I graduated in 2008 and only in recent years have ...

I graduated in 2008 and only in recent years have begun to value the education I received. Eckerd did not teach me how to manage business, Eckerd taught me how to think. Learning how to think critically enriched my life and gave me tools to be dropped into jobs and teach myself.
This whole making college a safe and fancy place is ridiculous. Eckerd looks like a ritzy boutique place for rich kids to get an education. I hope Eckerd can focus on education and have liberal arts be accessible.
I would highly encourage you to go to Eckerd. Just have realistic expectations and understand the purpose of Liberal Arts.