Top 3 Data Science Programs in Florida 2025
University of Florida
Top public data science program with strong statistics foundation and partnerships with Florida's major healthcare systems and aerospace companies
Florida Institute of Technology
STEM-focused program with exceptional industry connections to NASA, Harris Corporation, and Space Coast tech companies
Florida State University
Comprehensive analytics program with strong research opportunities and connections to state government data initiatives
- 1.Florida has 30+ accredited data science and analytics bachelor's programs across public universities, private colleges, and technical institutes
- 2.University of Florida leads with the state's highest-ranked program featuring 88% graduation rate and strong statistics curriculum
- 3.Florida data scientists earn median $98,720 annually, driven by growth in healthcare analytics, aerospace, and fintech sectors
- 4.No state income tax makes Florida attractive for tech professionals, with lower cost of living than California or New York
- 5.Major employers include Citrix, Magic Leap, Chewy, and growing healthcare analytics companies in Tampa and Miami
Data Science Education Landscape in Florida
Florida's data science education landscape spans from world-class public universities to specialized private institutions, offering diverse pathways into one of the fastest-growing tech fields. The state's unique combination of no income tax, growing tech sector, and affordable education makes it an increasingly attractive destination for aspiring data scientists.
The University of Florida leads the state with a comprehensive data science degree program that combines rigorous statistics training with practical machine learning applications. For students comparing options nationally, our best data science bachelor's programs ranking provides broader context. Those focused on career outcomes should review our data scientist salary guide for Florida-specific compensation data.
Florida's data science programs particularly excel in healthcare analytics, given the state's large healthcare sector, and aerospace applications, leveraging proximity to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The state also offers strong programs in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity that complement data science studies.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Florida May 2024, Florida DOE 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Class size and faculty accessibility
Florida-specific salary data from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rate indicating academic rigor
Florida Data Science Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Florida | Gainesville | Public | $6,380 | 88% | 17:1 | 94.2 |
| 2 | Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne | Private | $45,446 | 65% | 13:1 | 91.8 |
| 3 | Florida State University | Tallahassee | Public | $6,507 | 82% | 21:1 | 89.5 |
| 4 | University of Central Florida | Orlando | Public | $6,368 | 73% | 30:1 | 87.1 |
| 5 | Florida International University | Miami | Public | $6,558 | 67% | 25:1 | 84.9 |
| 6 | University of South Florida | Tampa | Public | $6,410 | 75% | 22:1 | 84.2 |
| 7 | Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale | Private | $33,300 | 59% | 16:1 | 82.7 |
| 8 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton | Public | $4,879 | 56% | 24:1 | 81.3 |
| 9 | Florida Polytechnic University | Lakeland | Public | $5,350 | 52% | 16:1 | 79.8 |
| 10 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Daytona Beach | Private | $39,456 | 68% | 15:1 | 79.1 |
| 11 | Florida A&M University | Tallahassee | Public | $5,785 | 61% | 13:1 | 77.5 |
| 12 | University of Miami | Coral Gables | Private | $56,010 | 84% | 12:1 | 77.2 |
| 13 | Florida Gulf Coast University | Fort Myers | Public | $6,118 | 57% | 22:1 | 75.8 |
| 14 | Barry University | Miami Shores | Private | $30,870 | 48% | 13:1 | 73.9 |
| 15 | Stetson University | DeLand | Private | $51,540 | 66% | 12:1 | 73.2 |
| 16 | Rollins College | Winter Park | Private | $56,030 | 75% | 10:1 | 72.8 |
| 17 | St. Petersburg College | St. Petersburg | Public | $3,347 | 34% | 20:1 | 70.5 |
| 18 | Palm Beach State College | Lake Worth | Public | $3,131 | 31% | 25:1 | 68.9 |
| 19 | Florida Memorial University | Miami Gardens | Private | $15,842 | 29% | 14:1 | 67.1 |
| 20 | Keiser University | Fort Lauderdale | Private | $22,024 | 44% | 15:1 | 66.4 |
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida • University
Program Highlights
- • Average starting salary of $92,000 for graduates
- • 17:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention
- • Access to high-performance computing clusters for big data projects
Program Strengths
- Rigorous statistics and mathematics foundation with advanced calculus, linear algebra, and probability theory
- Hands-on experience with industry-standard tools including Python, R, SQL, Spark, and cloud platforms
- Strong research opportunities through UF's Institute for Fundamental Theory and Informatics Institute
- Direct industry connections with Shands Healthcare, NASA, and major agricultural data companies
- 88% graduation rate with 94% job placement within 6 months
Why Ranked #1
UF leads Florida in data science education with a comprehensive program that balances theoretical foundations in statistics with practical applications in machine learning and big data analytics. The program benefits from the university's strong research infrastructure and partnerships with major Florida industries including healthcare, agriculture, and aerospace.
Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, Florida • University
Program Highlights
- • 97% of graduates employed or in graduate school within 6 months
- • Average starting salary of $89,500
- • Opportunity for NASA internships and Space Coast technology company placements
Program Strengths
- STEM-focused curriculum with strong emphasis on computational methods and algorithm development
- Proximity to NASA Kennedy Space Center providing unique internship and research opportunities
- Small class sizes (13:1 ratio) enabling intensive faculty mentorship and collaborative projects
- Integration with cybersecurity and artificial intelligence programs for interdisciplinary learning
- Strong industry partnerships with Harris Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing
Why Ranked #2
Florida Tech's data science program stands out for its strong engineering approach and exceptional industry connections on Florida's Space Coast. The program emphasizes practical problem-solving and real-world applications, particularly in aerospace, defense, and technology sectors.
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida • University
Program Highlights
- • 82% graduation rate with strong alumni network throughout Florida
- • Average starting salary of $85,000
- • Opportunities for internships with state government and Tallahassee-area tech companies
Program Strengths
- Interdisciplinary approach combining computer science, statistics, and domain expertise
- Strong research opportunities in social data science and computational social science
- Partnerships with Florida state agencies for real-world data projects
- Comprehensive coverage of machine learning, deep learning, and statistical modeling
- Access to high-performance computing resources and specialized data science labs
Why Ranked #3
FSU's data science program combines strong academic rigor with practical applications in social sciences, public policy, and business analytics. The program benefits from the university's research infrastructure and connections to state government data initiatives.
Florida's Data Science University Systems
Florida's data science education is anchored by the State University System of Florida (SUS), which includes 12 public universities offering affordable, high-quality programs. The University of Florida flagship campus leads with the most comprehensive offerings, while specialized institutions like Florida Polytechnic focus exclusively on STEM fields including data science and analytics.
The state's private institutions, including Florida Institute of Technology and Nova Southeastern University, offer smaller class sizes and specialized industry connections. Many students also begin their journey at Florida College System institutions, which offer 2+2 transfer pathways to complete bachelor's degrees at four-year universities.
For students interested in related fields, Florida also offers strong programs in computer science, artificial intelligence, and information technology that complement data science studies and provide additional career pathways.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets to drive business decisions in healthcare, finance, and technology sectors
Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1299Design and implement ML systems for companies like Magic Leap, Citrix, and growing fintech startups
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-1199Transform data into actionable insights for Florida's major industries including tourism, agriculture, and aerospace
Research Scientist
SOC 19-1042Conduct advanced analytics research at universities, government agencies, or private research institutions
Quantitative Analyst
SOC 15-2051Apply statistical and mathematical models in finance, particularly in Miami's growing fintech sector
Data Science Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Georgia
| Factor | Public Universities | Private Universities | Community Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition (In-State) | $6,200 | $35,500 | $3,200 |
| Average Class Size | 25-30 students | 15-20 students | 20-25 students |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive | Limited but focused | Minimal |
| Industry Connections | Strong statewide | Specialized niches | Local employers |
| Transfer Pathways | Direct admission | Limited transfer | 2+2 programs |
| Financial Aid | Bright Futures eligible | Merit scholarships | Federal aid only |
Which Should You Choose?
- No state income tax (saves $8,000+ annually for high earners)
- Affordable in-state tuition at quality public universities
- Growing job market in healthcare analytics and fintech
- Year-round internship and networking opportunities
- Lower cost of living compared to California or New York tech hubs
- Access to major tech company headquarters (California, Washington)
- Higher starting salaries (California, New York average $20K+ more)
- More established tech ecosystems with venture capital access
- Stronger alumni networks in Silicon Valley or New York
- More specialized graduate program options
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Data Science Programs
Related Data Science Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment, and institutional characteristics from 2023 data
Florida-specific salary data for data science occupations, May 2024
State university system data and transfer pathway information
Research funding and graduate outcomes 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.