Overview of Eckerd College
Eckerd College, located in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a private liberal arts college known for its innovative approach to education, commitment to experiential learning, and a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship. Established in 1958, Eckerd College offers a distinctive educational experience that combines a rigorous academic curriculum with opportunities for hands-on learning, fostering a vibrant and engaged campus community.
Academic Programs: Eckerd College provides a comprehensive liberal arts education with a focus on small class sizes and close interaction between students and faculty. The college offers a range of undergraduate programs in the arts and humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, business, and interdisciplinary studies. The curriculum is designed to encourage critical thinking, effective communication, and a well-rounded understanding of the world.
Experiential Learning: One of the hallmarks of an Eckerd education is its commitment to experiential learning. The College emphasizes the importance of learning by doing, and students have numerous opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad experiences. The Explore-A-Sshore program, for example, allows students to engage in hands-on marine science research, taking advantage of the college’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico.
Unique Academic Initiatives: Eckerd College is known for its innovative academic initiatives, such as the 4-1-4 academic calendar. This calendar includes a Winter Term, where students can take a single intensive course or participate in unique experiential opportunities. The Winter Term provides flexibility and the chance to explore subjects outside of the regular semester structure.
Marine Science and Environmental Stewardship: Given its location on the Gulf Coast of Florida, Eckerd College has a strong emphasis on marine science and environmental studies. The college’s Marine Science program is highly regarded, and students benefit from the proximity to diverse ecosystems for field research and study. The commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in the college’s efforts to promote sustainability and conservation on campus.
Community Engagement: Eckerd College encourages students to be actively engaged in the local and global community. Through service-learning initiatives, community service projects, and partnerships with local organizations, students have the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to address real-world challenges. The college’s commitment to community engagement aligns with its mission to educate students to think critically and act responsibly.
Campus and Facilities: The Eckerd College campus is situated on 188 acres along the waterfront of Boca Ciega Bay. The campus features modern facilities, including academic buildings, residence halls, and recreational spaces. The James Center for Molecular and Life Sciences provides state-of-the-art laboratories for science research, reflecting the college’s commitment to academic excellence.
International Perspective: Eckerd College places a strong emphasis on global awareness and international perspectives. The college encourages students to participate in study abroad programs, fostering cross-cultural understanding and providing opportunities for personal and academic growth. The commitment to global education aligns with Eckerd’s goal of preparing students to be informed and responsible citizens in an interconnected world.
Student Life: Eckerd College offers a vibrant and supportive campus community. Students have access to a wide range of clubs, organizations, and recreational activities. The Campus Activities Board (CAB) organizes events and activities throughout the year, contributing to a lively and dynamic campus atmosphere. The college’s commitment to a holistic student experience is evident in its focus on fostering personal growth, leadership skills, and a sense of community.
Accreditation and Recognition: Eckerd College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The college’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its accreditation and various recognitions received over the years.
Eckerd College stands out for its commitment to experiential learning, environmental stewardship, and a holistic approach to education. The college’s unique programs, emphasis on community engagement, and beautiful waterfront campus contribute to a transformative educational experience for its students. With a focus on fostering intellectual curiosity, global awareness, and a sense of responsibility, Eckerd College continues to shape the future leaders of tomorrow.
4200 54th Avenue S St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Phone: (727) 864-8331
Email: admissions@eckerd.edu
Web site: http://www.eckerd.edu
Rankings: Eckerd College
Located in St. Petersburg, FL, Eckerd College is one of the best universities in the state of Florida. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Eckerd College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Eckerd College.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.8 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 164 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 78.5% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 64.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 55% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | 9 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 171 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 41.9% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.3% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 13:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 87.5% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 155 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 1020-1225 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 16% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 48% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 66.1% |
| Financial resources rank: | 73 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 156 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 21.5% |
Essential Facts: Eckerd College
- Eckerd is generally small compared to other campuses, so friendships are very easy to make.
- Eckerd College has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,999, with a gender distribution of 34 percent male students and 66 percent female students.
- Eckerd College’s campus borders the Gulf of Mexico, allowing students glimpses of abundant Florida wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, egrets, ibis, roseate spoonbills, pelicans, and even alligators.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 78% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 0% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 0% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 80% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 56% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, honor code, hazing prohibited, other |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA II |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | basketball, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, literary magazine, model UN, music ensembles, musical theater, pep band, radio station, student government, student newspaper, television station |