JU vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, FL with Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Valdosta State University is larger than JU based on total student enrollment (10,262 students vs. 4,247 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Jacksonville University is located in Jacksonville, FL (Large City setting); Valdosta State University is in Valdosta, GA (Small City setting).
• Jacksonville University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Valdosta State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Jacksonville University 11:1; Valdosta State University 17:1.

JU vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JU or VSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Valdosta State University than JU ($11,144 vs. $24,238).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valdosta State University are 44.6% lower than at Jacksonville University ($9,530 vs. $17,210).
• Jacksonville University is 681% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $41,706 more per year; $47,830.00 vs. $6,124.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 168.2% higher at JU than at Valdosta State University (about $29,994 more per year; $47,830.00 vs. $17,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Jacksonville University than at Valdosta State University (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Jacksonville University students is 290.5% larger than aid received by Valdosta State University students ($39,859 vs. $10,206).

JU vs. VSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JU or VSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between VSU and JU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Jacksonville University (1190) is 180 points higher than at VSU (1010).
• Incoming JU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (24 vs. 19 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Jacksonville University 1100/1280; Valdosta State University 920/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Jacksonville University 22/27; Valdosta State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JU - Test optional; VSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU Jun 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman JU students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at VSU (3.23).
• VSU has a higher acceptance rate (72.3%) than JU (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.3% at JU vs. 26% at VSU.

JU vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JU and VSU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Valdosta State University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Jacksonville University's (40%).
• Graduates from Jacksonville University earn a median of about $14,500 more per year than VSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,800 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Jacksonville University graduates have a $2,379 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($22,621 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, JU graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($233 vs. $258).
• More JU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 41%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.