At $26,255/yr net price, Jacksonville University graduates earn $68,010/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $34,010/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,255 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $105,020 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $68,010/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$34,010/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,467/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,680/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,141/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,211/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,566/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $87,420 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $82,440 | $37,362 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Certificate | $73,737 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,857 | $20,500 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Certificate | $59,515 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $53,358 | $22,000 |
| Air Transportation. | Bachelor | $44,835 | $24,058 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $44,189 | $20,832 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $44,170 | $25,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $35,864 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
57.0% of students at Jacksonville University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Jacksonville University delivers middling financial returns with significant variation across programs. The $68,010 median earnings after 10 years barely justify the $26,255 annual net price, especially given the concerning 57% graduation rate.
Nursing programs dominate the strongest ROI outcomes, with top earners reaching $87,420 annually. These programs justify their higher debt loads since nursing demand remains strong in Jacksonville's healthcare market. Business graduates also perform well at $73,737, benefiting from the city's growing financial services sector.
Communication disorders graduates face tougher financial prospects at $59,515, making the investment questionable unless you plan graduate school. The 43% of students who don't graduate face particularly poor outcomes with debt but no degree.
Your biggest financial risk here is the low graduation rate. Nearly half of entering students leave without completing their program, often carrying debt. The 75% retention rate suggests many students struggle in their first year.
Jacksonville University makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or business and can handle the academic demands. The school works best for students who don't need extensive financial aid, since only 30% receive assistance. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widely distributed.
Skip this school if you need significant financial aid, struggle academically, or plan to study lower-earning fields. The combination of high costs, moderate outcomes, and low graduation rates creates substantial financial risk for students who aren't confident they'll complete their degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jacksonville University worth the cost for nursing students?
Jacksonville University's nursing programs offer strong ROI, with graduates earning $66,857 to $87,420 annually. The investment pays off better than most other majors at the school.
What is the return on investment for a Jacksonville University degree?
Jacksonville University graduates earn a median of $68,010 ten years after graduation, which is modest given the $26,255 annual net price. The 57% graduation rate means many students don't complete their degrees.
How much student debt do Jacksonville University graduates have?
Jacksonville University graduates have a median debt of $22,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. The debt-to-income ratio works out reasonably for nursing and business majors but may be challenging for lower-paying fields.
Which Jacksonville University programs provide the best financial return?
Nursing programs at Jacksonville University offer the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning $66,857 to $87,420. Business majors earn around $73,737, while communication disorders graduates earn $59,515.