U.S. News & World Report ranks Jacksonville University among best universities in the South

For the sixth consecutive year, Jacksonville University has been recognized as a Best Regional University in the South by U.S. News & World Report for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Jacksonville University ranked 26th in the region as a Best Value School, up three spots from last year. Best Value Schools are determined by comparing the academic quality against the net cost to attend. Bolstering its reputation as a military-friendly school, JU was recognized as a Best College for Veterans amongst Regional Universities in the South, jumping 15 spots in the rankings. The Davis College of Business & Technology was recognized as one of the Best Undergraduate Business Programs, a reflection of the institution's responsiveness to the evolving needs of students and markets.

"Our recognition by U.S. News & World Report for the sixth consecutive year as one of the top regional universities in the South is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students who continually strive for excellence," said Jacksonville University President, Tim Cost. "Our rise in the Best Value ranking reflects our commitment to providing a high-quality education that remains accessible to all students. From our renowned nursing program to our growing engineering and business programs, Jacksonville University continues to push boundaries and elevate the educational experience for the leaders of tomorrow."

Jacksonville University ranked 41st overall on this year's list of Best Regional Universities in the South, landing it in the top third of the region. Each year, U.S. News & World Report reviews thousands of higher education institutions across the country, gathering data on measures that include graduation and retention rates, strength of faculty, student-to-faculty ratio, and low rates of student debt upon graduation.

For the fourth consecutive year, Jacksonville University's Keigwin School of Nursing's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program was recognized as one of the Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs. The accolade comes as the Keigwin School of Nursing maintained one of the highest NCLEX pass rates in the state.

"At the Keigwin School of Nursing, we prioritize intentional and active learning, which enhances the quality of nursing education for our students," said Dr. Lindsay Wolf, dean of nursing. "Our commitment is reflected in our NCLEX pass rates, consistently above 95%, exceeding state and national averages. This achievement is a testament to our innovative and forward-thinking faculty, who remain focused on student success and positive outcomes."

Jacksonville University appeared on the list of Top Performers on Social Mobility for Regional Universities in the South. That metric considers a university's ability to help economically disadvantaged students finish their studies, especially those who receive federal Pell Grants.

In a new ranking this year, Jacksonville University was ranked for its undergraduate engineering programs. Its mechanical and electrical engineering programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge applicable to the medical device industry.

"Our engineering programs emphasize a design-based curriculum, with students participating in design courses every semester," said Dr. Emre Selvi, director of the School of Engineering and Technology. "This continuous focus on design fosters practical problem-solving skills and creativity, which are crucial in medical device manufacturing."