Top 3 Computer Engineering Programs in Florida 2025
University of Central Florida
158 Computer Engineering graduates annually, 93% graduation rate
University of Florida
90 Computer Engineering graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
Florida International University
119 Computer Engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Florida has 18 computer engineering bachelor's programs, with 15 actively ranked based on comprehensive data analysis
- 2.University of Florida leads with 88% graduation rate and the strongest industry partnerships across Florida's tech corridor
- 3.Florida's computer hardware engineers earn median $95,560 annually—competitive with national averages despite lower cost of living
- 4.The state offers excellent value with top programs at UF ($6,380) and FSU ($6,507) providing world-class education at public tuition rates
- 5.Growing tech hubs in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and the Space Coast create 45,000+ engineering jobs statewide
Computer Engineering Education in Florida
Florida's computer engineering programs combine strong academic foundations with practical industry connections, particularly benefiting from the state's growing technology sector. From aerospace and defense on the Space Coast to fintech in Miami and theme park technology in Orlando, Florida offers diverse career pathways for computer engineering graduates.
The state's flagship University of Florida leads in computer engineering education, while specialized institutions like Florida Tech provide focused STEM environments. For students considering broader options, our national computer engineering rankings compare programs nationwide. Those interested in related fields should explore our software engineering programs and computer science degrees for alternative pathways.
Florida's no state income tax policy and relatively affordable cost of living make it particularly attractive for engineering students planning long-term career growth. Major employers include Lockheed Martin, Harris Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and emerging tech companies in Miami's Silicon Beach.
Florida Computer Engineering Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | Public | $4,478 | 93% | — | 78 |
| 2 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | Public | $4,477 | 95% | — | 69.3 |
| 3 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | Public | $4,721 | — | — | 67.7 |
| 4 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | Private | $58,104 | 94% | — | 61.9 |
| 5 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | Public | $4,559 | 85% | — | 57.9 |
| 6 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | Public | $2,522 | 77% | — | 56.5 |
| 7 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | Public | $4,640 | — | — | 55.1 |
| 8 | Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne, FL | Private | $43,420 | 81% | — | 49.9 |
| 9 | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Tallahassee, FL | Public | $3,152 | — | — | 49.1 |
| 10 | University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | Public | $3,735 | 84% | — | 47.4 |
| 11 | Florida Polytechnic University | Lakeland, FL | Public | $3,152 | 81% | — | 46.1 |
| 12 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Daytona Beach, FL | Private | $40,680 | 70% | — | 45.7 |
| 13 | Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico-Orlando | Orlando, FL | Private | $13,212 | — | — | 40.7 |
| 14 | Bethune-Cookman University | Daytona Beach, FL | Private | $13,844 | — | — | 32.1 |
Top 5 Computer Engineering Programs in Florida: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Central Florida | U of Florida | U of Miami | U of South Florida | Florida International |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $4,478 | $4,477 | $58,104 | $4,559 | $4,721 |
| Graduation Rate | 93% | 95% | 94% | 85% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 317 | 195 | 89 | 140 | 331 |
| Acceptance Rate | 40% | 24% | 19% | 41% | 59% |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Public | Public |
| Score | 86.9/100 | 83.2/100 | 74.8/100 | 72.8/100 | 72.6/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Engineering in Florida
Florida offers 29 bachelor's-level computer engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of Miami. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $68,474 in the Florida market.
A bachelor's in computer engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Florida
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Central Florida | $4,478 | 93% | 317 | 86.9 |
| #2 U of Florida | $4,477 | 95% | 212 | 84.4 |
| #3 U of Miami | $58,104 | 94% | 89 | 74.8 |
Top Computer Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Florida
For graduate study, Florida offers 14 master's-level computer engineering programs. Leading institutions include University of Florida, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Florida reaching $127,166 or more.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Master's Programs in Florida
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Florida | $4,477 | 95% | 195 | 83.2 |
| #2 U of South Florida | $4,559 | 85% | 140 | 72.8 |
| #3 U of Central Florida | $4,478 | 93% | 47 | 65.7 |
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Colleges in Florida
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer engineering programs in Florida are at Florida Atlantic University ($2,522/year), Florida Polytechnic University ($3,152/year), Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University ($3,152/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Florida's competitive tech salaries.
At Florida Atlantic University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $10,088 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $68,474, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.3 years.
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Florida (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Florida Atlantic | $2,522 | $10,088 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #2 Florida Polytechnic | $3,152 | $12,608 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #3 Florida Agricultural and... | $3,152 | $12,608 | 0.4 years | Public |
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,478 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 317 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 40%
- • Ranking Score: 86.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 317 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 86.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (317 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (40% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UCF's Computer Engineering program is ranked among top 80 undergraduate engineering programs nationally and offers hands-on learning with renowned research faculty. The program provides two specialized tracks and strong industry connections with major employers like Google, Microsoft, and Intel.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.25
- Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $101,000
- Top Employers: Lockheed Martin, Siemens, Microsoft, Google, Intel, Apple, TI
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,477 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 195 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 24%
- • Ranking Score: 83.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 195 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 83.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (195 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (24% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UF's Computer Engineering program offers flexibility with more than 80 graduate-level courses, strong industry connections with over 60% of students securing internships with major employers, and excellent graduation rates with more than 95% of master's students graduating on time.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (MAC 2311)
- •Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (MAC 2312)
- •Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3 (MAC 2313)
- •Physics 1 w/lab (PHY 2053 and PHY 2053L) or Physics with Calculus 1 w/ lab (PHY 2048 and PHY 2048L)
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: More than 95% of students admitted to the master's program graduate on time
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $58,104 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 94% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 89 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 19%
- • Ranking Score: 74.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate
- 89 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 74.8 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (89 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (19% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The University of Miami Computer Engineering program offers ABET accreditation and covers comprehensive topics from embedded microprocessors to large-scale distributed systems. The unique Software Engineering Option is developed collaboratively between Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science departments, providing interdisciplinary preparation for software engineering careers.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,559 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 85% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 140 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 41%
- • Ranking Score: 72.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 85% graduation rate
- 140 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 72.8 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (85%), program size (140 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (41% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Computer Engineering program at USF's Bellini College focuses on both hardware and software systems with extensive laboratory work, while emphasizing ethics and trust in technology development within a college specifically dedicated to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and computing.
Admission Prerequisites
- •4 English
- •4 math
- •3 natural science
- •3 social science
- •2 foreign language
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.5 for lower-level transfer, 2.0-2.3 for upper-level transfer depending on AA degree
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120
Florida International University
Miami, FL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,721 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 331 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 59%
- • Ranking Score: 72.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 331 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 72.6 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (331 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (59% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Hardware Engineer
SOC 17-2061Design and develop computer systems, processors, and electronic components for aerospace, defense, and consumer electronics companies.
Embedded Systems Engineer
SOC 17-2061Develop software and hardware for embedded systems in automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and IoT applications.
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design, develop, and maintain software applications with focus on system-level programming and hardware-software integration.
Systems Engineer
SOC 17-2199Design and manage complex technical systems, ensuring hardware and software components work together effectively.
Cybersecurity Engineer
SOC 15-1212Develop secure systems and implement security measures for hardware and software systems in critical industries.
Florida University Systems and Computer Engineering
Florida's computer engineering education is delivered through several distinct university systems, each offering unique advantages for prospective students.
The State University System of Florida includes flagship programs at UF and FSU, along with growing programs at UCF, USF, and FIU. These public universities provide excellent value with ABET-accredited programs typically costing under $7,000 annually for in-state students. The system's emphasis on research and industry partnerships creates strong career pathways for graduates.
Private institutions like Florida Tech and University of Miami offer smaller class sizes and specialized focus areas. Florida Tech's location on the Space Coast provides unique aerospace industry access, while UM's research opportunities and Miami location offer fintech and international business technology exposure.
Emerging programs at Florida Polytechnic University represent the state's commitment to STEM education, though newer programs may still be developing their industry relationships and graduate outcomes data.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Florida
Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
Which Should You Choose?
- Excellent value education at top-ranked public universities like UF and FSU
- Access to growing aerospace and defense industry on the Space Coast
- No state income tax and relatively affordable cost of living
- Warm weather year-round and outdoor recreational opportunities
- Emerging tech hubs in Miami, Tampa, and Orlando providing diverse career options
- Strong ABET-accredited programs with solid industry partnerships
- Access to major tech companies like Google, Apple, or Microsoft headquarters
- Higher starting salaries to offset higher living costs
- More prestigious brand-name universities for graduate school applications
- Extensive public transportation systems in major metropolitan areas
- More established tech startup ecosystems and venture capital access
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Computer Engineering Programs
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Engineering degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific computer engineering salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Computer Engineering Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database providing official statistics on graduation rates, tuition costs, and enrollment data for all US colleges and universities
State-specific salary and employment data for computer hardware engineers and related occupations in Florida
Official accreditation status for engineering and technology programs ensuring educational quality and professional standards
State economic development data and technology sector employment statistics
Source: Florida Chamber of Commerce 2024
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.