Eckerd College — Local services in Saint Petersburg

If you are looking for a small liberal arts college that is focused on the whole student, this is the place. With a goal of having 100% of the freshman class taking a semester abroad and a faculty mentor assigned before the start of the regular fall semester are some of what make this college more unique and a great choice.

This is a 4:1:4 program where students have an opportunity to do research starting their freshman year. The atmosphere is relaxed and geared for learning and reflection. Lots of beautiful green spaces and beach area along the waterfront to congregate and study. All faculty and staff focus on hands-on and individual approach to student learning and development. With less than 1900 students, there is a sense of deeper relationships and community.

As a mom of a prospective student, I was impressed by the high touch approach and the emphasis on developing the whole students into thriving adults.

I also love that all classes are taught by professors not TAs or grad students. It helps knowing that facility is engaged and has an open door policy. I inquired with current students on this as well. They mentioned it was one of the things they love most. I have gone to both public and private school tours and it's clear to me the relationships of students with faculty are not the same when faculty "phone it in.." with their classes. FWIW

P.S. Also impressive: Admissions staff and Financial Aid. They were generous with their time and their...

Eckerd is a special place. I attended Eckerd College from 2004-2008 and graduated with a degree in political science. Eckerd College changes lives and the world by preparing generations of lifelong learners, game changers, think outside the boxers, and servant leaders. Eckerd's committment to the liberal arts tradition offers more than learning a set of skills. The liberal arts tradition is rooted in critical thinking, problem solving, and a focus on writing that serves its graduates long after graduation. Eckerd is a special place because of its five pillars, Residential, Environmental, Global, Spiritual, and Personal. I would encourage any perspective student to read about the five pillars of...

I graduated in 2008 and only in recent years have begun to value the education I received. Eckerd did not teach me how to manage business, Eckerd taught me how to think. Learning how to think critically enriched my life and gave me tools to be dropped into jobs and teach myself. This whole making college a safe and fancy place is ridiculous. Eckerd looks like a ritzy boutique place for rich kids to get an education. I hope Eckerd can focus on education and have liberal arts be accessible. I would highly encourage you to go to Eckerd. Just have realistic expectations and understand the purpose of...