At $33,011/yr net price, Eckerd College graduates earn $51,819/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,819/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $33,011 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $132,044 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,819/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,819/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $26,746/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,782/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $30,034/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $32,127/yr |
| $110,001+ | $37,419/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $20,500 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $30,771 | |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | Bachelor | $28,960 | $21,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,816 | $27,000 |
| Anthropology. | Bachelor | $25,967 | $26,500 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $25,596 | $25,490 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $24,035 |
The Risk Factor
67.6% of students at Eckerd College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Eckerd College delivers mixed financial returns that vary dramatically by major choice. Business Administration graduates earn $61,218 annually, making the $33,011 net price manageable, while International Business majors face a much tougher financial reality at just $30,771 in median earnings.
The college's 67% graduation rate creates significant risk for your investment. Nearly one in three students leave without a degree, meaning you could face debt without the credential needed to access higher-paying jobs. Computer Science offers decent earning potential at $47,260, though this trails national averages for the field.
Communication and Media Studies majors graduate with relatively low debt of $20,500 but earn only $32,382, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio. Liberal arts programs at Eckerd generally lead to below-average financial outcomes given the school's price point.
Your best financial strategy involves targeting business programs while avoiding lower-earning majors unless you have substantial family support. The school's 16% financial aid recipient rate suggests most families pay close to full price, making merit scholarships critical for affordability.
Eckerd works financially for students from higher-income families pursuing business degrees or those receiving significant merit aid. The Saint Petersburg job market offers limited high-paying opportunities outside finance and healthcare, so you may need to relocate after graduation to maximize earning potential. Students considering liberal arts majors or those requiring substantial financial aid should explore more affordable options with stronger regional employment connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eckerd College worth the cost?
Eckerd College graduates earn a median of $51,819 ten years after graduation, which is below average for the $33,011 annual net price. The return on investment is weak compared to similar private colleges, especially outside of business programs.
What are the best paying majors at Eckerd College?
Business Administration leads Eckerd's earnings at $61,218 median salary, followed by Computer Science at $47,260. Other popular majors like Communication and International Business produce significantly lower earnings in the $30,000-$32,000 range.
How much debt do Eckerd College students graduate with?
Eckerd College graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000. With typical starting salaries around $52,000, this debt load is manageable but the 67% graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without finishing their degree.
Does Eckerd College provide good financial aid?
The average net price of $33,011 at Eckerd College represents significant financial aid from the full sticker price. However, this cost still produces below-average earnings outcomes for most majors outside of business programs.