Jacksonville University vs Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay: which has better ROI?
Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $56,394 in 4.3 years versus 5.1 years at Jacksonville University, on median earnings of $61,480 vs $68,010 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Jacksonville University | Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $25,180 | $28,197 |
| Total net cost | $100,720 | $56,394 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $68,010 | $61,480 |
| Median debt | $22,000 | $24,166 |
| Payback | 5.1 yrs | 4.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $292,280 | $206,006 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Jacksonville University or Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay?
Jacksonville University, at $25,180 a year after aid versus $28,197 — a gap of $3,017 a year, or $44,326 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Jacksonville University or Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay graduates earn more?
Jacksonville University graduates report a median $68,010 ten years after entry, $6,530 more than the $61,480 at Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Jacksonville University or Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay?
Jacksonville University: its completers carry a median $22,000 in federal loans versus $24,166 at Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay, a difference of $2,166. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
63% of students finish at Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay, against 51% at Jacksonville University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.