Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Jacksonville University

Jacksonville University's nursing program produces solid starting salaries that outpace both national and Florida medians, but the numbers reveal a concerning pattern. While new graduates earn $78,924—about $4,000 more than the typical Florida nursing graduate—earnings essentially flatline over the next three years, growing by just 1%. This stagnation stands out in a field where career advancement typically drives meaningful salary increases.

The debt picture adds another layer of concern. At $28,000, graduates carry nearly $5,000 more debt than the Florida median for nursing programs, despite earning only modestly more upon graduation. When you consider that several Florida community colleges and state schools are producing nurses who earn $90,000+ within a few years, Jacksonville University's premium tuition appears difficult to justify based purely on financial outcomes.

For families considering this program, the math is straightforward: you'll pay more upfront for earnings that peak early and stay there. While the 60th percentile ranking among Florida nursing programs isn't terrible, it's underwhelming given the higher debt load. Unless there are compelling non-financial factors—like location preference or specific program features—Florida families would likely see better returns at the state's top-performing community colleges or public universities.