Hey, what's up. I'm Ferrari Saint Paul and this is Youniversity TV, where we put you in university. Today were here at Eckerd College, which is known for its academic excellence, and a tropical setting.

[ Music ] The school was founded in 1958 as Florida Presbyterian College, and admitted its first students in 1960. Eckerd College is located right on the Florida Gulf Coast in St. Petersburg near Tampa Bay. Set against a backdrop of palm trees, and blue water. Eckerd offers an atmosphere of intellectual richness, and spaciousness.

In downtown St. Pete is a really nice area. We have a holocaust museum, it's a big thing that we take students too all the time. The Dali museum downtown. There's a lot of culture in St. Petersburg.

Four years at Eckerd could be considered an extended stay in paradise. The college is located on nearly 200 tropical acres, more than a mile long stretch of campus is located on the water. Eckerd College has a diverse student body, with approximately 1,800 students from 48 states and 30 countries. Eckerd's campus is geographically diverse, as 75% of its students come from out of state.

There's always this huge masses of Eckerd people because it's so small, and we are tight nit that we all kind of travel. Wherever the party it's kind of like we all go together.

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Eckerd College is somewhat selective, as approximately 65% of applicants are admitted. Recent incoming freshmen average about a 3.3 GPA, score a 25 on the ACT, and average between 1130 and 1140 on the SAT.

We love to see students who are open minded. Students who have, taken advantage of travel opportunities in the past, or have done community work, or showing a sense of commitment outside the classroom.

When the freshmen come to Eckerd College, they choose an autumn term class, that faculty member that teaches that class becomes that students mentor for the rest of their freshman year.

Tuition at Eckerd College is just under $29,000 per year. In addition, room and board plus other expenses , run about an extra $8,500 per year. Over 96% of Eckerd's students receive financial packages, which averages over $21,000. Eckerd offers over 20 majors and some are self-designed. Some of the most popular majors include marine science, environmental studies, international business, management, international relations and global affairs, psychology, and biology. What better place to study marine science then at the Boca Siega Bay. Eckerd's [inaudible] marine science class allows students to study sea creature right here on campus. Let's see what's in the tank today.

[ Music ] Eckerd College is known for its outstanding liberal arts, and Sciences College, as well as its study abroad in international education, and creative writing programs.

Over 60% of our students actually have an international experience. We have established study centers in London, China, and a study center in Mexico, and so students who come here have an opportunity to really get into international organization, international law in York, Geneva, these centers of international cooperation.

Eckerd has a 13 to 1 student's ratio and 95% of their 113 full time faculty members have a PhD or a terminal degree.

I think the interaction with professors here is just out of this world. You don't see other schools where a professor will call you if you're not in class that day and say, Hey, how are you doing? What's going on? Why weren't you there today? That kind of personal interest really makes learning a partnership, rather than a lecture.

All of my professors know me by name and they know who I am, and what I do, what I'm interested in. And that individual attention has definitely made my college experience.

The Eckerd Triton athletic teams compete at the division 2 level in the Florida Sunshine State Conference. About 80% of Eckerd's students live in the on campus dormitories. Which range from traditional rooms with a shared common area to apartment style suites with incredible views of Boca Siega Bay. Themed resident offer a special accommodations, and include; all females, community service, health and wellness, substance free, and even pet friendly.

Themes.

When I was here as a first year student, it was great having a communal space, because e a lot of my friends went to the bathroom. Hey what's up john, how are you doing?

Need something to do? Eckerd has over 80 clubs and organized activities. Including; lacrosse, rugby, disk golf, and even surf club, plus social, political, academic, religious, and arts groups. As well as a radio station and a student newspaper.

[ Loud noise ] Today I'm in ECSART training, a.k.a. Eckerd College Search and Rescue Team. The only program of its kind in the entire US. These students actually get to work with the US Coast Guard to ensure the safety of the Tampa Bay boating community.

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[ Music ] Did you know that Eckerd College is one of only 40 schools listed in Lauren Pokes [assumed spelling] book, Colleges that change Lives [inaudible] lists Eckerd in the top 20 colleges in the US, and DC Magazine with the Princeton Review Print number 18 in the most high tech campus category among over 200 colleges and universities. If you're looking for a college where year round warm weather in a great location go hand in hand. Then be sure to check out Eckerd College. Thanks for joining us here in St. Petersburg, Florida on our tour of Eckerd College. So long from the Gulf Coast.

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