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 gives you a mixed financial return that leans weak. At around $33,000 a year net, you're paying private-college prices for median earnings of about $51,800 ten years out. That gap is the whole story here: the sticker cost outruns what most graduates make.
Your major decides everything at this school. Business Administration, Management and Operations pays off, landing graduates near $61,000. Computer Science comes in lower than you'd expect for the field, under $48,000. After that, the numbers drop hard. Business/Commerce, Communication and Media Studies, and International Business all land in the low $30,000s, roughly what the median debt of $27,000 alone would cost you. Picking one of those degrees means paying business-school prices for near break-even earnings.
The main risk is that gap between price and payoff. A 67.6% graduation rate means one in three of you may not finish, and leaving with debt but no degree is the worst outcome here. The 77% retention rate says a fair share don't return after year one.
The net price tiers barely move with income. If your family earns under $30,000, you'll pay about $26,700. if you earn over $110,000, about $37,400. That's a narrow spread for a private college, so lower-income families get less discount than the sticker gap suggests, and you should expect to carry real cost at every income level.
Eckerd fits you if you're committed to the business management track and can finish in four years. If you're drawn to communication, general business, or international business, the earnings don't justify the price, and a cheaper in-state option would leave you with the same salary and less debt. Look elsewhere if you're unsure of your major going in.
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.