On this page
Key Takeaways
Best computer engineering degree programs: U of Central Florida, U of Florida, U of Miami
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,522 to $58,104/year
Florida International offers the most affordable option at $4,721/yr
Computer Engineering degree programs available: 3 associate's, 14 master's, 10 doctoral in Florida
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
12 online computer engineering degree programs in Florida
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Florida community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
3 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
Computer Engineering degree programs near 114+ cities across Florida
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 6, 2026
How we ranked Florida Computer Engineering programs
We rank 56 accredited computer engineering 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.
Are Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Florida Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Engineering Degree Rankings in Florida
Compare the top-ranked Computer Engineering programs in Florida by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Engineering Programs in Florida
Program Landscape
Florida offers 3 accredited associate's degree programs in computer engineering, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Full Sail, Southern Technical College, Rasmussen University-Florida, 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 $19,935/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 computer engineering schools in Florida, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer engineering degrees in Florida.
Best Bachelor's Computer Engineering Programs in Florida
Program Landscape
Florida ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer engineering education, with 29 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 11 public and 16 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Central Florida, U of Florida, U of Miami, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Florida computer engineering 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 $2,522 to $58,104 annually, with an average of $22,293/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 79%, with the highest reaching 95%. 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 computer engineering degrees in Florida, these top-ranked computer engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 14 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | Public | $4,721 | 74% | 84.7 |
| #7 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | Public | $2,522 | 63% | 76.1 |
| #8 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Daytona Beach, FL | Private nonprofit | $42,408 | 67% | 75.1 |
| #9 | Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne, FL | Private nonprofit | $44,620 | 64% | 74.5 |
| #10 | Florida Polytechnic University | Lakeland, FL | Public | $3,152 | 55% | 74.1 |
| #11 | University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | Public | $3,735 | 59% | 74.0 |
| #12 | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Tallahassee, FL | Public | $3,152 | 53% | 73.3 |
| #13 | Atlantis University | Miami, FL | Private for-profit | $10,800 | 57% | 61.4 |
| #14 | Bethune-Cookman University | Daytona Beach, FL | Private nonprofit | $13,844 | 31% | 55.8 |
Best Master's Computer Engineering Programs in Florida
Program Landscape
Florida offers 14 master's degree programs in computer engineering, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Florida, U of South Florida, U of Central 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 $17,691/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 computer engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne, FL | Private nonprofit | $44,620 | 64% | 70.4 |
| #7 | Atlantis University | Miami, FL | Private for-profit | $10,800 | 57% | 59.0 |
Best Doctoral Computer Engineering Programs in Florida
Program Landscape
Florida is home to 10 doctoral programs in computer engineering, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Florida, U of South Florida, U of Central Florida 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 computer engineering 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.
Florida Institute of Technology
Computer Engineering Degree Costs & Tuition in Florida
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $21,910/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $54,775/year |
| Community college tuition | $5,478/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $131,460 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $32,864 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Engineering Students in Florida
State Aid Programs
Florida offers multiple financial aid opportunities for computer engineering students, including state-specific grants and merit-based scholarships. The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship program provides funding based on academic achievement and standardized test scores, covering varying percentages of tuition costs. Students meeting specific criteria can receive significant financial assistance that makes engineering education more accessible. Federal aid programs including Pell Grants and subsidized loans supplement state funding.
Key Programs & Amounts
Private institutions offer institutional scholarships based on academic merit, leadership, and specific talents. Florida Institute of Technology provides various scholarship opportunities for qualified students pursuing science and engineering degrees (Florida Tech Catalog). Engineering-specific scholarships from professional organizations and industry sponsors provide additional funding sources. Students should complete FAFSA applications early to maximize aid eligibility and explore department-specific scholarship opportunities.
Institutional Scholarships
Work-study programs and research assistantships provide both financial support and valuable experience for undergraduate students. Graduate students often receive teaching or research assistantships that cover tuition while providing stipends for living expenses. Students can access comprehensive guidance through our financial aid guide to navigate available options effectively. Early application for all aid programs increases chances of receiving maximum funding.
Computer Engineering Degree ROI Calculator, Florida
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer engineering 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.
Computer Engineering Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer engineering degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+645%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,192,850
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$95,833
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
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
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
Computer Engineering Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Florida metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Miami | $108K |
| Tampa | $103K |
| Orlando | $98K |
| Jacksonville | $93K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Engineering Graduates in Florida
Find computer engineering jobs in Florida. These major employers across Florida metro areas are actively hiring computer engineering degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Engineering 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
Computer Engineering Jobs in Tampa Bay
FLTampa Bay has a growing cybersecurity cluster with headquarters for several security companies.
Nearby cities: St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Lakeland
Computer Engineering Jobs in Orlando
FLOrlando combines simulation, gaming, and defense tech with major theme park technology operations.
Nearby cities: Kissimmee, Sanford, Winter Park, Lake Mary
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 Computer Engineering 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 Computer Engineering Degrees in Florida
State Transfer System
Florida's statewide transfer system facilitates movement between community colleges and four-year universities for computer engineering students. The state maintains articulation agreements ensuring that community college coursework transfers seamlessly to public universities. Students complete general education requirements and prerequisite mathematics and science courses at community colleges before transferring. This pathway can significantly reduce overall education costs while maintaining academic quality.
How Transfers Work
Transfer students must carefully plan course sequences to meet computer engineering program requirements. Essential prerequisite courses include calculus, physics, chemistry, and introductory programming. Some programs offer transfer guides outlining recommended community college coursework for smooth transitions. Students can research most affordable programs computer engineering options to minimize total education costs. Private institutions like Florida Institute of Technology also accept transfer credits, though evaluation processes may vary from public university standards.
Florida Take-Home Pay Advantage
Source: Florida Department of Revenue
Computer Engineering Job Market & Salary Data in Florida
Employment Outlook
Florida's computer engineering job market shows strong demand across multiple sectors, with employers actively recruiting at major career events. The University of Florida's Career Showcase, described as the largest campus-hosted career fair in the Southeast, demonstrates the state's attraction to employers seeking computer science and engineering talent (UF Career Connections Center). Regional variations exist, with some metro areas emerging as AI and technology hubs that offer specialized opportunities for computer engineers.
Salaries by Metro
Salary ranges vary by location and specialization within computer engineering. Entry-level positions in major metro areas offer competitive starting salaries, while experienced engineers can command premium wages in specialized fields like aerospace, defense contracting, and emerging AI technologies. The state's diverse economic base provides opportunities in traditional engineering roles as well as advanced research positions.
High-Growth Sectors
High-growth sectors include aerospace engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence applications. Remote work opportunities have expanded post-pandemic, allowing Florida-based engineers to work for companies nationwide while benefiting from the state's favorable tax environment. Students can explore [software developer paths that complement computer engineering skills or consider data scientist roles that leverage their technical background.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Engineering Programs in Florida
Online Programs
12 available in Florida
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 28
- Median Tuition
- $9,800
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $10,100
- Total Programs
- 187
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 49
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
- Total Programs
- 98
- Median Tuition
- $8,000
- Total Programs
- 129
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
- Total Programs
- 74
- Median Tuition
- $44,200
- Total Programs
- 36
- Median Tuition
- $10,100
Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Florida: FAQ
What are the best computer engineering degree programs in Florida?
How much do computer engineering degree programs cost in Florida?
What salary can computer engineering degree graduates earn in Florida?
Are there online computer engineering degree programs in Florida?
What companies hire computer engineering degree graduates in Florida?
Is a computer engineering degree program worth it in Florida?
How long do computer engineering degree programs take in Florida?
What financial aid is available for computer engineering degree students in Florida?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Florida salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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.