About University of North Florida
The University of North Florida has built a strong reputation for marine science and coastal research, taking advantage of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. This public research university enrolls 13,915 students in Jacksonville, Florida's largest city. Former Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and ex-NFL quarterback Kerwin Bell both graduated from UNF. The school accepts 70.5% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a state university.
Students pay an average net price of $10,353 after financial aid, which represents solid value for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median of $56,343 ten years after completing their studies. With typical debt loads of $15,531, most students face manageable monthly loan payments of $165. In-state students get an especially good deal with tuition of just $6,389 annually.
Nearly 95% of students come from Florida, creating a hometown feel on campus. The student body is 57.6% female and reflects the state's diversity with 16.3% Hispanic and 12.2% Black students. UNF's Ospreys compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 15 varsity sports. The 68.2% six-year graduation rate shows room for improvement, though 81.2% of freshmen return for sophomore year.
Students pay an average net price of $10,353 after financial aid, which represents solid value for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median of $56,343 ten years after completing their studies. With typical debt loads of $15,531, most students face manageable monthly loan payments of $165. In-state students get an especially good deal with tuition of just $6,389 annually.
Nearly 95% of students come from Florida, creating a hometown feel on campus. The student body is 57.6% female and reflects the state's diversity with 16.3% Hispanic and 12.2% Black students. UNF's Ospreys compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 15 varsity sports. The 68.2% six-year graduation rate shows room for improvement, though 81.2% of freshmen return for sophomore year.
Academics & Faculty
UNF operates as a public research university with growing academic recognition, particularly in marine and coastal sciences given Jacksonville's Atlantic coastline location. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than top private schools, but still allows for meaningful professor interaction. The school's 68% six-year graduation rate reflects solid academic support, though some students take longer to finish. Marine science attracts students interested in coastal research and environmental studies. Business and health programs also draw significant enrollment. The university's relative youth, founded in 1969, means it's still building its academic reputation but offers modern facilities and modern programs that appeal to Florida's growing student population.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 96.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 68.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 68.2%
- Retention Rate
- 81.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,343
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $126,504 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,897 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,557 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $65,441 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $64,990 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,516 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,673 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,057 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $57,770 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $56,415 |
Campus Life
UNF's modern campus sits on 1,381 acres in Jacksonville, Florida's largest city with 950,000 residents. The university houses only 27% of its 13,915 students on campus, creating a commuter-heavy atmosphere where many drive to classes. Jacksonville's year-round warmth means students pack sunscreen rather than winter coats, with average temperatures rarely dropping below 60 degrees.
The Ospreys compete in 15 Division I sports, though school spirit centers more around outdoor activities than packed stadiums. Students gravitate toward the nearby beaches and St. Johns River for weekend recreation. UNF's location 20 minutes from downtown Jacksonville gives students access to internships at major corporations like CSX and Fidelity National Financial. The campus culture reflects its 1969 founding as a relatively young institution without deep-rooted traditions. With 94.75% of students from Florida, the vibe stays decidedly local and laid-back, matching Jacksonville's coastal personality.
The Ospreys compete in 15 Division I sports, though school spirit centers more around outdoor activities than packed stadiums. Students gravitate toward the nearby beaches and St. Johns River for weekend recreation. UNF's location 20 minutes from downtown Jacksonville gives students access to internships at major corporations like CSX and Fidelity National Financial. The campus culture reflects its 1969 founding as a relatively young institution without deep-rooted traditions. With 94.75% of students from Florida, the vibe stays decidedly local and laid-back, matching Jacksonville's coastal personality.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 3,780 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1969
Campus Safety (2023)
40 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 44°–65°F
- July Avg
- 73°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 51.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Nearly 95% of students call Florida home, reflecting UNF's strong reputation within the state rather than national recognition. Women make up 58% of the student body, drawn particularly to the university's respected education and health science programs. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing UNF serves many first-generation college students from working families. The diverse student mix includes significant Hispanic and Black populations that mirror Jacksonville's demographics. Students tend to be practical and career-focused, choosing UNF for its affordable tuition and solid job placement rates in the regional market.
- Men
- 42.4%
- Women
- 57.6%
- White
- 56.8%
- Black
- 12.2%
- Hispanic
- 16.3%
- Asian
- 5.8%
- In-State Students
- 94.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.8%
Location
The University of North Florida sits in Jacksonville, Florida's largest city with over 950,000 residents. Jacksonville spans 874 square miles, making it one of the largest cities by land area in the United States. The campus lies just 20 miles from Atlantic Ocean beaches, giving students easy access to coastal recreation and marine research opportunities. Jacksonville serves as a major port city and financial center for Northeast Florida. The metropolitan area houses 1.6 million people, providing abundant internship and job prospects. UNF's location offers the advantages of a large urban center while maintaining a distinct campus identity within the sprawling city. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare University of North Florida with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Jacksonville, Florida 32224-7699
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,343
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,626
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 58.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $165/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,531
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of North Florida?
UNF accepts 70.5% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a public university. Students typically need SAT scores between 1010-1210, with the average being 1110.
How much does University of North Florida cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $10,353 annually, though this varies by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,465 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full cost.
What is University of North Florida known for academically?
UNF is particularly recognized for its marine science programs and coastal research, taking advantage of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The university maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs.
What are the graduation rates at University of North Florida?
UNF graduates 68.2% of students within six years, which is solid for a public university of its size. The four-year graduation rate is nearly identical at 67.95%, and graduates earn a median salary of $56,343 ten years after graduation.
Where is University of North Florida located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Jacksonville, Florida's largest city, serving 13,915 students. With housing for 3,780 students and 15 varsity sports teams competing in Division I, UNF offers a blend of urban opportunities and traditional college experiences.
How affordable are student loans at University of North Florida?
UNF graduates have relatively low debt burdens, with a median of $15,531 upon graduation. Monthly loan payments average just $165, and the university has a 58.82% loan repayment rate, indicating graduates can typically manage their debt load.
