Eckerd College (Eckerd)

The waterfront view from Eckerd College's beach isn't the only thing that wows students-the "top notch academics" of this Gulf Coast college "continue to impress." In particular, some students appreciate the care that's gone into the liberal arts curriculum to "make the classes fun and interesting" and to ensure students "are not pigeonholed into the skills associated with their major." As enrollees put it, they expect to graduate with a "wide range of abilities, which make them attractive to employers."

Eckerd enrolls just under 2,000 undergraduates, and the school's small class sizes help "maximize learning and personal connections to professors." Professors at Eckerd show a "level of genuine care" and create "an environment where it is easy for everybody to openly express their opinions without judgment." Students describe professors who are "always approachable on an academic and personal level." In short: "If I have a question, it gets answered, simple as that." This supportive environment is underscored by Eckerd's Mentor program, which pairs students with professors in their area of study to "help guide the student through choosing classes and registration, or anything else."

Eckerd also has a standout study abroad program, in which over 500 students participate each year. In addition, as a member of the Peace Corps Prep undergraduate certificate program, over 150 Eckerd graduates have gone on to serve in (or in organizations like) the Peace Corps. Overall, Eckerd emphasizes an expansive education that creates "wellrounded, educated people [ready] for the 'real world,' rather than for just one job."

Students describe their peers as a "barefooted and brainy" community that's "very relaxed" and adopts a "laid-back Florida attitude." That's not to say everyone fits the same mold. Students say the college "has a wide variety of students who all fit different niches." As one student elaborates, "It isn't unheard of to see people in three-piece suits sitting with what we might call modern-day hippies." Students say their peers are "pretty liberal" and have "a strong interest in environmental sustainability"; notably, 71% of students are women. Overall, it's a friendly campus with a lot of school spirit, as most students have "a general positive attitude about being here at Eckerd."

How can you beat a dorm that overlooks the bay? asks one student, confirming that the residence halls "are beautiful, so there is no need to live off campus." The result, which some call "summer camp with an enriching academic experience," tends to be a fairly active community, further encouraged by the Community Bike program, which lets students "just pick up the yellow bikes and ride wherever you need." Students also enjoy exploring off-campus, including dining out at one of the many restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg. And of course, the school's location is great for people who enjoy going out on the water.

The school has no Greek life, although students note there are still parties to be found ("pot and beer are not strangers"), which often take place outside. That said, the school has a "very 'free as a bird' mentality," meaning that "people rarely feel trapped," so when it comes to choosing activities, it's "a very no-pressure environment." To make sure there are plenty of evening events, the Campus Activities crew has a generous budget, which results in many "eclectic options" including "cookouts, dances, casino nights, and an actual carnival brought onto campus." When it comes to having fun, the hardest choice to make may be whether to go to the beach or go downtown to get "paddleboards/kayaks at the Waterfront."