Social Sciences at Jacksonville University

Jacksonville University's social sciences program shows concerning returns relative to both cost and alternatives, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. At $31,204, first-year earnings fall $3,000 below Florida's median for social sciences programs and trail the national benchmark by over $6,000. More troubling, graduates carry $31,000 in debt—higher than both state and national medians—creating a nearly 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio that will strain most budgets.

The state comparison is telling: University of West Florida graduates in the same field earn $6,300 more right out of the gate while typically carrying less debt. Even accounting for the limited sample, this program ranks at just the 40th percentile among Florida social sciences programs, meaning most in-state alternatives deliver better outcomes. The 17th percentile national ranking reinforces that this is below-average performance at an above-average price.

For families considering this program, the math is difficult to justify. Unless your student has compelling non-financial reasons to attend Jacksonville specifically—strong mentorship connections, unique research opportunities, or significant merit aid that brings costs well below these figures—Florida's public universities offer substantially better value in this field. The small sample does mean outcomes could improve, but you'd be betting $31,000 on that possibility.