Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Florida 2025
Florida Institute of Technology
NSA-designated program with 12:1 faculty ratio and direct connections to Space Coast defense contractors
Florida International University
Affordable NSA-designated program in Miami's growing fintech sector with extensive internship network
University of Central Florida
Large NSA-designated program with strong industry partnerships and Orlando's tech corridor connections
- 1.Florida has 20+ accredited cybersecurity bachelor's programs with 8 NSA-designated Centers of Academic Excellence
- 2.Florida Institute of Technology ranks #1 in the state with specialized defense industry connections and 67% graduation rate
- 3.FIU offers excellent value at $6,565 in-state tuition with NSA designation and Miami fintech sector access
- 4.Florida cybersecurity professionals earn median $108,570 annually—matching national averages with no state income tax benefit
- 5.Miami, Orlando, and Tampa provide 25,000+ cybersecurity jobs with growing demand in finance, aerospace, and healthcare
Cybersecurity Education in Florida
Florida's cybersecurity education landscape has grown significantly, driven by the state's expanding tech sector, aerospace industry, and financial services. With no state income tax and a lower cost of living than many tech hubs, Florida offers attractive cybersecurity career prospects alongside quality education.
The state hosts eight NSA-designated Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, providing students with rigorous, government-recognized cybersecurity education. From specialized programs at Florida Tech to large-scale offerings at UCF, students can find programs tailored to their career goals.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national cybersecurity bachelor's rankings. Students considering affordability should review our most affordable cybersecurity programs guide. Career-focused students can explore our cybersecurity analyst salary guide for Florida-specific compensation data.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Florida May 2024, NSA CAE 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS gr2023
Class size and accessibility from IPEDS ef2023
Florida-specific salaries from BLS OEWS May 2024
NSA/DHS CAE designation and industry partnerships
Florida Cybersecurity Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne | Private | $43,910 | 67% | 12:1 | Yes | 94.2 |
| 2 | Florida International University | Miami | Public | $6,565 | 69% | 25:1 | Yes | 92.8 |
| 3 | University of Central Florida | Orlando | Public | $6,368 | 73% | 31:1 | Yes | 91.5 |
| 4 | Florida State University | Tallahassee | Public | $6,517 | 82% | 21:1 | Yes | 90.2 |
| 5 | University of South Florida | Tampa | Public | $6,410 | 73% | 22:1 | Yes | 89.1 |
| 6 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Daytona Beach | Private | $39,856 | 61% | 16:1 | Yes | 87.8 |
| 7 | Florida A&M University | Tallahassee | Public | $5,785 | 61% | 13:1 | Yes | 86.5 |
| 8 | Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale | Private | $33,150 | 65% | 17:1 | Yes | 85.2 |
| 9 | University of Florida | Gainesville | Public | $6,380 | 90% | 18:1 | No | 84.7 |
| 10 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton | Public | $6,039 | 58% | 23:1 | No | 82.9 |
| 11 | Florida Polytechnic University | Lakeland | Public | $5,530 | 45% | 16:1 | No | 81.5 |
| 12 | Florida Gulf Coast University | Fort Myers | Public | $6,118 | 58% | 23:1 | No | 80.2 |
Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, FL • University
Program Highlights
- • 67% graduation rate with high job placement in specialized roles
- • Average starting salary $78,000 in defense and aerospace
- • Located in Melbourne's growing tech corridor
- • Extensive internship opportunities with Harris Corporation and Northrop Grumman
Program Strengths
- NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio providing personalized attention
- Direct connections to defense contractors and aerospace industry
- Specialized tracks in digital forensics and incident response
- State-of-the-art cybersecurity lab facilities
- Strong alumni network in government and defense sectors
Why Ranked #1
Florida Tech's cybersecurity program stands out for its specialized focus and strong industry connections in the Space Coast region. As an NSA-designated Center of Academic Excellence, the program provides rigorous technical education with exceptional faculty access through a 12:1 student-faculty ratio.
Florida International University
Miami, FL • University
Program Highlights
- • 69% graduation rate with strong industry placement
- • Average starting salary $72,000 in financial services and consulting
- • Located in Miami's international business district
- • Extensive partnerships with local banks and fintech companies
Program Strengths
- NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation
- Exceptional value at $6,565 annual in-state tuition
- Strong connections to Miami's financial services sector
- Diverse student body reflecting Miami's international business community
- Comprehensive curriculum covering network security and digital forensics
- Active cybersecurity research programs
Why Ranked #2
FIU offers exceptional value as an NSA-designated program at a fraction of the cost of private alternatives. Located in Miami's growing fintech hub, the program provides students access to diverse cybersecurity career opportunities while maintaining affordable in-state tuition.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL • University
Program Highlights
- • 73% graduation rate with diverse career placement
- • Average starting salary $70,000 across multiple industries
- • Located in Orlando's growing technology hub
- • Strong partnerships with Disney, Universal, and local tech companies
Program Strengths
- NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation
- Large program scale with extensive course offerings
- Strong connections to Orlando's tech corridor and theme park industry
- Comprehensive cybersecurity curriculum with multiple specialization tracks
- Active student organizations and cybersecurity competitions
- Research opportunities in emerging cybersecurity technologies
Why Ranked #3
UCF's cybersecurity program leverages the university's large scale and Orlando's growing tech sector to provide comprehensive cybersecurity education. As one of the largest NSA-designated programs in the Southeast, UCF offers extensive resources and industry connections.
Florida's Cybersecurity Education Landscape
Florida's cybersecurity programs span the State University System (SUS), private institutions, and specialized technology schools. The State University System includes powerhouses like UF, FSU, UCF, and USF, offering affordable options with strong research components.
Private institutions like Florida Tech and Nova Southeastern provide specialized programs with smaller class sizes and industry-specific focuses. Florida Tech particularly excels in defense and aerospace cybersecurity, while Nova Southeastern offers strong healthcare cybersecurity programs.
The state's eight NSA-designated Centers of Academic Excellence ensure rigorous cybersecurity education aligned with national standards. These programs meet strict criteria for curriculum depth, faculty expertise, and student outcomes, providing graduates with credentials valued by government and industry employers.
Students can also explore related programs through our information technology degree hub or consider online cybersecurity degrees for flexible learning options.
Career Paths
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Monitor networks for security breaches, investigate violations, and implement security measures
Information Security Manager
Plan and direct security policies, procedures, and teams to protect organizational data
Network Security Engineer
Design and implement secure network infrastructure and monitor for vulnerabilities
Digital Forensics Specialist
Investigate cybercrimes and security incidents using specialized forensic techniques
Penetration Tester
Conduct authorized attacks on systems to identify security vulnerabilities
Compare Cybersecurity Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Virginia
Maryland
| Cost Factor | In-State Public | Out-of-State Public | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $6,200 | $19,800 | $38,500 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $65,000 | $125,000 | $195,000 |
| Average Class Size | 25-35 students | 25-35 students | 15-20 students |
| Faculty Ratio | 22:1 | 22:1 | 15:1 |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive | Extensive | Moderate |
Which Should You Choose?
- No state income tax and lower cost of living than most tech hubs
- Growing cybersecurity job market in finance, aerospace, and healthcare
- NSA-designated programs at affordable in-state tuition rates
- Year-round internship and networking opportunities
- Access to specialized defense and aerospace cybersecurity roles
- Diverse industry sectors from theme parks to international finance
- Established tech hubs with mature cybersecurity ecosystems
- Higher concentration of Fortune 500 cybersecurity roles
- More extensive public transportation for campus access
- Cooler climate preferences for year-round comfort
- Stronger government cybersecurity job markets
- More venture capital funding for cybersecurity startups
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Cybersecurity Programs
Related Cybersecurity Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics
Florida-specific salary data for cybersecurity occupations
CAE-CD designations and program recognition
State university system data and transfer articulation
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.