Best
Colleges in Jacksonville in 2027

Business Administration

Studying a business administration program in Jacksonville, FL combines topics such as accounting, economics, marketing, management, finance, business law, and data analysis. Students build communication, leadership, and decision-making skills through projects and internships. Local options include the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, Edward Waters University, and Florida State College at Jacksonville. Graduates pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, operations supervisor, or sales manager in companies, nonprofits, and government.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Jacksonville, Florida, combines coursework in human development, research methods, statistics, cognition, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. Students build skills in assessment, communication, and data analysis through classes and experience. Popular options include the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and Edward Waters University. Graduates with a bachelor's degree may pursue roles such as case manager, behavioral health technician, human resources assistant, or outreach coordinator; clinical psychologist positions require graduate study and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Jacksonville, Florida, combines programming, theory, and hands-on problem-solving. Typical coursework includes programming languages, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, software engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students develop projects, collaborate on teams, and pursue internships with employers. Graduates become software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, database administrators, or IT consultants. Popular Jacksonville options include the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and Florida State College at Jacksonville.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Jacksonville, FL combines psychology, practical skills, and supervised experience. Typical courses include counseling theories, ethics, assessment, human development, group counseling, multicultural practice, and internships or practicum placements. Popular local options include the University of North Florida and Jacksonville University, both offering graduate counseling study. Graduates may pursue roles such as mental health counselor, school counselor, substance use counselor, or case manager, with independent practice generally requiring licensure and supervised hours.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Jacksonville, FL offers pathways from associate to bachelor's degrees, combining classroom learning with hands-on clinical practice. Courses typically include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and community health. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or public health settings; some begin as licensed practical nurses or nursing assistants. Jacksonville options include the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and Florida State College at Jacksonville.

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% of the ranking.
• An average of 100.0% of students receive financial aid, compared with 67.8% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 67.8%. Schools receive an average of 8,103 applicants, while top-10% schools average 17,180 applicants. The median number of applicants is 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. Average enrollment figures are 264.6 men and 339.4 women.
• The average graduation rate is 42.0%, compared with 60.0% at top-10% schools. The median graduation rate is 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 total cost and financial aid availability with your budget, and consider acceptance rates and applicant numbers as part of your application planning. Also weigh graduation rates, enrollment figures, available degree levels, and whether a school's programs and setting fit your goals.

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

The average reported total cost of studying in Jacksonville, FL, is $20,245.50. This is a benchmark, not a guaranteed price for completing an entire degree: your total depends on the school, program, enrollment pace, and time to graduation. The average for tuition and fees is $18,963.50, and books and supplies average $1,070. Housing choices also shape your budget; room and board averages $13,026, so compare campus housing with renting and commuting.

A Jacksonville student can compare programs at the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and Florida State College at Jacksonville. Each institution has different tuition rates, degree options, and financial aid, so check program-specific costs before enrolling. If you are balancing work and study, ask about part-time schedules, scholarships, grants, and transfer credits; these may make college more manageable. Planning early can help you choose a path that fits your goals and budget, and feel more confident about affordability.

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

Most students in Jacksonville, FL, need about four years of full-time study to earn a bachelor's degree; an associate degree at Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) typically takes about two years. Actual timing depends on your major, course load, transfer credits, and whether required classes are available each term. At the University of North Florida (UNF) or Jacksonville University, planning your schedule early can make a four-year finish more achievable.

To finish sooner, take summer classes, transfer eligible credits, or ask about accelerated and online options at FSCJ, UNF, or Jacksonville University. Confirm that credits meet your program requirements; planning can prevent delays and make progress exciting. The reported average graduation rate is 42.0%, rising to 60.0% among the top 10% of schools. Rates are 34.17% for men and 45.67% for women, underscoring the value of choosing a manageable course load and using advising to stay on track.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Jacksonville, FL, earn a median alumni salary of about $50,984. At schools in the top 10% for alumni salaries, the median is about $79,562 - a promising benchmark as you plan for life after graduation.

In Jacksonville, you can explore programs at the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and Florida State College at Jacksonville. Your own earning potential will depend on your major, career, experience, and the opportunities you pursue locally.

People also ask

How many colleges are in Jacksonville

There isn't one definitive number, because counts vary depending on whether they include community colleges, career schools, satellite campuses, and specialized institutions. Four prominent local options are the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, Florida State College at Jacksonville, and Edward Waters University. These give students a range of public, private, and historically Black college experiences.

What is the main college in Jacksonville?

The University of North Florida (UNF) is often considered Jacksonville's main public university. Its large campus on the city's Southside offers undergraduate and graduate programs, student activities, and access to nature trails and campus green spaces. Jacksonville also has other significant institutions, so the best fit depends on your preferred program, campus feel, and budget.

Where do college students go in Jacksonville?

Students spend time on their campuses, but Jacksonville offers plenty to explore beyond class. Riverside and Five Points are popular for cafés, restaurants, and local shops; the beaches offer a relaxed place to meet friends; and parks and riverfront areas make outdoor breaks easy. The best destination often depends on where you live and how you get around.

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

Located in Jacksonville, the University of North Florida offers a local option for students seeking a degree without leaving the city. Its enrollment of 17,507 gives it the largest student body among these five schools. The reported graduation rate is 69%, and the acceptance rate is 53%. Total study cost is $16,799, while median alumni salary is $47,160. For Jacksonville-based applicants, this combination of access, scale, and comparatively low listed cost may make UNF worth considering when comparing local degree choices.

Jacksonville University is a private university in the city, offering local students another nearby route to a degree. Its enrollment is 4,279, with a 51% graduation rate and a 57% acceptance rate. The reported total cost of study is $46,963, and median alumni salary is $63,940. For someone living in Jacksonville, staying close to home may simplify logistics, while the school's smaller enrollment than UNF's can offer a different campus scale. Compare costs and programs against your goals and budget.

Edward Waters University, a historically Black university in Jacksonville, gives local students an option with a distinct institutional heritage. It enrolls 1,177 students, and the reported acceptance rate is 85%, while the graduation rate is 28%. Total study cost is $16,124, among the lower figures in this group. Median alumni salary data is unavailable, so compare outcomes through other sources. For Jacksonville residents, its city location may support a familiar setting for pursuing a degree and learning within a smaller community.

Chamberlain University-Florida provides Jacksonville students with a locally based option, particularly relevant to those exploring health professions and nursing education. Its enrollment is 821, the smallest reported among these five institutions. The school reports a 33% graduation rate and a 91% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $19,740, while median alumni salary is $89,977. That salary figure is the highest listed, though outcomes vary by program. Jacksonville applicants should verify degree options, clinical requirements, and financial aid before enrolling.

Trinity Baptist College is a Jacksonville-based institution with a Baptist Christian identity, offering another local possibility for students pursuing a degree. Enrollment data is unavailable, but the college reports a 34% graduation rate and a 53% acceptance rate. Its listed total study cost is $13,900, the lowest among the five schools. Median alumni salary is $31,399. For students in Jacksonville, its location can make staying near home practical; compare its academic offerings, faith environment, and costs with your educational priorities.