JU vs. USF Main Campus

Comparable Facts

Compare Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, FL with University of South Florida in Tampa, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of South Florida is larger than JU based on total student enrollment (49,622 students vs. 4,247 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Jacksonville University is located in Jacksonville, FL (Large City setting); University of South Florida is in Tampa, FL (Large City setting).
• Jacksonville University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Florida is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Jacksonville University 11:1; University of South Florida 22:1.

JU vs. USF Main Campus Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JU or USF Main Campus? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of South Florida than JU ($11,579 vs. $24,238).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Florida are 16.1% lower than at Jacksonville University ($14,440 vs. $17,210).
• Jacksonville University is 646.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than USF Main Campus (about $41,420 more per year; $47,830.00 vs. $6,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 176.1% higher at JU than at University of South Florida (about $30,506 more per year; $47,830.00 vs. $17,324.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Jacksonville University than at University of South Florida (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Jacksonville University students is 274.2% larger than aid received by University of South Florida students ($39,859 vs. $10,652).

JU vs. USF Main Campus Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JU or USF Main Campus? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between USF Main Campus and JU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Florida (1230) is 40 points higher than at JU (1190).
• Incoming USF Main Campus students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at JU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jacksonville University 1100/1280; University of South Florida 1130/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jacksonville University 22/27; University of South Florida 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JU - Test optional; USF Main Campus - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: USF Main Campus May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman USF Main Campus students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at JU (3.61).
• JU has a higher acceptance rate (56.9%) than USF Main Campus (43.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.3% at JU vs. 23.3% at USF Main Campus.

JU vs. USF Main Campus Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JU and USF Main Campus? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of South Florida's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Jacksonville University's (40%).
• Graduates from Jacksonville University earn a median of about $8,300 more per year than USF Main Campus graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,800 vs. $46,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Florida graduates have a $3,474 lower median loan debt than JU graduates ($19,147 vs. $22,621).
• Among borrowers, USF Main Campus graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JU graduates ($197 vs. $233).
• More USF Main Campus graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JU students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 54%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.