Florida has a lot to offer with its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and relatively low cost of living. When it comes to higher education, the Sunshine State also boasts some outstanding programs in computer science and information technology. Florida's top computer science schools include the University of Florida in Gainesville, the University of Central Florida in Orlando, and the University of South Florida in Tampa.
This page will highlight the best computer science programs in Florida. We'll also look at potential employment outcomes for CS graduates in-state, including the top-paying tech cities and IT careers for Floridians.
What makes our rankings valuable?
Most college rankings online rely heavily on the National Center for Education Statistics, measuring institutional rates for graduation, retention, acceptance, etc. The NCES has good data, and we use it too; however, we go beyond the stats to analyze the current and future relevance of the skills and credentials gained. We also delve deep into value and flexibility to consider accelerated, online, dual-degree, and certificate options.
| Compare the Best Computer Science Schools in Florida | ||
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL 32611 |
| 2 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL 32816 |
| 3 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL 33620 |
Top 3 CS Schools in Florida
We selected Florida's best computer science schools based on numerous factors, including the relevance of the curriculum, breadth of computing degrees offered, school reputation, program features, value, and flexibility.
Here are the best computer science schools in Florida for 2024:
1. University of Florida
UF's Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering is widely considered to be the best computer science school in Florida. Beyond a diverse and career-ready computer science curriculum, the University of Florida's CS program focuses on interdisciplinary studies and communication skills, boosting the real-world value of its computing degrees.
- Undergrad & Graduate CS programs in:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- CIS and Engineering Minor
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biomolecular Engineering
- Human-Centered Computing
- View all programs at UF
- Campus Locations:
- UF Main Campus: University of Florida | Gainesville, FL 32611
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
2. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida earns top marks for its innovative computer science curriculum and affordability. 57% of first-time college students at UCF graduate without student debt, earning the school high praise from The Princeton Review, Forbes, and U.S. News & World Report.
- Featured Computer Science Degrees:
- Computer Science (BS)
- Computer Engineering (BSCpE)
- Electrical Engineering (MSEE)
- Materials Science and Engineering (PhD)
- Undergraduate and Graduate Computer Science Certificates
- Minors in Robotics, International Engineering & Secure Computing
- View all programs at UCF
- Campus Locations:
- UCF Main Campus: 4000 Central Florida Blvd. Orlando, Florida, 32816
- UCF Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
3. University of South Florida
USF's Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) school offers a versatile platform for aspiring tech professionals in sought-after domains like software development, network architecture, and cybersecurity. USF ranks in the top 15% among computer science departments in the U.S., boasting an accomplished faculty, extensive student research opportunities, and partnerships with local companies.
- Featured Computer Science Programs:
- B.S. in Computer Science
- B.S. in Cybersecurity
- B.S. in Information Technology
- M.S. in Computer Science
- M.S. in Computer Engineering
- Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering
- View all programs at USF
- Campus Locations:
- USF Main Campus: 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Top Paying Tech Careers in Florida
For those who decide to stay and work in Florida after college, here's how much you can earn in the state's top-paying IT and computer science roles:
| Career Path | Average Salary in FL |
|---|---|
| IT Manager | $146,600 |
| Computer Scientist | $119,970 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $109,540 |
| Computer Network Architect | $108,220 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $102,610 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Regional CS Pay in Florida
These Florida cities and metro areas pay computing professionals and engineers the highest salaries:
| Location in FL | Hourly Wage | Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $45.85 | $95,360 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | $43.07 | $89,590 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $41.19 | $85,670 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $40.84 | $84,950 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $40.24 | $83,690 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
Tech and education insiders answer FAQs from prospective computer science students in Florida:
What is the best computer science college in Florida?
According to our analysis, the University of Florida has the state's top-ranked computer science program for 2024. U.S. News & World Report also named UF the best college for computer science in Florida.
What's the best online school for computer science in Florida?
With well-designed undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science, interdisciplinary degree options, a flexible online learning format, and low in-state tuition fees, Florida International University (FIU) has the best online computer science program in Florida.
