Liberal arts in the unique Florida environment

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.

Please visit https://www.eckerd.edu/admissions/financial-aid/ for more information about financial aid, scholarships, and costs.

Financial aid and scholarships are available through an ambitious financial aid program that benefits about 96% of Eckerd students. Approximately $48 million in financial aid was awarded last year. Assistance packages may include a combination of scholarships, grants, work aid, and loans. The average award last year from all sources was $36,000 and the range was from $5,500 to $47,000.

Eckerd College welcomes students from other colleges, universities, junior and community colleges that have earned regional accreditation. A transfer student is defined as anyone who has taken post-secondary courses after receiving a high school diploma or its equivalent. There is no minimum number of courses required to be considered a transfer student. Applicants are expected to be in good academic and social standing at the institution last attended and eligible to return to that institution.

Transfer student applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in October and continuing through the academic year for the following fall. Students considering mid-year admission for winter term (January) are advised to complete application procedures by December 1. Applicants for fall entry should complete procedures by August 1.

Eckerd College seeks to admit students of various backgrounds, ethnic and national origins who are prepared to gain from the educational challenge they will encounter at the College while also contributing to the overall quality of campus life. Admission decisions are made after a careful review of each applicant’s aptitudes, achievements, and character. When you apply, we will look at your academic performance. Applicants for admission in Fall 2022 and Fall 2023 will not be required to submit SAT or ACT scores for consideration. 

Your potential for personal and academic development and positive contribution to the campus community is important, and we will look closely at your personal essay, record of activities, and recommendations from your counselors and/or teachers. 

Early Action:
Submit your application by November 15. You’ll receive a decision from us by December 15.

Rolling Admission:
For applications completed after November 15, decisions will be sent within four weeks of us receiving all application materials.

Applying for Winter Term?
Applications and supporting materials must be received by December 1 and decisions will be sent within four weeks of receiving all application materials. Students who wish to accept our offer of admission must submit an enrollment deposit no later than December 8.

For more information on Early Action vs. Rolling Admission, click here. 

It’s as easy as stepping outside

Bring 1,800 students together in one place and what do you get? Non-stop activity. From sailing and speed dating to intercollegiate basketball games and performances by our very own improv troupe, Another Man’s Trash, there’s something for everyone.

Want to get away? Catch a campus shuttle to Eckerd Day at the Dali Museum, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens or to the grocery store, mall or Saturday Morning Market downtown. Need to go solo? Check out our hourly eco-friendly car and truck rentals.

So many choices

Students oversee a half-million-dollar budget that funds everything from our award-winning student newspaper to concerts and Alternative Spring Break service trips.

Waterfront

Check out the Waterfront for BBQs, sailing classes and water recreation in Frenchman’s Creek.

Athletics

Our NCAA Division II athletes compete in eight women’s and five men’s sports, including Sailing (coed, women) and Sand Volleyball (women).

For more information on Eckerd College Athletics, please visit https://eckerdtritons.com/.