Against a backdrop of palm trees and blue water, in an atmosphere of intellectual richness and openness, through remarkable relationships and experiences of many kinds, Eckerd College changes lives.

Located on 188 acres of waterfront property in St. Petersburg, Florida, Eckerd College is a private, coeducational college of liberal arts and sciences related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA). Founded in 1958, Eckerd is a pioneer of responsible innovation - developing programs that have been adopted nationwide and earning the college an international reputation for academic excellence.

Eckerd College has a diverse student body with 1817 students from 48 states and 33 countries and is one of only 40 schools listed in Loren Pope's Colleges That Change Lives. In 2003, Eckerd was named one of 13 Institutions of Excellence in the First College Year by the Policy Center on the First Year of College and became one of the youngest colleges to receive a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. Eckerd also serves over 1000 students annually through its Program for Experienced Learners. The Leadership Development Institute executive education program, Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College (ASPEC), and offerings through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and Elderhostel identify the college as a national leader in continuing education.

Mission
The mission of Eckerd College is to provide an undergraduate liberal arts education and lifelong learning programs of the highest quality in the unique environment of Florida, within the context of a strong relationship with the Presbyterian Church and in a spirit of innovation.

Accreditation
Eckerd College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.

Covenant
A coeducational college of the liberal arts and sciences, it is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

History of the College’s Name
The school was founded in 1958 as Florida Presbyterian College and admitted its first students in 1960. In 1972, the College’s name was changed to honor the late Jack M. Eckerd, a prominent Florida civic leader and businessman whose gifts and commitments to the institution have helped to insure its continuing excellence. More than 11,000 graduates are seeking to lead lives of leadership and service in communities throughout the world.