About Eckerd College
Students pay an average net price of $33,011 after financial aid, though this varies by family income. Graduates earn a median of $51,819 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $27,000. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden given earning potential. Only 16.21% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the student body skews toward higher-income families.
Women comprise 70.51% of the student body, creating a gender-imbalanced campus. The four-one-four calendar system allows for intensive January term experiences, often involving travel or research. With 84% of students coming from out of state, Eckerd draws a geographically diverse community to Florida's Gulf Coast. The 67.60% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges some students face completing their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 82.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 67.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 67.6%
- Retention Rate
- 77.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,819
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $61,218 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $32,708 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $32,382 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $30,771 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | Bachelor | $28,960 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,816 |
| Anthropology. | Bachelor | $25,967 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $25,596 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $24,035 |
Campus Life
The 4-1-4 calendar system means you'll spend January in intensive study or internships, often taking advantage of the marine science station right on campus. Florida weather means flip-flops year-round and plenty of outdoor activities. Students kayak in the bay, study on waterfront benches, and host beach volleyball tournaments. Weekend trips to St. Pete's arts district or Tampa are common with 84% of students coming from out-of-state. The small size means campus traditions like the annual Kappa Olympics bring nearly everyone together. With a 77% retention rate, most students stick around to graduate, though the relaxed beach vibe isn't for everyone.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,843 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1958
Campus Safety (2023)
48 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 10 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 54°–69°F
- July Avg
- 76°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 52.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 29.5%
- Women
- 70.5%
- White
- 75.6%
- Black
- 2.6%
- Hispanic
- 9.9%
- Asian
- 2.0%
- In-State Students
- 16.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.2%
Location
- Address
- Saint Petersburg, Florida 33711-4700
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,819
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,071
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Eckerd College?
Eckerd College accepts 65% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1120-1300 on the SAT. This Presbyterian-affiliated liberal arts college attracts students drawn to its waterfront campus and marine science reputation.
How much does Eckerd College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $33,011 annually after aid, less than the $65,992 sticker price. About 32% of students receive institutional grants averaging $25,221. Graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000 and monthly loan payments of $286.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Eckerd College?
Eckerd maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,984 total students. The college follows a unique Four-One-Four calendar system that includes an intensive January term. This small liberal arts environment emphasizes close mentorship and personalized attention.
What do Eckerd College graduates earn after graduation?
Eckerd graduates earn a median salary of $51,819 ten years after graduation. The college boasts a 94.1% employment rate for recent graduates. About 68% of students graduate within six years, which is typical for liberal arts colleges of this selectivity.
Where do most Eckerd College students come from?
Only 16% of Eckerd students are from Florida, making it a truly national college. Women comprise 71% of the student body, higher than most colleges. The campus houses 1,843 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit residential community.
What makes Eckerd College unique for marine science?
Eckerd's waterfront Saint Petersburg campus provides direct access to Tampa Bay for marine research. The college fields 14 varsity sports teams called the Tritons, competing in NCAA Division II. Study abroad opportunities complement the hands-on learning approach that defines this coastal liberal arts experience.
