North Florida Universities Enter Major Growth Phase as Hundreds of Millions Flow Into New Campuses and Facilities

North Florida’s higher education sector experienced a transformative year marked by large-scale capital investments, new academic projects, and significant leadership transitions. Jacksonville University broke ground on the city’s first four-year medical school, a 72,000-square-foot facility expected to deliver a $60 million economic impact, while the University of Florida advanced plans for its long-anticipated $287.5 million LaVilla urban campus, which will anchor downtown redevelopment and expand UF’s research footprint into Jacksonville. At the same time, the University of North Florida accelerated its strategy to reach 25,000 students by unveiling major housing expansions, including the $77.5 million Osprey Ridge residence hall and the upcoming $33.3 million 30 North complex, alongside investments in a new student success center, a video game arena, and an expanded Coggin College of Business. Additional institutions—Florida State College at Jacksonville, Flagler College, and Edward Waters University—also continued upgrading facilities and advancing growth initiatives across the region. As JU President Tim Cost prepares to transition to chancellor and UNF President Moez Limayem readies to depart for the University of South Florida, both universities now face pivotal presidential searches that will shape their direction, competitiveness, and regional economic impact for years to come.