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Best Value Computer Science Colleges in Florida

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

University of Miami computer science graduates earn $78,343 annually, the highest among Florida's 19 programs, yet their net cost reaches $36,803. This creates a stark contrast with public options like University of West Florida, where students pay just $8,155 net cost. Florida's tech sector benefits from major employers like Lockheed Martin in Orlando and growing fintech companies in Miami, creating strong demand for computer science talent. The state's Bright Futures scholarship program helps bridge affordability gaps for high-achieving students, while Florida's lack of state income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings. Private institutions dominate the higher-earning tier, with Florida Institute of Technology graduates averaging $67,324, though their $35,300 net cost reflects this premium.
19
Programs
$8,155 – $40,289
Net Price Range
$61,747
Avg. Program Earnings
53.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Computer Science Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $19,113 $55,964 $15,117 51.0%
2 $36,803 $78,343 $59,926 84.2% 18.9%
3 $29,664 $59,846 $42,360 69.3% 56.6%
4 $35,300 $67,324 $44,360 65.5% 64.4%
5 $33,011 $47,260 $50,374 67.6% 65.1%
6 $10,353 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
7 $9,899 $4,940 53.0% 56.0%
8 $20,040 $14,262 8.3%
9 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
10 $21,318 $55,220 62.8% 93.8%
11 $24,275 $34,770 43.4% 65.2%
12 $18,467 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
13 $32,751 $37,990 58.9% 94.7%
14 $31,303 $37,080 64.3% 75.8%
15 $22,978 $33,450 36.6% 59.6%
16 $31,759 $26,417 49.6%
17 $18,675 $19,110 30.2% 69.9%
18 $40,289 $42,304 67.4% 64.5%
19 $14,892 $14,794 27.8% 85.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $28,648 gap between the most and least expensive programs?

Private institutions like University of Miami charge $36,803 net cost compared to University of West Florida's $8,155. Private schools often offer smaller class sizes and specialized facilities, but public universities provide excellent value. Florida Institute of Technology graduates earn $67,324 despite the higher $35,300 cost, while University of North Florida offers strong outcomes at just $10,353 net cost.

How do Florida computer science salaries compare to program costs?

Graduates earn between $47,260 and $78,343 annually, with most programs showing positive return on investment within five years. University of Miami's $78,343 average salary justifies its higher cost for many students. Even mid-range earners from schools like Rasmussen University at $55,964 can recover their $19,113 net cost relatively quickly in Florida's growing tech market.

Does the Bright Futures scholarship affect these costs?

Bright Futures covers 75-100% of tuition at public universities for qualifying students, significantly reducing the listed costs. This makes schools like Florida Polytechnic University and University of North Florida even more affordable. The scholarship doesn't apply to private institutions, making the public versus private cost gap even wider for eligible students.

Where do Florida computer science graduates find the best job markets?

Miami's fintech sector, Orlando's defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, and Tampa's healthcare technology companies offer strong opportunities. Florida's aerospace industry centered around Kennedy Space Center creates demand for software engineers. The state's zero income tax policy means a $60,000 salary in Florida equals approximately $63,600 in states with 6% income tax, improving real purchasing power.

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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.