important Deadlines
Admitted Student Stats
24%
Submitting ACT
35%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 26
Average SAT Composite: 1210
Admissions Resources
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Bachelor's
Total Number of Students
1,993
Total Number of Undergrads
1,993
0
100
59%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
65%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
11:1
US National: 21:1Degrees and Majors
MAJORS
52
Faculty Overview
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Residency
Housing
0
100
88%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
Yes
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Tritons
School Colors
teal, black, navy, and white
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Not applicable
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$46,700
REVIEWS
Read What Students Are SayingEckerd College is a very small liberal arts school in St. Pete, FL. The best part about attending a small school is that the class sizes are smaller, which enhances learning. You actually get to know your professors (which are all very helpful) and they get to know you. All my professors are more then willing to help during their office hours and really try to help you succeed. Eckerd College has an exceptional Marine Science program right on the water front with a hands on approach to learning. Eckerd is also very focused on having well rounded students that are familiar with a variety of subjects.
Tess from Morton Grove, IL
Eckerd is a small liberal arts college on the water with a reputation for sending graduates straight into jobs, internships, and prestigious graduate schools. This is because the professors and classes (small usually around 12-25 students) are designed not only to provide expected information on areas of interest, but to build skills that help students to think differently about their place in the world. Once you get past the intro-level courses which are pretty basic in any college, you can enroll in classes that are more interesting and engaging. Like any school you attend, you get out of it what you put in. So if you prefer a smaller, more fun and intimate college where you can form close relationships with peers and professors, and if you utilize the resources the school provides, then you can definitely gain an education that matches your goals and helps you succeed.
Deborah from Abilene, TX
I am a marine biology major at Eckerd College. While this major is in no way easy, it is a very mind opening one. I have learned much in just one semester here in Eckerd. This major does require lots of studying and dedication, but the end result is well worth it.
Alexandra from Woodbine, GA
eckerd college is like no other college you'll find, often times referred to as camp eckerd. located on the waterfront, this very small college focuses largely on protecting environmental and marine habitats. eckerd provides amazing people, programs, and opportunities you won't find at most other institutions.
Mattie from St. Petersburg, FL
Eckerd will definitely be the best college experience you'll ever have. You'll learn a lot, both academically, and about yourself. There's a reason everyone calls it summer camp.
Dakota from Hilton Head Island, SC
I graduated in 2012, and I can't tell you how much I miss this school. I learned so much about life, as well as academics that this school has truly changed my life. The Eckerd community is a tight-knit group of close friends, professors, mentors, and the community of St. Petersburg, and you'll remain connected to Camp Eckerd the rest of your life.
Jessica from Saint Petersburg, FL
Eckerd is home. Unlike any other school I feel comfortable as myself. No other school would help create me the way Eckerd College has.
Michelle from Crystal Lake, IL
Eckerd College is a tight-knit community of students and faculty, who are dedicated to intellectual advancement, civil engagement, environmental matters, and more. The students are very active in the community surrounding the campus, but also their global community since they come from every state and county. While Eckerd may be a small college, there is a huge focus on bettering the experiences and overall well-being of others and always shifting the conversation on others.
Michelle from Saint Petersburg, FL
Eckerd College is a great school that I would recommend mostly to people who would love challenges in majors such as Marine Science and Environmental Sciences. It is also situated in West Florida where the weather is always sunny and you do not get snow. Eckerd College gives many opportunities and helps you to succeed in life.
If you are looking for a great liberal arts college, Eckerd is the place to be. Along with being on the ocean the school also offers classrooms the face outside instead of compact hallways, which decreases foot traffic.
Christian from East Point, GA
