Best
Value Colleges in Jacksonville in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Jacksonville, FL, combines foundational business knowledge with practical skills for diverse industries. Courses typically include accounting, economics, marketing, finance, management, business law, statistics, and organizational behavior. Students may develop communication, leadership, and analytical abilities through projects and internships. Popular local options include the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and Edward Waters University. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, operations supervisor, or sales manager.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Jacksonville, Florida, offers students insight into human behavior, mental processes, and social relationships. Programs typically include courses in developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, research methods, statistics, cognition, and counseling. Popular local options include the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and Edward Waters University. Graduates may pursue roles such as case manager, human resources specialist, behavioral health technician, or community support worker; advanced clinical or counseling practice generally requires graduate education and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Jacksonville, FL, combines theory and hands-on projects in programming, algorithms, data structures, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Students build applications, analyze data, and collaborate on team projects. Popular options include the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and Edward Waters University. Graduates may pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, web developers, database administrators, cybersecurity analysts, or computer and information research scientists. Internships and portfolios can strengthen job prospects.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Jacksonville, Florida, can prepare students to support individuals, couples, and communities. Coursework typically includes counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice, and supervised clinical work. Graduates may pursue roles such as mental health counselor, school counselor, substance use counselor, or case manager; independent licensure generally requires a graduate degree and supervised experience. Jacksonville options include the University of North Florida and Jacksonville University, which offer counseling-related advanced graduate study.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Jacksonville, Florida, combines learning with clinical practice in hospitals. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, and maternal health. Students prepare for roles as registered nurses, providing patient care in hospitals, clinics, facilities, and schools; they may pursue specialties after graduation. Jacksonville options include the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and Florida State College at Jacksonville, which offer nursing pathways.

Best Colleges in Jacksonville, FL Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is 16,461.5, compared with 33,351.5 at schools in the top 10%, a difference of 16,890.
• Financial aid is reported for an average of 100.0% of students across the schools, versus 67.8% at top 10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 67.8%. Schools receive an average of 8,103 applicants, compared with 17,180 at top 10% schools; the median applicant counts are 3,286 men and 4,895 women.
• Average test scores are 1,074.67 on the SAT and 21.67 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 9,468. The reported averages are 264.6 enrolled men and 339.4 enrolled women.
• The average graduation rate is 42.0%, compared with 60.0% at top 10% schools. Median graduation rates are 35.0% for men and 39.0% for women.
• Three institutions offer associate's degrees, six offer bachelor's degrees, four offer master's degrees, and two offer doctor's degrees.
• Six schools are coeducational; zero are schools for men and zero are schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare study costs and financial aid alongside admissions selectivity, test scores, enrollment, and graduation outcomes. In particular, consider how the overall figures differ from those for top 10% schools, and weigh the available degree levels and school types against your educational goals.

How much does studying at a college in Jacksonville, FL cost?

The average total cost of studying in Jacksonville, FL, is about $20,245.50. For a local student, that figure offers a useful starting point when comparing degree options at the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, or Florida State College at Jacksonville. Your actual bill will vary by school, program, housing choice, and whether you commute from home.

Reported averages include $18,963.50 for tuition and fees, $13,026.00 for room and board, and $1,070.00 for books and supplies. Because these category averages do not sum to the reported total amount, treat them as separate planning benchmarks rather than a precise itemized budget. Ask each college for a current cost-of-attendance estimate tailored to your residency and enrollment.

Jacksonville students can make this cost feel more manageable by checking financial-aid eligibility, scholarship deadlines, and payment plans. A tailored estimate can help you plan confidently and choose a program that fits your goals right here.

How long does it take to finish college in Jacksonville, FL?

In Jacksonville, FL, a full-time bachelor's degree typically takes about four years; an associate degree at Florida State College at Jacksonville takes about two. Transfer credits, part-time enrollment, prerequisite sequences, and course availability can extend those timelines. Local choices include the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and FSCJ.

To finish sooner, Jacksonville students can explore:

• Summer courses or shorter accelerated terms may let you complete more credits each year, if required classes are available.
• Transfer approved credits, or use AP, CLEP, and other prior-learning credit accepted by your college, to reduce remaining coursework.
• Ask advisers about online sections, course sequencing, and credit loads that fit your schedule without risking burnout.

The reported average graduation rate is 42.0%, versus 60.0% among the top 10% of schools; averages are 34.17% for men and 45.67% for women. These figures make early advising and a realistic course plan worthwhile as you work toward your Jacksonville degree, helping the path feel more manageable.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Jacksonville, FL, have a reported median alumni salary of $50,984. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median is about $79,562 - a promising benchmark as you plan how a degree could support your future.

If you're considering local options such as the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, or Florida State College at Jacksonville, remember that these figures are broad benchmarks, not salary guarantees for a particular school or major. Your earnings can vary with your field, experience, and career path.

• Reported median alumni salary: $50,984
• Median alumni salary for graduates of top 10% schools: about $79,562

People also ask

How many universities are there in Jacksonville?

Jacksonville, Florida, has three universities with their main campuses in the city: the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and Edward Waters University. That count excludes colleges and local campuses of universities headquartered elsewhere, so the total can vary if you use a broader definition. For students, this means several different campus experiences are available locally.

What is the largest university in Jacksonville?

The University of North Florida is Jacksonville's largest university by student enrollment. Its sizable campus on the city's Southside offers a traditional public-university setting, with room to explore academic programs, student activities, and campus life. If you're choosing where to study, comparing the feel of UNF with Jacksonville's smaller universities can help you find the right fit.

How many universities are there in Jacksonville?

Using the same main-campus definition, the answer is three. The number may look higher on lists that include satellite locations or institutions that offer university programs in Jacksonville but are based elsewhere. When researching your options, check whether a school's Jacksonville location provides the degree and campus experience you want.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in Jacksonville, FL Ranking in 2026-2027

University of North Florida is a public university in Jacksonville, making it a local option for students who want to earn a degree without leaving the city. It enrolls 17,507 students and reports a 69% graduation rate and 53% acceptance rate. The listed total cost of studying is $16,799, while median alumni salary is $47,160. As you compare Jacksonville choices, weigh these figures alongside your intended major, commute, financial aid, and campus experience to judge whether UNF fits your goals.

Jacksonville University is a private university located in Jacksonville, giving students the opportunity to pursue a degree close to home. Its enrollment is 4,279, with a 51% graduation rate and a 57% acceptance rate. The reported total study cost is $46,963, and median alumni salary is $63,940. Compared with other nearby options, its figures point to a smaller student population and a higher listed cost. Jacksonville applicants should investigate available aid, programs, and expected career outcomes before making a decision.

Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) is a public college serving Jacksonville-area learners, and its 23,556 students make it the largest enrollment among these five schools. Its graduation rate is 37%; acceptance-rate information is unavailable. The listed total cost of studying, $7,947, is the lowest in this group, while median alumni salary is $50,984. For a Jacksonville resident seeking an affordable degree pathway, compare program options, transfer arrangements, and total expenses before choosing the route that best supports your plans.

Chamberlain University-Florida is a career-focused university associated with nursing education, offering a distinct option for Jacksonville students considering health-related study. It enrolls 821 students, with a 33% graduation rate and a 91% acceptance rate. Its listed total cost is $19,740, and median alumni salary is $89,977, the highest reported here. Those outcomes may interest career-minded applicants, but compare program-specific expenses, clinical placement arrangements, licensure requirements, and local commute needs before deciding whether this Florida-based choice suits your long-term degree plans.

Edward Waters University is a historically Black university in Jacksonville, giving local students a campus option rooted in that educational tradition. It enrolls 1,177 students, with a 28% graduation rate and an 85% acceptance rate. The total cost of studying is $16,124; median alumni salary is not available in the data. If you are considering a degree here, ask about academic support, financial aid, career services, and outcomes for your intended program, then compare those details with other Jacksonville-area colleges.