Study in Jacksonville, The United States

About Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a large city in northeast Florida, on the St. Johns River and close to the Atlantic coast. The University of North Florida describes it as "one of the fastest growing cities in the nation". UNF adds that its location lets students "experience the vibrant energy of city life and escape to the coast, all within a single day".

For students, Jacksonville offers a choice between a public research university and a smaller private university, in a warm climate with the river, the coast and nature reserves within reach. Teaching is in English.

Studying in Jacksonville

Our directory lists four schools in Jacksonville: two universities, a day and boarding school and a study abroad programme.

• The University of North Florida (UNF) is a public university with 16,154 students, 13,735 of them undergraduates, according to College Navigator. Its colleges are the Brooks College of Health, the Coggin College of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction, and the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services, plus the Hicks Honors College. Students can join more than 200 clubs and intramural sports.
• Jacksonville University (JU) is a private university established in 1934, with 4,247 students and a 260-acre campus that runs for half a mile along the St. Johns River in the historic Arlington neighbourhood. It offers more than 100 majors, minors and programmes; nursing, aviation management and flight, health science, marine science and business are among its top undergraduate majors. In fall 2024 its students came from 85 countries.

For younger students, The Bolles School is a co-ed day and boarding college-preparatory school from pre-kindergarten to grade 12, with a community representing 69 countries and a resident life programme at its Upper School San Jose Campus. Our directory also lists Jacksonville University's International Education Programs (IEP) for study abroad; its website was under construction when we checked.

Student visa and academic year

International students usually need an F student visa for study at an accredited college or university. After admission, the school's international student office sends a Form I-20 (or a DS-2019 for J exchange programmes), which you present when you apply for the visa. According to EducationUSA, the academic year typically runs from September to May, and international students may work on campus up to 20 hours a week in their first year.

Cost of living for students

College Navigator gives these 2024-25 figures for undergraduates:

• University of North Florida: $20,793 in out-of-state tuition and fees, plus $11,810 for food and housing on campus
• Jacksonville University: $47,830 in tuition and fees, plus $17,210 for food and housing on campus

International students pay the out-of-state rate at a public university such as UNF. Prices change every year, so check each university's current cost of attendance.

Public transport is run by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA). A regular bus fare is $1.75, a 7-day pass costs $20 and a 31-day pass $65, and JTA has a College Pass Program. The Skyway, an automated elevated system in downtown Jacksonville, is free.

Getting around and daily life

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) serves the city. The St. Johns River runs along the JU campus, which has a ballpark overlooking the river, and UNF's campus includes a nature preserve, miles of trails and the Ogier Gardens. Students at both universities can follow NCAA Division I sport: UNF has 19 teams and JU 17.

The climate is warm and humid. NOAA's 1991-2020 normals for Jacksonville give an average of 54.2 °F (about 12 °C) in January and 82.5 °F (about 28 °C) in July.

Frequently asked questions

Which universities are in Jacksonville?

Our directory lists the University of North Florida, a public university, and Jacksonville University, a private university.

How much does a year at UNF cost for an international student?

For 2024-25, College Navigator gives $20,793 in out-of-state tuition and fees and $11,810 for food and housing on campus, before books and personal costs.

Can I study aviation in Jacksonville?

Yes. Aviation management and flight is one of the top undergraduate majors at Jacksonville University.

Is there a student pass for public transport?

JTA runs a College Pass Program, and its 31-day pass costs $65. Check with your university whether it takes part.