Eckerd College offers a distinctive small liberal arts experience centered around marine science and close faculty mentorship in a unique coastal Florida setting.
The college provides specialized academic opportunities and personal attention that appeal to students seeking an intimate educational environment, though with significant financial investment required.
Eckerd College is a small private liberal arts institution in Saint Petersburg, Florida, known for its distinctive marine science programs and intimate campus environment. With fewer than 2,000 students, Eckerd offers the personalized attention and close faculty relationships that define the liberal arts experience, though this comes with financial trade-offs that families should carefully consider.
The college serves a relatively affluent student body, with only 16% of students receiving Pell Grants, placing it in the bottom tier nationally for economic diversity. Graduates earn a median of $51,819 ten years after enrollment, which falls below expectations when compared with students at similar institutions. Net prices are substantial across all income levels, ranging from about $26,746 for low-income families to $37,419 for higher-income households.
For students drawn to Eckerd's unique strengths—particularly its marine science programs, small class sizes, and Florida coastal setting—the college provides a distinctive educational experience. However, families should weigh these benefits against the significant financial investment required and the more modest long-term earnings outcomes compared with other educational options.
Eckerd College's program portfolio reflects its liberal arts mission and coastal Florida location, with particular strength in marine and biological sciences alongside more traditional liberal arts offerings. The college's marine science programs, including Aquatic Biology and general Biology, represent its most distinctive academic offerings and attract students interested in environmental research and marine conservation careers.
Business Administration stands out as the highest-earning program, with graduates earning $61,218 ten years out, demonstrating that some career-focused majors do provide strong financial returns. However, the college's signature science programs show more modest earnings outcomes—Biology graduates earn around $22,268 and Aquatic Biology majors about $22,814—reflecting the research-oriented nature of these fields and the common path toward graduate education.
Biopsychology represents an interesting interdisciplinary option that combines the college's liberal arts approach with scientific rigor, though earnings remain modest at $20,322. For students passionate about marine science, environmental studies, or interdisciplinary research, Eckerd provides specialized expertise and unique learning opportunities. However, families should understand that these academic strengths are oriented toward intellectual development and specialized career preparation rather than immediate financial returns.
Graduates of Eckerd College face mixed financial outcomes that reflect both the institution's liberal arts focus and the realities of its program mix. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $51,819, which places the college in the bottom 40% nationally for long-term earnings. More concerning, Eckerd graduates earn about $16,200 less than similar students at comparable institutions, suggesting that the financial return on investment lags behind expectations.
The variation in outcomes by major is substantial and tells an important story about career paths. Business Administration graduates see the strongest financial returns, with median earnings of $61,218 ten years out, demonstrating that some programs do lead to solid career prospects. However, the college's signature programs in marine and biological sciences show more modest outcomes—Biology majors earn around $22,268, while Aquatic Biology graduates earn about $22,814, reflecting the research-oriented and often graduate-school-dependent nature of these fields.
Biopsychology represents the college's highest aggregate return program, combining decent enrollment with moderate earnings, but even this standout field produces earnings of just $20,322. For students passionate about marine science, environmental studies, or other specialized liberal arts fields, Eckerd provides unique opportunities and expertise. However, families should understand that these academic strengths don't necessarily translate into immediate financial advantages compared with more career-focused programs at other institutions.
Eckerd College requires a substantial financial commitment from families across all income levels, with net prices that rank among the highest nationally. Low-income families face annual costs of about $26,746, while middle-income families pay around $30,034, and higher-income households see net prices reach $37,419. These figures place Eckerd in the bottom 10% nationally for affordability, reflecting the premium associated with small private liberal arts education.
The college's aid strategy appears to provide some discount from the full sticker price, but the resulting net costs remain challenging for most families. Even with institutional aid, the financial burden is significant relative to what families typically pay at public universities or larger private institutions with more substantial endowments. The pricing structure suggests that Eckerd primarily serves families with considerable financial resources or those willing to take on substantial debt for the liberal arts experience.
For families considering Eckerd, the affordability challenge is compounded by the more modest earnings outcomes graduates typically achieve. This creates a financial equation where high upfront costs aren't necessarily offset by strong post-graduation earning power, making careful financial planning essential for families who choose this path.
Eckerd College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
