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 gives you a middle-of-the-road financial return. A median $68,010 salary ten years out against a private-college net price puts you above the debt load most graduates carry, but the payoff depends heavily on your major and whether you finish. With a 57% graduation rate, a meaningful share of you leave without a degree while still owing money, and that is the biggest risk here.
Nursing is the clear winner. It pays the most of any program listed and carries the lowest debt, and Jacksonville's regional hospital market gives you a direct path to using it. Finance is the next reasonable bet. Below that, the numbers get shaky. Air Transportation looks appealing given Jacksonville's aviation and military presence, but graduates earn under $45,000 while carrying the highest debt of any program here. Marketing pairs low earnings with $25,000 in debt, the worst trade on this list. Management sciences lands in the same weak tier.
The net price tiers hold a surprise. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay roughly the same as families in the $48-75k range, and less than families earning over $75,000. Aid at the lower end brings the sticker down, but not dramatically, and you still face a real bill. Families above $110,000 pay the most and get the least discount.
This school fits you if you are committed to nursing or, secondarily, finance, and you can realistically finish in four years. If you are drawn to marketing, general management, or aviation, the debt-to-earnings math does not work in your favor here, and a cheaper public option would leave you with the same degree and less to repay. If you are unsure of your major, the graduation rate makes this a costly place to figure it out.
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.