University of North Florida
Jacksonville, Florida · Public · 53.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 78/100 · Strong Value
University of North Florida scores 78 (Strong Value) as a public university in Jacksonville with 13,359 students and an in-state tuition of $6,389. The net price of $10,154 is low even by Florida public standard -- the affordability case is clear. Registered Nursing (217 graduates) is the earnings anchor: $76,508 year-one and $79,454 four-year, ROI grade A, debt-to-earnings 0.245. Business Administration (195 graduates, $44,752 year-one) and Research Psychology (358 graduates, $30,816 year-one) are the next-largest programs by volume, with Research Psychology delivering the weakest outcomes in the top-five by graduate count. Median 6-year earnings of $37,500 and an 8.5-year payback reflect the breadth of UNF's program mix including many lower-earning fields. The 69.2% completion rate is below average for a public university. UNF's Jacksonville location gives graduates access to the Florida financial services (banking, insurance), healthcare, and military/defense sectors.
University of North Florida scores in the top 25% of all schools we track, with strong earnings outcomes relative to cost.
University of North Florida
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $6,389/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $20,793/yr |
| Average net price | $10,154/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $40,616 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,343 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $37,500 |
| Median debt at graduation | $15,531 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $165 |
| Estimated payback period | 8.5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 69.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 13,359 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of North Florida is $6,389/year ($20,793/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $10,154/year, or roughly $40,616 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $6,647/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $17,730/year.
The median graduate leaves with $15,531 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $165 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $56,343 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.41 - well within manageable territory.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,647 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,866 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,000 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,842 |
| $110,001+ | $17,730 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning under $30,000 pay $6,647 per year -- extremely affordable. At this price, nursing graduates at UNF are generating exceptional personal ROI: roughly $27,000 over four years for a degree that yields $76,508 in year one. Even moderate-earning programs become financially workable at this cost level.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 30,001-48,000 bracket pays $6,866 and the 48,001-75,000 bracket rises to $10,000. The 75,001-110,000 bracket reaches $13,842. Cost is very affordable throughout middle income for Florida residents, reflecting Florida's Bright Futures scholarship program and state aid that supplements federal aid.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000+ pay $17,730 per year. At roughly $71,000 over four years, UNF is extremely affordable even without financial need aid. Against a 8.5-year payback and $37,500 median 6-year earnings, the investment is very defensible for any Florida resident -- particularly nursing and health science students.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of North Florida with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $45,521 | C |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $53,540 | C+ |
| Registered Nursing | $79,454 | A |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $65,768 | B |
| Communication and Media Studies | $54,360 | C+ |
| Biology | $55,828 | C |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $51,654 | C+ |
| Finance and Financial Management | $75,475 | B+ |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $84,034 | B+ |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | $49,804 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing (217 graduates) is UNF's financial standout: $76,508 year-one and $79,454 four-year, debt-to-earnings 0.245 (ROI grade A), median debt $15,531. Jacksonville's extensive hospital and healthcare system -- including a major VA medical center, HCA hospitals, and Mayo Clinic's southeastern campus -- creates sustained demand for RN graduates. The ROI grade A reflects both the strong earnings and the low debt load that in-state Florida tuition produces. For students planning nursing careers in northeast Florida, UNF delivers one of the most efficient paths available.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration (195 graduates) earns $44,752 year-one and $65,768 four-year, debt-to-earnings 0.424 (ROI grade B). The Jacksonville financial services sector -- which includes Fidelity National Financial, EverBank, and major insurance operations -- creates regional demand for business graduates. The year-one figure is moderate but reflects the entry-level reality of a regional public business school. The four-year figure ($65,768) shows advancement into management and financial analyst roles. At in-state tuition, these earnings represent acceptable ROI.
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
Health Services (274 graduates) earns $36,199 year-one and $53,540 four-year, debt-to-earnings 0.483 (ROI grade C+). This is a broad field covering health administration, health informatics, and health education roles. The year-one figure reflects entry-level positions; the four-year figure shows advancement into department management and administrative roles in healthcare organizations. At UNF's in-state pricing, health services graduates produce acceptable but not exceptional personal ROI.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 63.7% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 70.0% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 64.7% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 67.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 53.2% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 520-620 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 550-650 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 19-25 |
| Enrollment | 13,359 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 30.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,595 |
UNF admits 53.2% of applicants -- the most selective of Florida's regional public universities. SAT Math 520-620, ACT 19-25. The school has a well-regarded nursing program that maintains separate application requirements. Business, science, and education programs are more accessible.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
UNF's peers include University of Central Florida (ROI not retrieved), Florida A&M, and several CUNY campuses. Among Florida public universities, UNF occupies a mid-tier position on selectivity and outcomes between UCF (larger, higher earnings) and the regional state colleges. The CUNY peer matches are statistical rather than competitive. UNF's nursing program (ROI grade A, $76,508 year-one) outperforms most comparable programs at similarly sized public universities.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Florida (this school) | 78 | $10,154 | $56,343 |
| CUNY Hunter College | 83 | $2,984 | $63,163 |
| University of Central Florida | 79 | $10,411 | $58,308 |
| CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | 78 | $3,203 | $56,195 |
| CUNY Lehman College | 78 | $3,148 | $58,013 |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | 28 | $13,739 | $44,349 |
Who Thrives Here
UNF admits 53.2% of applicants with SAT Math 520-620, ACT 19-25 -- moderately selective for a Florida public university. The 30.8% Pell rate indicates the school serves a mixed-income population. Nursing and health sciences students have the strongest earnings trajectories. Students entering psychology or communication should plan on graduate school or accept that 6-year earnings will be modest.
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University of North Florida delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $10,154 per year ($40,616 over four years), graduates earn a median of $56,343 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 8.5 years - a solid return on the investment.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 69.2% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings. However, the data also shows concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $15,531 is very manageable against $56,343 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.