Jacksonville University logo

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville, FL Private ยท Urban www.ju.edu
Accept Rate
57.29%
Grad Rate
55.1%
Enrollment
2,649
Avg SAT
1211
Tuition
$46,180
Median Salary
$68,010
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A-
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Jacksonville University offers a vibrant, waterfront campus experience where the line between classroom and coastal living blurs. Students describe a close-knit, supportive community that feels both professionally driven and personally relaxed, often studying with views of the St. Johns River.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

57.29%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 121175th Pctl
11101260
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2375th Pctl
2428
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your interest in Jacksonvilleโ€™s unique programs, such as Marine Science or the Naval ROTC unit, in your application essay. Since the acceptance rate is moderate, aim for the 1211 SAT average or higher to strengthen your chances for merit aid.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1211
40080012001600
School range: 1110โ€“1260

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

JU is particularly strong in Health Professions, Business, and Visual & Performing Arts, offering hands-on learning through its renowned Navy ROTC program and artist-in-residence opportunities. Small class sizes ensure direct access to professors, and the campusโ€™s proximity to downtown Jacksonville opens doors for internships across diverse industries.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
37.5%
Business & Marketing
11.7%
Transportation
8.8%
Visual & Performing Arts
7.8%
Social Sciences
5.1%
Multidisciplinary Studies
5.1%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
4.3%
Biology & Biomedical
4.2%
Psychology
3.8%
Engineering
2.9%
Education
2.4%
Computer Science
1.4%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

55.1%
Graduation Rate
75.3%
Retention Rate
2,649
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$46,180
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$26,255
After financial aid
Total Cost
$61,414
Cost of attendance/year
29.9%
Receive Pell Grants
47.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Jacksonville

Students take full advantage of Jacksonville's massive size, from surfing at Jacksonville Beach to tailgating at Jaguars NFL games. The campus itself is a hub for social life with riverfront access, but students frequently explore the city's breweries, the Avondale historic district, and the annual Florida-Georgia football rivalry events.

Local Rent Check

$1,354 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Jacksonville
Explore Jacksonville

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$184,720
$0Est. 4 Years: $184,720

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($68,010):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a quiet, residential neighborhood and maintains its own police force with 24/7 patrols. While Jacksonville is a large city, the university area is generally safe, though students are advised to use the campus escort service at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Beautiful riverfront campus with modern facilities.
  • โœ“ Strong Navy ROTC and Marine Science programs.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes foster close relationships with faculty.
  • โœ“ Location in Jacksonville provides ample internship and job opportunities.

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation rate (55.1%) is below the national average.
  • โœ— Tuition is high for a regional private university.
  • โœ— Jacksonville's sprawl makes having a car almost necessary for exploring the city.

Notable Alumni

Amit Paley
CEO and Executive Director of The Trevor Project and former journalist for The Washington Post.
Brian Sexton
Longtime radio voice for the Jacksonville Jaguars and prominent sports broadcaster.
Danielle Johnson
Award-winning meteorologist and broadcast journalist for WJAX-TV in Jacksonville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville University is best known for its highly regarded Marine Science program, the Navy ROTC unit, and its College of Fine Arts, which features a renowned Artists-in-Residence program. It also offers strong programs in Business, specifically Logistics, and Health Professions, leveraging its location in a major medical hub.

No, Jacksonville University has a moderately selective acceptance rate of 57.29%. While not highly competitive, successful applicants typically present a GPA around 3.5 and an SAT score near the average of 1211 to be competitive for admission and merit scholarships.

Campus life is defined by its location on the St. Johns River, with a mix of modern dorms and recreational spaces. Students enjoy a balanced social scene with Division I athletics, active Greek life, and easy access to Jacksonville's beaches and downtown nightlife.

For students interested in niche fields like Marine Science or Navy ROTC, the specialized opportunities can justify the cost. With an average net price of $26,255 and 10-year median earnings of $68,010, the degree offers a reasonable financial return, especially for those entering high-demand local industries.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Mayo Clinic CSX Transportation Johnson & Johnson Vision Raymond James Financial City of Jacksonville
Smart Start Score
67

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 3,984
  • In-State Tuition $46,180
  • Zip Code 32211

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 40.4% โ™€ 59.7%

The Money Talk

With a sticker price of $46,180, the net price drops significantly to $26,255 for the average student, aided by the 29.9% Pell Grant rate. The 10-year median earnings of $68,010 suggest a solid return on investment, particularly for graduates entering the robust healthcare and logistics sectors in the region.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $46,180
Housing (12 mo) $16,248
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $69,628
With avg financial aid:
$26,255/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.