Rankings / By State
Best Computer Science Colleges in Florida
- 38
- Schools
- $48,550
- Avg. Earnings
- 55%
- Avg. Graduation
- $15,599
- Avg. Net Price
- $16,763
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $29,420 at the low end to $75,328 at the top. That 2.6× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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St Petersburg College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $42,557 against $1,471 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is St Petersburg College, at $1,471 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: University of Florida graduates 91% of its students, well above the 55% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Palm Beach State College: graduates owe only 0.17× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to University of Florida ($71,588 earnings), not the highest earner, University of Miami ($75,328). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. St Petersburg College ($1,471/yr) and Beacon College ($53,517/yr) produce graduates earning $42,557 and $29,420 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $52,046 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, St Petersburg College outperforms University of Miami: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with St Petersburg College and University of Florida. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
Technology is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $44K within a decade, and software developer roles are projected to grow 25%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-08-03
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 University of Florida #1 overall | $71,588 ▲ +47% vs avg | $6,541 | 91% | 82 |
| 2 University of Central Florida #2 overall | $58,308 ▲ +20% vs avg | $10,411 | 77% | 79 |
| 3 Florida International University #3 overall | $60,249 ▲ +24% vs avg | $9,288 | 74% | 78 |
| $56,343 ▲ +16% vs avg | $10,154 | 69% | 78 | |
| $71,588 ▲ +47% vs avg | $4,815 | 81% | 78 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Computer Science Colleges in Florida
This analysis ranks 38 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $48,550 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 55% and an average net price of $15,599.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: St Petersburg College — Net Price: $1,471 | Graduation Rate: 38%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Florida — 91% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Miami — Median alumni earnings: $75,328
Data Insight
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Technology Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the technology workforce?
$44,349
Median earnings (10yr)
53%
Median graduation rate
$10,283
Median net price
2.2%
Avg. mobility rate
Technology hiring rewards ability over credentials more than any other field on this site. Toolchains turn over every few years, so computing and data-science programs compete on employer connections, project-based learning, and curriculum currency. The programs that teach fundamentals and learning agility produce the graduates who last.
Start with the medians across these 38 schools. Graduates earn a median of $44,349 ten years after enrollment. The median graduation rate is 53%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $10,283 a year with about $16,746 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 33% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 2.2%.
In tech, what you can do matters more than where you studied. Graduates on this list earn a median of $44,349 ten years after enrollment. Programs with industry partnerships, co-op placements, and current curricula keep delivering through a cyclical hiring market.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
University of Florida lands at #1 with a 82/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (76/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 47% above this list's average, and net price runs $6,541 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
University of Central Florida lands at #2 with a 79/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $58,308 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,411 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Florida International University lands at #3 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $60,249 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,288 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
University of North Florida lands at #4 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $56,343 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,154 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
University of Florida-Online lands at #5 with a 78/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (68/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 47% above this list's average, and net price runs $4,815 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
University of South Florida lands at #6 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $57,743 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,812 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Florida State University lands at #7 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (71/100). Graduates earn a median $61,675 a decade after enrolling, 27% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,297 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Florida Atlantic University lands at #8 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (69/100). Graduates earn a median $56,746 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $8,752 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
University of West Florida lands at #9 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (65/100). Graduates earn a median $49,137 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,364 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
University of Miami lands at #10 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $75,328 a decade after enrolling, 55% above this list's average, and net price runs $37,244 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
New College of Florida lands at #11 with a 70/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $48,082 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,195 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Saint Leo University lands at #12 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $48,364 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,293 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Stetson University lands at #13 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $51,642 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,372 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Rollins College lands at #14 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $58,295 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $34,732 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Florida Southern College lands at #15 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $55,294 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,551 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Tallahassee, FL · 21% accepted · $13,739 net
Why it ranks #16
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University lands at #16 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (59/100). Graduates earn a median $44,349 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,739 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
St Petersburg College lands at #17 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $42,557 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $1,471 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Broward College lands at #18 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $41,939 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,506 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Pensacola State College lands at #19 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $36,739 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,957 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Indian River State College lands at #20 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $38,315 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,815 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
The University of Tampa lands at #21 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (29/100). Graduates earn a median $59,436 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,211 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Gulf Coast State College lands at #22 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $38,359 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,709 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Northwest Florida State College lands at #23 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $39,664 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,571 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Florida State College at Jacksonville lands at #24 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $42,244 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,128 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Eastern Florida State College lands at #25 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $37,195 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,440 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Florida Institute of Technology lands at #26 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (33/100). Graduates earn a median $43,137 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $35,639 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Santa Fe College lands at #27 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $41,631 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,098 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Palm Beach State College lands at #28 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $41,923 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,182 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Barry University lands at #29 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $55,966 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,613 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Florida Memorial University lands at #30 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $36,624 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,238 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Beacon College lands at #31 with a 60/100 composite, led by academic quality (76/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (24/100). Graduates earn a median $29,420 a decade after enrolling, 39% below this list's average, and net price runs $53,517 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Webber International University lands at #32 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (34/100). Graduates earn a median $45,606 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,529 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Tallahassee State College lands at #33 with a 57/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $37,561 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,781 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Florida Polytechnic University lands at #34 with a 56/100 composite, led by value per dollar (72/100) and pulled down by social mobility (31/100). Net price runs $11,853 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Florida SouthWestern State College lands at #35 with a 54/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $43,421 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,247 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Lake-Sumter State College lands at #36 with a 53/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by social mobility (46/100). Graduates earn a median $39,876 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,855 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Fort Lauderdale, FL · 97% accepted · $30,498 net
Why it ranks #37
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale lands at #37 with a 49/100 composite, led by academic quality (69/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (30/100). Graduates earn a median $39,696 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,498 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota lands at #38 with a 49/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (65/100) and pulled down by social mobility (45/100). Graduates earn a median $40,318 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,356 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 38 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Software Developers and related roles — a field with $132,270 median pay and 25% projected growth.
See the Software Developer career guide →Choosing the right computer science program in Florida can significantly impact your future, especially with an average earning potential of $47,453 for graduates. With 37 schools in the state offering various programs, aspiring students are tasked with finding the best fit for their needs and career aspirations.
The standout schools in this list excel in key areas that define success after graduation. Factors like earnings, graduation rates, mobility, debt, and program concentration highlight which institutions provide solid outcomes for their students. As you review the rankings below, consider how these metrics relate to your own priorities and goals.
For example, the University of Florida and Florida International University both offer strong computer science programs but differ significantly in outcomes. While both schools have solid graduation rates, the University of Florida graduates earn an impressive $71,588, compared to Florida International University's $60,249. This contrast illustrates the importance of evaluating potential earnings alongside graduation rates.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 29 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.2%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Florida International University leads the group at 5.2%, with Florida Institute of Technology (3.8%) and Saint Leo University (3.6%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 13.6% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Florida Memorial University enrolls the most, at 31.7%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 20% across the list, peaking at 51.2% at Florida Institute of Technology.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.29, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and The University of Tampa is highest at 1.76.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
When comparing the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida, the differences in their outcomes reveal important insights. The University of Florida boasts a graduation rate of 91%, while the University of Central Florida's rate is 77%. This gap suggests that the University of Florida may offer more support to help students complete their degrees, which correlates with their higher earning potential of $71,588.
Now that you've seen the numbers, it's crucial to align them with your own priorities. Ask yourself: Is a higher graduation rate more important than a lower net price? Consider factors like location, campus culture, and specific program offerings to find the best balance for your situation. It's about what fits your life and goals.
Ultimately, education is a pathway to stability and success. By weighing these data points, families can make informed decisions that impact not just their college experience but their long-term financial health. Every choice made now can set the stage for a secure future, making it essential to choose wisely.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Computer Science Colleges in Florida: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Computer Science Colleges in Florida ranking? +
University of Florida in Gainesville, FL ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Computer Science Colleges in Florida ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $71,588 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 91% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
University of Miami posts the highest median earnings on this list: $75,328 ten years after enrollment, well above the $48,550 average across the 37 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, St Petersburg College leads: graduates earn a median $42,557 against net price of about $1,471 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Florida has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 91%, compared with a 55% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $15,599 a year across the 38 ranked schools with cost data. St Petersburg College is among the most affordable at roughly $1,471. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Computer Science Colleges in Florida ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 38 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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