🥇
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FLPrivate
$22,936
Tuition/yr
84%
Grad rate
64.6
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best cloud computing degree programs: U of Central Florida, U of South Florida, Florida State
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $1,750 to $43,420/year
Valencia College offers the most affordable option at $1,984/yr
Cloud Computing degree programs available: 40 associate's, 11 master's, 2 doctoral in Florida
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
23 online cloud computing degree programs in Florida
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Florida community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
40 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Citrix, Magic Leap, Chewy, Tech Data
Tech hubs in Miami and Tampa
Hakia Research 2026
Cloud Computing degree programs near 114+ cities across Florida
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Florida Cloud Computing programs
We rank 82 accredited cloud computing programs in Florida using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Florida Worth It?
Answer
$97,820
Yes. The best cloud computing degree programs in Florida deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $97,820 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $8,723/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Cloud Computing Degree Rankings in Florida
Compare the top-ranked Cloud Computing programs in Florida by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cloud Computing Programs in Florida
40
Programs ranked
$6,207
Avg tuition/yr
80%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Florida offers 40 accredited associate's degree programs in cloud computing, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Keiser University-Ft Laud..., Valencia College, Broward College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Florida offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $6,207/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $53,801 in Florida.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Florida's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Miami, Tampa, Orlando areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Citrix, Magic Leap, Chewy hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among cloud computing schools in Florida, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their cloud computing degrees in Florida.
#4
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FLPublic
$2,095
Tuition/yr
89%
Grad rate
63.8
Hakia Score
Show all 40 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Santa Fe College | Gainesville, FL | Public | $1,872 | — | 49.2 |
| #7 | Indian River State College | Fort Pierce, FL | Public | $2,496 | 54% | 50.0 |
| #8 | DeVry University-Florida | Orlando, FL | For-Profit | $14,392 | — | 37.5 |
| #9 | Hillsborough Community College | Tampa, FL | Public | $1,925 | — | 40.3 |
| #10 | Seminole State College of Florida | Sanford, FL | Public | $2,498 | — | 47.0 |
| #11 | St Petersburg College | St. Petersburg, FL | Public | $1,943 | — | 46.2 |
| #12 | Palm Beach State College | Lake Worth, FL | Public | $3,030 | 90% | 56.3 |
| #13 | Daytona State College | Daytona Beach, FL | Public | $3,072 | — | 46.0 |
| #14 | Eastern Florida State College | Melbourne, FL | Public | $2,048 | — | 45.2 |
| #15 | State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota | Bradenton, FL | Public | $2,365 | 95% | 55.1 |
| #16 | College of Central Florida | Ocala, FL | Public | $1,987 | — | 43.2 |
| #17 | Florida SouthWestern State College | Fort Myers, FL | Public | $2,436 | — | 43.2 |
| #18 | Pensacola State College | Pensacola, FL | Public | $1,871 | — | 42.6 |
| #19 | Pasco-Hernando State College | New Port Richey, FL | Public | $2,297 | 96% | 54.1 |
| #20 | Saint Johns River State College | Palatka, FL | Public | $2,067 | — | 41.6 |
| #21 | Polk State College | Winter Haven, FL | Public | $2,483 | — | 41.6 |
| #22 | Tallahassee Community College | Tallahassee, FL | Public | $2,002 | 74% | 40.1 |
| #23 | South Florida State College | Avon Park, FL | Public | $3,135 | 92% | 51.4 |
| #24 | Gulf Coast State College | Panama City, FL | Public | $1,750 | 90% | 49.9 |
| #25 | Lake-Sumter State College | Leesburg, FL | Public | $3,292 | — | 40.4 |
| #26 | Herzing University-Orlando | Winter Park, FL | Private | $12,360 | 24% | 25.6 |
| #27 | Rasmussen University-Florida | Ocala, FL | For-Profit | $13,452 | — | 44.5 |
| #28 | Florida Gateway College | Lake City, FL | Public | $2,369 | 85% | 48.1 |
| #29 | Northwest Florida State College | Niceville, FL | Public | $2,496 | — | 39.4 |
| #30 | Chipola College | Marianna, FL | Public | $2,365 | — | 38.8 |
| #31 | Southern Technical College | Fort Myers, FL | For-Profit | $14,969 | — | 43.8 |
| #32 | Hodges University | Fort Myers, FL | Private | $15,000 | — | 42.9 |
| #33 | Atlantis University | Miami, FL | For-Profit | $10,800 | — | 55.1 |
| #34 | Florida National University-Main Campus | Hialeah, FL | For-Profit | $15,600 | — | 40.9 |
| #35 | Ana G. Mendez University | Orlando, FL | Private | $11,850 | — | 38.8 |
| #36 | Florida Institute of Technology-Online | Melbourne, FL | Private | $12,240 | — | 42.8 |
| #37 | Florida Career College-Miami | Miami, FL | For-Profit | — | — | 41.3 |
| #38 | Saint Leo University | Saint Leo, FL | Private | $26,240 | 85% | 44.8 |
| #39 | Florida Career College-Lauderdale Lakes | Lauderdale Lakes, FL | For-Profit | — | — | 40.0 |
| #40 | Florida Career College-Hialeah | Hialeah, FL | For-Profit | — | — | 39.4 |
Best Bachelor's Cloud Computing Programs in Florida
29
Programs ranked
$9,654
Avg tuition/yr
74%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Florida ranks among the nation's top destinations for cloud computing education, with 29 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 16 public and 7 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Central Florida, U of South Florida, Florida State, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Florida cloud computing programs earn a median salary of $83,147, 15% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Miami, Tampa, Orlando metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Citrix, Magic Leap, Chewy.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $1,872 to $35,880 annually, with an average of $9,654/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 74%, with the highest reaching 93%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Florida's leading technology employers. For students seeking cloud computing degrees in Florida, these top-ranked cloud computing schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
🥇
$4,478
Tuition/yr
93%
Grad rate
87.7
Hakia Score
🥈
$4,559
Tuition/yr
85%
Grad rate
79.5
Hakia Score
🥉
$4,640
Tuition/yr
71.1
Hakia Score
Show all 29 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | Public | $3,996 | 82% | 62.5 |
| #7 | Broward College | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Public | $1,968 | — | 61.5 |
| #8 | Eastern Florida State College | Melbourne, FL | Public | $2,048 | — | 60.0 |
| #9 | Seminole State College of Florida | Sanford, FL | Public | $2,498 | — | 58.1 |
| #10 | Florida State College at Jacksonville | Jacksonville, FL | Public | $2,095 | 89% | 58.1 |
| #11 | University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | Public | $3,735 | 84% | 55.6 |
| #12 | Indian River State College | Fort Pierce, FL | Public | $2,496 | 54% | 54.6 |
| #13 | Miami Dade College | Miami, FL | Public | $1,987 | — | 54.0 |
| #14 | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Tallahassee, FL | Public | $3,152 | — | 49.8 |
| #15 | Florida Institute of Technology-Online | Melbourne, FL | Private | $12,240 | — | 48.2 |
| #16 | Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Private | $22,936 | 84% | 46.4 |
| #17 | Santa Fe College | Gainesville, FL | Public | $1,872 | — | 46.0 |
| #18 | Daytona State College | Daytona Beach, FL | Public | $3,072 | — | 44.3 |
| #19 | Rasmussen University-Florida | Ocala, FL | For-Profit | $13,452 | — | 44.3 |
| #20 | Florida National University-Main Campus | Hialeah, FL | For-Profit | $15,600 | — | 42.0 |
| #21 | Atlantis University | Miami, FL | For-Profit | $10,800 | — | 41.6 |
| #22 | Strayer University-Florida | Tampa, FL | For-Profit | $13,725 | 33% | 41.5 |
| #23 | Barry University | Miami, FL | Private | $32,800 | — | 41.4 |
| #24 | Hodges University | Fort Myers, FL | Private | $15,000 | — | 41.3 |
| #25 | Florida Memorial University | Miami Gardens, FL | Private | $14,274 | 72% | 39.4 |
| #26 | Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Private | $35,880 | 48% | 39.3 |
| #27 | South University-Tampa | Tampa, FL | For-Profit | $15,732 | — | 38.8 |
| #28 | Bethune-Cookman University | Daytona Beach, FL | Private | $13,844 | — | 31.6 |
| #29 | DeVry University-Florida | Orlando, FL | For-Profit | $14,392 | — | 29.4 |
Best Master's Cloud Computing Programs in Florida
11
Programs ranked
$15,536
Avg tuition/yr
71%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Florida offers 11 master's degree programs in cloud computing, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Florida State, U of South Florida, U of West Florida, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Florida earn a median salary of $97,820, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Miami, Tampa, Orlando creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Citrix, Magic Leap, Chewy actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $15,536/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Florida's cloud computing schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
🥇
$4,640
Tuition/yr
73.2
Hakia Score
🥈
$4,559
Tuition/yr
85%
Grad rate
71.8
Hakia Score
🥉
$3,735
Tuition/yr
84%
Grad rate
55.1
Hakia Score
Show all 11 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne, FL | Private | $43,420 | 81% | 51.0 |
| #7 | Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Private | $35,880 | 48% | 54.9 |
| #8 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | Public | $2,522 | 77% | 43.5 |
| #9 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | Public | $4,721 | — | 48.4 |
| #10 | South University-Tampa | Tampa, FL | For-Profit | $15,732 | — | 37.9 |
| #11 | Strayer University-Florida | Tampa, FL | For-Profit | $13,725 | 33% | 39.6 |
Best Doctoral Cloud Computing Programs in Florida
2
Programs ranked
$20,260
Avg tuition/yr
48%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Florida is home to 2 doctoral programs in cloud computing, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Florida State, Nova Southeastern are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Florida PhD holders earning a median of $122,275, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Miami, Tampa, Orlando region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Citrix, Magic Leap, Chewy.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Florida programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing cloud computing degrees in Florida, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Cloud Computing Degree Costs & Tuition in Florida
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $8,723/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $21,808/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,181/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $52,340 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $13,084 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid for Florida Cloud Computing Students
Verdict: Florida Cloud Computing students benefit from one of the strongest US cloud-computing funding-to-outcomes equations: the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship (75-100% public tuition coverage), the Florida Prepaid Plan, no state income tax on post-graduation cloud salaries, combined with substantial Florida cloud-computing employment, Florida healthcare cloud migrations (Mayo Clinic Jacksonville substantial cloud migration to AWS/Azure, AdventHealth substantial cloud migration, Cleveland Clinic Florida cloud, BayCare cloud, Baptist Health South Florida cloud), Disney cloud streaming infrastructure (substantial Disney+ streaming cloud engineering and Walt Disney World cloud operations), Lockheed Martin Orlando defense cloud (substantial cleared defense cloud engineering), cruise-industry cloud (Carnival cloud Miami, Royal Caribbean cloud Miami, Norwegian Cruise Line cloud), plus growing Miami fintech cloud following the substantial post-2020 fintech-and-crypto migration from NYC and SF.
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, Florida Academic Scholars covers 100% of in-state tuition + $300/semester book stipend; Florida Medallion Scholars covers 75%. Florida Prepaid Plan locks in current tuition rates. Federal Pell stacks. Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG) adds ~$3,500/year for in-state students at participating private Florida institutions.
Florida's cloud-computing-specific institutional aid is concentrated at: University of Florida (UF) with substantial CS-with-cloud-emphasis programs paired with the substantial UF AI Initiative + HiPerGator infrastructure providing exceptional cloud-infrastructure research depth. University of Central Florida (UCF), one of the largest US universities by enrollment with substantial CS-with-cloud-emphasis and Orlando defense cloud industry placement. Florida State University has growing CS-with-cloud-emphasis programs. University of South Florida (USF) has substantial CS programs with Tampa Bay cloud industry placement. Florida International University (FIU) has substantial CS-with-cloud-emphasis programs with Miami fintech cloud and healthcare cloud industry placement. The Florida community college cloud certification + AAS-cloud degree programs at Miami Dade College, Valencia College (Orlando), Santa Fe College (Gainesville), Broward College, Hillsborough Community College (Tampa), Tallahassee Community College provide substantial AWS/Azure/GCP certification pathways.
Industry-track scholarships and certification reimbursement from Florida-based cloud employers, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville cloud (substantial AWS/Azure cloud migration), AdventHealth cloud (substantial cloud migration supporting AdventHealth's substantial Florida-wide health system operations), Cleveland Clinic Florida cloud, BayCare cloud, Baptist Health South Florida cloud, Walt Disney World cloud + Disney+ streaming cloud (substantial AWS cloud engineering supporting Disney+ streaming infrastructure), Universal Studios Orlando cloud, SeaWorld cloud, Carnival Cruise cloud (Miami HQ), Royal Caribbean cloud (Miami HQ), Norwegian Cruise Line cloud (Miami HQ), Lockheed Martin Orlando cloud (substantial cleared defense cloud engineering), Northrop Grumman Melbourne cloud, L3Harris Melbourne cloud, plus growing Miami fintech cloud (Coinbase Miami operations cloud, plus dozens of fintech firms that relocated from NYC and SF post-2020), provide additional funding most students don't pursue.
Cloud Computing Degree ROI Calculator, Florida
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a cloud computing degree in Florida. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Cloud Computing Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a cloud computing degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+802%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,483,492
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$108,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,518,900
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Miami, FL)$130,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.5%
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Cloud Computing Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Florida metro areas
Miami$108K
Tampa$103K
Orlando$98K
Jacksonville$93K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Miami | $108K |
| Tampa | $103K |
| Orlando | $98K |
| Jacksonville | $93K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Cloud Computing Graduates in Florida
Find cloud computing jobs in Florida. These major employers across Florida metro areas are actively hiring cloud computing degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Cloud Computing Jobs in Miami
FLMiami has emerged as a major fintech and crypto hub, with many companies relocating from Silicon Valley.
Nearby cities: Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Coral Gables
Citadel Securities
Financial Technology
Magic Leap
AR/VR Technology
Kaseya
IT Management Software
Ultimate Kronos Group (UKG)
HR Software
Chewy
E-commerce
Blackstone
Financial Technology
Microsoft
Enterprise Software
Cloud Computing Jobs in Tampa Bay
FLTampa Bay has a growing cybersecurity cluster with headquarters for several security companies.
Nearby cities: St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Lakeland
Tech Data (TD SYNNEX)
IT Distribution
ReliaQuest
Cybersecurity
ConnectWise
IT Software
KnowBe4
Security Awareness
Raymond James
Financial Technology
USAA
Financial Services
Cloud Computing Jobs in Orlando
FLOrlando combines simulation, gaming, and defense tech with major theme park technology operations.
Nearby cities: Kissimmee, Sanford, Winter Park, Lake Mary
Electronic Arts (EA)
Gaming
Lockheed Martin
Defense/Aerospace
Siemens
Industrial Technology
Disney
Entertainment Tech
Universal Orlando
Entertainment Tech
L3Harris Technologies
Defense/Aerospace
KPMG
Professional Services
Florida Tech Industry & Infrastructure
Florida's tech market has grown materially over the last decade, driven by no-state-income-tax policy, defense and space industry presence, and rapid in-migration of tech workers from higher-cost coastal states. While the state's tech-employer concentration trails CA/TX/NY, the trajectory is steep and the cost-of-living-adjusted compensation is competitive.
Miami / South Florida
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach
Fastest-growing US tech metro by population in-migration. Anchored by a financial-services and fintech cluster (Citadel relocated HQ here), plus a substantial Latin America tech-services market.
Orlando
Orlando metro
Defense/simulation tech (Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Northrop Grumman), tourism-tech (Disney, Universal), and modeling/simulation industry. UCF is the largest US CS-graduate producer.
Tampa Bay
Tampa metro
Financial-services tech, healthcare-IT, cybersecurity (cybersecurity employer cluster), and growing startup scene. USF is the principal CS/IS feeder.
No state income tax. Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund are the principal state-level tech-employer incentives.
Florida Regulation Affecting Cloud Computing Graduates
Florida moved to enact a consumer privacy law in 2024 and has been active on AI and child-safety legislation. The regulatory environment generally favors employers but is no longer a privacy backwater for engineering teams serving Florida users.
Florida Digital Bill of Rights (FDBR)
Effective July 2024. Grants Florida consumers rights to access, correct, delete, and opt out of sale of personal data. Notably narrower applicability than CCPA — applies only to large businesses making most revenue from data sales.
Larger consumer-tech companies with Florida users must implement opt-out and access flows; the law's narrower scope reduces compliance overhead vs CA/TX equivalents.
Read moreFlorida HB 3 (Online Protections for Minors)
Effective 2025. Restricts social-media access for users under 16 and requires age verification for certain platforms.
Engineers building consumer products with Florida users under 16 must implement age-verification flows and platform-access restrictions.
Read moreFlorida Cybersecurity Act (state agencies)
Sets cybersecurity standards for state agencies and contractors. Includes minimum encryption, breach-notification, and incident-response requirements.
Engineers working with Florida state/local government IT operate under these standards.
Read moreProfessional Engineer Licensure in Florida
Florida does not currently administer a separate Software Engineering PE license. ABET-EAC accredited engineering degrees are recognized for general PE licensure tracks (mechanical, electrical, computer engineering), but software engineering specifically is not a recognized PE discipline in Florida.
Florida licensing boardFlorida Financial Aid Programs
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship
Merit scholarshipUp to 100% tuition coverage at FL public schools (Florida Academic Scholars tier)
FL high-school graduates with qualifying GPA/test scores attending FL institutions
Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG)
State grantUp to $2,610/yr
FL residents with financial need at FL institutions
Up to $3,500/yr
FL residents at independent (private) FL colleges
Florida Prepaid College Plan
Prepaid tuitionLocks in tuition rate; reduces future tuition risk
FL families purchasing tuition at current rates for future college attendance
Transfer Pathways for Florida Cloud Computing Students
Verdict: Florida's Florida Statewide Course Numbering System and the Florida 2+2 system, automatic admission to a state university for AA-degree graduates from Florida College System (FCS) institutions, provides one of the most reliable US cloud-computing-track transfer-pathway frameworks.
Best Florida community college cloud-computing-track-feeder schools: Miami Dade College (largest US community college, strong UF, FIU, and University of Miami cloud pathways with refined cloud-computing prerequisite + AWS/Azure/GCP certification programs aligned to Miami healthcare cloud, cruise-industry cloud, and fintech cloud industry placement during community college years), Valencia College (Orlando, strong UCF pipeline with the DirectConnect to UCF guaranteed admission program, refined cloud certification programs aligned to Disney cloud, Lockheed Martin Orlando defense cloud, Universal Studios cloud), Santa Fe College (Gainesville, geographically adjacent to UF with refined cloud certification programs), Broward College (Fort Lauderdale, strong FAU cloud pipeline), Hillsborough Community College (Tampa, strong USF pipeline with Tampa Bay healthcare cloud and financial cloud industry placement), Tallahassee Community College (strong FSU pipeline). Each has refined cloud-computing prerequisite + AWS/Azure/GCP certification programs via Florida statewide articulation.
The Valencia College → UCF DirectConnect cloud-track pathway is the most accessible Florida cloud-computing transfer (guaranteed UCF admission for qualified Valencia AA graduates) and feeds Orlando's substantial Disney cloud, Lockheed Martin Orlando defense cloud, Universal Studios cloud, and growing Orlando tech cloud industry placement. The Miami Dade College → FIU cloud-track pathway is the most reliable Miami-area cloud progression with substantial Miami healthcare cloud, cruise-industry cloud, and fintech cloud industry placement. The Santa Fe College → UF cloud-track pathway is the substantially-reliable UF flagship progression with UF AI Initiative + HiPerGator cloud infrastructure adjacency.
Beyond UCF and FIU cloud: University of Florida has substantial CS-with-cloud-emphasis programs. Florida State University has growing CS-with-cloud-emphasis programs. University of South Florida (USF) has substantial CS programs with Tampa Bay cloud industry placement. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has CS-with-cloud-emphasis programs. University of Miami (private) has CS-with-cloud-emphasis with substantial institutional aid. University of North Florida (Jacksonville) has CS-with-cloud-emphasis with Mayo Clinic Jacksonville cloud industry placement. For Florida cloud-computing-track students, the UCF DirectConnect pathway is the accessible Orlando defense/entertainment cloud optimization; FIU is the Miami healthcare/cruise/fintech cloud optimization; UF is the elite flagship optimization with UF AI Initiative cloud infrastructure; FSU/USF are the affordable comprehensive alternatives; UNF is the Jacksonville healthcare cloud optimization.
Florida Take-Home Pay Advantage
$0 State Income Tax
Florida has no state income tax. At the median cloud computing salary of $97,820, that keeps roughly $4,891 more in your pocket annually compared to states with a 5% income tax rate.
Source: Florida Department of Revenue
Florida Cloud Computing Job Market & Salary
Verdict: Florida has a substantial and growing Cloud Computing engineer job market with distinctive industry composition: Florida healthcare cloud migrations are one of the largest US healthcare cloud markets (Mayo Clinic Jacksonville substantial AWS/Azure cloud migration, AdventHealth substantial cloud migration supporting Florida-wide health system, Cleveland Clinic Florida cloud, BayCare cloud, Baptist Health South Florida cloud), Disney cloud is one of the larger US streaming cloud operations (substantial Disney+ AWS streaming cloud engineering supporting hundreds of millions of streaming subscribers globally, plus Walt Disney World cloud operations supporting Disney's substantial theme-park operations), cruise-industry cloud (Carnival cloud Miami, Royal Caribbean cloud Miami, Norwegian Cruise Line cloud, Miami is substantially the global capital of cruise-industry cloud operations), Orlando defense cloud (Lockheed Martin Orlando cloud, substantial cleared defense cloud engineering supporting defense M&S cloud applications), plus growing Miami fintech cloud following substantial post-2020 fintech-and-crypto migration. Combined with no state income tax, Florida cloud take-home compensation is competitive despite lower nominal salaries.
By metro: Miami-Fort Lauderdale averages ~$135,000-$195,000 for cloud engineer roles per Levels.fyi with concentrations at Carnival Cruise cloud, Royal Caribbean cloud, Norwegian Cruise Line cloud (Miami is substantially the global capital of cruise-industry cloud operations, substantial AWS cloud engineering supporting cruise-ship technology infrastructure, port operations cloud, customer-experience cloud), Miami healthcare cloud (Mount Sinai Miami cloud, University of Miami Health cloud, Baptist Health South Florida cloud, Jackson Health cloud), growing Miami fintech cloud (Coinbase Miami operations cloud, dozens of fintech firms that relocated from NYC and SF post-2020), plus growing Miami tech ecosystem. Orlando averages ~$125,000-$180,000 anchored by Walt Disney World cloud + Disney+ streaming cloud (substantial AWS cloud engineering supporting Disney+ streaming infrastructure plus Walt Disney World theme-park cloud), Universal Studios Orlando cloud, SeaWorld cloud, Lockheed Martin Orlando cloud (substantial cleared defense cloud engineering), plus growing Orlando tech cloud.
Tampa Bay averages ~$120,000-$175,000 with AdventHealth cloud as the substantial healthcare cloud employer (substantial AdventHealth Tampa cloud operations + Florida-wide cloud operations), BayCare cloud, USAA Tampa cloud, MacDill AFB cloud (substantial cleared cloud operations supporting CENTCOM/SOCOM), Raymond James cloud for financial services, USF Health cloud. Jacksonville averages ~$115,000-$170,000 with Mayo Clinic Jacksonville cloud as the substantial healthcare cloud employer (substantial AWS/Azure cloud migration supporting Mayo's substantial integrated health system), CSX Transportation cloud for rail operations, Fidelity National Financial cloud, Florida Blue cloud (one of the larger US state Blue Cross Blue Shield cloud operations).
Three Florida cloud-computing-specific dynamics: (1) Florida healthcare cloud is one of the largest US healthcare cloud markets, AdventHealth alone is one of the larger US health-system cloud migrations supporting AdventHealth's substantial Florida-wide health system operations, plus Mayo Clinic Jacksonville substantial cloud migration. (2) Disney+ streaming cloud is one of the larger US streaming cloud operations, substantial AWS cloud engineering supporting Disney+ streaming infrastructure for hundreds of millions of streaming subscribers globally. (3) Miami cruise-industry cloud is one of the most-distinctive US cloud employment specialties, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line are headquartered in Miami with substantial cloud operations supporting cruise-ship technology infrastructure that doesn't exist anywhere else. See Cloud Engineer Career Guide and DevOps Engineer Career Guide.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Florida$63,583$141,839
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Cloud Computing Programs in Florida
Online Programs
23 available in Florida
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$7,851/yr$8,723/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Cloud Computing Programs in Other States
Best Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Georgia
- Total Programs
- 52
- Median Tuition
- $4,100
Best Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Alabama
- Total Programs
- 18
- Median Tuition
- $10,200
Best Cloud Computing Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 127
- Median Tuition
- $1,400
Best Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 37
- Median Tuition
- $4,600
Best Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 74
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
Best Cloud Computing Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 100
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Best Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Massachusetts
- Total Programs
- 30
- Median Tuition
- $39,400
Best Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Virginia
- Total Programs
- 30
- Median Tuition
- $12,800
Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Florida: FAQ
What are the best cloud computing degree programs in Florida?
The best cloud computing degree programs in Florida based on our methodology are: 1) University of Central Florida (93% graduation rate), 2) University of South Florida, and 3) Florida State University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Florida offers 56 total accredited programs across 34 public and 12 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 29 bachelor's programs.
How much do cloud computing degree programs cost in Florida?
Cloud Computing degree program costs in Florida vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $8,723/year, while private institutions average $19,191/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $2,181/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $34,892 at public schools to $76,762 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can cloud computing degree graduates earn in Florida?
Cloud Computing professionals in Florida earn a median salary of $97,820, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $63,583, while senior roles exceed $141,839. Salaries vary by metro area: Miami ($107,602), Tampa ($102,711) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online cloud computing degree programs in Florida?
Yes, Florida offers 23 accredited online Cloud Computing programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from University of South Florida and Broward College. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire cloud computing degree graduates in Florida?
Major Cloud Computing employers in Florida include Citrix, Magic Leap, Chewy, Tech Data, Ultimate Software. The Miami and Tampa metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Florida universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Florida's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a cloud computing degree program worth it in Florida?
A cloud computing degree program in Florida offers strong ROI with a $97,820 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $8,723/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($110,537), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do cloud computing degree programs take in Florida?
Standard completion times for cloud computing degree programs in Florida are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Florida community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Florida university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for cloud computing degree students in Florida?
Florida cloud computing degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Florida state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Florida's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Florida salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Was this ranking helpful for your college search?
Thanks for your feedback!
How can we improve this article?
Thank you for helping us improve!
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.