I recently attended a presentation hosted by Jacksonville University, a private university with a total student population of 4,000. I learned much about the growing academic departments, including the popular Nursing, Aviation, Marine Science, and Health Science majors. In 2026, JU will be home to a School of Medicine in partnership with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). There are graduate students on campus, however, teaching assistants do not teach any undergraduate courses. Sharing a campus with graduate programs allows students to start their graduate work early through the Grad2Grad program where students can begin graduate work during their senior year and reduce their graduate program length and tuition. 

JU has a current admissions rate of 78% as the school is growing; however, that rate is expected to drop over the next few years as academic requirements increase as part of a five-year plan to improve student retention. Jacksonville University is dedicated to ensuring the school is the right social, academic, and financial fit for applicants. Their financial transparency is impressive, with costs clearly explained and payment expectations explained to families at the start of the admissions process. The cost of attendance, including tuition, all fees, and room & board, totals $62,900. $27,000 is the average merit scholarship, and all students who complete the FAFSA will also be considered for financial aid. Students invited to enroll in the honors program will receive an additional $2,500 scholarship. 

The Jacksonville academic year kicks off early! Fall classes begin around August 14 and end before Thanksgiving break.  Students can enroll in winter term classes on campus or online (making it possible for students to stay at home through the holidays and complete coursework). Freshmen move in on August 8th and have a full week of orientation and community-building activities before other students arrive on campus. 

Over 60% of students come to Jacksonville from out of state, with most coming from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Most enrolled students graduate from high school with at least a B+ average. There are supports for students with learning difficulties and different physical needs. The health center offers counseling and can manage student illness and prescription needs. Student mental health and overall well-being are emphasized across the campus. In the future JU will not hold regular classes on Fridays to ensure students and professors have time to meet, conduct research, and participate in internships and community service. The JU campus is one of the few with an actual beach and sand volleyball court, and as you can imagine, students take full advantage of the outdoors on and around campus.  JU students are involved in campus life through athletics, clubs, and the Greek system. Study abroad is a popular program, especially for students interested in spending time at the JU campus in Sorento. 

I would recommend Jacksonville University as a possibility for students interested in health care, aviation, and marine science who are looking for a temperate climate by the ocean. The administration’s plans regarding academics, networking, and practical matters like scheduling emphasize the university’s focus on student well-being and the desire to create a welcoming and nurturing environment.

Jacksonville University