About Jacksonville University
Jacksonville University draws 2,649 students to its campus along the St. Johns River, where marine science programs have earned national recognition. The school's location gives students access to both coastal research opportunities and internships in Florida's largest city. Notable alumni include Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow and former Jacksonville mayor John Delaney. With a 57.69% acceptance rate and average SAT scores of 1150, JU attracts solid students who want the benefits of a private education without Ivy League competition.
Students pay an average net price of $26,255 after financial aid, well below the $46,180 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $68,010 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $22,000 manageable with monthly payments of $233. The 97% employment rate suggests strong career outcomes. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves middle-class families alongside wealthier students.
The Dolphins compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 16 sports, with $7.9 million in athletic scholarships supporting 460 student-athletes. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, though the 57% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish. Three-quarters of students return for sophomore year, indicating most find their footing quickly.
Students pay an average net price of $26,255 after financial aid, well below the $46,180 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $68,010 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $22,000 manageable with monthly payments of $233. The 97% employment rate suggests strong career outcomes. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves middle-class families alongside wealthier students.
The Dolphins compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 16 sports, with $7.9 million in athletic scholarships supporting 460 student-athletes. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, though the 57% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish. Three-quarters of students return for sophomore year, indicating most find their footing quickly.
Academics & Faculty
Jacksonville University operates as a full private university with marine science as its academic crown jewel, capitalizing on its Florida coastal location. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention that helps explain the solid academic support system. However, the 57% six-year graduation rate suggests students face challenges completing their degrees on time. The university has built a strong reputation in business programs and education alongside its marine science offerings. With 2,649 students, JU maintains an intimate campus environment where professors know their students personally. The school combines liberal arts breadth with professional preparation, particularly excelling in programs that leverage Jacksonville's business community and marine environment for hands-on learning opportunities.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 58.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 55.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 57.0%
- Retention Rate
- 75.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $68,010
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $87,420 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $82,440 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Certificate | $73,737 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,857 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Certificate | $59,515 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $53,358 |
| Air Transportation. | Bachelor | $44,835 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $44,189 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $44,170 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $35,864 |
Campus Life
Jacksonville University sits on 240 acres along the St. Johns River in Florida's largest city. About 55% of the 2,649 students live on campus in residence halls that house 1,454 students total. The subtropical climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round and can leave the winter coat at home, with temperatures rarely dipping below 50 degrees.
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. With 16 varsity sports and 460 student-athletes, game days bring energy to campus, especially during basketball season in the newly renovated Swisher Gym. The riverfront campus offers stunning water views and hosts events like the annual River Day celebration. About 47% of students stay nearby after graduation, many landing jobs in Jacksonville's growing finance and healthcare sectors. Weekend activities center around the river, downtown Jacksonville just minutes away, or the beaches 30 minutes east. The combination of Division I athletics, marine science research opportunities, and urban internships creates a unique blend for the 75% of students who return each year.
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. With 16 varsity sports and 460 student-athletes, game days bring energy to campus, especially during basketball season in the newly renovated Swisher Gym. The riverfront campus offers stunning water views and hosts events like the annual River Day celebration. About 47% of students stay nearby after graduation, many landing jobs in Jacksonville's growing finance and healthcare sectors. Weekend activities center around the river, downtown Jacksonville just minutes away, or the beaches 30 minutes east. The combination of Division I athletics, marine science research opportunities, and urban internships creates a unique blend for the 75% of students who return each year.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,454 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1934
Campus Safety (2023)
10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 44°–65°F
- July Avg
- 73°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 51.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Jacksonville University draws a regional student body with 53% coming from Florida, reflecting its strong local reputation in the Southeast. Women make up nearly 60% of enrollment, which aligns with the university's emphasis on health sciences, education, and liberal arts programs. The student body is diverse, with significant Black and Hispanic representation that mirrors Jacksonville's multicultural population. About 30% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves middle-class families seeking a private university experience. Many students are attracted by the combination of small class sizes and Division I athletics in a major metropolitan setting.
- Men
- 40.4%
- Women
- 59.7%
- White
- 53.3%
- Black
- 14.9%
- Hispanic
- 16.0%
- Asian
- 2.3%
- In-State Students
- 53.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.9%
Location
Jacksonville University sits in Florida's largest city by area, home to 950,000 residents along the Atlantic coast. The campus lies just 20 miles from Jacksonville's beaches and downtown core. Students have access to a major metropolitan area with professional sports teams, internship opportunities, and cultural attractions. The St. Johns River runs through the city, supporting the university's strong marine science programs. Jacksonville serves as a major port and business center in Northeast Florida. The warm climate allows for year-round outdoor activities and supports the university's 16 Division I athletic programs. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Jacksonville University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Jacksonville, Florida 32211-3394
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $68,010
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $78,212
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $48,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 53.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $233/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Jacksonville University?
Jacksonville University accepts 57.69% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Students typically need SAT scores between 1060 and 1240 to be competitive for admission.
How much does Jacksonville University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Jacksonville University is $26,255 after financial aid, lower than the full tuition of $46,180. Nearly 30% of students receive Pell Grants, and the typical graduate leaves with $22,000 in debt.
What academic programs is Jacksonville University known for?
Jacksonville University is particularly recognized for its marine science programs, taking advantage of its Florida coastal location. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio among 2,649 students, the university offers personalized attention in its specialized programs.
What are the graduation rates at Jacksonville University?
Jacksonville University has a 57% six-year graduation rate and 55.1% four-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $68,010 ten years after graduation, with a 97% employment rate.
Where do students live at Jacksonville University?
Jacksonville University houses 1,454 students on campus in the heart of Jacksonville, Florida. The university maintains a 75.29% retention rate, suggesting students are satisfied with campus life and academics.
Does Jacksonville University compete in Division I athletics?
Jacksonville University fields 16 varsity sports teams in NCAA Division I as part of the Atlantic Sun Conference. The Jaguars award $7.9 million in athletic scholarships to 460 student-athletes, including notable alumnus Tim Tebow.
