What is the starting salary for Data Science graduates in Jacksonville?

The estimated starting salary for Data Science graduates in Jacksonville, FL is $95,940 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 117. The national average starting salary for this major is $82,000. Salaries in Jacksonville are 17% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Data Science degree worth it in Jacksonville?

A Data Science degree in Jacksonville has an estimated ROI payback period of 1.2 years, with a projected lifetime return of $1,220,564 after subtracting education costs. With 35 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $6,394/year, Jacksonville offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.5% and the major's national unemployment rate of 2.3% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Data Science in Jacksonville?

The average annual public university tuition in Jacksonville is $6,394, while private universities average $26,965/year. Including room and board ($10,215/year), total 4-year costs range from $66,436 at a public school to $148,720 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Jacksonville is $14,539/year.

What jobs can Data Science graduates get in Jacksonville?

Data Science graduates in Jacksonville can pursue careers as Data Scientist, Data Analyst, ML Engineer. Key skills valued by local employers include Python, Machine Learning, Statistics, SQL. The Jacksonville job market features Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Google, Amazon, Meta.

How long to pay off student loans for Data Science in Jacksonville?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Data Science graduates in Jacksonville would pay $754/month on an estimated $66,436 in loans, with $24,088 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,300/month but save $12,530 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $95,940, monthly payments would represent 9% of gross monthly income.

Data Science Degree in Jacksonville, FL — Salary & ROI 2026

Data Science degree analysis for Jacksonville, FL. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$96K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$146K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

1.2 yrs

in Jacksonville

Cost of Living

117

index (100 = avg)

Data Science in Jacksonville, FL Overview

Jacksonville is one of Florida's top college towns, with 35 institutions and a student population of 36,092. Public tuition averages $6,394/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Data Science has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Python and Machine Learning skills. The adjusted starting salary in Jacksonville is approximately $95,940, growing to $146,250 by mid-career.

Data Science Salary in Jacksonville (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Jacksonville's cost of living index of 117 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$95,940(+$13,940 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$146,250(+$21,250 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$181,350(+$26,350 vs national)

Note: National average Data Science salary: $82,000 starting, $125,000 mid-career, $155,000 senior level.Jacksonville adjustment factor: 1.17x based on the local cost of living index.

Data Science ROI Calculator for Jacksonville

Estimate your return on investment for a Data Science degree using local Jacksonville tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $6,394 | Private avg: $26,965

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Jacksonville avg aid: $14,539/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$66,436

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$54,990

vs HS diploma in Jacksonville

ROI Payback Period

1.2 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Jacksonville

$1,220,564

Lifetime earnings premium ($1,287,000) minus total education cost ($66,436)

Student Loan Payoff for Data Science in Jacksonville

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$66,436

Monthly Payment$754

Total Interest$24,088

% of Monthly Income9%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$66,436

Monthly Payment$1,300

Total Interest$11,558

Interest Savings$12,530

Colleges in Jacksonville for Data Science

University of North Florida

public

$6,394/yr

$25,576 total

Jacksonville University

private

$39,280/yr

$157,120 total

Edward Waters University

private

$14,650/yr

$58,600 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Florida State College at Jacksonville

$3,100/yr

Top Employers for Data Science in Jacksonville

Jacksonville offers opportunities in Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies for Data Science graduates. National top employers in this field include:

GoogleAmazonMetaIBMMicrosoft

Key Jacksonville Hiring Sectors for STEM

Tech companies

Research labs

Government agencies

Startups

Consulting firms

Common Data Science Job Titles

Data ScientistData AnalystML Engineer

Data Science in Nearby Florida Cities

Miami, FL

$80K starting · COL 98

12 colleges

Tampa, FL

$83K starting · COL 101

26 colleges

Orlando, FL

$79K starting · COL 96

16 colleges

St. Petersburg, FL

$80K starting · COL 97

22 colleges

Hialeah, FL

$64K starting · COL 78

22 colleges

Port St. Lucie, FL

$81K starting · COL 98.5

8 colleges

Tallahassee, FL

$73K starting · COL 89

11 colleges

Cape Coral, FL

$80K starting · COL 97.8

7 colleges

Other STEM Majors in Jacksonville

Prompt Engineering

$59K starting · 1.5 yr ROI

Computational Linguistics

$111K starting · 2 yr ROI

Computer Science

$99K starting · 2.8 yr ROI

Software Engineering

$103K starting · 2.7 yr ROI

Astrophysics

$99K starting · 3 yr ROI

Actuarial Science

$59K starting · 3 yr ROI

Cybersecurity

$94K starting · 3 yr ROI

Robotics Engineering

$59K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Data Science degree outcomes in Jacksonville, FL: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Data Science programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Florida.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Jacksonville using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Data Science graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Data Science career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Data Science grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Jacksonville Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Florida students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Florida)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Florida programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "florida higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Data Science Degree in Jacksonville — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Data Science ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Jacksonville.

Data Science Overview Colleges in Jacksonville All Majors