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Best Value Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in Florida

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

University of Florida graduates in computer science earn $79,037 annually while paying just $6,351 in net costs, creating one of the strongest return-on-investment ratios in the state. The earnings gap between Florida's top-performing programs and community colleges spans nearly $48,000, with graduates from Indian River State College earning $31,133 compared to UF's substantial salary outcomes. Florida's tech sector benefits from major employers like Citrix, Tech Data, and Harris Corporation, plus a growing fintech presence in Miami that creates demand for skilled programmers and systems analysts. Public universities dominate the value equation, with 12 of the top 15 programs offering in-state tuition under $7,000. The state's Bright Futures scholarship program can cover full tuition for qualifying students, making already affordable programs essentially free. Community colleges provide entry points with minimal debt, while flagship universities deliver the highest earning potential, creating clear pathways based on student goals and financial circumstances.
37
Programs
$3,119 – $36,576
Net Price Range
$54,002
Avg. Program Earnings
53.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

37 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,119 $52,663 $3,227 42.0%
2 $4,702 $79,037 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
3 $6,351 $79,037 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
4 $7,201 $48,432 $3,106 41.2%
5 $8,001 $51,794 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
6 $9,133 $58,077 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
7 $8,155 $50,773 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
8 $5,202 $31,133 $2,764 42.5%
9 $10,043 $56,847 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
10 $10,353 $56,415 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
11 $10,650 $56,867 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
12 $10,997 $54,252 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
13 $17,518 $61,144 $13,920
14 $15,847 $53,608 $5,785 51.9% 32.9%
15 $18,467 $55,770 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
16 $20,077 $44,356 $2,830 36.1%
17 $22,978 $48,041 $33,450 36.6% 59.6%
18 $24,026 $39,369 $14,742 49.7%
19 $34,439 $48,432 $24,136 44.2% 96.5%
20 $35,634 $33,424 61.9% 26.4%
21 $8,249 $3,401 38.5%
22 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
23 $23,629 $16,088 28.1%
24 $36,576 $49,230 57.3% 51.9%
25 $22,602 $15,580 22.4%
26 $18,675 $19,110 30.2% 69.9%
27 $29,932 $32,150 26.0% 49.0%
28 $10,399 $2,474 43.5%
29 $5,929 $2,838 44.7%
30 $21,318 $55,220 62.8% 93.8%
31 $24,275 $34,770 43.4% 65.2%
32 $31,759 $26,417 49.6%
33 $26,255 $46,180 57.0% 57.7%
34 $11,154 $2,563 52.1%
35 $33,847 $58,300 76.9% 50.0%
36 $32,751 $37,990 58.9% 94.7%
37 $31,303 $37,080 64.3% 75.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $48,000 salary difference between Florida's highest and lowest earning computer science programs?

University of Florida graduates earn $79,037 annually compared to $31,133 for Indian River State College graduates, reflecting differences in degree levels and career tracks. Four-year university programs prepare students for software engineering and systems architecture roles, while community college associate degrees typically lead to entry-level support positions. The 91.5% graduation rate at UF versus 42.5% at Indian River also indicates different student preparation levels and program rigor.

How do Florida's public universities compare to private schools for computer science value?

Public universities deliver superior value with net costs under $11,000 and earnings exceeding $50,000 for most programs. Saint Leo University charges $18,467 in net costs while producing graduates earning $55,770, creating a much weaker cost-to-earnings ratio. Strayer University costs $17,518 with $61,144 earnings, but lacks graduation rate data that public schools provide transparently.

Does the University of Florida's 23.35% acceptance rate affect program value?

The low acceptance rate correlates with strong outcomes including the state's highest graduate earnings at $79,037 and a 91.5% graduation rate. Students who gain admission benefit from strong industry connections and research opportunities that justify the competitive entry requirements. Alternative options like Florida International University offer 63.86% acceptance rates with solid $58,077 earnings for students seeking easier admission paths.

What role does Florida's no-income-tax policy play in computer science career value?

Florida's lack of state income tax increases take-home pay significantly compared to states with income taxes, making modest starting salaries more competitive. A $50,000 salary in Florida equals approximately $52,500-$55,000 in states with typical income tax rates. This tax advantage particularly benefits entry-level graduates from community college programs earning around $31,000-$48,000 annually.

How do graduation rates impact the actual value of Florida computer science programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from 41.2% at community colleges to 91.5% at the University of Florida, directly affecting program value calculations. Students at Florida State University enjoy an 83% graduation rate with $54,252 average earnings, while Daytona State's 41.2% rate means many students accumulate debt without completing degrees. Higher graduation rates typically correlate with better student support services and more rigorous admission standards.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.