University of North Florida

The University of North Florida is a regional university in Jacksonville with about 15,000 undergraduates and 17,500 total students. It’s a large campus of 1400 acres, but the academic buildings are clustered together so it feels smaller. Much of the rest of the acreage is a huge nature preserve with a bird sanctuary, lakes, and miles of trails. UNF also owns over 1000 acres of wetlands, for research and recreation, a few miles away.

90% of UNF students come from in-state. 60% are female and 40% are male. 40% of freshmen and about 25% of all undergraduates live on campus. Housing is available on a first-come first-served basis; submitting the housing contract early is advised. The institution’s strategic plan states two interesting goals:
·      To become a Top 100 Public University as ranked in U.S. News & World Report and by 2028.
·      UNF to grow to a total enrollment of 25,000 total students by 2028

Interestingly, half of all undergraduate degrees are in STEM or healthcare including Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, Information Science, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Kinesiology, Healthcare Management, Nutrition & Dietetics, multiple tracks within Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, as well as Nursing, which is direct admit. Marine bio is very popular here. There are also loads of choices in the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, and College of Education and Human Services.

UNF, halfway between downtown Jacksonville and the beach, is an ideal spot for students wanting access to both nature and the city!