Eckerd College: Complete Profile, Rankings & Data
Explore Eckerd College's rankings, costs, financial aid, and career outcomes for prospective students.
Eckerd College: Complete Profile, Rankings and Data
Eckerd College stands as a premier liberal arts institution located in St. Petersburg, Florida, offering a distinctive educational experience rooted in innovation and academic excellence. Founded in 1958, the college has established itself as one of America’s best colleges, combining rigorous academics with a commitment to student success. This comprehensive profile provides prospective students and their families with essential information about admissions, costs, financial aid, and career outcomes.
About Eckerd College
Eckerd College is a private, coeducational institution of liberal arts and sciences situated on a beautiful 188-acre waterfront campus in St. Petersburg, Florida. The college was founded as Florida Presbyterian College and opened its doors on September 2, 1960, with 155 first-year students and 22 faculty members. It became known as Eckerd College in 1972 and has since grown into a nationally recognized institution. The college’s mission centers on providing an excellent innovative undergraduate liberal arts education that prepares students for meaningful lives and careers.
Located just 25 miles from Tampa, Eckerd’s scenic campus sits on the shores of Boca Ciega Bay, offering students a unique Florida environment for learning and personal development. The institution is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and maintains regional accreditation, ensuring the quality and legitimacy of its academic programs.
Academic Excellence and Recognition
Eckerd College has earned numerous accolades and distinctions that reflect its commitment to academic excellence. The college is one of only 45 colleges and universities in the United States to be a member of Colleges That Change Lives, a prestigious designation recognizing institutions known for transformative educational experiences. Additionally, Eckerd holds the distinction of being the #1 baccalaureate college in the nation for short-term study abroad, demonstrating its commitment to global learning opportunities.
The college has been recognized as one of America’s Best Colleges by Money Magazine, reflecting its strong academic programs, student outcomes, and overall educational value. With a curriculum emphasizing creative and innovative approaches to liberal arts education, Eckerd maintains a tradition of small classes and world-class faculty who are deeply invested in student success.
Admissions and Student Profile
Eckerd College attracts students from across the nation and internationally, creating a diverse and engaged student body. The college maintains selective admissions standards while remaining committed to enrolling students who will thrive in its collaborative academic environment. Prospective students should prepare to demonstrate academic achievement, personal qualities, and commitment to engaging with the college’s distinctive learning community.
The campus accommodates approximately 74% of students in on-campus housing, creating a vibrant residential community where learning extends beyond the classroom. This strong residential presence fosters meaningful peer relationships, leadership development, and a sense of belonging among the student body.
Tuition and Cost of Attendance
Understanding the full cost of attendance is essential for students and families planning their college education. Eckerd College’s cost of attendance includes multiple components:
| Expense Category | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $49,668 |
| Fees | $706 |
| Food & Housing | $14,268 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,350 |
| Transportation | $1,500 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,600 |
| Loan Fees | $80 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $69,172 |
These figures represent the 2025-2026 academic year estimates based on the most recently available data reported to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). The total cost of attendance provides a comprehensive view of expenses students should anticipate when planning their financial obligations.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities
Eckerd College demonstrates a strong commitment to making education accessible through an ambitious and comprehensive financial aid program. Approximately 97% of Eckerd students receive financial aid from the college, reflecting the institution’s dedication to supporting student access. This extensive aid availability makes Eckerd an attractive option for families seeking meaningful financial support.
The college awarded approximately $48 million in financial aid during the last academic year, with assistance packages combining scholarships, grants, work aid, and loans tailored to individual student circumstances. The average financial aid award reached $36,600, with packages ranging from $5,500 to $47,000, demonstrating substantial support across diverse financial situations.
When considering net price, which represents the cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships received, the average net price at Eckerd College is approximately $39,133 per year. This figure demonstrates how financial aid significantly reduces the sticker price for many students. The college offers merit-based grants to full-time undergraduates demonstrating academic excellence regardless of financial need, and need-based aid calculated through comprehensive financial assessment.
Academic Performance and Graduation Rates
Eckerd College maintains impressive academic performance metrics that demonstrate student success and institutional effectiveness. Notably, 90% of Eckerd graduates earn their degree in four years or fewer, which is substantially above national averages and reflects the college’s efficient academic programs and strong student support systems. This metric indicates that students progress effectively through their academic programs without unnecessary delays.
The graduation rate measures degree completion within six years for both transfer students and first-time enrollees, providing a comprehensive view of institutional success in supporting students to degree completion. The college’s strong retention and graduation rates reflect the quality of academic advising, peer support, and institutional commitment to student persistence.
Post-Graduation Career Outcomes and Earnings
Understanding career outcomes and earning potential represents crucial information for students evaluating their educational investment. Eckerd College graduates demonstrate strong post-graduation success, with early-career earnings data providing insight into the return on investment in an Eckerd education.
The average early-career salary of Eckerd graduates is $64,400, representing median earnings for both graduates and non-completers approximately 10 years after initial enrollment. This figure demonstrates that Eckerd graduates achieve competitive earnings in the job market, validating the value of the college’s liberal arts education and preparation for professional careers.
The college’s emphasis on developing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills through its liberal arts curriculum prepares graduates for success across diverse career fields. Alumni work in education, business, healthcare, public service, and numerous other sectors where liberal arts preparation provides competitive advantage.
Campus Life and Student Experience
Beyond academics, Eckerd College cultivates a vibrant campus community supporting student growth and development. The scenic waterfront location provides a distinctive setting for college life, with opportunities for outdoor recreation, environmental learning, and community engagement. The residential nature of the campus, with 74% of students living on campus, creates a cohesive community where students develop lasting relationships and leadership skills.
The college’s commitment to study abroad represents another distinguishing feature of the Eckerd experience. As the #1 baccalaureate college for short-term study abroad, Eckerd integrates global learning into the curriculum, allowing students to expand their perspectives and develop cultural competence through direct international experience.
Financial Health and Institutional Stability
Eckerd College demonstrates strong financial health and institutional stability supporting long-term educational quality. The college’s total assets reached $246.6 million as of June 30, 2021, with an 8.89% increase from the prior fiscal year. Net assets increased by $18.8 million during this period, reflecting effective financial management and growth in the college’s financial position.
The college’s endowment, including board-designated reserves, demonstrated particularly strong growth of 29.93% during the 2020-21 fiscal year, increasing by $18.7 million. This endowment growth provides a sustainable foundation for supporting student aid, academic programs, and campus facilities into the future. Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $8.6 million during the 2020-21 fiscal year, confirming the college’s ability to fund ongoing operations effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes Eckerd College distinctive among liberal arts colleges?
A: Eckerd College distinguishes itself through its innovative curriculum, #1 ranking for short-term study abroad among baccalaureate institutions, membership in Colleges That Change Lives, beautiful waterfront campus, and strong commitment to student success with 90% of graduates completing degrees in four years or fewer.
Q: What percentage of Eckerd students receive financial aid?
A: Approximately 97% of Eckerd College students receive financial aid, with the college awarding approximately $48 million annually in scholarships, grants, work aid, and loans through its comprehensive financial aid program.
Q: What is the average net price after financial aid at Eckerd College?
A: The average net price at Eckerd College is approximately $39,133 per year, which represents the sticker price minus the average grants and scholarships students receive based on their individual circumstances.
Q: How quickly do Eckerd College students graduate?
A: Eckerd College reports that 90% of its graduates earn their degrees in four years or fewer, substantially exceeding national graduation timelines and demonstrating the efficiency of the college’s academic programs.
Q: What are typical career earnings for Eckerd College graduates?
A: The average early-career salary for Eckerd College graduates is $64,400, representing median earnings approximately 10 years after initial enrollment and demonstrating solid return on investment in an Eckerd education.
Q: Where is Eckerd College located and what is the campus like?
A: Eckerd College is located in St. Petersburg, Florida, on a 188-acre waterfront campus situated on Boca Ciega Bay, approximately 25 miles from Tampa, offering students a beautiful and distinctive Florida setting for their college experience.
References
- Eckerd College: Liberal Arts College in Florida — Eckerd College. 2024. https://www.eckerd.edu
- Eckerd College Profile – FloridaShines — Florida Virtual Campus. 2024. https://courses.flvc.org/College/Eckerd-College
- Eckerd College, FL – Complete Profile, Rankings and Data — Money Magazine. 2024. https://money.com/best-colleges/profile/eckerd-college/
- Eckerd College, Inc. Consolidated Financial Statements — Florida Auditor General. 2021-06-30. https://flauditor.gov/pages/nonprofit_forprofit%20rpts/2021%20eckerd%20college.pdf
- Financial Aid & Scholarships – Admissions — Eckerd College. 2024. https://www.eckerd.edu/admissions/financial-aid/
- Eckerd College Tuition and Costs – BigFuture — College Board. 2024. https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/eckerd-college/tuition-and-costs
- Eckerd College Overview — CollegeData. 2024. https://www.collegedata.com/college-search/Eckerd-College
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