October 10, 2025

Jacksonville University Launches Florida’s First Medical School

News Summary

Jacksonville University has begun construction on Florida’s first four-year medical school, the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Set to open in 2026, the school aims to address regional healthcare needs and create around 600 jobs, contributing $60 million annually to Jacksonville’s economy. The new facility will encompass 72,000 square feet and is expected to welcome its first cohort of 75 students, growing to 150 by 2030.

Jacksonville, FL – Jacksonville University (JU) has officially broken ground on Florida’s first four-year medical school, the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) at Jacksonville University, which is set to open its doors in the fall of 2026. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on March 26, 2025, and was attended by JU President Tim Cost, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, and various healthcare partners.

The new medical school will be located across a parking lot from JU’s Health Sciences Complex on Dolphin Point Boulevard, within the university’s northern section, often referred to as the medical mall. LECOM at JU is expected to welcome its inaugural cohort of approximately 75 students in July 2026, with ambitions to increase enrollment to about 150 students by 2030.

The medical school is projected to create approximately 600 jobs within the region and generate an estimated $60 million in annual economic impact in Jacksonville by the year 2030. LECOM has committed approximately $50 million toward the development of the medical school, which will be situated on around 10 acres of land.

The construction of the medical facility is valued at $33 million, with Danis Construction LLC chosen as the contractor. The architectural design for the project will be provided by Kasper Architects + Associates Inc., while civil engineering services will be supplied by Meskel & Associates Engineering LLC. This new facility will feature a three-story building encompassing 72,000 square feet.

On March 21, 2025, LECOM procured the land for the medical school from OLT II Inc. for $5.22 million. Prior to construction, site preparation included clearing woods, and total improvement costs have been estimated at $36.55 million as of May 2, 2025.

The mission of the medical school is to train osteopathic physicians who focus on lifestyle and environmental factors affecting health. Currently, over 25% of medical students in the United States are pursuing osteopathic education. LECOM is recognized as the largest medical college in the country, producing more primary care physicians than any other medical institution.

Mayor Donna Deegan underscored the significance of the medical school’s opening for the growth of the healthcare workforce in the Jacksonville region, emphasizing that it will contribute to enhanced healthcare services in the area. JU President Tim Cost noted that the addition of the medical school will provide a comprehensive four-year training program for aspiring doctors at the university.

The partnership between Jacksonville University and LECOM was established on November 30, 2022, signaling a commitment to advancing medical education and healthcare services in Florida. As the medical school prepares to welcome its first students, it aims to play a crucial role in addressing the healthcare needs of the Jacksonville community and the surrounding areas.

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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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