Eckerd College is a private liberal arts college in St. Petersburg, Florida, with part of its campus situated on the waterfront and beach along Boca Ciega Bay, earning it the nickname "Beach School." The most popular majors include Marine Science/Marine Biology, Psychology, Environmental Studies, and Business, with the college being particularly known for its marine science program, which holds classes in Florida waters and utilizes the college's own fleet of vessels. Students are drawn to Eckerd because 80% come from out-of-state seeking an adventurous, outdoorsy, and open-minded college experience, while the spectacular mile of waterfront campus provides outdoor laboratories for biology, marine science, and environmental studies. Eckerd is featured in "Colleges That Change Lives" and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, reflecting its reputation as a transformative liberal arts institution that combines academic rigor with unique experiential learning opportunities.