Are you looking for the best schools, colleges and universities for computer science programs in Florida?
Do you want to study in Florida?
Are you confused as to choosing the institution in Florida for your coursework?
Here’s a guide on all you need to know about how to choose the perfect college for you.
We live in a technology-driven world that is filled with computers and other devices.
And the fact is more technologies are rising at a fast pace which requires more news for tech enthusiasts.
Being part of this community is a surety of financial stability as the job outlook for these professions is very bright.
Many corporations, government agencies, and most businesses will need more employees who have digital skills to fix any problems with their devices, websites, or software.
Following this assertion, we at Stay Informed Group, bring you an up-to-date guide based on facts on the Florida universities for computer science programs.
A degree or certification in computer science will give you the programming knowledge to be a problem-solver.
If you want to be trained by the best and you are ready to apply to computer science schools in Florida, below is a list that will guide you.
Read Also: 45 Affordable Online Masters Programs in 2024
Why You Should Consider a Computer Science Career
Since the world is becoming more digital, it’s not out of place to say that only professions will thrive better in this dispensation.
If you’re wondering if a career in computer science in Florida is ideal then you should know that professions in this stead have a growing job market.
Secondly, information from US BLS says that the job outlook is expected to grow by 11% between 2019 and 2029.
Another reason you should go ahead with studying a computer science course in one of the best schools in Florida is the salary structure.
The median wage of a professional in computer science is about $91,250 in a month.
What GPA is Good for Computer Science?
To get into any of the best computer science schools, you need at least a GPA of 3.0.
However, the higher the GPA, the higher the chances of getting admission.
What Kind Of Jobs Do Computer Science Majors Get?
A trained computer scientist can be employed in various fields depending on his/her specialization.
Here are the top 7 jobs computer science majors can get;
- Web Developer
- Software Developer.
- Database Administrator.
- Computer Systems Analyst.
- Computer Network Architect.
- Information Security Analyst.
- A Computer Hardware Engineer.
Best 15 Computer Science Schools in Florida
Based on criteria such as annual in-state tuition and graduation rates, we came up with a detailed list of the best universities for computer science programs in Florida.
#1. Florida State University (FSU)
- Location: Tallahassee, Florida
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Acceptance Rate: 36%
- SAT Range: 1200-1340
- Annual in-state tuition: $5,656
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 21 to 1
FSU is one of the universities in Florida that has several computer science programs.
The institution offers both bachelor’s and doctorate degrees.
In addition to the wide range of course options, the university offers cybersecurity and information assurance courses.
#2. University of Florida
- Location: Gainesville, Florida
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Acceptance Rate: 37%
- SAT Range: 1310-1470
- Annual in-state tuition: $6,381
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 17 to 1
One of the best Florida schools for Computer science programs is the University of Florida.
The computer science program at UF requires at least 39 credit hours to complete.
The major program they offer is Data Structure and Algorithms.
And an interesting fact is you can take this course online or on campus.
#3. University of Central Florida
- Location: Orlando, Florida
- Graduation Rate: 72%
- Acceptance Rate: 44%
- SAT Range: 1170-1340
- Annual in-state tuition: $6,368
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 30 to 1
Studying at UCF is very interesting and exciting.
The reason is that the university is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment like 3-D printers and laser cutters.
Graduates from UCF computer science programs have connections to work in Google, Apple, Microsoft, and other prestigious companies.
#4. Florida Atlantic University
- Location: Boca Raton, Florida
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- SAT Range: 1080-1240
- Annual in-state tuition: $4,879
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 21 to 1
Florida Atlantic University has a college extension for engineering and computer science.
This college remains one of the best Florida universities or schools for computer science.
Another feature of reckoning for this institution is its prowess in innovative research and quality education.
Some courses of interest are AI, Data Science and Analytics.
#5. University of South Florida
- Location: Tampa Bay, Florida
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- SAT Range: 1170-1330
- Annual in-state tuition: $6,410
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 23 to 1
The University of South Florida is one of the best computer science schools.
USF is a large institution that offers both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in computer courses.
In the ranking of public schools, It ranks as the 34th computer science department in all U.S.
#6. Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
- Location: Tallahassee, Florida
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Acceptance Rate: 36%
- SAT Range: 1030-1160
- Annual in-state tuition: $5,785
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 15 to 1
Since its inception in 1967, the computer department of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University has made tremendous growth.
The school offers a bachelor’s degree program.
Usually, it takes 46 credits and 36 general elective credits. Also, students have the opportunity to join an internship program with the school.
Besides being good in computer science, Florida A&M is also one of the best business schools in Florida.
#7. Eastern Florida State College
- Location: Cocoa, Florida
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- SAT Range: —
- Annual in-state tuition: $2,496
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 17 to 1
Eastern Florida State College is one of Florida’s colleges ideal for computer science courses.
At the institution, you can earn an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in computer science-related majors.
Some courses of repute in this department include; computing, cybersecurity and information technology.
Also, Eastern Florida State College is one of the best schools for computer science because of its practicality in teaching.
#8. Florida International University
- Location: Miami, Florida
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- SAT Range: 1110-1280
- Annual in-state tuition: $6,565
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 27 to 1
If you want to earn a computer science bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree, all are available at Florida International University.
However, the bachelor’s degree is divided into two tracks: computer science (CS) and software design and development (SDD).
Also, there is an opportunity for students to work with local and regional organizations in real-life situations to develop current technological systems to solve problems.
#9. Florida Gulf Coast University
- Location: Fort Myers, Florida
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- SAT Range: 1060-1210
- Annual in-state tuition: $6,118
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 22 to 1
Florida Gulf Coast University is one of the computer science schools in Florida that offers a BS in Software Engineering.
Students combine traditional computer science and software engineering courses.
This will require at least 120 credits to graduate.
#10. Florida Polytechnic University
- Location: Lakeland, Florida
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Acceptance Rate: –
- SAT Range: –
- Annual in-state tuition: $4,940
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 15 to 1
The Computer Science programs at Florida Polytechnic University focus on three streams: game development and simulation, software engineering and cybersecurity.
Besides the actual course programs, students have access to over 35 computer science-related clubs.
Its curriculum is highly rated hence why it’s among the top-rated Florida computer science schools.
#11. The University of West Florida
- Location: Pensacola, Florida
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Acceptance Rate: 31%
- SAT Range: 1080-1260
- Annual in-state tuition: $6,360
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 21 to 1
At the University of West Florida, prospective students who want to study a computer-related course can earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
The most common course of interest is cybersecurity and information technology.
Just in case the degrees are high-end for you, you can earn certifications and minors in computer science at the school.
#12. University of Miami
- Location: Miami-Dade County, Florida
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Acceptance Rate: 27%
- SAT Range: 1270-1440
- Annual in-state tuition: $61,930
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 12 to 1
If you’re looking at earning a BS or BA degree in Computer Science then the University of Miami is a good consideration.
Also, MS programs and accelerated programs are available.
For a BA program, students can choose either of these specializations: comprehensive or flexible data science, computational science, cryptography and security, or graphics and games.
#13. The University of Tampa
- Location: Tampa, Florida
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- SAT Range: 1100-1250
- Annual in-state tuition: $29,992
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 17 to 1
The University of Tampa is one of the best computer science schools in Florida.
Studying at this university will expose you to getting hands-on experience on different capstone projects.
Students get to work in teams saving real-life situations.
Also, you can get a minor in computer science.
Besides computer science programs, the University of Tampa is also one of the best engineering schools in Florida.
#14: Florida Institute of Technology
- Location: Melbourne, Florida
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- SAT Range: 1150-1360
- Annual in-state tuition: $42,470
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 14 to 1
Florida Institute of Technology is known as one of the best colleges in Florida for computer science programs.
Many choose FIU because of its cutting-edge research ethics and use of innovative technology.
Also, there are opportunities to attend seminars and career tip conferences.
Usually, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees are offered.
#15. Nova Southeastern University
- Location: Broward County, Florida
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- SAT Range: 1070-1280
- Annual in-state tuition: $32,110
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 17 to 1
Nova Southeastern University is one of the best private universities for a computer science program.
Although a small institution, Nova Southeastern University keeps topping the list of Florida colleges for computer science.
And for the record, computer programs at Nova Southeastern University are online.
Other good schools for computer science programs in Florida:
- Barry University
- Saint Leo University
- Florida Memorial University
- Bethune-Cookman University
- Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico- Orlando
- Full Sail University
- Rollins College
- University of North Florida
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Florida Southern College
Read Also: What are the 12 Public Universities in Florida?
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Universities and Colleges for Computer Science Programs in Florida.
Below are some of the questions people ask about this topic, and we have provided answers that will bring about a comprehensive understanding of them.
What is the Best Course In Computer Science?
Many study streams in computer science are good courses to take.
However, the best courses you can study in computer science include;
Data Science course.
Python programming.
Artificial Intelligence course.
Cyber Security Certification Course
Full Stack web development course.
What’s The Salary Structure Of Computer Science Professionals?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer scientists earn about $91,250 in a month.
However, depending 9n your country of residence, the pay may differ.
Is a Degree Needed For Computer Science?
Yes, you need a degree to be internationally recognised as a computer scientist.
That’s one of the reasons we put up the best schools, universities and colleges you can go to in Florida to be trained.
You need either an associate degree or bachelor’s degree for a job in;
Computer programming
Technical support
Network Administration
Database administration.
But if you want to work as an actual computer scientist you will need a doctoral degree
What Kinds of Computer Science Degrees Are There?
The major degrees you can earn in computer science are degrees in;
Security.
Software Systems.
Computer Networking.
Data Science/Analytics.
Software Development.
Software Engineering.
Information Science.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
What are the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in Florida?
Florida State University
The University of Florida
University of Central Florida
Florida Atlantic University
University of South Florida
Summary
We hope this piece has given you useful information on how to find the best school for you in Florida.
While making a choice, consider the tuition and environment.
If the cap fits, visit the school website and send in your application.