Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Florida 2025
The University of Tampa
66 Cybersecurity graduates annually, 85% graduation rate
University of South Florida
92 Cybersecurity graduates annually, 85% graduation rate
Saint Leo University
62 Cybersecurity graduates annually, 85% graduation rate
- 1.Florida has 20+ accredited cybersecurity bachelor's programs with 8 NSA-designated Centers of Academic Excellence
- 2.Florida Institute of Technology ranks #1 in the state with specialized defense industry connections and 67% graduation rate
- 3.FIU offers excellent value at $6,565 in-state tuition with NSA designation and Miami fintech sector access
- 4.Florida cybersecurity professionals earn median $108,570 annually—matching national averages with no state income tax benefit
- 5.Miami, Orlando, and Tampa provide 25,000+ cybersecurity jobs with growing demand in finance, aerospace, and healthcare
Cybersecurity Education in Florida
Florida's cybersecurity education landscape has grown significantly, driven by the state's expanding tech sector, aerospace industry, and financial services. With no state income tax and a lower cost of living than many tech hubs, Florida offers attractive cybersecurity career prospects alongside quality education.
The state hosts eight NSA-designated Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, providing students with rigorous, government-recognized cybersecurity education. From specialized programs at Florida Tech to large-scale offerings at UCF, students can find programs tailored to their career goals.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national cybersecurity bachelor's rankings. Students considering affordability should review our most affordable cybersecurity programs guide. Career-focused students can explore our cybersecurity analyst salary guide for Florida-specific compensation data.
Florida Cybersecurity Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Tampa | Tampa, FL | Private | $31,162 | 85% | — | — | 75 |
| 2 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | Public | $4,559 | 85% | — | — | 71.6 |
| 3 | Saint Leo University | Saint Leo, FL | Private | $26,240 | 85% | — | — | 67.8 |
| 4 | Full Sail University | Winter Park, FL | For-Profit | $26,417 | — | — | — | 64.6 |
| 5 | Miami Dade College | Miami, FL | Public | $1,987 | — | — | — | 61.9 |
| 6 | St Petersburg College | St. Petersburg, FL | Public | $1,943 | — | — | — | 60.7 |
| 7 | Pensacola State College | Pensacola, FL | Public | $1,871 | — | — | — | 59.7 |
| 8 | University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | Public | $3,735 | 84% | — | — | 58.7 |
| 9 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | Private | $58,104 | 94% | — | — | 58 |
| 10 | Rasmussen University-Florida | Ocala, FL | For-Profit | $13,452 | — | — | — | 56 |
| 11 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | Public | $4,721 | — | — | — | 50.5 |
| 12 | Florida Memorial University | Miami Gardens, FL | Private | $14,274 | 72% | — | — | 44.4 |
| 13 | Hodges University | Fort Myers, FL | Private | $15,000 | — | — | — | 42.9 |
| 14 | Stetson University | DeLand, FL | Private | $54,820 | — | — | — | 40.8 |
Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in Florida: Side-by-Side
| School | U of South Florida | U of Miami | St Petersburg College | University of Tampa | Palm Beach State College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $4,559 | $58,104 | $1,943 | $31,162 | $3,030 |
| Graduation Rate | 85% | 94% | N/A% | 85% | 90% |
| Annual Graduates | 92 | 54 | 138 | 66 | 55 |
| Acceptance Rate | 41% | 19% | N/A | 41% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Private | Public |
| Score | 78.9/100 | 78.7/100 | 74.5/100 | 74.3/100 | 71.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in Florida
Florida offers 15 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of South Florida, University of Miami, St Petersburg College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $68,474 in the Florida market.
A bachelor's in cybersecurity typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in Florida
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of South Florida | $4,559 | 85% | 92 | 78.9 |
| #2 U of Miami | $58,104 | 94% | 54 | 78.7 |
| #3 St Petersburg College | $1,943 | N/A% | 138 | 74.5 |
Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in Florida
For graduate study, Florida offers 11 master's-level cybersecurity programs. Leading institutions include The University of Tampa, Saint Leo University, University of West Florida. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Florida reaching $127,166 or more.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Master's Programs in Florida
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Tampa | $31,162 | 85% | 37 | 67.8 |
| #2 Saint Leo | $26,240 | 85% | 42 | 62.9 |
| #3 U of West Florida | $3,735 | 84% | 32 | 62.9 |
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in Florida
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in Florida are at Pensacola State College ($1,871/year), St Petersburg College ($1,943/year), Miami Dade College ($1,987/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Florida's competitive tech salaries.
At Pensacola State College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $7,484 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $68,474, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.2 years.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Florida (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Pensacola State College | $1,871 | $7,484 | 0.2 years | Public |
| #2 St Petersburg College | $1,943 | $7,772 | 0.2 years | Public |
| #3 Miami Dade College | $1,987 | $7,948 | 0.2 years | Public |
Florida's Cybersecurity Education Landscape
Florida's cybersecurity programs span the State University System (SUS), private institutions, and specialized technology schools. The State University System includes powerhouses like UF, FSU, UCF, and USF, offering affordable options with strong research components.
Private institutions like Florida Tech and Nova Southeastern provide specialized programs with smaller class sizes and industry-specific focuses. Florida Tech particularly excels in defense and aerospace cybersecurity, while Nova Southeastern offers strong healthcare cybersecurity programs.
The state's eight NSA-designated Centers of Academic Excellence ensure rigorous cybersecurity education aligned with national standards. These programs meet strict criteria for curriculum depth, faculty expertise, and student outcomes, providing graduates with credentials valued by government and industry employers.
Students can also explore related programs through our information technology degree hub or consider online cybersecurity degrees for flexible learning options.
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,559 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 85% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 92 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 41%
- • Ranking Score: 78.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 85% graduation rate
- 92 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 78.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (85%), program size (92 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (41% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $58,104 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 94% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 54 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 19%
- • Ranking Score: 78.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate
- 54 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 78.7 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (54 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (19% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
St Petersburg College
St. Petersburg, FL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $1,943 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 138 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 74.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 138 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 74.5 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (138 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
This fully online Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity builds upon students' core knowledge with an upper division curriculum focusing on advanced topics like cyber warfare, penetration testing, and emerging security technologies. The program prepares graduates for high-level positions including Systems Security Analyst, Security Control Assessor, and senior roles such as Chief Information Security Officer.
Admission Prerequisites
- •60 credits in a related discipline with at least 15 General Education credits
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
The University of Tampa
Tampa, FL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $31,162 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 85% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 66 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 41%
- • Ranking Score: 74.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 85% graduation rate
- 66 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 74.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (85%), program size (66 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (41% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Palm Beach State College
Lake Worth, FL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,030 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 55 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 71.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 55 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 71.5 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (55 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
PBSC offers a comprehensive 2+2 cybersecurity pathway with state-of-the-art lab facilities and CAE-CD designation. The program features hands-on training, industry partnerships with national cybersecurity organizations, and an award-winning Ethical Hackers Club that organizes intensive cybersecurity conferences.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Monitor networks for security breaches, investigate violations, and implement security measures
Information Security Manager
Plan and direct security policies, procedures, and teams to protect organizational data
Network Security Engineer
Design and implement secure network infrastructure and monitor for vulnerabilities
Digital Forensics Specialist
Investigate cybercrimes and security incidents using specialized forensic techniques
Penetration Tester
Conduct authorized attacks on systems to identify security vulnerabilities
Other Tech Degree Programs in Florida
Compare Cybersecurity Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Virginia
Maryland
Which Should You Choose?
- No state income tax and lower cost of living than most tech hubs
- Growing cybersecurity job market in finance, aerospace, and healthcare
- NSA-designated programs at affordable in-state tuition rates
- Year-round internship and networking opportunities
- Access to specialized defense and aerospace cybersecurity roles
- Diverse industry sectors from theme parks to international finance
- Established tech hubs with mature cybersecurity ecosystems
- Higher concentration of Fortune 500 cybersecurity roles
- More extensive public transportation for campus access
- Cooler climate preferences for year-round comfort
- Stronger government cybersecurity job markets
- More venture capital funding for cybersecurity startups
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Cybersecurity Programs
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cybersecurity 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 cybersecurity salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Cybersecurity Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics
Florida-specific salary data for cybersecurity occupations
CAE-CD designations and program recognition
State university system data and transfer articulation
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.