<p>Eckerd has a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, (the youngest college to have one), it also has the largest number of NOAA Hollings Scholars in the US. They just received a $700,000 NIH grant to study cancer fighting drugs as well as a $400,000 Luce family award to set up an interdiciplinary program on Asian environmental studies, (this will fund students to study at Eckerd and SE Asia), a junior student was just recognized as a Goldwater scholar, last year the students volunteered 77,000 community service hours, Eckerd is also recognized for academic quality in the Fiske college guide. Eckerd also has an honors program and freshman research awards. The greatest program is the mentor program. Students are assigned a mentor in the 3 week autumn term where freshman only are on campus for 3 weeks in August. This professor then teaches their 3 week class as well as the Human Experience course that meets 3 times/week Fall and Spring of freshman year. Professors are rated on how well they engage students in their research. Student research can begin in freshman year in all of the disciplines, they do not compete with grad. students for research positions. They present at conferences in the US and abroad. The students must either take comprehensive exams or present a thesis in senior year. The study abroad opportunities are numerous, a student can study for a semester with Eckerd professors and students at Eckerd’s London or Latin America study center, or at an exchange university. Winter term affords the chance to go abroad with an Ecker professor and fellow students to study at international universities. Spring service break trips are student led with a faculty advisor. There are also Spring into Summer study abroad courses. There is no Greek life. As with all colleges, there are many layers to discover. The laid back, outdoor campus life can be very deceptive. I would suggest that you speak with the director of financial aid, they are noted for being generous. The best thing is to continue to do as you and your daughter are doing, visit various types of colleges and gather the facts.</p>