School and Ranking Information
There are several public and private not-for-profit schools that offer business programs in Jacksonville, FL. The following schools are considered the top three based on rankings, degrees awarded in the field and program level options:
- Winner: University of North Florida in Jacksonville is in first place for its multiple regional rankings in 2014 from U.S. News & World Report and for its large quantity of degrees awarded in the field.
- Runner Up #1: Jacksonville University, located in Jacksonville, is the first runner up for its program level variety in the field and small class sizes.
- Runner Up #2: Florida State College at Jacksonville is in third place for its tuition rates, being a public institution and for its vast number of business certificates and degrees awarded.
School Comparison Chart
| Category | University of North Florida | Jacksonville University | Florida State College at Jacksonville |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking (2014) | 20th top public regional school in the South* 51st best regional university in the South* |
62nd best regional university in the South* | N/A |
| Location | Jacksonville | Jacksonville | Jacksonville |
| School Type | 4-year, public | 4-year, private; not-for-profit | 4-year, primarily associate's, public |
| Tuition & Fees (2012-2013) | $6,235 (in-state undergraduate), $20,694 (out-of-state undergraduate); $10,144 (in-state graduate), $21,302 (out-of-state graduate)** | $29,100 (undergraduate); $11,628 (graduate)** | $2,790 (in-state undergraduate), $9,903 (out-of-state undergraduate)** |
| Business Degree Levels Offered | Bachelor's and master's degree | Bachelor's, master's and doctorate degree | Certificate, associate, and bachelor's degree |
| Business Degrees Awarded (All Levels) in 2011-2012 | 803** | 187** | 1,551** |
| Most Popular Business Degree Program 2011-2012 | Bachelor's degrees (629 awarded)** | Bachelor's degrees (97 awarded)** | Undergraduate certificates (1,145 awarded)** |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate (in 150% of normal program time) for 2006 Entering Class | 48%** | 41%** | 33%** |
Sources: *U.S. News & World Report, **NCES College Navigator.
Winner: University of North Florida
- Short-term and semester-long study abroad programs allow students to study international business
- Scholarships reward standout business students
- Student Ambassador Program teaches business students practical leadership skills
- Mentor program pairs students with business professionals
- Campus events include a career fair for business students
Students can choose from numerous concentrations as they earn their Bachelor of Business Administration from this public university. Among the options are accounting, economics, finance, management, and marketing. Students within the economics program, for example, learn about financial accounting, financial management, microeconomics, and macroeconomics. On the graduate side, students can earn a Master of Business Administration as a way to further their careers and their understanding of the business industry. Students complete 36 semester hours in courses such as strategic management, organizational theory, and marketing.
Runner-Up #1: Jacksonville University
- Student-faculty ratio of 12:1 promotes small class sizes
- Scholarships help students afford higher education
- Student clubs include a young entrepreneurs club and a public speaking group
- Field trips and internships promote hands-on business learning
- Alpha Kappa Psi encourages networking and professional development among students
Students who want to pursue undergraduate business degrees can explore majors like economics, finance, accounting, management, marketing, and sport business. The general business major includes courses that cover leadership, business communications, business law, and ethics. As for graduate business programs, students can pursue a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. The MBA program has numerous options, including an accelerated daytime program and an evening program, which helps students balance careers and their education. Another option is the Doctor of Business Administration program, which helps experienced business professionals further their management and entrepreneurial skills.
Runner-Up #2: Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Five scholarship opportunities specifically for business students
- Campus clubs include a leadership program for students
- Honor society rewards students who perform well academically
- Distance education allows students to take classes online
- Opportunity to take part in study abroad programs
Unlike the other 2 schools on this list, this public school offers a number of technical certificates in business and business-related fields. For instance, the Technical Certificate in Business Specialist program includes courses in financial accounting, computers, and general business. The Technical Certificate in Business Management program involves 24 credits and covers aspects of marketing, economics, and business law. Another option is the Associate of Science in Business Administration, which involves 64 credits and gives students a basic understanding of business to prepare them for entry-level careers. There is also a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, which requires a total of 120 credits. Within the program, students can choose a concentration in general business administration, human resources, or entrepreneurship.
