Introduction to UNF

The University of North Florida is one of 12 public universities in Florida, which is ranked the #1 state in the country for higher education by U.S. News & World Report.  A comprehensive, urban research university located in Jacksonville, UNF is home to nearly 17,000 students and six colleges: the Brooks College of Health, the Coggin College of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction, the College of Education and Human Services and the Hicks Honors College.

The University's annual economic impact in Florida is more than $1.3 billion. The scenic 1,381-acre campus includes a nature preserve, lakes for kayaking and canoeing and miles of hiking trails. Another 1,050 acres of pristine wetlands on the Intracoastal Waterway are owned by UNF and used for exploration and research. In the heart of the city is the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA), an institute of UNF, showcasing world-renowned exhibitions as well as student and faculty art, programs and events.

The University consistently ranks high for quality and value. UNF was included among national universities on U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges list, ranking high for undergraduate business, computer science, engineering and nursing programs, as well as being named a 'Top Public School,' and 'Top Performer in Social Mobility.' UNF also ranked among the Top 50 “Best Online Programs” by U.S. News & World Report and was recognized among the Best Graduates Schools for business (part-time MBA), education nursing (DNP), public affairs and public health. UNF received the 2022 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine and was designated as one of the most military-friendly schools in the nation by Military Friendly for the 14th consecutive year. The University of North Florida has achieved the prestigious R2 Doctoral University High Research Activity status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning, signifying the momentous growth in the University's innovative research and development activities. The Coggin College of Business has been named among the Best Business Schools for 2023 by The Princeton Review for the 16th consecutive year.

UNF is committed to student success and has launched several initiatives to support student health and well-being and ensure sustained academic success, timely graduation and career placement. The University is known for providing students with transformational learning experiences — conducting research with faculty, taking part in community-based learning, studying abroad, and engaging in internships with area businesses. The vibrant campus is engaging with more than 200 clubs including 26 fraternities and sororities, an active Student Government and impactful programming to promote a positive student experience.

The University of North Florida was first chartered in 1965. The campus was selected in 1969, construction began in 1971, and the University opened its doors to approximately 2,000 upper-level students in the fall of 1972. In 1973, UNF graduated its first class of 35 students. The University was quick to expand and was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1974. The school's mascot, Ozzie the Osprey, was adopted in November 1979. In 1984, UNF began admitting freshmen. UNF entered intercollegiate sports in 1983 as a member of the NAIA, later moving to NCAA Division II. The North Florida Ospreys made the move to Division I in 2009, competing in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Since then, UNF's 19 athletic teams have excelled winning numerous conference championships and regularly competing in postseason play. In 2015, the men's basketball team received its first invitation to NCAA Basketball Tournament.

The University of North Florida is an emerging force in research in health, coastal sciences, logistics and more. UNF offers 64 bachelor's degrees with 80 areas of concentration, 45 master's degrees with 88 areas of concentration, and six doctoral degrees with three areas of concentration.