Top 3 Cloud Computing Programs in Florida
University of Central Florida
Strong AWS partnerships and hands-on lab experience
Florida International University
Comprehensive Azure and Google Cloud curriculum
University of South Florida
Industry partnerships with major cloud providers
- 1.Florida offers 18 cloud computing programs with tuition ranging from $12,450 to $45,890 annually
- 2.Cloud computing job growth in Florida is projected at 15% through 2032, faster than national average
- 3.Average starting salary for cloud engineers in Florida is $78,500, with senior positions reaching $145,000
- 4.Top programs emphasize hands-on experience with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform
- 5.Many Florida programs offer industry certifications as part of the curriculum
Based on 18 programs from Analysis of 18 Florida institutions offering cloud computing programs
Faculty credentials, curriculum depth, accreditation status
Graduate employment rates, starting salaries, job placement
Cloud provider partnerships, internship programs, certification offerings
Career services, academic advising, technical support
Tuition costs relative to outcomes and financial aid availability
Florida Cloud Computing Education Landscape
Florida has emerged as a significant hub for cloud computing education, with 18 institutions offering specialized programs in cloud technologies. The state's growing tech sector, particularly in cities like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, has created strong demand for cloud professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cloud computing jobs in Florida are projected to grow 15% through 2032, significantly outpacing the national average of 5% for all occupations.
Florida's cloud computing programs range from associate degrees focused on foundational skills to master's programs emphasizing advanced cloud architecture and security. The average annual tuition across all program levels is $28,450, with public institutions averaging $19,200 and private institutions $42,100. Many programs have established partnerships with major cloud providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform, offering students direct pathways to industry certifications.
The state's proximity to Latin America has made Florida a strategic location for cloud infrastructure, with companies like AWS establishing major data centers in the region. This has created unique opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience with enterprise-scale cloud deployments. Students can explore related programs in computer science and information technology to complement their cloud computing education.
Complete Rankings: Best Cloud Computing Programs in Florida
| Location | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Central Florida | Orlando | BS Information Technology | $22,467 | 7300% | 94.2 |
| 2 | Florida International University | Miami | MS Computer Science | $18,954 | 6900% | 91.8 |
| 3 | University of South Florida | Tampa | BS Computer Science | $17,324 | 7100% | 89.4 |
| 4 | Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne | MS Cloud Computing | $45,890 | 7800% | 87.9 |
| 5 | Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale | MS Information Technology | $38,420 | 6500% | 85.6 |
| 6 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton | BS Computer Science | $17,324 | 6800% | 84.1 |
| 7 | University of Miami | Miami | MS Computer Science | $52,080 | 8200% | 82.3 |
| 8 | Florida State University | Tallahassee | BS Information Technology | $21,673 | 8100% | 80.7 |
| 9 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Daytona Beach | MS Information Security | $39,240 | 7200% | 79.2 |
| 10 | Florida Polytechnic University | Lakeland | BS Computer Science | $23,436 | 5500% | 77.8 |
University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida • University
Program Highlights
- • Students complete real-world projects using AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud
- • Optional co-op program with guaranteed cloud computing positions
- • On-campus AWS certification testing center
- • Research opportunities in edge computing and hybrid cloud architectures
Program Strengths
- AWS Academy partnership providing direct access to cloud training resources
- State-of-the-art cloud computing lab with enterprise-grade infrastructure
- Internship partnerships with Disney, Lockheed Martin, and other major employers
- 96% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- Faculty with active industry experience in cloud architecture and DevOps
Why Ranked #1
UCF's Information Technology program with cloud computing specialization leads Florida rankings due to its comprehensive curriculum, strong industry partnerships, and exceptional hands-on learning opportunities.
Student Reviews
"The hands-on experience with actual cloud deployments prepared me perfectly for my role as a Cloud Solutions Architect at AWS."
— Recent Graduate, 2024
"UCF's industry connections opened doors I never expected. I had three job offers before graduation."
— Current Student
Comparing Florida Cloud Computing Programs by Focus Area
Florida's cloud computing programs can be categorized into three primary focus areas: infrastructure and architecture, security and compliance, and application development. Understanding these distinctions helps students choose programs aligned with their career goals. Infrastructure-focused programs like those at UCF and USF emphasize network architecture, virtualization, and system administration skills essential for DevOps engineer roles.
Security-focused programs, particularly strong at Florida Institute of Technology and Embry-Riddle, prepare students for the growing field of cloud security. These programs cover compliance frameworks like SOC 2 and GDPR, security architecture design, and incident response. Graduates typically pursue roles as cybersecurity analysts specializing in cloud environments, with starting salaries averaging $82,500 in Florida.
Application development tracks, offered at FIU and Nova Southeastern, focus on cloud-native development, microservices architecture, and container orchestration. Students learn modern development practices using tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and serverless computing platforms. This preparation aligns with the increasing demand for software engineers with cloud expertise, who command premium salaries in the Florida job market.
| Factor | Public Universities | Private Universities | Technical Institutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $19,200 | $42,100 | $35,600 |
| Class Size | 25-35 students | 15-20 students | 12-18 students |
| Industry Partnerships | Strong regional | Excellent national | Specialized focus |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive | Limited | Industry-focused |
| Job Placement Rate | 89% | 94% | 92% |
| Starting Salary | $76,800 | $83,200 | $79,500 |
Career Paths
Cloud Solutions Architect
SOC 15-1241Design and implement cloud infrastructure solutions for enterprise clients, focusing on scalability, security, and cost optimization.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Automate deployment pipelines, manage containerized applications, and optimize cloud infrastructure performance.
Cloud Security Specialist
SOC 15-1212Implement security controls, monitor threats, and ensure compliance in cloud environments across multiple platforms.
Data Engineer
SOC 15-1243Build and maintain data pipelines in cloud environments, working with big data technologies and analytics platforms.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Projections
Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
Most Florida cloud computing programs require a strong foundation in mathematics and basic programming concepts. Bachelor's programs typically require completion of pre-calculus or calculus, with many programs preferring students who have completed AP Computer Science or similar coursework. The average GPA requirement across Florida programs is 3.2 for in-state students and 3.5 for out-of-state applicants.
Master's programs generally require a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, information technology, or engineering. However, several programs offer bridge courses for students from non-technical backgrounds. For example, FIU's program includes a foundational semester covering programming fundamentals, networking concepts, and database management for career changers.
- Bachelor's programs: High school diploma, 3.2+ GPA, SAT/ACT scores, mathematics through pre-calculus
- Master's programs: Bachelor's degree (any field), 3.0+ undergraduate GPA, GRE scores (optional at most schools)
- Certificate programs: High school diploma or equivalent, basic computer literacy
- International students: TOEFL/IELTS scores, credential evaluation, F-1 visa eligibility
Students interested in cloud computing can also explore prerequisite preparation through AWS certifications or complete foundational coursework in computer science programs. Many Florida institutions offer summer bridge programs to help students meet technical prerequisites before beginning their cloud computing studies.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities
Florida residents benefit from relatively low tuition costs at public universities, with cloud computing programs averaging $19,200 annually for in-state students. The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship program provides additional support, covering 75-100% of tuition costs for eligible students. Private institutions offer merit-based scholarships averaging $15,000 annually for cloud computing students with strong academic records.
Several cloud computing-specific scholarships are available to Florida students. AWS provides $10,000 scholarships through their re/Start program, while Microsoft offers Azure scholarships for underrepresented minorities in technology. The Florida IT Association awards $5,000 scholarships annually to students pursuing cloud computing or related technology degrees.
Federal financial aid through FAFSA covers most Florida cloud computing programs, with students receiving an average of $8,200 in Pell Grant funding. Work-study programs at institutions like UCF and USF provide opportunities to gain hands-on cloud experience while earning money for education expenses. Students can learn more about optimizing their financial aid through our comprehensive FAFSA guide for STEM majors.
4 years
Average Program Length
91%
Job Placement Rate
$78,500
Average Starting Salary
45+
Industry Partnerships
12
Cloud Certifications Offered
850
Annual Graduates
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Choose the Right Florida Cloud Computing Program
Selecting the optimal cloud computing program depends on your career goals, learning style, and financial situation. Students targeting roles in large enterprises should prioritize programs with strong industry partnerships and comprehensive security training, like those offered at Florida Institute of Technology or University of Miami. These programs emphasize enterprise architecture, compliance, and large-scale deployment strategies.
For students interested in startup environments or rapid innovation, programs with strong development components like FIU's computer science track or UCF's information technology program provide better preparation. These programs emphasize agile development, containerization, and modern DevOps practices that are essential in fast-paced technology companies.
Consider also the geographic location within Florida. Miami programs often have stronger connections to international business and fintech companies, while Orlando programs benefit from relationships with entertainment and aerospace industries. Tampa and Jacksonville programs tend to have strong healthcare and financial services connections. Students should evaluate local internship opportunities and networking potential when making their decision.
Which Should You Choose?
- You're a Florida resident seeking affordable tuition
- You want extensive research opportunities
- You prefer larger student communities and diverse offerings
- You're interested in broad-based education with cloud specialization
- You want smaller class sizes and personalized attention
- You're seeking premium industry connections
- You can afford higher tuition for potentially better outcomes
- You want accelerated or flexible scheduling options
- You want highly focused, practical training
- You're looking for direct industry pipeline programs
- You prefer hands-on learning over theoretical coursework
- You want to enter the workforce quickly with specialized skills
Next Steps to Apply
Research Programs
Use our rankings to identify 3-5 programs that match your career goals and budget. Review curriculum details and admission requirements for each.
Prepare Prerequisites
Complete required mathematics coursework and consider introductory programming courses. Take SAT/ACT if needed for bachelor's programs.
Visit Campuses
Schedule campus visits or virtual tours to see lab facilities and meet faculty. Attend information sessions to learn about specific program features.
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete FAFSA by priority deadlines. Research and apply for cloud computing-specific scholarships and grants.
Submit Applications
Apply to multiple programs by application deadlines. Include strong personal statements emphasizing your interest in cloud technology.
Plan Your Career Path
Research internship opportunities and start building a professional network through LinkedIn and technology meetups in your target city.
Related Programs and Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Institutional characteristics, enrollment, and graduation data
Student outcomes, earnings, and debt information
Employment projections and salary data
Academic program classifications and institutional data
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.