Eckerd College
Eckerd College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Eckerd College Worth It?
At a value score of 23/100, Eckerd College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $51,819 — 4% below average — while paying $38,071/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.9-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 67% graduation rate means roughly 33% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $27,000 representing 52% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Eckerd College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Eckerd College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in FL
Ranked #124 of 154 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #2 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #3 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #4 | Nebraska Wesleyan University | 52 | $18,327 | $56,405 |
| #5 | Le Moyne College | 51 | $22,277 | $62,731 |
| #6 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #124 | Eckerd College | 23 | $38,071 | $51,819 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Eckerd College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in FL.
Best Programs at Eckerd College
The highest-earning program at Eckerd College is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $54,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Natural Resources Conservation and Research at $17,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Eckerd College earns $54,000, while a Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduate earns $17,000. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $21,251 in median debt vs. $26,847 for Natural Resources Conservation and Research.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $38,071/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $54,000 | $54,000 | $21,251 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $30,300 | $30,300 | $24,625 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $28,100 | $28,100 | $26,500 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $26,400 | $26,400 | $26,333 |
| Psychology, General | $23,800 | $23,800 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General | $23,600 | $23,600 | $25,921 |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology | $20,200 | $20,200 | $27,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $17,000 | $17,000 | $26,847 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Saint Petersburg, FL
- Student Body
- 1,888 students
- Admission Rate
- 76%
- Graduation Rate
- 67%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $38,071
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,819
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000