The University of North Florida was first chartered in 1965. The campus was selected in 1969, construction began in 1971, and the University opened its doors to approximately 2,000 upper-level students in the fall of 1972. In 1973, UNF graduated its first class of 35 students. The University was quick to expand and was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1974. The school’s mascot, Ozzie the Osprey, was adopted in November 1979. In 1984, UNF began admitting freshmen. UNF entered intercollegiate sports in 1983 as a member of the NAIA, later moving to NCAA Division II. The North Florida Ospreys made the move to Division I in 2009, competing in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Since then, UNF’s 19 athletic teams have excelled winning numerous conference championships and regularly competing in postseason play. In 2015, the men's basketball team received its first invitation to NCAA Basketball Tournament.

The University of North Florida offers 60 bachelor's degree with 79 areas of concentration, 36 master's degrees with 71 areas of concentration, five doctoral degrees with three areas of concentration, and one specialist degree with distinguished Flagship Programs in international business, coastal biology, nursing, nutrition and dietetics, transportation and logistics, and music.