Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Florida 2025
University of Central Florida
299 Information Technology graduates annually, 93% graduation rate
Florida State University
175 Information Technology graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
University of South Florida
208 Information Technology graduates annually, 85% graduation rate
- 1.Florida has 50+ accredited information technology bachelor's programs across state universities and private colleges (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.University of Central Florida leads with the largest IT program and strongest industry partnerships in the Orlando tech corridor
- 3.Florida's state universities offer exceptional IT education value with average in-state tuition of $6,400—well below the national average
- 4.IT professionals in Florida earn median $89,630 annually with no state income tax advantage (BLS Florida 2024)
- 5.Miami, Orlando, and Tampa metro areas provide 45,000+ IT jobs with growing demand in fintech, healthcare IT, and tourism technology
Information Technology Education in Florida
Florida's information technology education landscape reflects the state's rapid transformation into a major tech hub. With no state income tax, year-round recruiting events, and growing sectors in fintech, healthcare IT, and aerospace technology, Florida offers IT students exceptional career prospects upon graduation.
The state's university system provides affordable, high-quality IT education with strong industry connections. Major tech companies like Disney, Lockheed Martin, and Harris Corporation maintain significant Florida operations and actively recruit from local IT programs. For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national IT bachelor's rankings. Students considering costs should review our most affordable IT programs guide, while career-focused students can explore our IT career paths for Florida-specific opportunities.
Florida's IT programs emphasize practical skills in network administration, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and enterprise systems management. The state's unique position as a gateway to Latin America also provides opportunities for bilingual IT professionals, particularly in the Miami market.
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | Public | $4,478 | 93% | — | 78 |
| 2 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | Public | $4,640 | — | — | 71.1 |
| 3 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | Public | $4,559 | 85% | — | 70.6 |
| 4 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | Public | $4,721 | — | — | 66.4 |
| 5 | Broward College | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Public | $1,968 | — | — | 61.5 |
| 6 | Eastern Florida State College | Melbourne, FL | Public | $2,048 | — | — | 60 |
| 7 | Seminole State College of Florida | Sanford, FL | Public | $2,498 | — | — | 55.3 |
| 8 | Valencia College | Orlando, FL | Public | $1,984 | 86% | — | 53.6 |
| 9 | Indian River State College | Fort Pierce, FL | Public | $2,496 | 54% | — | 52 |
| 10 | Miami Dade College | Miami, FL | Public | $1,987 | — | — | 51.5 |
| 11 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | Public | $3,996 | 82% | — | 51.3 |
| 12 | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Tallahassee, FL | Public | $3,152 | — | — | 49.8 |
| 13 | Florida Institute of Technology-Online | Melbourne, FL | Private | $12,240 | — | — | 48.2 |
| 14 | University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | Public | $3,735 | 84% | — | 47.1 |
| 15 | Santa Fe College | Gainesville, FL | Public | $1,872 | — | — | 46 |
| 16 | Daytona State College | Daytona Beach, FL | Public | $3,072 | — | — | 44.3 |
| 17 | Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Private | $22,936 | 84% | — | 43 |
| 18 | Florida National University-Main Campus | Hialeah, FL | For-Profit | $15,600 | — | — | 42 |
| 19 | Atlantis University | Miami, FL | For-Profit | $10,800 | — | — | 41.6 |
| 20 | Strayer University-Florida | Tampa, FL | For-Profit | $13,725 | 33% | — | 41.5 |
| 21 | Barry University | Miami, FL | Private | $32,800 | — | — | 41.4 |
| 22 | Rasmussen University-Florida | Ocala, FL | For-Profit | $13,452 | — | — | 41.3 |
| 23 | Florida Memorial University | Miami Gardens, FL | Private | $14,274 | 72% | — | 39.4 |
| 24 | Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Private | $35,880 | 48% | — | 39.3 |
| 25 | South University-Tampa | Tampa, FL | For-Profit | $15,732 | — | — | 38.8 |
Showing 1–25 of 27
Top 5 Information Technology Programs in Florida: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Central Florida | U of Florida | U of South Florida | Florida International | Florida State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $4,478 | $4,477 | $4,559 | $4,721 | $4,640 |
| Graduation Rate | 93% | 95% | 85% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 812 | 599 | 341 | 701 | 282 |
| Acceptance Rate | 40% | 24% | 41% | 59% | 25% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 87.7/100 | 86.6/100 | 72.7/100 | 70.0/100 | 64.6/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Technology in Florida
Florida offers 38 bachelor's-level information technology programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of South Florida. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $68,474 in the Florida market.
A bachelor's in information technology typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Florida
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Central Florida | $4,478 | 93% | 812 | 87.7 |
| #2 U of Florida | $4,477 | 95% | 424 | 81.5 |
| #3 U of South Florida | $4,559 | 85% | 387 | 74.3 |
Top Information Technology Schools for Master's Degrees in Florida
For graduate study, Florida offers 16 master's-level information technology programs. Leading institutions include University of Florida, University of South Florida, Florida State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Florida reaching $127,166 or more.
Top 3 Information Technology Master's Programs in Florida
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Florida | $4,477 | 95% | 599 | 86.6 |
| #2 U of South Florida | $4,559 | 85% | 341 | 72.7 |
| #3 Florida State | $4,640 | N/A% | 282 | 64.6 |
Most Affordable Information Technology Colleges in Florida
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information technology programs in Florida are at Santa Fe College ($1,872/year), Broward College ($1,968/year), Valencia College ($1,984/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Florida's competitive tech salaries.
At Santa Fe College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $7,488 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $68,474, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.2 years.
Most Affordable Information Technology Programs in Florida (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Santa Fe College | $1,872 | $7,488 | 0.2 years | Public |
| #2 Broward College | $1,968 | $7,872 | 0.2 years | Public |
| #3 Valencia College | $1,984 | $7,936 | 0.2 years | Public |
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,478 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 812 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 40%
- • Ranking Score: 87.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 812 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 87.7 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (812 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (40% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,477 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 599 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 24%
- • Ranking Score: 86.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 599 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 86.6 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (599 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (24% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The program offers flexible online learning with strong liberal arts foundation, preparing students for high-demand careers in computer science with employment expected to grow 11 percent through 2029. Students benefit from access to specialized concentrations in data science and information technology, plus strong industry connections including partnerships with major employers like JPMorganChase.
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: 2.5
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,559 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 85% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 341 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 41%
- • Ranking Score: 72.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 85% graduation rate
- 341 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 72.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (85%), program size (341 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (41% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Florida International University
Miami, FL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,721 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 701 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 59%
- • Ranking Score: 70.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 701 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 70.0 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (701 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (59% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,640 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 282 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 25%
- • Ranking Score: 64.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 282 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 64.6 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (282 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (25% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
FSU's Information Technology program offers combined bachelor's/master's pathways allowing up to 12 graduate hours to be shared between degrees, and is housed within a top-ranked iSchool that has received recognition from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Admission Prerequisites
- •12 credits of information technology related coursework OR 2 years of professional experience in the information technology field
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 42 semester hours
Career Paths
IT Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1244Manage enterprise networks, servers, and infrastructure for Florida's growing business sector
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Design and maintain network infrastructure for healthcare, tourism, and aerospace companies
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect Florida's financial services, healthcare, and government systems from cyber threats
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Manage data systems for Florida's tourism, real estate, and international trade industries
IT Project Manager
SOC 15-1299Lead technology implementations for major Florida employers like Disney, Universal, and cruise lines
Florida University Systems and IT Education
Florida's State University System (SUS) consists of 12 public universities offering IT degrees, providing exceptional value for both in-state and out-of-state students. The system's coordinated approach ensures consistent quality while allowing each campus to develop specializations that reflect their regional economies.
The University of Florida system leads in research and traditional computer science, while UCF and USF focus more heavily on applied IT skills and industry partnerships. Florida's state colleges also offer 2+2 transfer programs, allowing students to complete associate degrees before transferring to four-year IT programs.
- State University System (SUS): 12 universities with comprehensive IT programs and coordinated transfer pathways
- Florida College System: 28 state colleges offering IT associate degrees with guaranteed transfer to SUS universities
- Private institutions: Strong programs at Florida Tech, Nova Southeastern, and Embry-Riddle with specialized industry focus
- Community college partnerships: Seamless transfer agreements ensure credits transfer efficiently between systems
Florida's no state income tax policy makes the state particularly attractive for IT professionals, effectively increasing take-home pay compared to states with significant income taxes. This advantage, combined with affordable education costs, creates excellent long-term value for IT degree holders.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Florida
Information Technology Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Georgia
North Carolina
Virginia
Colorado
Which Should You Choose?
- Affordable public education with strong industry connections
- No state income tax advantage for your entire career
- Access to growing tech sectors in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa
- Year-round internship and networking opportunities
- Bilingual tech skills for international business opportunities
- Strong job market in tourism technology, fintech, and aerospace
- Top-tier computer science research opportunities
- Access to major tech company headquarters
- Established Silicon Valley or Seattle networking
- Venture capital and startup ecosystem access
- Higher average starting salaries in tech
- Public transportation infrastructure for urban tech jobs
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida IT Programs
Based on 25 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Technology 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 information technology salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Information Technology Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Tuition, graduation rates, and enrollment data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
Florida-specific salary and employment data for IT occupations
State university system data and program accreditation information
Peer assessment scores and academic reputation metrics
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.