Eckerd College offers a diverse range of programs and features that contribute to its distinctive educational experience:
Additionally, Eckerd College is a small liberal arts college that prepares students to be “well-rounded, educated people for the ‘real world,’ rather than for just one job.
College Facts:
- Liberal Arts Education: Eckerd emphasizes a broad-based education and provides a liberal arts curriculum that encourages critical thinking, interdisciplinary exploration, and a well-rounded education.
- Experiential Learning: The college is known for its “Plan for Engaged Learning,” which integrates classroom learning with practical experience. This includes internships, research opportunities, study abroad programs, and community service, which allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
- Majors and Minors: Eckerd offers over 40 majors and more than 25 minors across various fields, including humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, business, and environmental studies. Biomedical Sciences remains the most popular major on campus. Also, Marine Science: Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Eckerd focuses on marine and environmental science. T Students can participate in programs like The Urban Fishing Project https://sites.google.com/eckerd.edu/urbanfishing/home
- International Education: The college promotes global awareness through study abroad programs in various countries. Students have opportunities to immerse themselves in different cultures while earning academic credit.
- Community Engagement: Eckerd encourages community involvement and social responsibility. Students often engage in service-learning projects, volunteering, and community service initiatives. Of particular note is the RSL, Reflective Service Learning initiative https://www.eckerd.edu/service-learning/mission/
- Fun and Sun
- Outdoor Activities: The waterfront campus allows various outdoor activities, including sailing, kayaking, and other recreational opportunities in Tampa Bay between two of the country’s best beaches; Eckerd’s 188-acre waterfront campus offers mangrove thickets, seven freshwater marshes and ponds, a white-sand beach and its own boathouse and marina.
- Quick Facts:
- Small Class Sizes: With a low student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, Eckerd emphasizes personalized attention and close relationships between students and professors.
- Financial Aid and Scholarships: Eckerd College is committed to making education accessible through various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. The acceptance rate is 65%, making Eckerd a moderately selective college. The average incoming GPA for the freshmen class was 3.6. Eckerd remains test-optional, and scores are not required for merit-based scholarships.
These aspects collectively contribute to Eckerd’s unique educational environment, fostering intellectual growth, personal development, and a strong sense of community among students and faculty. I had the chance to visit in person in February. After visiting and meeting with faculty and staff, I have added to the list of some students looking for a unique college journey. Eckerd has also been identified as a CTCL, or Colleges That Change Lives, school. Only 40 schools in the country have this distinction.
It’s worth a look.
