Top 3 Network Administration Programs in Florida 2025
University of Central Florida
Leading IT program in Central Florida with Microsoft Azure Academy partnership and 90% job placement rate in Orlando tech corridor
Florida Atlantic University
Strong industry connections in South Florida with Cisco Networking Academy and CompTIA Security+ certification pathway
Florida International University
Miami's tech hub location with VMware vSphere training center and direct pipeline to major South Florida employers
- 1.Florida has 35+ accredited network administration and IT programs across state universities and colleges (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.University of Central Florida ranks #1 in Florida with 73% graduation rate and Microsoft Azure Academy partnership
- 3.Florida network administrators earn median $89,450 annually—8% above the national median (BLS Florida 2024)
- 4.No state income tax in Florida provides 5-7% salary advantage compared to high-tax states
- 5.Major tech employers in Orlando, Miami, Tampa include Lockheed Martin, Citrix, and Magic Leap creating 45,000+ IT jobs
Network Administration Education in Florida
Florida's growing technology sector has created significant demand for skilled network administrators, driving expansion of IT education programs across the state. From UCF's Microsoft-partnered program in Orlando to FIU's VMware training center in Miami, Florida universities offer diverse pathways into network administration careers.
The state's major tech hubs in Orlando, Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville host companies like Citrix, Magic Leap, and numerous government contractors, creating robust job markets for network administration graduates. For comparison with programs nationwide, see our best network administration programs ranking. Students considering broader IT careers should explore our information technology degree hub and review network administrator career outcomes for salary expectations.
Florida's lack of state income tax provides a significant financial advantage, effectively increasing take-home pay by 5-7% compared to high-tax states. Combined with lower cost of living in most Florida metros, network admin graduates often enjoy strong purchasing power despite slightly lower nominal salaries.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Florida May 2024, Florida DOE Career Outcomes
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 data
Cisco, Microsoft, VMware certifications and corporate training partnerships
Job placement rates and Florida-specific salary data
Lab facilities, equipment, and hands-on training opportunities
Florida Network Administration Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | Industry Partners | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Central Florida | Orlando | Public | $6,368 | 73% | Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA | 92.1 |
| 2 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton | Public | $4,879 | 68% | Cisco, CompTIA, VMware | 88.7 |
| 3 | Florida International University | Miami | Public | $6,556 | 66% | VMware, Microsoft, AWS | 86.4 |
| 4 | University of South Florida | Tampa | Public | $6,410 | 72% | Cisco, Microsoft | 85.2 |
| 5 | Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne | Private | $43,950 | 69% | Cisco, VMware, Juniper | 84.8 |
| 6 | Florida State University | Tallahassee | Public | $6,507 | 83% | Microsoft, CompTIA | 83.5 |
| 7 | University of Florida | Gainesville | Public | $6,381 | 87% | Cisco, AWS | 82.9 |
| 8 | Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University | Tallahassee | Public | $5,785 | 56% | Microsoft, CompTIA | 81.3 |
| 9 | Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale | Private | $33,300 | 65% | Cisco, VMware | 80.7 |
| 10 | Florida Polytechnic University | Lakeland | Public | $5,700 | 51% | Microsoft, AWS, VMware | 79.8 |
| 11 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Daytona Beach | Private | $38,994 | 66% | Cisco, Microsoft | 78.9 |
| 12 | Florida A&M University | Tallahassee | Public | $5,785 | 56% | CompTIA, Microsoft | 78.2 |
| 13 | University of Miami | Coral Gables | Private | $54,760 | 84% | Cisco, AWS | 77.6 |
| 14 | Florida Gulf Coast University | Fort Myers | Public | $6,118 | 61% | Microsoft, CompTIA | 76.8 |
| 15 | St. Petersburg College | St. Petersburg | Public | $3,347 | 42% | Cisco, Microsoft | 75.4 |
| 16 | Seminole State College | Sanford | Public | $3,132 | 38% | CompTIA, Microsoft | 74.7 |
| 17 | Broward College | Fort Lauderdale | Public | $3,398 | 35% | Cisco, CompTIA | 73.9 |
| 18 | Miami Dade College | Miami | Public | $3,567 | 32% | Microsoft, Cisco | 73.1 |
| 19 | Palm Beach State College | Lake Worth | Public | $3,262 | 36% | CompTIA, Microsoft | 72.5 |
| 20 | Valencia College | Orlando | Public | $3,430 | 44% | Microsoft, Cisco | 71.8 |
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL • University
Program Highlights
- • 73% graduation rate - highest among Florida public IT programs
- • Average starting salary: $68,500 for network admin graduates
- • 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention
- • Located in Research Park with direct access to 100+ tech companies
Program Strengths
- Microsoft Azure Academy partnership providing direct certification pathways
- State-of-the-art network labs with Cisco, VMware, and Microsoft equipment
- 90% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- Direct recruiting pipeline with Orlando tech companies including Lockheed Martin and Siemens
- Extensive internship program with local government and private sector partners
Why Ranked #1
UCF's IT program ranks #1 in Florida due to its comprehensive curriculum, industry partnerships, and exceptional job placement rates in Orlando's booming tech sector. The program combines hands-on network administration training with cutting-edge cloud technologies.
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL • University
Program Highlights
- • $4,879 annual tuition - most affordable among top-ranked programs
- • 68% graduation rate with strong industry job placement
- • Located near major financial services and healthcare IT employers
- • Average graduate salary increase of 45% within 2 years
Program Strengths
- Cisco Networking Academy Gold Partner status with full CCNA curriculum
- CompTIA Security+ certification pathway integrated into coursework
- Partnership with IBM for cloud computing and virtualization training
- Dedicated cybersecurity lab with penetration testing capabilities
- Co-op program with major South Florida employers
Why Ranked #2
FAU's network administration program excels through its Cisco Networking Academy certification pathway and strong connections to South Florida's financial technology sector. The program emphasizes hands-on learning with industry-standard equipment and real-world scenarios.
Florida International University
Miami, FL • University
Program Highlights
- • 66% graduation rate with improving trends in recent years
- • Access to Miami's diverse tech ecosystem including fintech and healthcare IT
- • International student support reflecting Miami's global business environment
- • Partnership with Miami-Dade government for internship opportunities
Program Strengths
- VMware IT Academy providing vSphere certification training
- AWS Academy partnership for cloud computing specialization
- Bilingual program options supporting Miami's international business community
- Enterprise network simulation lab with multi-vendor equipment
- Strong alumni network in Miami's tech and financial sectors
Why Ranked #3
FIU's network administration program leverages Miami's position as a major international business hub, providing students with exposure to enterprise-scale networks and global IT operations. The VMware training center offers cutting-edge virtualization education.
Florida University System Network Administration Programs
Florida's state university system provides multiple pathways into network administration careers, with programs ranging from comprehensive four-year degrees to focused associate degree programs at state colleges.
The State University System of Florida includes major IT programs at UCF, USF, FIU, FAU, and FSU, each with distinct strengths. UCF leads in Microsoft partnerships and Orlando tech connections, while FIU excels in international business applications and VMware training. USF in Tampa offers strong healthcare IT connections, while FAU provides excellent value with Cisco certification pathways.
Florida's state college system also offers valuable network administration programs, particularly for students seeking associate degrees or career-change pathways. Programs at St. Petersburg College, Seminole State, and Valencia College provide affordable entry points with strong industry certification preparation. These programs often feature evening and weekend schedules accommodating working professionals.
Private institutions like Florida Institute of Technology and Nova Southeastern University offer smaller class sizes and specialized training, though at higher tuition costs. These programs often feature more intensive hands-on training and direct industry partnerships.
Career Paths
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Maintain and optimize organizational networks, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and implement security protocols
Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1245Manage servers, databases, and enterprise applications while ensuring system security and performance
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect organizational networks from cyber threats through monitoring, analysis, and incident response
Cloud Solutions Architect
SOC 15-1199Design and implement cloud infrastructure solutions using AWS, Azure, and hybrid environments
IT Manager
SOC 11-3021Lead IT teams, manage technology budgets, and align technology strategy with business objectives
Network Administration Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Virginia
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Washington
| Factor | Public Universities | Private Universities | State Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition (In-State) | $6,200 | $42,500 | $3,400 |
| Class Size | 25-35 students | 15-20 students | 20-25 students |
| Industry Partnerships | Extensive | Specialized | Regional |
| Certification Programs | Comprehensive | Premium | Basic |
| Job Placement Rate | 75-85% | 80-90% | 70-80% |
| Alumni Network | Statewide | National | Local |
| Financial Aid | Moderate | High | Limited |
Which Should You Choose?
- No state income tax advantage (5-7% salary boost)
- Access to growing tech hubs in Orlando, Miami, Tampa
- Year-round internship and job opportunities
- Affordable in-state tuition at quality public universities
- Strong industry partnerships with major employers
- Warm weather and outdoor lifestyle preferences
- Diverse tech sectors from aerospace to healthcare IT
- Higher absolute salaries (California, Washington pay 20-30% more nominally)
- More established tech ecosystems with deeper specialization options
- Stronger venture capital and startup scenes
- More prestigious university brands for competitive positions
- Better public transportation systems in major metros
- More diverse climate options and seasonal variety
- Established tech talent pipelines at major corporations
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Network Administration Programs
Related Network Administration Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment data, and tuition costs for 2023
May 2024 state occupational employment and wage estimates
Career outcomes and job placement data for state university graduates
Partner institution data and certification program information
Industry certification standards and partnership program details
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.