Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Florida 2025
University of Central Florida
Largest IT program in Florida with 15,000+ students. Strong partnerships with Disney, Universal, and Orlando tech companies
University of South Florida
Top research university with excellent cybersecurity focus and direct Tampa Bay tech connections
Florida International University
Premier Hispanic-serving institution with strong Miami tech scene access and bilingual workforce preparation
- 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.
Based on 25 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Florida May 2024, Florida Department of Education
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Class size and personalized instruction
Florida-specific IT salaries from BLS OEWS
Internship placements and employer partnerships
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Central Florida | Orlando | Public | $6,368 | 73% | 30:1 | 92.1 |
| 2 | University of South Florida | Tampa | Public | $6,410 | 75% | 22:1 | 89.4 |
| 3 | Florida International University | Miami | Public | $6,556 | 69% | 25:1 | 87.8 |
| 4 | Florida State University | Tallahassee | Public | $6,517 | 82% | 21:1 | 86.2 |
| 5 | Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne | Private | $43,510 | 68% | 13:1 | 84.9 |
| 6 | University of Florida | Gainesville | Public | $6,381 | 90% | 17:1 | 83.7 |
| 7 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton | Public | $6,039 | 58% | 24:1 | 82.3 |
| 8 | Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale | Private | $33,450 | 65% | 16:1 | 81.8 |
| 9 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Daytona Beach | Private | $39,456 | 61% | 15:1 | 80.9 |
| 10 | Florida Polytechnic University | Lakeland | Public | $5,688 | 56% | 16:1 | 79.8 |
| 11 | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Tallahassee | Public | $5,785 | 61% | 14:1 | 78.5 |
| 12 | University of Miami | Coral Gables | Private | $56,010 | 84% | 12:1 | 77.2 |
| 13 | Florida Gulf Coast University | Fort Myers | Public | $6,118 | 61% | 23:1 | 76.1 |
| 14 | Stetson University | DeLand | Private | $51,400 | 70% | 12:1 | 75.3 |
| 15 | Barry University | Miami Shores | Private | $30,540 | 54% | 13:1 | 74.1 |
| 16 | Lynn University | Boca Raton | Private | $39,880 | 59% | 19:1 | 73.4 |
| 17 | Rollins College | Winter Park | Private | $56,270 | 73% | 10:1 | 72.8 |
| 18 | Florida Memorial University | Miami Gardens | Private | $15,906 | 31% | 13:1 | 71.5 |
| 19 | Keiser University | Fort Lauderdale | Private | $22,404 | 52% | 15:1 | 70.2 |
| 20 | Saint Leo University | Saint Leo | Private | $25,030 | 56% | 14:1 | 69.7 |
| 21 | Southeastern University | Lakeland | Private | $27,976 | 49% | 18:1 | 68.9 |
| 22 | Bethune-Cookman University | Daytona Beach | Private | $17,596 | 40% | 14:1 | 67.8 |
| 23 | Florida Southern College | Lakeland | Private | $40,330 | 67% | 13:1 | 66.9 |
| 24 | Edward Waters University | Jacksonville | Private | $13,540 | 28% | 15:1 | 65.4 |
| 25 | Johnson University Florida | Kissimmee | Private | $17,520 | 45% | 12:1 | 64.2 |
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL • University
Program Highlights
- • Located in the heart of Orlando's growing tech scene
- • Offers cooperative education program with guaranteed paid internships
- • Home to the Florida Center for Cybersecurity
Program Strengths
- Largest IT program in Florida with comprehensive specialization tracks
- Direct partnerships with Disney, Universal Studios, and Lockheed Martin
- State-of-the-art facilities including dedicated cybersecurity lab
- 90% job placement rate within six months of graduation
- Strong alumni network throughout Florida's tech industry
Why Ranked #1
UCF's IT program stands out for its massive scale, industry connections, and strategic location in the Orlando tech corridor. With over 15,000 students in IT-related programs, UCF has built the infrastructure and partnerships necessary to provide exceptional educational opportunities.
Student Reviews
"The connections UCF has with local companies made finding internships incredibly easy. I had three offers before graduation."
— Recent IT Graduate
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL • University
Program Highlights
- • Part of the prestigious AAU (Association of American Universities)
- • Strong focus on cybersecurity with NSA designation
- • Active alumni network in Tampa Bay's financial and healthcare sectors
Program Strengths
- Top-tier research opportunities in cybersecurity and data analytics
- Strong corporate partnerships with Raymond James, Tech Data, and Jabil
- Comprehensive cybersecurity program ranked in top 20 nationally
- Excellent internship placement rate of 85%
- Modern facilities with enterprise-grade technology labs
Why Ranked #2
USF combines research university resources with practical IT education, offering students access to cutting-edge research while maintaining strong industry connections in the Tampa Bay area's thriving tech sector.
Student Reviews
"USF's cybersecurity focus opened doors I never expected. The professors have real industry experience and connections."
— Information Security Student
Florida International University
Miami, FL • University
Program Highlights
- • Premier Hispanic-Serving Institution with bilingual tech focus
- • Strong connections to Latin American business technology
- • Rapidly growing alumni network in Miami's tech sector
Program Strengths
- Strong bilingual workforce preparation for international IT roles
- Partnerships with Miami's fintech and startup ecosystem
- Excellent diversity with students from over 140 countries
- Growing cybersecurity program with industry certifications
- Access to Miami's emerging tech scene and venture capital
Why Ranked #3
FIU's strategic Miami location and diverse student body create unique opportunities for IT students, particularly in the growing fintech and international business technology sectors that define South Florida's economy.
Student Reviews
"Being in Miami opened up opportunities in fintech and international business that I wouldn't have found elsewhere. The diversity here is incredible."
— IT Management Graduate
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.
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
Information Technology Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Georgia
North Carolina
Virginia
Colorado
| Cost Factor | In-State Public | Out-of-State Public | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $6,400 | $22,100 | $35,800 |
| Room & Board | $11,200 | $11,200 | $13,500 |
| Total Annual Cost | $17,600 | $33,300 | $49,300 |
| 4-Year Total | $70,400 | $133,200 | $197,200 |
| Financial Aid Rate | 85% | 65% | 92% |
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
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.