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Florida is home to a variety of universities — public and private, large and small. Whether you’re looking for a large student body or a small school feel, this state has something for you. Each of the universities on this list offers a wide array of academic programs that prepare students for careers after graduation.
Here are the top 20 universities in Florida that provide excellent education and quality of living.
20. Eckerd College
Eckerd College is a private institution that was founded in 1958. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,821, its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 188 acres. It utilizes a 4-1-4-based academic calendar.
Its tuition and fees are $38,668 (2014-15).
Located in the city of St. Petersburg, Florida, the waterfront campus of Eckerd College overlooks Boca Ciega Bay on the western coast of the state. Eckerd College offers about 40 undergraduate majors and does not have master’s degree courses.
Through the Eckerd College Program for Experienced Learners, working adults can earn bachelor’s degrees by taking courses online and at times that fit around their busy schedules. The program also allows adult learners to take entire courses in eight weeks by meeting once a week for five hours in the evening or on weekends.
Students at Eckerd can stay busy outside of the classroom by exploring the International Cinema Series and various art exhibitions, theater performances, poetry slams, writing workshops and guest lectures. Much of recreational life at Eckerd College is based on its waterfront location. That ocean theme includes the name of its varsity sports teams, the Tritons, which compete in the NCAA Division II Sunshine State Conference.
Students can also get involved in the Eckerd College Search and Rescue Team (EC-SAR), which works closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and responds to distress calls in the area.
Applying
When applying to Eckerd College, it’s important to note the application deadline is rolling, and the early action deadline is November 15. Scores for either the ACT or SAT test are due March 15.
The application fee at Eckerd College is $40. It is selective, with an acceptance rate of 72.2 percent and an early acceptance rate of 85.3 percent.
Academic Life
The student-faculty ratio at Eckerd College is 12:1, and the school has 44.9 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students.
The most popular majors at Eckerd College include: Environmental Studies; Marine Sciences; Psychology, General; Biology, General; and Communication and Media Studies. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 81 percent.
Student Life
Eckerd College has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,821, with a gender distribution of 40.2 percent male students and 59.8 percent female students. At this school, 85 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 15 percent of students live off campus.
Eckerd College is part of the NCAA II athletic conference.
Campus Services
Eckerd College offers a number of student services including nonremedial tutoring, women’s center, placement service, health service, and health insurance.
Eckerd College also offers campus safety and security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late night transport/escort service, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks, student patrols, and controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc). Of the students at Eckerd College, 54 percent have cars on campus.
Alcohol is permitted for students of legal age at Eckerd College.
Cost and Financial Aid
At Eckerd College, 59.2 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $20,768.