Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Florida 2025
University of Miami
84 Software Engineering graduates annually, 94% graduation rate
University of Central Florida
158 Software Engineering graduates annually, 93% graduation rate
Full Sail University
190 Software Engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Florida has 35+ accredited software engineering and computer science bachelor's programs across state universities and private institutions (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Florida Institute of Technology ranks #1 in Florida with ABET-accredited software engineering and direct aerospace industry pipelines
- 3.Florida International University offers exceptional value at $6,565 in-state tuition with in Miami tech market
- 4.Florida software developers earn median $92,960 annually—6% below national average but with no state income tax (BLS Florida 2024)
- 5.Major tech employers include Lockheed Martin, Harris Corporation, Magic Leap, Chewy, and growing fintech sector in Miami
Software Engineering Education Landscape in Florida
Florida's software engineering programs combine academic excellence with proximity to major tech hubs in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. The state offers unique advantages including no state income tax, growing aerospace and defense industries, and emerging fintech and gaming sectors.
Students can choose from ABET-accredited programs at Florida Tech, comprehensive computer science tracks at state universities, or specialized software development concentrations. For national comparisons, see our best software engineering bachelor's programs ranking. Career-focused students should review our software engineer salary guide for Florida-specific compensation data and growth opportunities.
Florida's tech ecosystem spans multiple industries: aerospace and defense (Cape Canaveral corridor), gaming and entertainment (Orlando), fintech and international business (Miami), and healthcare technology (Tampa Bay). This diversity creates abundant internship and career opportunities for software engineering graduates.
Florida Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | Private | $58,104 | 94% | — | 76.4 |
| 2 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | Public | $4,478 | 93% | — | 74.8 |
| 3 | Full Sail University | Winter Park, FL | For-Profit | $26,417 | — | — | 74.5 |
| 4 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | Public | $4,477 | 95% | — | 67 |
| 5 | Florida Polytechnic University | Lakeland, FL | Public | $3,152 | 81% | — | 66.3 |
| 6 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | Public | $4,721 | — | — | 64.9 |
| 7 | Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne, FL | Private | $43,420 | 81% | — | 61.6 |
| 8 | Saint Leo University | Saint Leo, FL | Private | $26,240 | 85% | — | 58.4 |
| 9 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | Public | $4,559 | 85% | — | 56.2 |
| 10 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | Public | $2,522 | 77% | — | 54.8 |
| 11 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | Public | $3,996 | 82% | — | 54.1 |
| 12 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | Public | $4,640 | — | — | 53.9 |
| 13 | University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | Public | $3,735 | 84% | — | 53.5 |
| 14 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Daytona Beach, FL | Private | $40,680 | 70% | — | 52.8 |
| 15 | Florida Gulf Coast University | Fort Myers, FL | Public | $4,191 | 95% | — | 51.5 |
| 16 | Rasmussen University-Florida | Ocala, FL | For-Profit | $13,452 | — | — | 49.8 |
| 17 | Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Private | $22,936 | 84% | — | 48.4 |
| 18 | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Tallahassee, FL | Public | $3,152 | — | — | 48.4 |
| 19 | Florida Southern College | Lakeland, FL | Private | $41,500 | — | — | 48.3 |
| 20 | Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Private | $35,880 | 48% | — | 43.1 |
Showing 1–20 of 29
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Florida: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Central Florida | U of Florida | U of Miami | Florida Polytechnic | Full Sail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $4,478 | $4,477 | $58,104 | $3,152 | $26,417 |
| Graduation Rate | 93% | 95% | 94% | 81% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 158 | 90 | 84 | 129 | 190 |
| Acceptance Rate | 40% | 24% | 19% | 56% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Public | For-Profit |
| Score | 84.5/100 | 80.3/100 | 80.2/100 | 74.8/100 | 74.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Florida
Florida offers 29 bachelor's-level software 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 software engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Florida
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Central Florida | $4,478 | 93% | 158 | 84.5 |
| #2 U of Florida | $4,477 | 95% | 90 | 80.3 |
| #3 U of Miami | $58,104 | 94% | 84 | 80.2 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Florida
For graduate study, Florida offers 11 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include University of South Florida, Florida Institute of Technology, Saint Leo University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Florida reaching $127,166 or more.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Florida
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of South Florida | $4,559 | 85% | 61 | 69.7 |
| #2 Florida Institute of... | $43,420 | 81% | 43 | 64.1 |
| #3 Saint Leo | $26,240 | 85% | 44 | 57.1 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Florida
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software 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 Software 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)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 158 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 40%
- • Ranking Score: 84.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 158 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 84.5 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (158 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 Science program uniquely requires passing a Computer Science Foundation Exam to advance to upper-level coursework (only UCF uses this nationally), features world-class facilities like the L3Harris Engineering Center with cutting-edge labs, and boasts a Programming Team with an unmatched 40+ year record of top-three regional finishes.
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $103,000
- Top Employers: NASA, L3Harris Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Duke Energy, Siemens
Sources
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,477 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 90 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 24%
- • Ranking Score: 80.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 90 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 80.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (90 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (24% 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)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 84 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 19%
- • Ranking Score: 80.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate
- 84 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 80.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (84 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (19% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Florida Polytechnic University
Lakeland, FL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,152 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 129 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 56%
- • Ranking Score: 74.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 129 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 74.8 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (129 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (56% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Florida Polytechnic University's Computer Science program combines mandatory internships with high-tech industry leaders, interdisciplinary capstone design projects with industry sponsors, and individualized faculty mentorship in a small campus environment. The program builds upon a mathematically rigorous foundation while emphasizing project-based learning and practical problem-solving approaches.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Program Details
- Credits: 120
- Internship Required
Full Sail University
Winter Park, FL • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $26,417 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 190 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 74.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 190 software engineering graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 74.5 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (190 graduates), state salary outcomes ($97,820), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Full Sail's Computer Science program with Mobile Development concentration allows students to earn two degrees (associate and bachelor's) in one structured program, with hands-on experience in iOS and Android development. The program includes comprehensive career support services available throughout graduates' careers and access to industry connections through their Alumni Network.
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.5 for Computer Science and Game Design master's degrees, 2.0 for other programs
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design, develop, and maintain software applications for aerospace, gaming, fintech, and healthcare industries throughout Florida's diverse tech ecosystem.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze large datasets for international business, tourism, and healthcare sectors, particularly strong in Miami's financial district and Orlando's theme park industry.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1299Implement CI/CD pipelines and cloud infrastructure for Florida's growing startup ecosystem and established aerospace companies.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect critical infrastructure in aerospace, defense, and international business sectors, with high demand from government contractors.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop artificial intelligence solutions for autonomous vehicles, aerospace systems, and fintech applications in Florida's emerging AI sector.
Florida University Systems and Software Engineering Programs
Florida's higher education landscape offers diverse pathways for software engineering education across multiple university systems. The State University System of Florida includes 12 universities offering computer science and software engineering programs, while private institutions and community colleges provide additional options.
The flagship University of Florida leads in research and national recognition, while Florida International University and University of Central Florida serve large metropolitan areas with strong industry connections. Florida Institute of Technology remains the only institution offering dedicated ABET-accredited software engineering, making it unique in the state.
- State University System: UF, FSU, UCF, USF, FIU, FAU, and others offering comprehensive programs
- Private institutions: Florida Tech (software engineering), Nova Southeastern, University of Miami
- Community colleges: Valencia, Miami Dade, Broward providing 2+2 transfer pathways
- Specialized institutions: Florida Polytechnic (STEM-focused), Embry-Riddle (aerospace)
Students can begin at community colleges and transfer to universities through articulation agreements, making education more affordable. Many programs offer online and hybrid options, particularly important given Florida's geographic diversity and working student population.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Florida
Software Engineering Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Which Should You Choose?
- No state income tax and lower cost of living compared to California/New York
- Access to aerospace and defense industry opportunities (NASA, SpaceX, defense contractors)
- Growing tech ecosystem in Miami fintech and Orlando gaming/entertainment
- Year-round networking and internship opportunities without winter breaks
- Diverse international business connections, especially Latin America
- Strong value proposition with quality public universities at affordable tuition
- More prestigious tech companies and higher starting salaries (California, Washington)
- Larger concentration of software engineering jobs and meetups (Texas, New York)
- More venture capital and startup funding opportunities (California, Massachusetts)
- Stronger public transit systems for car-free living (New York, Massachusetts)
- More specialized programs like game development or AI research (California, Carnegie Mellon)
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Software Engineering Programs
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Software 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 software engineering salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Software Engineering Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Official federal database providing graduation rates, tuition, enrollment, and institutional data for all accredited colleges and universities
Official federal salary and employment data for software developers and engineers in Florida, updated May 2024
State labor market information including employment projections and industry analysis for Florida's technology sector
Official accreditation status for engineering and computing programs, including software engineering accreditation
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.