What it is like to attend Eckerd College
Eckerd College was founded in 1958 as a Florida Presbyterian College and admitted its first students in 1960. The school is located on the Florida Gulf Coast in St. Petersburg, near Tampa Bay, and it is set against a backdrop of palm trees and blue water. Eckerd sits on about 200 tropical acres, with more than a mile long stretch of the campus on the water. There is a diverse student body, with approximately 1,800 students coming from 48 states and 30 countries. About 75% of students are from outside of Florida.
When it comes to admission, Eckerd College is somewhat selective, as around 65% of applicants are accepted. Recent incoming freshmen have averaged 3.3 GPAs, and ACT scores of 25 or SAT scores between 1130-1140. The Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, John Sullivan, says the school likes students who show a sense of commitment outside of the classroom. Over 96% of Eckerd students receive financial aid packages. EC offers over 20 majors, with some being self-designed; some of the most popular majors where students want to find entry level jobs are environmental studies, international business, management, international relations and global affairs, psychology, biology, and marine science. The Boca Siega Bay allows marine science majors to study sea creatures right on campus. EC is also known for its liberal arts and sciences college, as well as its study abroad in international education and creative writing programs. About 95% of EC’s 113 full-time faculty members have their PhDs or terminal degrees.
Athletic teams at Eckerd College compete at the division two level in the Florida Sunshine State Conference. Around 80% of students live on campus in dormitories. There are traditional rooms with shared common areas, to apartment style suites with great views of the Boca Siega Bay. In addition, themed residences are available on campus. Eckerd students can take advantage of over 80 clubs and organized activities such as surf club, along with social, political, academic, religious, and arts groups. EC also has its own radio station and student newspaper on campus. The Eckerd College Search and Rescue Team or ECSART is the only program of its kind in the U.S. It allows students to actually work with the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure the safety of the Tampa Bay boating community.
So, if you’re looking for a college where year round warm weather in a great location goes hand in hand, then watch a college video tour of Eckerd College, http://www.youniversitytv.com/eckerd_college.html, and learn more today.
