Tour Tuesday: University of North Florida
Green Campus, Big CityAccess & Room to Grow
Overview
If you’re seeking a university that blends a strong academic foundation with a vibrant campus life and Florida’s sunshine, UNF might be just the place. Located in Jacksonville at the edge of nature and city, UNF offers students a chance to explore, engage, and grow in an environment that supports both ambitious pursuits and laid‑back student spirit. The “Find Your True North” motto fits - this is a place where students carve their own path amid lakes, trails, and just minutes from the beach.
Quick Look:
Public, 4‑year university in Jacksonville, Florida.
Founded in 1969 (classes began 1972) and part of the Florida State University System.
Over 17,000 students and more than 100 academic programs.
Campus spans around 1,300 acres and is noted for its setting in a natural preserve near beaches and urban amenities.
Home of the Division I Ospreys athletics teams.
Ideal for students who want access to urban opportunity, nature trails, lakes, and a medium‑large scale institution.
Location
UNF’s location is one of its strongest assets. Set in Jacksonville, the campus is surrounded by nature while offering the amenities of city life. This balance makes it appealing for students who want access to internships, beaches, and cultural activities while still having a dedicated campus feel.
Location Highlights:
Campus located in Jacksonville, Florida - close to the coast and to downtown.
1,300‑acre campus set among lakes, nature trails and a wildlife preserve.
Students can enjoy outdoor activities, nearby beaches, and the business/urban scene of Jacksonville.
The campus setting offers a quieter, green feel while being just minutes from city access.
Admissions Information
UNF’s admissions process is designed to welcome a broad set of students and make the transition to college as attainable as possible, while still inviting strong academic preparation.
Admissions Details:
Freshman admissions require a minimum recalculated GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
SAT/ACT range typically around 1010–1260 SAT or ACT 19–25 for many admitted students.
Acceptance rate around 53% (or up to 71% in some sources) — less selective than top-tier schools, offering opportunity.
Application includes transcript, test scores (or test‑optional when applicable), and an application fee/waiver.
Academic / Major Information
Academically, UNF offers a wide range of programs with an emphasis on hands‑on experiences, interdisciplinary work, and preparing students for the modern workforce. Whether you’re interested in business, engineering, health sciences, or the arts, UNF gives you options and resources.
Academic Highlights:
More than 100 academic programs across undergraduate and graduate levels.
Organized into six colleges: e.g., Coggin College of Business, College of Computing, Engineering & Construction, Brooks College of Health, College of Arts & Sciences, Silver field College of Education & Human Services, and Hicks Honors College.
Flagship programs include transportation & logistics (ranked nationally) in business, coastal biology in the sciences.
Student‑faculty ratio around 19:1 according to data (suggesting smaller classes and access to professors).
Honors College offers more intimate, enriched academic setting for high‑achieving students.
Emphasis on real‑world learning, internships, research, and active learning.
Housing and Student Life
Life at UNF blends active student engagement with a comfortable setting. Students live in modern residence halls, get involved in more than 200 clubs, explore nature trails, or relax lakeside. It’s a campus where there’s something for everyone - from Greek life to robotics to outdoor adventure.
Housing & Campus Life Highlights:
Multiple on‑campus housing options: freshman halls like Osprey Hall, suites/apartment‑style halls such as Osprey Fountains, The Flats, Village.
Dining options include buffets, food courts, Starbucks, Chick‑fil‑A and more.
Over 200 student clubs and organizations, including intramural and club sports, eco‑adventure program with lake, trail, canoe/kayak access.
Student media outlet: student‐run newspaper and radio/tv (“The Spinnaker”).
Athletics
If athletics matter - to your student or to campus atmosphere - UNF packs in energy. The Ospreys compete at the NCAA Division I level and athletics contribute directly to school spirit, community events, and student involvement.
Athletics Overview:
Home of the North Florida Ospreys, Division I teams in the ASUN Conference.
Athletics events provide opportunities for students to engage, whether as spectators, participants, or through club sports.
Facilities include UNF Arena (basketball/volleyball) and Hodges Stadium (track/field/soccer) among others.
Cost and Scholarships
As a public university, UNF offers an accessible cost structure, and students can often find scholarships, work‑study, and aid. For families, understanding the financial path is key.
Cost & Aid Details:
Total cost of attendance ranges from $24,841 for in-state students to $39,241 for out of state students
Net cost after aid can be much lower for many students; BigFuture lists “average per year after aid: ~$11K” for some.
Scholarships, honors college opportunities, and work‑study options are available; students should check UNF’s financial aid site.
Fun Facts / Traditions
UNF has a personality all its own. Between the lakes and trails on campus, the Osprey mascot flying overhead, and the mix of academic ambition + relaxed Florida vibe.
Campus Culture & Traditions:
The Osprey Fountain is iconic on campus and often a photo spot.
Campus includes a wildlife preserve with trails, lakes, and canoe/kayak access for students.
Student-run newspaper “The Spinnaker” has won national awards.
Students from a wide range of backgrounds: according to fast facts, ~10% of students are non‑Florida residents, ~16% Hispanic/Latino, ~12% Black/African‑American.
Final Thoughts: Who Would Thrive at UNF?
UNF is a strong choice for students who value a combination of academic opportunity, hands‑on learning, vibrant student life, and an enjoyable location. It’s especially appealing if your student:
Wants to attend a large public university but still have a sense of community and access to faculty.
Wants access to internships, nature, lakes, and a strong balance of classroom + outside classroom learning.
Is interested in majoring in areas like business, health sciences, computing/engineering, or the arts - with a program that encourages application and connection to the world.
Likes the idea of being in Florida, with beaches nearby and warm weather, but also wants more than just “sunny campus”
Appreciates campus traditions, a Division I athletic vibe, clubs and organizations, and real student voice.
On the flip side: if your student is searching for a very small liberal arts college experience, or wants a massive research university with tens of thousands of students and heavy grad/PhD focus, then comparing UNF against those might make sense.
In Closing
The University of North Florida offers a “sweet spot” for many families: strong academics, real‑world opportunities, and a campus that feels alive yet manageable. If you’re planning a campus visit, pay attention to the trails, the lakes, the student‑run events, and how students talk about their professors and internships. UNF helps students find their “true north”, and maybe yours.
