The University of North Florida (UNF) enrolled a record 2,831 graduate students in fall 2026, a 29% increase since fall 2023.

Enrollment climbs across nearly every program

The enrollment figures, first reported by Action News Jax on Thursday, also show a 6% climb from fall 2025. Doctoral enrollment rose to 543 students, up 8% from fall 2025.

MBA growth drives record enrollment numbers

The MBA program drove much of the growth. It expanded 37% from fall 2025 to 317 students, making it UNF's largest graduate program, according to the university. The Coggin College of Business offers the degree through two paths: a Flex MBA with on-campus, live-online and self-paced options, and an Online MBA.

"The 37% growth in our MBA program demonstrates that professionals are looking for graduate education that delivers immediate value in the workplace," Gary Giamartino, interim dean of the Coggin College of Business, said in a statement.

UNF says it ranks first among Florida's state universities for placing master's-in-business graduates into Florida jobs, though the university did not cite the source of that ranking. Logistics and supply chain management enrollment in the Coggin College rose 45%, and business analytics reached 128 students.

Health care, education programs post steep gains

Health care and education programs posted some of the steepest gains. The Doctor of Health Administration program at the Brooks College of Health grew 60%. Clinical mental health counseling rose 31%. The Doctor of Nursing Practice enrolled 240 students.

At the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services, advanced secondary education enrollment more than doubled. The Master of Arts in Teaching program in Elementary Education rose 90%, and early childhood education reached 123 students.

In the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction, the Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences enrolled 117 students. The college also offers a Ph.D. in Computing and programs in construction management and civil engineering.

Tuition rates set for the new academic year

In-state graduate tuition runs $493.53 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year. UNF alumni who enroll within five years of their undergraduate degree can qualify for a reduced rate of $353.78 per credit hour.

President touts decades of graduate growth

UNF Interim President Angela Garcia Falconetti said the university is building on more than five decades of graduate education in Northeast Florida. The school offers eight doctoral programs, 48 master's programs, 36 graduate certificates and 32 accelerated undergraduate-to-graduate pathways.

National rankings recognize several UNF programs

Several of those programs carry national recognition. U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Graduate Schools edition ranked UNF's part-time MBA, education, health care management, nursing-anesthesia, physical therapy, public affairs, public health and social work programs, according to UNF's graduate school.

More new programs are in the works

Four new master's programs and two new doctoral programs are in development, according to the university. The specific fields have not been announced.