Analysis
UF Online's Computer Science program sits at the top of Florida's tech education landscape, matching the flagship campus's $90,651 first-year earnings while graduates carry just $16,000 in debt—roughly a fifth of what they'll earn in their first year. This isn't just strong performance; it's elite. The program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for both earnings and low debt among 929 computer science programs.
The value gap between this program and typical Florida options is striking. While the state median for CS graduates is $57,000, UF Online students are earning $91,000 right out of the gate—a $34,000 premium that compounds as they build their careers. By year four, median earnings hit $109,000, showing healthy growth as graduates move into senior roles. For parents worried about online education stigma in tech hiring, these numbers tell a different story: employers are paying UF Online CS graduates the same rates they pay traditional campus graduates.
The 64% admission rate makes this accessible without sacrificing outcomes, and the robust sample size means these aren't fluky numbers. If your child can handle the rigor of UF's curriculum remotely, they're looking at Florida's best computer science value proposition—exceptional earnings potential with minimal debt burden.
Where University of Florida-Online Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Florida-Online graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida-Online | $90,651 | $108,528 | +20% |
| University of Florida | $90,651 | $108,528 | +20% |
| University of South Florida | $61,046 | $79,104 | +30% |
| University of Central Florida | $68,793 | $78,429 | +14% |
| Florida International University | $62,562 | $78,418 | +25% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (39 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,876 | $90,651 | $108,528 | $16,000 | 0.18 | |
| $6,381 | $90,651 | $108,528 | $16,000 | 0.18 | |
| $58,300 | $69,707 | $72,024 | $27,000 | 0.39 | |
| $6,368 | $68,793 | $78,429 | $22,751 | 0.33 | |
| $13,920 | $67,315 | $77,481 | $50,737 | 0.75 | |
| $6,565 | $62,562 | $78,418 | $19,999 | 0.32 | |
| National Median | — | $61,322 | — | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Florida-Online, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 267 graduates with reported earnings and 179 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.