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In today’s rapidly evolving economy, the connection between education and industry has never been more critical. Across Northeast Florida, our colleges and universities are stepping up to the challenge, transforming the way we prepare students for the future. By fostering innovation, building robust partnerships with target industry leaders and embracing a spirit of collaboration, these seven institutions are redefining the traditional academic experience to ensure a talent pipeline that will meet current and future employer needs.

From cutting-edge research initiatives to experiential learning programs in our target industries, the Jacksonville region’s colleges and universities are equipping students with the skills, knowledge and adaptability needed to thrive as part of the workforce of tomorrow – the transformative strategies and forward-thinking approach are shaping our region’s talent pipeline for the better, highlighting how higher education is driving economic growth and ensuring a brighter future for all.

Learn more about how our region’s higher education system, made up of Edward Waters University, Flagler College, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Jacksonville University, Keiser University, St. Johns River State College and University of North Florida, plays a vital role in shaping a prosperous, innovative economy for all in Northeast Florida by reading the university spotlights below.

Edward Waters University (EWU) – Edward Waters University has a strong history in Florida as the state’s first Historically Black College and University and its first private institution of higher education. Today, EWU remains a staple in downtown Jacksonville. U.S. News and World Report ranks EWU in the top 100 for both Regional Colleges in the South and for HBCUs. Read more.

Flagler College – Located in the heart of downtown St. Augustine, Flagler College creates an inviting and personal experience for students looking for an excellent education. Flagler is consistently voted one of The Princeton Review’s “Best 388 Colleges” and recently ranked as the #3 Regional College in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Read more.

Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) – Established in 1965, Florida State College at Jacksonville is a well-known public community college in the Jacksonville region. Recognized for its early college programs, short-term workforce programs and industry recognized degrees, FSCJ gives the future workforce of Northeast Florida a variety of career pathway options. Read more.

Jacksonville University (JU) – Founded in 1934, Jacksonville University continues to be a premier private college located in Northeast Florida. In 2024, the university celebrated their 90th anniversary highlighting almost a decade of serving the Jacksonville community by providing a commitment to innovation, leadership and service. Read more.

Keiser University – Ranked as one of the top 10 private universities in Florida, Keiser University is a premier choice for post-secondary education in Jacksonville. This university offers a wide variety of degree programs and courses that set their students up for success in Northeast Florida. Read more.

St. Johns River State College (SJR State) – St. Johns River State College has served the Northeast Florida community since 1958 and is a distinguished institution of education in the region. SJR State has campuses in Palatka, Orange Park and St. Augustine. The college focuses on the A.A. transferable degree but also provides many certificates as well as A.S. and bachelor’s degrees. Read more.

University of North Florida (UNF) – As a top provider of talent in the region and in Florida, UNF offers a dynamic and supportive environment where students have opportunities to excel, gaining real-world experience working with industry leaders. With top-tier programs across a variety of disciplines, UNF continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in higher education. Read more.