Overview
Founded in 1958 as Florida Presbyterian College, Eckerd College was renamed in 1972 in honor of philanthropist Jack Eckerd. It is the only member of the prestigious Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges' peer group among private institutions in Florida offering a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, and it has built a strong reputation for marine science, environmental studies, and creative writing programs. The college is distinguished by its innovative academic calendar, including a required Autumn Term and Winter Term for intensive, focused study.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | St. Petersburg, Florida |
| Founded | 1958 |
| Total students | 1,900 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 12:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 65% |
| Graduation rate | 65% |
| Average starting salary | $45,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $50,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $50,000 |
| Room & board | $14,000 |
| Average financial aid | $32,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1090-1290 |
| ACT range | 22-28 |
| Average GPA | 3.5 |
| Regular deadline | March 1 |
Top Programs
- Marine Science
- Environmental Studies
- Biology
- Creative Writing
- International Business
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.