Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Jacksonville, Florida
57.3% Acceptance Rate
Jacksonville University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
57.3%Acceptance Rate
3.61Avg GPA
1211Avg SAT
26Avg ACT
$61,414Annual Cost
$68,010Grad Salary
29.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
57.3%
Avg GPA
3.61
Avg SAT
1211
Avg ACT
26
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1110–1260
ACT Middle 50%
24–28
Need-Based Aid
29.9% receive Pell
Jacksonville University (JU), founded in 1934 in Florida, excels in marine science, aviation, and nursing. Ranked for its riverside campus and small class sizes.
The campus features a flight school, marine research center, and partnerships with Mayo Clinic. Its location near Jacksonville's ports and bases enhances career opportunities.
Jacksonville University Acceptance Rate
Jacksonville University is moderately selective. 57.3% of applicants are admitted, with room for a well-rounded, if imperfect, transcript.
What JU Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 57.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.61 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.41 – 3.60
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.16
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Jacksonville University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Jacksonville University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
JU reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (2026/09/01?2027/02/01 (Competitive Scholarship Application Period)) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
JU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at JU is 3.61. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.31 and 3.61? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.81–4.01.JU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.61 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.41 – 3.60
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.21 – 3.40
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.20
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- The university features high-velocity career tracking networks that connect students with major corporate operations in the regional Jacksonville economy.
- Out-of-state and international files face strict residency validation deadlines that must be cleared to avoid non-resident tuition pricing structures.
- The Honors Program requires a separate, narrative-driven application that evaluates critical thinking, writing sophistication, and community leadership.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at JU
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Jacksonville University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Jacksonville University (JU) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if JU is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into JU Without SAT or ACT?
JU considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Jacksonville University Average SAT Score: 1211
The average SAT score of admitted students at Jacksonville University is 1211 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1211 — Slightly Competitive
This sits close to the national average SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1260 SAT or 28 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Jacksonville University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1110, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at JU. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 580 | 540 | 620 |
| SAT Reading | 605 | 570 | 640 |
| SAT Composite | 1211 | 1110 | 1260 |
Below 1110, you're behind most admitted students; at 1260 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into Jacksonville University (JU) with a 1250 SAT?
A 1250 SAT puts you ahead of most of JU's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Jacksonville University (JU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at JU is 26.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 26 — Competitive
This average is solidly above the national mean without being elite-tier.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 24 | 21 | 26 |
| ACT English | 25 | 23 | 27 |
| ACT Composite | 26 | 24 | 28 |
Can I get into Jacksonville University with a 28 ACT?
A 28 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of JU's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at JU.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for JU
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
JU takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Aviation & Marine Target Early Booking
Submit your application exceptionally early if targeting specialized programs like Aviation Management, Flight Operations, or Marine Science. These unique tracks draw national attention and cap capacities strictly due to flight line space or vessel constraints.
Merit Grid Optimization
Maximize your cumulative unweighted high school GPA through your sixth semester to place into the highest possible tier of the university merit award structure. The institutional framework automatically locks in funding levels based on academic data.
Health Science Pre-Major Strategy
Treat your initial enrollment as a pre-major track if your goal is competitive programs like Nursing. Prioritize completing your foundational science prerequisites with exceptional grades to survive competitive secondary entry screening loops.
Onboarding Checklist Acceleration
Execute your online portal onboarding items immediately upon receiving your acceptance notification. Completing your housing and orientation steps early is critical for securing preferred residential options and early class registration windows.
Expert Insight: Failing to secure your FAA medical clearance documentation concurrently with your application will block you from entering the direct flight line sequence.
JU Profile
Full Name
Jacksonville University (JU)
City
Jacksonville
State
Florida
ZIP Code
32211-3394
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a JU Degree Worth It?
At $61,414/year against a $68,010 median graduate salary, JU is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
The average household income among admitted students is $63,700, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.12%.
How much does a degree from JU Cost?
The sticker price is $61,414/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is typically much lower.
29.9% of students receive a Pell Grant and 47.8% take federal loans at JU. File your FAFSA early and list JU as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a JU Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $68,010. That's about 68% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Jacksonville University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
| Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 1182 | 25 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Spelman College | Atlanta, GA | 1184 | 24 |
| Hawaii Pacific University | Honolulu, HI | 1180 | 25 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Jacksonville University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
| Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT | 1212 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Jacksonville University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
Degree Programs at JU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About JU Admissions
Median graduate earnings at Jacksonville University run about $68,010 a year.
At about $61,414 a year, Jacksonville University's cost is on the higher end; look closely at aid options.
About 29.9% receive a Pell Grant at Jacksonville University. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 57.3%, Jacksonville University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Jacksonville University average a 3.61 GPA.
Jacksonville University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.31 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.21, Jacksonville University becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Jacksonville University — aim above 1211, ideally within the 1110–1260 range admitted students typically fall in.
Jacksonville University follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
The application fee is 30. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is 2026/09/01?2027/02/01 (Competitive Scholarship Application Period). Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.