The largest university in St. Petersburg, the University of South Florida St. Petersburg is one of two separate universities in the University of South Florida System. The system enrolls over 39,000 students and offers over 228 degrees in both undergraduate and graduate studies.
Within the university are four colleges: the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Education, the College of Business and the College of Marine Science. Among the many programs, the college boasts its top-rated degrees are in Marine Science, Environmental Science, and Journalism and Communications.
As part of the USF System, students cheer on popular nationally recognized athletic programs like football and men's basketball of which both are members of the Big East Conference.
The university has housing on campus in the Residence Hall One building. The university estimates tuition and housing expenses to cost approximately $8,000 per semester for undergraduate studies and $9,000 for graduate studies.
University of South Florida St. Petersburg
140 7th Ave South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-873-1142
stpt.usf.edu
Based in downtown St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg College is a large commuter college that serves upwards of over 50,000 students a year. There are nine total campuses throughout the region, including four that reside directly in St. Petersburg.
Although the originally born in 1927 as a community college, St. Petersburg started offering students bachelor degrees in addition to and associates degrees in 2002. Bachelor degree majors include Veterinary Studies, Biology, Nursing and Education among others, while the college offers over a 100 associate degree majors.
The college estimates the cost of attending at $20,000 per year, which includes an approximate cost of local apartment housing. Housing is not offered through the university.
The college boasts that its ranked in the top-10 nationally for associate degrees awarded, according to its website.
St. Petersburg College
6605 5th Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33710-6899
727-341-3529
spcollege.edu
Eckerd College is a private, four-year accredited college that is liberal arts based. Students at the college work towards either a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.
Originally named Florida Presbyterian College, Eckerd's history began in 1958, but changed its to honor Jack M. Eckerd, who was an influential leader in Florida civics.
The strongest majors at the college include Sociology, Literature and Marine Science but Eckerd offers almost 50 major options and students have the freedom to tailor their studies to self-designed degrees.
Students can live on campus or commute to the college, although currently the college lists that nearly 80 percent of all students make their home on campus. The college notes its 2008 student population was 1,817 full or part-time students.
Eckerd College is not inexpensive by any stretch of the imagination. Costs between tuition and housing range upwards of over $40,000 a year, but the Admissions department recommends a number of scholarship and loan opportunities for new or returning students.
Eckerd College
4200 54th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33711
727-867-1166
eckerd.edu