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We inspire and empower individuals to improve the world through mastery of self and a lifetime of learning. Our students are guided on a four-year journey of discovery, with small classes, professor-mentors and a commitment to community service.
We love our spectacular mile-long waterfront and white-sand beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast. But we are more than a pretty face. Eckerd is an innovative liberal arts and sciences community where students are well-taught and well-mentored, deemed one of 40 Colleges That Change Lives.
We’re not for everyone but we might be just the place for you.
One of the youngest colleges in the country to get a Phi Beta Kappa chapter
93% of Eckerd graduates earn their degrees in 4 years or less
95% of faculty hold Ph.D.s or the terminal degree in their field
Our waterfront campus sits on the southern tip of a peninsula surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, a region that was inhabited by the Tocobaga. Native plants and wildlife cover the campus, which we nurture with sustainability efforts. Four chickees constructed by the Seminole Tribe of Florida stand in the heart of campus and are used for outdoor classes and studying.
Most of our faculty offices open directly outside or in common areas to encourage interaction with students. The bay and other natural areas are living laboratories for research—even for first-years.
Study in a hammock or on a blanket on the beach, or head to our modern library overlooking Fox Pond. Swim, sail or sunbathe on our own white-sand beach—just steps away from your residence hall.
Our 188-acre campus is nestled along Boca Ciega Bay. Take a virtual tour!
One of the first colleges in the country to allow pets to live with students on campus
88% of students live on campus
Eckerd 2100: Climate Change Resiliency Plan
You won’t find any ivory towers on our campus. Each day we aim to change the world around us, whether on campus or in our hometown of St. Petersburg—a city of arts and outdoor activities that understands the importance of diversity.
Our students and professors contribute thousands of hours each year to nonprofits in St. Petersburg. For example, more than 100 organizations in St. Petersburg benefit from our students’ work each year.
The Eckerd College St. Pete Center for Civic Engagement and Social Impact gathers the Eckerd community, local government, and neighboring individuals and organizations under one banner to create mutually beneficial research, teaching and service opportunities.
Eckerd students volunteer at the St. Pete Youth Farm
Founded as Florida Presbyterian College, we opened our doors on Sept. 2, 1960, with 155 first-year students and 22 faculty.
We have grown steadily over the years and became Eckerd College in 1972.
But one thing hasn’t changed: a focus on creative, innovative curricula in the liberal arts tradition with a strong emphasis on small classes and world-class faculty who know and care about the success of every student.