
Jacksonville, FLprivate forprofitconcorde.edu
Concorde Career Institute-Jacksonville is a for-profit vocational school laser-focused on fast-tracking students into healthcare careers, with a near-open admissions policy (94% acceptance rate) and programs like nursing and surgical technology. While graduation rates hover around 64-71%, graduates report median earnings of $35,468 five years out—a tradeoff typical of career colleges that prioritize job-ready skills over traditional campus life.
Concorde-Jacksonville operates with near-open admissions, accepting 94% of applicants (284 out of 302 in 2024) according to Data USA—a figure corroborated by sources ranging from Niche (94%) to BigFuture (96.47%) and Testbook (98%). Unlike selective colleges, it doesn't publish SAT/ACT requirements, focusing instead on vocational readiness for its healthcare programs. The $100 application fee is standard for career colleges, but the high Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. reflects its mission to provide accessible career training.
The institute offers 12 accelerated healthcare programs, primarily certificates and diplomas, with Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services as its top major. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio (per Sallie and BigFuture) suggests larger classes than traditional colleges, though hands-on training in labs is emphasized. Retention rates are mixed: 87% for full-time students (U.S. News) but just 56% overall (BigFuture), likely reflecting the challenges non-traditional students face balancing work and study. Graduation rates range from 47% (Niche) to 71% (College Scorecard), with variability possibly due to differing program lengths.
Campus life is minimal—this is a commuter school where students come for classes and leave. The Facebook page highlights skills labs simulating real healthcare environments, while the blog mentions a Learning Resource Center for quiet study and outdoor benches for breaks. However, Yelp reviews reveal frustration among students, particularly about credit transfer issues ('All the students want to leave but can't'). There’s no mention of dorms, Greek life, or traditional extracurriculars; the focus is strictly vocational.
Graduates report median earnings of $35,468 five years post-graduation (Niche), slightly below the national average for certificate holders. College Scorecard cites higher earnings ($40,001) but notes the average annual cost for the largest program is $24,917—a steep price for a certificate school. While 71% of students receive Pell Grants (allnurses), the ROI is debated: some alumni earn solid wages as surgical techs or nurses, but others struggle with debt given the modest salaries typical of entry-level healthcare roles.
Tuition after aid averages $27,062 (BigFuture), with grants and scholarships reducing costs by roughly $5,499 per year (Niche). The school offers institutional grants and military tuition support, but the Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator warns estimates aren't binding. Notably, the cost of its largest program ($24,917 annually, per College Scorecard) rivals some bachelor’s degrees, a tradeoff for accelerated entry into the workforce. Financial aid is critical here—71% of students rely on Pell Grants.
Concorde-Jacksonville fills a niche: rapid, no-frills healthcare training for students who prioritize job placement over college experience. Its 94% Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. and 8-12 month programs (like surgical technology) appeal to career-changers needing quick certification. But it’s a high-stakes gamble—while some graduates land $40k jobs, the cost per program approaches four-year college territory, and credit transfer issues (per Yelp) can trap dissatisfied students. For those certain about healthcare and wary of gen-ed requirements, it’s a direct route—but research ROI carefully.



