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Eckerd College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Eckerd College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Eckerd College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Eckerd College reviews, or contribute your own Eckerd College review if you're a current student there.

  • 22 out of 22 people found this review useful.

    Tess from Morton Grove, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Eckerd College is a very small liberal arts school in St. Pete, FL. The best part about attending a small school is that the class sizes are smaller, which enhances learning. You actually get to know your professors (which are all very helpful) and they get to know you. All my professors are more then willing to help during their office hours and really try to help you succeed. Eckerd College has an exceptional Marine Science program right on the water front with a hands on approach to learning. Eckerd is also very focused on having well rounded students that are familiar with a variety of subjects.
    Am enjoying being here

    If you like warm, sunny, and sometimes wet weather then you will be very happy at Eckerd College. The scenery at Eckerd is very different then the average college campus. On my way to class I pass by Eckerd's South Beach right on Boca Ciega Bay, palm trees, pelicans, hammocks, people playing volleyball, an occasional dolphin in the distance, and much more. Eckerd College has its own waterfront program where students can take out kayaks, sailboats, and fishing equipment, as well as sign up for wake board trips, wind surfing lessons, boat trips, and more. The students, teachers, and other campus workers are all very friendly. There are tons of clubs, activities and special events to keep anyone having fun. The food here is alright. They try to have variety. There is a salad bar, soup, pizza, sandwich section, cereal, vegetarian, grill, world foods and comfort food section.
    Bang for the buck

    One of the draw backs on EC is that it is pretty expensive. However, most students get some sort of scholarship. I would say with the setting, activities, and quality of education at Eckerd that it is probably worth all the money. Lets face it college is expensive where ever you go. The best way to get your money's worth is to GO TO CLASS. Try not to party during the school week, and don't go to the beach until your homework is done.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you decide to come to Eckerd it should be for the right reasons. Don't Just come here for the sun and the beach, come here if there is a program you are interested in. Eckerd is still a college. The Florida atmosphere can make it hard to focus, so make sure you are ready to work. Also, I recommend bringing a bike or a car because otherwise it can be hard getting off campus. There are some buses that take you off campus but they can be confusing. Or at least make a lot of friends with people that have a car.
    Great for these types of students

    There are a lot of science majors and people that care about the environment. Eckerd trys to be very Eco friendly. Eckerd is also pretty good for art, language, politcal science, international relations, etc. There are many opportunities to study abroad. EC has a special three week winter semester for sophomores thru seniors where you get to go abroad (trips to japan, new zealand, italy, argentina, new mexico, etc.) or if you want to save money they offer some on campus classes. Freshmen have an on campus autumn term before the upperclassmen get here to help them get used to the campus. If you are into american football this isn't the place for you. Eckerd has no football team, but there are most other common sports. However, our D2 sports teams aren't very good. I love Eckerd Tritons! We just aren't very good... There is no Greek life, but our dorms are named after Greek letters... There are a lot of people who drink alcohol, but there are also a lot of people who don't. Who ever you are you will fit in somewhere at Eckerd College.

  • 13 out of 13 people found this review useful.

    Deborah from Abilene, TX

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Eckerd is a small liberal arts college on the water with a reputation for sending graduates straight into jobs, internships, and prestigious graduate schools. This is because the professors and classes (small usually around 12-25 students) are designed not only to provide expected information on areas of interest, but to build skills that help students to think differently about their place in the world. Once you get past the intro-level courses which are pretty basic in any college, you can enroll in classes that are more interesting and engaging. Like any school you attend, you get out of it what you put in. So if you prefer a smaller, more fun and intimate college where you can form close relationships with peers and professors, and if you utilize the resources the school provides, then you can definitely gain an education that matches your goals and helps you succeed.
    Am enjoying being here

    Really there isn't much to complain about a school that not only has quality classes and typical educational resources, but allows students to kayak, wake board, swim, tan, and sail, etc. at the Waterfront for free! There is the Yellow Bike program in which bikes are located throughout campus for you to ride to and from classes and wherever on campus. I can lay-out while doing homework on Kappa field and take a break to walk 30 seconds to South Beach on campus and lay in the hammock. It seems like fun is always on nearly everyone's mind, so it isn't hard to find people, parties, or activities to enjoy. And if you're stressed and need to relax, there are places on campus to just sit and find peace. The main reason I'm enjoying being here, however, is the friends I have made. Students come here from all over the country and world and are open-minded, kind, spirited, and fun. I made close friends here in the first month faster than I have ever made best friends in my life. The sunny atmosphere seems to radiate from everyone sometimes, and that's the key: it's up to you to have a good attitude.
    Bang for the buck

    The only problem I have had with Eckerd is the price. It's a pretty expensive school--way above my reasonable budget--but most schools are expensive. It's a fact that student loan debt is one of the only 2 good debts, so don't worry if you have to take out a loan. Scholarships are also available, and there are always people willing you help you out. When you're spending so much money on anything, it's easy to point out the flaws. The school does sometimes seem to try to squeeze money out of you for the most random things, but then there are tons of activities and free stuff the school provides, too. The school places extra emphasis on study abroad and service-learning, so you can find plenty of opportunity to travel, learn, and grow outside the campus and country, and a lot of these programs are cheap compared to other schools'. The setting is amazing, the surrounding cities offer endless things to do, the food is really good compared to many other schools (although it's easy to get spoiled/bored with the cafeteria food), the classes are great, and the people are supportive. If you take advantage of all this and WORK HARD, it's worth it.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't get distracted. Even within the first week you can find yourself getting swept up in all of the extracurricular pleasures of college life. Many students drink and smoke, but a lot of others don't. Therefore, don't feel pressured to abandon all work ethic. You should also never feel like you have to lock yourself in a study room in order to get schoolwork done. If you take a mature approach to your studies from the beginning and realize that the classes are good and the professors want you to learn and succeed, then it's not hard to wake up in the morning and go to class. Just remember to save the partying and playing until your work is done. Your friends will understand. College is a time to discover what it is that makes you You. Take the opportunity that comes with living, learning, and exploring in a safe, familiar environment like this campus to establish your interests and work towards your dreams.
    Great for these types of students

    When I was describing Eckerd to my friend she said, It's like the Island of Misfits! How awesome! And that description is perfect. If you love the water; sunny, humid and sometimes rainy weather (in the rainy season); and small class size, it's perfect. But I know content students here who actually hate swimming! Eckerd's great for the environmentally conscious (we put a lot of emphasis on sustainability), for vegans and vegetarians, for meditate-rs, yoga-doers and rights activists. But it's also home to politicians, scientists (our Marine Science program is one of the best in the nation), writers, musicians, I-don't-know-what-the-heck-I'm-doing-yet-ers, and every type of person in between, above and below. If you have an interest that isn't represented already (unlikely) then you can just form a club! If you've always been extremely focused on schoolwork, it might be hard for you to adjust to the fun-loving atmosphere, but everyone is here because they want to learn. My friends are as varied as their interests, yet we can all find endless things in common. If you're open-minded and don't mind the weather, you should get along just fine.

  • 5 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Alexandra from Woodbine, GA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am a marine biology major at Eckerd College. While this major is in no way easy, it is a very mind opening one. I have learned much in just one semester here in Eckerd. This major does require lots of studying and dedication, but the end result is well worth it.
    Am enjoying being here

    I have made many great friends, the food is great and there are always events to go to! Eckerd is full of things to do including the on campus beach and the fact that it is a pet-friendly campus!
    Bang for the buck

    While the tution is very high, it is worth it. Eckerd offers many things that other colleges can't. The college is built right on Tampa Bay, so Marine Biology majors have instant access to the water. It has small class sizes, dedicated professors and also great food!
    Tips for prospective students

    Be prepared to work hard, but also enjoy the many things that Eckerd has to offer.
    Great for these types of students

    Studious, athletic, outdoorsy and hard working.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Mattie from St. Petersburg, FL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    eckerd college is like no other college you'll find, often times referred to as camp eckerd. located on the waterfront, this very small college focuses largely on protecting environmental and marine habitats. eckerd provides amazing people, programs, and opportunities you won't find at most other institutions.
    Tips for prospective students

    don't panic; eckerd is very small compared to other schools and very relaxing once you're there. eckerd will provide unique experiences that will last you a lifetime so just relax and enjoy yourself.
    Academic Rigor

    largely depends on which area you're majoring in. marine science and other science majors involve very intensive courses that you won't find elsewhere. these classes will however greatly prepare you for a career in these majors. one of the top majors, environmental studies, is similar to the science majors but considerably less rigorous, however still intensive and still very rewarding. other popular majors are psychology and creative writing.
    Dorm Life

    dorms are small and make it easy to get to know your neighbors. the ras are amazing in organizing dorm events and being there in times of need. eckerd dorms have various themes you can choose from such as all-girls, health and wellness, community service, and pet dorms. eckerd is one of the few schools in the country that allows pets such as cats, dogs, birds, and other small animals.
    Food and Dining

    the cafeteria is better here than at other school i toured. options include a fresh salad bar, pizza, vegetarian, and other hot food stations every day. nearly every meal there is the option to have the dish of the day made to your special liking by amazingly friendly staff members who love their job and the students they cook for. the other on campus option is the triton's pub which is open 12 hours a day on weekdays and open late on the weekends. the pub offers a consistent menu, a made to order wrap station, as well as various bottled drinks and snacks. the pub offers coffee, ice cream, and smoothies.
    What to do for fun

    go visit the waterfront and all activities are free to students if you complete a swim test at the beginning of your freshman year. such activities include paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing trips, wake-boarding trips, and sunset cruises, and also provides an area for swimming and laying out. there is also south beach to go lay out on as well as various hammocks hanging around campus. theres also kappa field for impromptu soccer games.
    Bang for the buck

    while tuition has risen, so have the scholarships and you won't find another education like this. teachers are very closely involved with their students and take pride in their work and are determined to give each and every student an education that will last them a lifetime.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    every spring kappa karnival occurs where the school sets up a small carnival free for staff and students. this usually includes a few rides, various games, free food, and live entertainment.
    the school also recently built the go pavilion where they host events, live entertainers, and when not in use is an outdoor with a roof basketball court.
    Great for these types of students

    students here are often seen as hippies due to their involvement in helping the planet.
    Clubs and Activities

    clubs for anyone and everyone. the most unique of all the activities would be the search and rescue team. ecsar is only found here and they help local area boaters on a 24/7 basis. through ecsar you'll find great friends and memories and be active in serving your community.
    Greek Life

    there are no fraternities or sororities and it creates considerably less stress. you will be sure to find your niche without the help of these.
    Campus Safety

    very nice and friendly to the students while always looking out for your safety. there is a guard house at the one and only accessible entrance to the campus to monitor who comes on. ids are checked in the evenings and on the weekends to keep unwanted people from harassing students. they can be reached 24/7 for safety concerns or when locked out of your room. they are also very lenient and understanding when it comes to partying.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Student from Bradenton, FL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Eckerd College offers various classes for many different majors. From Interdisciplinary to Marine Biology to American Studies, most students are able to find the major they want and are given a mentor to help with the process.
    Am enjoying being here

    The students are friendly, the teachers are usually quite helpful and the atmosphere is fantastic (if you like nature).
    Bang for the buck

    Although it has private school prices, for an out of state student it's one of the best options for your money. Even in-state students have an easier time with the various Florida grants that Eckerd accepts. There is a lot of financial aid available for every student.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you're interested in going to Eckerd college, definitely apply! The people are great, it's well respected and there are plenty of opportunities. Just pay attention to the Autumn Term details, it's a very fun an informative month.
    Great for these types of students

    Those who like small colleges, those who want to really communicate with professors, laid back students.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    lynn from FL

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    My course of study will be Marine biology so intend to learn a lot especially since the school is on the water. I'm interested to see what dynamic having the marine environment in the schools backyard will bring.
    Will enjoy being here

    I hope I do enjoy being at Eckerd they describe the school on their website like a paradise.
    Bang for the buck

    I honestly think that the tuition is very high. I think that they should invest in scholarships for everyone because most of their scholarships are for freshmen. I hope this school is worth every penny.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Anonymous

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am currently a physics major and a member of the women's soccer team at Eckerd. The science programs are challenging but rewarding. The staff is talented and great to work with. There are plenty of research opportunities for freshmen to seniors. Overall, Eckerd is a high quality school.
    Am enjoying being here

    Eckerd is in a lovely location right on the water and close to the city. There are many opportunities for students to get off campus and see the local sights. A friendly and welcoming atmosphere, makes anyone feel at home.
    Bang for the buck

    Although a private liberal arts school is expensive, the quality of the staff and the opportunities/resources available to the students makes it all worth it.
    Tips for prospective students

    There are many opportunities to get involved with the community in and around Eckerd College and to go abroad. So come to Eckerd if you love learning and being involved in a community.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Delaney from Middleboro, MA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I get to choose the classes that are perfect for me, so I am not sitting through any class that I don't want to be in. I love all my classes, and because the class sizes are so small, I get one on one attention from the professor if I need any help.
    Am enjoying being here

    When Im not in class or studying, I get the opportunity to go lay out on the beach, go to the pool, or the waterfront and enjoy the Florida sun. Not a lot of college kids can say that and its amazing!
    Bang for the buck

    The campus is gorgeous, palm trees every where with a campus beach! the food in the cafe is pretty good as well as the wraps from the on campus pub! definitely a lot to choose from!
    Tips for prospective students

    If you are looking for a small, laid back setting, where you can study what you want to study Eckerd is perfect. There is a major for everyone, and even if you don't see the one you want, you can build your own!
    Great for these types of students

    likes warm weather and beach settings.
    looking for a small school with a laid back atmosphere

  • 1 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Alyssa from Clermont, FL

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    It's noted for it's environmental friendliness which is perfect for my major!
    Will enjoy being here

    The campus is beautiful!!!!!!!!!!
    Bang for the buck

    Pricey!! But they offer a lot of financial aid it seems!

  • Michelle from Massachusetts

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Eckerd is a completely different college experience than what you would receive from a big university. You will meet all types of people and the majority of the professors are very kind and fun to be around. It's a small school, but it creates an amazing uniqueness in one's college life.
    Tips for prospective students

    Your outlook on Eckerd will most certainly stem from the Autumn term class you end up in. Of course, you get some say in the matter -- you get to select 5 classes you might want to be be in. Pick something you will enjoy doing for 3 hours a day for a month because Autumn term really sets the stage for how the rest of your college life at Eckerd will be.
    One last note...you can find MUCH better deals online than on the bookstore. They really rip you off especially with buying & selling textbooks.
    Academic Rigor

    Depending on your intended major the class rigor can be very different. Natural science classes with labs are much harder that classes with a lecture only. However, labs are pretty fun (this is coming from a biology major) and not only do they help you connect with the professor, but they also help you understand the material from the lectures.
    Dorm Life

    Dorm life is developed to a great extent in Autumn Term, but in reality things change significantly once the upper upperclassmen return in September. The RAs do a decent job of getting their residents & houses to connect with each other with dorm and complex events they organize. Each dorm has its own personality and it's easy enough to find one that matches your personality.
    Food and Dining

    Compared to bigger schools, Eckerd's food choices are rather limited. We have one main cafeteria that is open select hours of the day (weekdays: 7:30 am to 9:45 am, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, and 5:00 pm to 7:15 pm). We also have Triton's pub which also has it's own select hours that it is open (weekdays: 9 am to 10pm) and a much more limited selection of food. There is an additional cafeteria with less variety, but better quality food than the other dining facilities, however it is far from the residential side of campus and has more restricted hours as well. The food is in general mediocre because they use the same vegetables and other supplies to make a variety of foods. Although it does get somewhat repetitive, there are some days when the food is above average & dining comes up with some kind of a surprise for us.
    What to do for fun

    On campus, student activities and Palmetto Productions do their parts to have fun activities such as black light parties, swing dance lessons, open mic nights, spring ball, and Kappa karnival (the most anticipated event all year). There are also a variety of fitness classes to try; I suggest giving Zumba and Spin a chance! If you know someone with a car (freshmen ARE allowed to have cars!) you can drive to downtown St. Pete and walk along Beach Dr., where you will find the ever-popular gelato shop: Paciugo's. Or you can go see a movie at Muvico. Even if you don't have a car, the first Friday of every month (known as First Friday), Eckerd has shuttles running from 7pm to 2 am that take busloads of kids downtown. Every Saturday morning there is the Saturday Morning Market downtown as well, which is always fun!!
    Of course, EC is right on the water, so the waterfront program is amazing! Take out kayaks, paddle boards, sign up for wake-boarding trips, or just lay out on the beach!
    Bang for the buck

    I still haven't gotten used to what an amazing place Eckerd is. There is so much wildlife and aside from a few minor complaints, I have nothing bad to say about Eckerd. I feel very safe on campus and all my Massachusetts friends are jealous of all the fun I am always having in the warm Florida sun! But it's not all fin & games; I love the education I'm getting and I never thought I'd be having this much fun learning, or that I'd have such amazing professors!
    Greek Life

    Although, the names of the dorms might suggest it (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Epsilon, Delta, Omega, Nu, Kappa, Zeta) Eckerd College does not have Greek life. Ask any student and they will tall you how much better it is this way.
    Campus Safety

    Campus is a vary safe place in general. Campus safety officers are actually quite slow at responding (at least to minor things like locking yourself out of your dorm room while taking a shower...Yes I'm speaking from experience).

  • Michelle from Crystal Lake, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Eckerd is home. Unlike any other school I feel comfortable as myself. No other school would help create me the way Eckerd College has.
    Tips for prospective students

    College visits are frequent here, and if you plan on visiting take the time to talk to current students! I wasn't able to visit Eckerd College before attending, but it was the best shot in the dark I have ever taken. The small class size is beneficial for the academic and social life.
    Academic Rigor

    The endless amount of options at this school make it hard to decide on one major, but Eckerd is generally a science based school. Instead of taking general education credits at this liberal arts school you have to take seven different perspectives before graduating.
    Dorm Life

    Eckerd is known for it's sense of community. There is no greek life, however a family is created at the different complexes on campus. Since the campus is in Florida there are always dorm activities outside.
    Food and Dining

    There are two different dining facilities on campus, and both of them have a diverse set of choices. On special occasions there are planned dinners that everyone gets excited about. At the cafe there are different sections of food for vegetarians or just healthy eaters.
    What to do for fun

    I love to spend my time outside! At the waterfront you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, or sailboats! Since the campus is right on the beach I love to lay out and enjoy the sun. There is also a lot wildlife that I enjoy to watch!
    Bang for the buck

    Eckerd College is definitely worth the price. I have had financial issue with getting here, but they made sure to help as much as possible. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else because I know I am truly getting the best education and experiences for the cost.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Eckerd College has a student group called Palmetto productions, and they setting up constant activities to enjoy the college life. Every weekend something seems to be happening on the unique environment Eckerd offers. There are endless traditions created every year such as Kappa Karnival. This is a carnival that is set up for students on campus as everyone enjoys the private location Eckerd is at.
    Great for these types of students

    Students that are looking for a strongly connected community with constant activities on campus would love to enjoy the Florida environment! Professors are very hands on at this college, which makes it easy to be a name and not a number. Those students who are looking for a really friendly setting where everyone is smiling will never want to leave Eckerd College.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are endless clubs and activities! Some original ones are surf club, garden club, and outdoor adventure club! Surf club and outdoor adventure club often take trips off campus!
    Greek Life

    Nonexistent, however this brings everyone together.
    Campus Safety

    Campus safety is very reliable and close to the student on campus. Those with campus safety drive around campus all hours of the day to monitor the safety of the students.

  • Kathryn from St Petersburg, FL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    eckerd is an excellent school for anyone looking for a small, liberal arts school that is strong in both the sciences and the humanities. it is also for anyone looking for a beautiful location surrounded by awesome people. eckerd is full of the best students and faculty on the most beautiful college campus in america.
    Tips for prospective students

    definitely go visit if you can! talk to an admissions counselor, and to faculty if you get a chance!
    What to do for fun

    life on campus is super fun, since we have a beach on campus and plenty of other fun stuff. on top of that, st. pete is a really fun, small city to hang out in.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    we're located literally right on the water, so we have beaches on campus and an amazing waterfront! also, we have a really fun tradition of kappa karnival, which is a huge carnival thrown by kappa dorm and the administration right before finals in the spring.
    Great for these types of students

    eckerd students are laid back, love to be outside in the sun, and also love to learn.
    Greek Life

    we have no greek life.

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