Key takeaways
- Aspiring professionals need to conduct thorough research before exploring the many good colleges in Florida offering a cybersecurity degree as it is a complex field.
- Florida is a cybersecurity hub and the state’s government initiatives, growing tech sector, and rising cybercrime have created a high demand for cybersecurity professionals.
- There are numerous good colleges in Florida offering cybersecurity programs providing comprehensive education, including the University of Miami, the University of Tampa, Stetson University, and more.
- The career outlook for cybersecurity professionals in Florida is promising as the state has a high number of job openings, and salaries are competitive.
- Florida offers various employment opportunities in cybersecurity. Students can explore both private companies and government agencies.
- Florida has strong government initiatives to support cybersecurity such as CyberFlorida, and a cybersecurity grant program both of which fund education programs, establish research centers, and collaborate with local government and industry leaders.
- The healthcare industry in Florida is the worst hit with 18 of the 19 cyberattacks in 2024 targeting different healthcare institutions.
Aspiring cybersecurity professionals may find college planning difficult. As the choices are endless. From HBCU colleges in Florida to online colleges for cybersecurity, there are several available options. If you are on the hunt for an excellent college to pursue a bachelor’s degree in cyber security, here are some good colleges in Florida you can look at.
In this article, we provide a detailed guide on finding good colleges in Florida for a bachelor’s in cyber security. Additionally, we also discuss what makes the state of Florida an excellent place to kickstart your career in cyber security.
List of good colleges in Florida with excellent cybersecurity programs
There are 28 colleges in Florida, several of which offer both a traditional and an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity degree. Students can explore many private and public colleges for cybersecurity bachelors. Additionally, there are also two HBCU colleges in Florida, namely Florida A&M University, and Tuskegee University.
But before you start, here are some of the best colleges for cybersecurity in Florida.
Florida Polytechnic University
Florida Polytechnic University‘s Cybersecurity Engineering program offers a unique blend of technical expertise and practical application. Students gain a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, coupled with hands-on experience in designing and implementing secure systems.
The program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary studies ensures graduates are well-equipped to tackle complex cybersecurity challenges in various industries, from government to private enterprise. With a strong focus on emerging technologies like industrial control systems and smart grids, Florida Poly’s program prepares students for high-demand careers in a rapidly evolving field.
Graduates will prove valuable assets in the military, government, and private institutions. Those wishing to obtain senior managerial-level positions will be able to pursue a master’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or electrical engineering.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Lakeland, Florida | 2.0 | 56% | $4,940 (in-state)
$21,005 (out-of-state) |
Keiser University
Keiser University offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science degree in Cybersecurity that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this rapidly growing field. The program provides students with a well-rounded understanding of the various aspects of cybersecurity.
B.S. Cybersecurity at Keiser University focuses on cybersecurity risk management and offers two specialized concentrations in Information Assurance and Digital Defense. By completing coursework in governance, risk management, compliance frameworks, technical testing, and investigative processes, students gain the ability to protect organizations from a wide range of cyber threats.
The program’s emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and documentation skills ensures that graduates are prepared to tackle complex cybersecurity challenges and contribute effectively to the protection of people, organizations, and countries in the digital age.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Fort Lauderdale, Florida | 3.0 | 96.5% | $23,248 |
University of Tampa
The University of Tampa is one of the best colleges in Tampa, Florida. Its cybersecurity program offers students a comprehensive education equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field. It focuses on both theoretical concepts and practical applications. Additionally, the program also prepares students for professional security certifications like the CISSP.
Students also benefit from the availability of cutting-edge technology at the University’s state-of-the-art cybersecurity lab. Students gain hands-on experience by undertaking practical projects at the facility. Graduates of the program can look forward to lucrative career opportunities in various industries.
As global commerce and society become increasingly reliant on digital technologies, the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to rise. University of Tampa’s cybersecurity program focuses on real-world applications. It ensures that students are well-prepared to address the complex challenges of protecting sensitive information and systems.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Tampa, Florida | 3.0 | 26.3% | $32,218 |
University of Miami
The University of Miami offers a comprehensive Cybersecurity major that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field. By combining core computer science courses with specialized cybersecurity topics, the program provides a robust foundation for a successful career.
Students delve into fundamental principles like system administration, network security, data protection, and human security. They simultaneously also gained hands-on experience through courses in defensive and offensive security methodologies. The University of Miami is ideal for students searching for ‘colleges in Miami, Florida offering bachelors in cybersecurity.’
This comprehensive approach prepares graduates for a wide range of cybersecurity roles. These include positions such as cybersecurity analyst, security engineer, penetration tester, and more. The University of Miami’s cybersecurity major features a strong emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical application. It is an ideal choice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
The program equips students with the skills needed to make a significant impact in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Miami, Florida | 3.0 | 19% | $57,194 |
Stetson University
Stetson University offers a comprehensive program designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in this dynamic field. By immersing yourself in Stetson’s distinctive Cybersecurity curriculum, you’ll gain hands-on experience and learn from industry experts. Moreover, you will develop the critical thinking skills necessary to combat complex cyber threats.
One of the standout features of Stetson’s Cybersecurity program is the opportunity to audit both the university and partnering companies. This unique approach provides you with invaluable insights into real-world cybersecurity challenges. It also equips you with the practical skills sought after by employers.
Additionally, the program’s smaller class sizes and personalized attention ensure that you receive the support and guidance necessary to succeed. Stetson’s Cybersecurity program goes beyond theoretical knowledge by focusing on both ethical and corrupt hacking techniques.
This dual approach enables you to understand the mindset of malicious actors and develop effective strategies to prevent and mitigate cyberattacks. As a cybersecurity professional, your role is crucial in protecting our increasingly interconnected world from cyber threats.
Stetson University’s program prepares you to be a leader in the cybersecurity field. It equips students with the skills and knowledge to outsmart malicious hackers and safeguard sensitive information. Thus, it is an ideal option for aspiring cybersecurity students looking for ‘colleges in Orlando, Florida’. Deland is just around 40 minutes away from Orlando.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| DeLand, Florida | 3.85 | 94% | $52,320 |
Why choose good colleges in Florida for a cyber security education?
The technical nature of a cybersecurity degree requires significant research before college and degree selection. Cybersecurity is defined as the combination of best practices, technologies, tools, and techniques employed to protect the integrity of networks and IT structures. Cybersecurity professionals are tasked with the responsibility to prevent disruptions to daily operations, and unauthorized access, use, disclosure, or destruction of data.
The cyber security industry is booming not just across the United States, but the world. The reason is the rise in cybercrime. As cybercriminals become more persistent and their activity more sophisticated, the need for investment in innovation and technology in cyber security education rises too. The online cybersecurity program from WGU is one such innovative program that students can explore.
What makes Florida a great study destination for aspiring cybersecurity individuals is the state government’s vested interest in positioning Florida as the leader in cybersecurity. Combined with the state’s growing tech sector, and rising cybercrime in the state, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is high.
Florida’s government not only recognized the need but also took active measures to ensure Florida’s education system is well-equipped to train future cybersecurity experts. Their unwavering efforts led to the availability of several good colleges in Florida with extensive cybersecurity programs.
But don’t take our word for it. Base your decision on facts and available information. Below are just some of the reasons why colleges in Florida are ideal for cybersecurity students. If you’d like to know more about the program, refer to our guide where we answer some frequently asked questions about cybersecurity.
Career outlook
According to the cybersecurity heatmap by Cyber Seek, Florida is among the 9 states with the highest number of job openings. With over 23,400 job openings in the state, the career outlook for cybersecurity graduates is bright.
Cybersecurity professionals in Florida enjoy higher pay than the national average. In major tech hubs such as Miami and Fort Lauderdale, cyber security experts are paid up to 10% more than the nationwide average.
Below is a table with average salaries by job title, sorted by cities sourced through Robert Half’s 2025 Salary Guide.
| Job title | Average pay | |||
| Miami | Fort Lauderdale | Orlando | Tampa | |
| Cyber Security Analyst | $133,650 | $133,650 | $122,715 | $123,930 |
| Cybersecurity Engineer | $152,350 | $152,350 | $139,885 | $141,270 |
| Security Architect | $170,500 | $170,500 | $156,550 | $158,100 |
| System Security Manager | $188,650 | $188,650 | $173,215 | $174,930 |
Search for ‘colleges in Miami, Florida’, ‘colleges in Tampa, Florida’, ‘colleges in Orlando, Florida’, and ‘colleges in Fort Lauderdale, Florida’, to study in cities with high demand for cybersecurity professionals.
Employment opportunities
Four Florida companies have made it to Forbes America’s Most Secure Companies list. Namely, Primo Water, Fidelity National Foundation, Vector Group – PVT, and Rooms to Go. These companies offer employment and internship opportunities to cybersecurity students.
Other cybersecurity companies in Florida include:
- Kappa Computer Systems LLC
- Forte Group
- SoluLab
- OpenXcell
- Powered Teknologies
Students can also explore government jobs for cyber security graduates through official websites such as USAJOBS. Keep an eye out on state and county websites, and cybersecurity organizations such as CyberFlorida and Florida Digital Services.
If you feel as if a cybersecurity bachelor is not the ideal degree for you, but you want to be part of the high-paying professional landscape, explore some alternate degrees that lead to a career in cybersecurity.
Government Initiatives
Florida has been actively working to bolster its cybersecurity infrastructure and cultivate a skilled workforce. The state has implemented various initiatives, including funding cybersecurity education programs at universities, establishing cybersecurity research centers, and collaborating with industry leaders to develop innovative security solutions.
CyberFlorida, or the Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida, is one such initiative. Through a $30 million investment, the Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida aims to provide cost-free education and training for workforce development.
Additionally, through the Florida Local Government Cybersecurity Grant Program, the state is working on equipping local governments with the tools needed to enhance cybersecurity. The $ 40-million grant program is competitive and the local government must provide a comprehensive proposal showcasing the need for funds, and its use case.
Local governments can also benefit from the organization Florida Digital Service. It sets standards, assesses risks, and ensures state agencies have strong security measures to protect their digital assets and data. Services include:
- Cybersecurity consultation and assessment
- Incident response and recovery
- Security Training Awareness
- Continuous Monitoring and Threat Detection
These efforts aim to equip Florida’s businesses and government agencies with the necessary tools and talent to protect against cyber threats and ensure the state’s digital resilience.
Cybercrime in Florida
Cybercriminals seem to be targeting Florida’s healthcare system. According to West Central Florida’s NPR station (WUSF-NPR), 18 out of the 19 documented cyberattacks in Florida in 2024, have been in the healthcare sector.
In July 2024 a gang of cybercriminals hacked into the state’s Department of Health and stole personal data. Owing to the disruption, the DOH was unable to process birth and death certificates as it tried to recover lost data. Towards the end of July, an attack on One Blood nearly shut down the blood supply to Florida’s hospitals according to ABC News.
FBI investigators found an 18% rise in attacks on the healthcare system in Florida. Among the affected are the city of Saint Cloud’s health care plan and Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. Nearly 156,000 individuals were affected as a result of cyber attacks on healthcare, FBI reports via WUSF-NPR.
How to choose the ideal college in Florida?
Finding the ideal college for cybersecurity among the many good colleges in Florida can be a bit of a challenge. To ease your search, we have provided a few suggestions above. However, if you want to explore some additional options, read All Bachelor Degrees’ guide on finding the ideal colleges for a bachelor’s in cyber security.
Join one of the good colleges in Florida for a cybersecurity degree today!
Florida’s commitment to cybersecurity education and its thriving tech sector make it an ideal destination for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. The state offers numerous opportunities for students to gain practical experience. With a growing demand for skilled experts and a focus on innovation, Florida is ideal for aspiring cyber professionals. It equips aspiring professionals with the skills needed to launch successful careers.
Explore the many available good colleges in Florida offering top-of-the-line cybersecurity education for a kickstart to a successful career!