Colleges in Jacksonville: Full List of Schools
Writer
Editor & Writer
Writer
Editor & Writer
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality
Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.
Are you considering college in Jacksonville? The largest city by landmass in the contiguous United States boasts four private and public four-year colleges that offer some of the best bachelor's programs in Florida — and graduate degrees.
These four schools feature high acceptance rates, which can translate into a more diverse student body than selective colleges.
Find a college in Jacksonville that suits your budget and interests. In this guide, we break down the most popular colleges in Jacksonville, what they cost, and resources for students in Florida.
Featured Online Programs
3 Popular Colleges in Jacksonville
More than 970,000 people call Jacksonville home as of 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In the Gateway to Florida, three colleges stand out as the most popular picks based on factors like academic rigor, student life, and overall reputation.
1. University of North Florida
Established in 1971, the University of North Florida is home to more than 16,000 students. The public university offers 52 undergraduate, 25 graduate, and three doctoral programs. UNF offers an active campus for socializing and 19 sports teams. You can study on the 1,381-acre campus in Jacksonville or enroll in one of 27 fully online degrees.
Many graduates of UNF stay in Florida after graduating. Of the bachelor's degree graduates in the 2020-2021, 74% of graduates found jobs in the state, according to data reported by UNF. This public college has an average annual net price of $11,338.
2. Jacksonville University
A private university founded in 1934, Jacksonville University has a 240-acre campus about a 10-minute drive from downtown Jacksonville. The campus offers a happening social and Greek life and 21 Division 1 sports teams.
The roughly 3,800 part-time and full-time students have their pick of 100 undergraduate and 50 graduate programs. Top majors include aviation, business, marine science, and nursing. You can expect to pay an average annual net price of $26,943 at JU.
3. Edward Waters University
Founded in 1866, the private Christian Edward Waters University offers popular majors such as business administration, criminal justice, and biology. EWU features 18 undergraduate and graduate degrees and programs. You can earn your bachelor of business administration and master of business administration online.
EWU, one of the best historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in Florida, offers a social atmosphere and extracurricular activities on campus with 16 NCAA D-II athletic teams. EWU charges an annual net price of $13,649.
List of All Colleges in Jacksonville
We've created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit colleges in Jacksonville. You can use the table below to compare data on student population and the average net cost.
The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). All data is from 2021-2022. Note that colleges with a total student enrollment of fewer than 500 were not considered for this list.
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edward Waters University | 1,181 | $13,649 | 84% | 8,988 |
| Flagler College | 2,623 | $26,547 | 81% | 5,416 |
| Jacksonville University | 3,837 | $26,943 | 58% | 9,119 |
| University of North Florida | 16,406 | $11,338 | 71% | 19,744 |
How Much Is College in Jacksonville?
How much does college cost in Jacksonville? What you pay for college depends on the type of college you attend in Jacksonville. One of the cheapest colleges in Florida is UNF, the only public institution in the Bold New City of the South.
You can expect to pay an average annual net price of $11,338 when you attend UNF — slightly higher than the national average undergraduate tuition of $9,375. Private four-year colleges in Jacksonville charge an average annual net rate of $22,380 as detailed below.
| Institution Type | Average Annual Net Price |
|---|---|
| Public 4-Year (In-state) | $11,338 (based on UNF, the only public, four-year college in Jacksonville, FL) |
| Private 4-Year | $22,380 |
Scholarships for Jacksonville Students
Scholarships can help alleviate some of the financial hardship of paying for college. The Florida scholarships listed below offer no-strings-attached money for college if you meet the criteria and are selected. Note that you will need to apply and submit materials to get awarded a scholarship.
UNF Foundation Scholarships
The UNF Foundation operates a scholarship fund that allows students to apply for multiple scholarships. You can log into AcademicWorks to complete an application and Data Sharing Consent form, which will match you with eligible awards. Deadlines vary, but the UNF Foundation disperses scholarships in the spring and summer.
Jacksonville University Scholarships
JU offers many scholarships and grants to qualified undergraduates. For institutional scholarships and grants, you need to attend JU as a full-time student and have a competitive GPA. The award covers tuition and on-campus room and board — not books. You can also get honors scholarships, service awards, and athletic scholarships.
The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program
High-achieving Florida high school graduates can qualify for scholarships through the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, which operates the Florida Academic Scholarship and Florida Medallion Scholarship funds.
For eligibility, you must submit a Florida Financial Aid Application by August 31. The program accepts Florida residents and graduates of Florida public high schools who meet standardized test scores and GPA scores. Score requirements vary by scholarship.
Featured Online Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Jacksonville
What colleges are in Jacksonville, Florida?
Several private and public colleges, including UNF, call Jacksonville, Florida, home. Additionally, Edward Waters College, which was founded in 1866 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, is the oldest college in Jacksonville.
How many colleges are in Jacksonville, Florida?
Jacksonville, Florida, has four four-year colleges with at least 500 students enrolled, according to NCES. You can earn a certificate, bachelor's degree, or graduate degree from any of these four Jacksonville colleges and universities.
What is the biggest college in Jacksonville?
In terms of enrollment, the University of North Florida is the biggest college in Jacksonville. The public nonprofit university boasts a total student enrollment of 16,406. Undergraduates make up most of the student population, with more than 14,000 enrolled.
A private university, Jacksonville University has the second highest enrollment, with a total student body of 3,837, according to NCES.
