Eckerd College

Anyone who’s ever been here will tell you: Eckerd College is more than a destination—more than a breezy waterfront location in St. Petersburg, Florida. We also have a first-rate faculty, a vibrant internship program, and an impressive array of study abroad courses all working together to provide you with the education of your dreams.

ThinkOutside
But that’s just the beginning. One of only 40 American liberal arts colleges included in Loren Pope’s Colleges That Change Lives, Eckerd offers a close and friendly community that values volunteer service, environmental activism, and creative self-expression. Almost 90% of our students live on campus, which includes themed residence halls such as Health and Wellness, All Female, and Pet Friendly. 

The College’s 1,970 students come from 47 states and US territories, 40 countries, and every background, belief, and personality type imaginable. While other colleges devote three or four days to new-student orientation, Eckerd dedicates three whole weeks to it. New students take one for-credit class and spend the rest of their time getting to know other students, the campus, and St. Petersburg. 

From the moment students step on campus, they can participate in joint student-faculty research and scholarly projects—working closely with faculty to design original studies and gather, analyze, present, and even publish their findings. 

Cuba and Galapagos
Nearly 70% of the students who start their college careers at Eckerd leave with a study abroad experience—and our goal is 100% participation! Eckerd has semester- and year-long programs and maintains its own study center in London. The three-week Winter Term offers fascinating original courses ranging from a marine science course in which students travel to Cuba to study its geology, history, and culture to a natural history course that explores the ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands.

Climate matters
Our beautiful campus is located on 188 bayfront acres near the Gulf of Mexico. The Sunshine City has more than 300 days of sun a year, with average temperatures that rarely fall below 70 degrees. 

St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area boast shopping and dining of every kind, major league sports teams, white-sand beaches, theme parks, and areas of natural beauty that make it one of the top tourist destinations in the country. And our campus culture is active and vibrant. In an average week, Eckerd hosts 100 campus activities, from the arts and sports to religious and political events.

After graduation
Eckerd students leave with more than bachelor’s degrees; they graduate with experience. And they go on to find more than jobs; they find fulfillment. Visit eckerd.edu/outcomes to see where our graduates extend their studies and launch their careers—and how Eckerd helped them get there. 

For more information about applications, scholarships, or visits, please go to eckerd.edu.