Students at the University of North Florida consistently earn more than similar students at other institutions, with graduates achieving nearly $7,746 in additional earnings compared with peers nationwide.
The university combines this earnings advantage with exceptional affordability, ranking among the most cost-effective public universities in the country.
The University of North Florida delivers consistently strong value for students seeking reliable long-term outcomes at a public institution. Located in Jacksonville, this large public university combines solid academic programs with financial results that place graduates well above typical earnings expectations. UNF students earn a median of $56,343 ten years after enrollment, with the institution ranking in the 70th percentile nationally for return on investment among public universities.
What distinguishes UNF is its ability to generate earnings beyond expectations—graduates earn nearly $7,746 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting the university's effectiveness in translating education into economic outcomes. The university serves a diverse student body, with about 31% of students receiving Pell Grants and 32% being first-generation college students, yet maintains strong graduation rates and career outcomes across income levels.
As a Selective Achievers institution, UNF demonstrates how a well-managed public university can deliver both access and results. The combination of reasonable net prices, manageable debt levels, and above-average earnings makes it an attractive option for Florida families seeking a dependable path to career success without the premium costs associated with more selective institutions.
The University of North Florida's program portfolio reflects a strategic focus on professional fields that lead directly to stable, well-paying careers. Nursing stands out as both the institution's largest high-return program and a key driver of overall outcomes, with Adult Health Nursing graduating 220 students annually at median earnings of $58,057. This program exemplifies UNF's strength in health sciences, preparing graduates for Florida's growing healthcare sector.
Business Administration represents the university's largest program by enrollment, graduating 282 students with solid median earnings of $43,054 two years after graduation. While not the highest-earning field, business provides a reliable pathway to middle-class careers and serves as a foundation for many students' professional development. Engineering programs, though smaller in scale, deliver exceptional returns with Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earning $66,897, demonstrating UNF's ability to compete in high-demand technical fields.
The university's program mix balances scale with selectivity, offering both large professional programs that serve broad student populations and specialized technical programs that command premium salaries. This approach allows UNF to maximize both access and outcomes, providing multiple pathways to career success while maintaining the focused program quality that drives its strong earnings beyond expectations performance.
University of North Florida graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $56,343, placing the university in the 70th percentile nationally for earnings among public institutions. More importantly, UNF graduates earn nearly $7,746 more than similar students at other universities, demonstrating the institution's ability to add meaningful value to students' career trajectories through effective education and career preparation.
The university's program mix drives much of this success, with nursing leading both in scale and financial returns. Adult Health Nursing graduates 220 students annually with median earnings of $58,057, making it UNF's highest aggregate return program. Business Administration, the largest program with 282 graduates, produces solid mid-career earnings of $43,054, while Electrical and Electronics Engineering delivers the highest individual earnings at $66,897 for its 46 graduates. This combination of high-demand professional programs creates multiple pathways to strong career outcomes.
UNF's strength lies in preparing students for stable, well-paying careers in growing fields. The university's location in Jacksonville provides access to diverse employment opportunities in healthcare, business, and technology sectors, while its program portfolio aligns well with regional economic needs. Graduates benefit from both the practical focus of their education and the university's track record of producing outcomes that surpass what similar institutions typically achieve.
The University of North Florida maintains strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to a broad range of Florida families. Low-income students pay an average net price of $6,465 annually, well below national averages for public universities, while middle-income families face costs of $11,120 per year. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $17,447 annually, reflecting UNF's commitment to keeping education costs predictable and manageable across the economic spectrum.
Debt levels remain moderate and sustainable for most graduates. Typical students leave with $15,531 in federal loan debt, a manageable amount given the university's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,278, indicating that many families can cover a substantial portion of costs through grants, savings, and student employment rather than relying heavily on parent loans. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations.
What makes UNF particularly attractive from an affordability standpoint is how well the costs align with outcomes. With graduates earning a median of $56,343 ten years out, typical debt levels represent a reasonable investment that most borrowers can handle comfortably. The combination of moderate upfront costs and strong long-term earnings creates a sustainable financial model that works for families across different income levels.
University Of North Florida Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
