Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Florida 2025
Florida Institute of Technology
Premier ABET-accredited software engineering program with 12:1 student-faculty ratio and direct NASA/aerospace industry connections
Florida International University
Top value program with strong ties to Miami tech scene and 90% job placement rate within 6 months
University of Florida
Flagship public program with exceptional research opportunities and alumni network throughout Silicon Valley
- 1.Florida has 35+ accredited software engineering and computer science bachelor's programs across state universities and private institutions (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Florida Institute of Technology ranks #1 in Florida with ABET-accredited software engineering and direct aerospace industry pipelines
- 3.Florida International University offers exceptional value at $6,565 in-state tuition with 90% job placement rate in Miami tech market
- 4.Florida software developers earn median $92,960 annually—6% below national average but with no state income tax (BLS Florida 2024)
- 5.Major tech employers include Lockheed Martin, Harris Corporation, Magic Leap, Chewy, and growing fintech sector in Miami
Software Engineering Education Landscape in Florida
Florida's software engineering programs combine academic excellence with proximity to major tech hubs in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. The state offers unique advantages including no state income tax, growing aerospace and defense industries, and emerging fintech and gaming sectors.
Students can choose from ABET-accredited programs at Florida Tech, comprehensive computer science tracks at state universities, or specialized software development concentrations. For national comparisons, see our best software engineering bachelor's programs ranking. Career-focused students should review our software engineer salary guide for Florida-specific compensation data and growth opportunities.
Florida's tech ecosystem spans multiple industries: aerospace and defense (Cape Canaveral corridor), gaming and entertainment (Orlando), fintech and international business (Miami), and healthcare technology (Tampa Bay). This diversity creates abundant internship and career opportunities for software engineering graduates.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Florida May 2024, University Career Services
6-year completion rate from IPEDS data
Class size and accessibility to professors
Florida-specific salaries and job placement rates
ABET accreditation and industry recognition
Florida Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne | Private | $45,442 | 69% | 12:1 | 94.2 |
| 2 | Florida International University | Miami | Public | $6,565 | 69% | 27:1 | 92.8 |
| 3 | University of Florida | Gainesville | Public | $6,381 | 90% | 17:1 | 91.5 |
| 4 | University of Central Florida | Orlando | Public | $6,368 | 73% | 30:1 | 89.3 |
| 5 | Florida State University | Tallahassee | Public | $6,516 | 83% | 21:1 | 87.9 |
| 6 | Florida Polytechnic University | Lakeland | Public | $5,408 | 52% | 16:1 | 85.7 |
| 7 | University of South Florida | Tampa | Public | $6,410 | 73% | 22:1 | 84.2 |
| 8 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton | Public | $4,879 | 59% | 21:1 | 82.8 |
| 9 | Nova Southeastern University | Davie | Private | $35,550 | 66% | 17:1 | 81.5 |
| 10 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Daytona Beach | Private | $40,994 | 66% | 15:1 | 80.3 |
| 11 | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Tallahassee | Public | $5,785 | 61% | 14:1 | 79.1 |
| 12 | University of Miami | Coral Gables | Private | $56,010 | 83% | 11:1 | 78.6 |
| 13 | Florida Institute of Technology | Online | Private Online | $21,465 | 45% | 15:1 | 77.4 |
| 14 | Rollins College | Winter Park | Private | $54,760 | 75% | 10:1 | 76.2 |
| 15 | St. Petersburg College | St. Petersburg | Public | $3,347 | 39% | 23:1 | 74.8 |
| 16 | Valencia College | Orlando | Public | $3,330 | 52% | 26:1 | 73.5 |
| 17 | Broward College | Davie | Public | $3,570 | 44% | 28:1 | 72.1 |
| 18 | Miami Dade College | Miami | Public | $3,570 | 25% | 25:1 | 70.9 |
| 19 | Hillsborough Community College | Tampa | Public | $3,347 | 42% | 24:1 | 69.7 |
| 20 | Palm Beach State College | Lake Worth | Public | $3,347 | 38% | 26:1 | 68.3 |
Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, FL • University
Program Highlights
- • Only dedicated Software Engineering major in Florida with ABET accreditation
- • Located 5 miles from Kennedy Space Center with extensive aerospace connections
- • Small class sizes with average of 18 students per software engineering course
- • Co-op program with guaranteed industry placements at major defense contractors
Program Strengths
- ABET-accredited Software Engineering degree with comprehensive SDLC curriculum
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio enabling personalized attention and mentoring
- Direct industry partnerships with NASA, Harris Corporation, and Lockheed Martin
- 95% job placement rate with average starting salary of $75,000
- Strong focus on software quality, testing, and project management methodologies
Why Ranked #1
Florida Tech stands out as the only university in Florida offering a dedicated ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering. Located in the heart of Florida's Space Coast, the program provides unparalleled access to aerospace and defense industry internships and careers.
Student Reviews
"The software engineering program at Florida Tech gave me hands-on experience with real aerospace projects. I landed a job at SpaceX straight out of graduation."
— Alex M., Class of 2024
"Small class sizes mean professors actually know your name and career goals. The industry connections are incredible - almost every major defense contractor recruits here."
— Sarah L., Class of 2023
Florida International University
Miami, FL • University
Program Highlights
- • Public university tuition with private university outcomes
- • Located in Miami's emerging tech and fintech hub
- • Strong alumni network in both local and Silicon Valley tech companies
- • Internship partnerships with American Express, IBM, and Microsoft
Program Strengths
- Software engineering track within highly-ranked computer science program
- Exceptional value at $6,565 annual in-state tuition
- Strong placement record with 90% of graduates employed within 6 months
- Access to Miami's growing tech ecosystem and international business connections
- Diverse student body reflecting Miami's global business environment
Why Ranked #2
FIU offers exceptional value with comprehensive computer science education at public university tuition rates. The program's location in Miami provides access to the growing fintech, international business, and startup ecosystem.
Student Reviews
"FIU gave me a world-class education without the private school debt. I'm now working as a software engineer at a fintech startup in Brickell."
— Carlos R., Class of 2024
"The diversity at FIU prepared me for working in global tech teams. Plus the Miami location opened doors I never expected."
— Jennifer K., Class of 2023
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • University
Program Highlights
- • Part of top-20 nationally ranked computer science program
- • Research opportunities typically reserved for graduate students
- • Direct recruiting pipeline to major Silicon Valley companies
- • Active IEEE and ACM student chapters with networking opportunities
Program Strengths
- Software engineering track within nationally-ranked CISE department
- Flagship university resources with 90% graduation rate
- Extensive research opportunities in AI, cybersecurity, and software systems
- Strong alumni network with graduates at Google, Apple, and Facebook
- Active tech recruiting with major companies visiting campus regularly
Why Ranked #3
UF's Computer and Information Science and Engineering department offers software engineering concentrations within a top-tier research environment. The program combines academic rigor with extensive research opportunities and a powerful alumni network.
Student Reviews
"UF opened doors I never knew existed. The research opportunities and career services helped me land internships at both Google and Microsoft."
— David P., Class of 2024
"The Gator alumni network is incredible. I got my job at Apple through a connection I made at a UF career fair."
— Maria S., Class of 2023
Florida University Systems and Software Engineering Programs
Florida's higher education landscape offers diverse pathways for software engineering education across multiple university systems. The State University System of Florida includes 12 universities offering computer science and software engineering programs, while private institutions and community colleges provide additional options.
The flagship University of Florida leads in research and national recognition, while Florida International University and University of Central Florida serve large metropolitan areas with strong industry connections. Florida Institute of Technology remains the only institution offering dedicated ABET-accredited software engineering, making it unique in the state.
- State University System: UF, FSU, UCF, USF, FIU, FAU, and others offering comprehensive programs
- Private institutions: Florida Tech (software engineering), Nova Southeastern, University of Miami
- Community colleges: Valencia, Miami Dade, Broward providing 2+2 transfer pathways
- Specialized institutions: Florida Polytechnic (STEM-focused), Embry-Riddle (aerospace)
Students can begin at community colleges and transfer to universities through articulation agreements, making education more affordable. Many programs offer online and hybrid options, particularly important given Florida's geographic diversity and working student population.
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design, develop, and maintain software applications for aerospace, gaming, fintech, and healthcare industries throughout Florida's diverse tech ecosystem.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze large datasets for international business, tourism, and healthcare sectors, particularly strong in Miami's financial district and Orlando's theme park industry.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1299Implement CI/CD pipelines and cloud infrastructure for Florida's growing startup ecosystem and established aerospace companies.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect critical infrastructure in aerospace, defense, and international business sectors, with high demand from government contractors.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop artificial intelligence solutions for autonomous vehicles, aerospace systems, and fintech applications in Florida's emerging AI sector.
Software Engineering Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Florida Software Engineering Program Cost Comparison
| Factor | Public In-State | Public Out-of-State | Private Universities | Community College (2-year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Tuition | $6,200 | $22,400 | $42,600 | $3,400 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $24,800 | $89,600 | $170,400 | $6,800 (transfer) |
| Average Class Size | 28 students | 28 students | 18 students | 22 students |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive | Extensive | Moderate | Limited |
| Industry Connections | Strong | Strong | Very Strong | Local Only |
| Alumni Network | Large | Large | Targeted | Regional |
Which Should You Choose?
- No state income tax and lower cost of living compared to California/New York
- Access to aerospace and defense industry opportunities (NASA, SpaceX, defense contractors)
- Growing tech ecosystem in Miami fintech and Orlando gaming/entertainment
- Year-round networking and internship opportunities without winter breaks
- Diverse international business connections, especially Latin America
- Strong value proposition with quality public universities at affordable tuition
- More prestigious tech companies and higher starting salaries (California, Washington)
- Larger concentration of software engineering jobs and meetups (Texas, New York)
- More venture capital and startup funding opportunities (California, Massachusetts)
- Stronger public transit systems for car-free living (New York, Massachusetts)
- More specialized programs like game development or AI research (California, Carnegie Mellon)
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Software Engineering Programs
Related Software Engineering Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Official federal database providing graduation rates, tuition, enrollment, and institutional data for all accredited colleges and universities
Official federal salary and employment data for software developers and engineers in Florida, updated May 2024
State labor market information including employment projections and industry analysis for Florida's technology sector
Official accreditation status for engineering and computing programs, including software engineering accreditation
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.