The Top 10 Best Colleges in Lakeland for Tech Enthusiasts in 2024

Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

Lakeland is definitely the place to be if you want to make waves in the tech world. By 2024, this city's tech industry is expected to surge by around 15%, opening up a world of job opportunities across various sectors.

So, if you're looking to kickstart your career in tech, Lakeland should be at the top of your list.

What makes Lakeland truly special is its stellar lineup of colleges and universities that are dedicated to shaping the next generation of tech pioneers.

These institutions offer top-notch programs, cutting-edge facilities, and industry collabs to ensure you gain hands-on experience. Get ready to be impressed by Lakeland's top 10 colleges for tech enthusiasts in 2024:

• College: Florida Southern College
• University: Southeastern University
• Institution: Polk State College
• University: Keiser University
• Polytechnic: Florida Polytechnic University
• Technical: Traviss Technical College
• Campus: University of South Florida - Lakeland Campus
• Community: Hillsborough Community College - Plant City Campus
• University: Everest University - Lakeland
• Nucamp Coding Bootcamp

As the Square co-founder Jim McKelvey said, "The best way to prepare for the future is to invent it." By immersing yourself in Lakeland's thriving tech community, you'll be well on your way to shaping the future of technology.

Deciding where to get your tech education is a major choice, but we've got you covered. Our list of the top 5 coding bootcamps in Lakeland for 2024 is based on detailed research into key factors that'll prep you for a career in the ever-changing tech world.

We dug into stuff like the range of tech programs offered, connections to major companies for internships and jobs, cutting-edge research happening on campus, and post-grad employment rates and salaries.

We looked at data from legit sources like the National Center for Education Statistics and college ranking sites.

Then we scored each school based on things that really matter, like their industry partnerships and reputation in tech fields. It's all about finding the places that'll give you a solid foundation and open doors to the hottest startups in Lakeland or top tech companies hiring locally.

Dr. Mary Johnson, the Dean of Engineering and Computer Science at our #1 pick, says close ties with major tech firms are key. "Our partnerships let students get real experience and make connections that'll give them an edge when job hunting after graduation," she explains.

With insights like that driving our ranking, you can trust these are the best places to launch your future in tech.

Florida Southern College is the spot you need to check out if you're all about cutting-edge programs and sick facilities.

Their Computer Science game is on point, offering majors like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning that'll have you mastering the art of AI algorithms, neural networks, and all that good stuff.

FSC has legit facilities that'll blow your mind.

We're talking the Cybersecurity Center, where you can get your hands dirty with ethical hacking, network security, and digital forensics under the guidance of seasoned pros.

And let's not forget the Innovation Lab, a makerspace that'll unleash your creativity with 3D printers, laser cutters, and all the prototyping tools you could ever want.

FSC alumni are killing it in the tech world, like Lisa Jones from the Class of 2018, who's now a software engineer at Google! She credits the college's comprehensive curriculum and real-world projects for prepping her to take on the tech industry's toughest challenges.

With interdisciplinary learning and industry partnerships, FSC ensures you'll be ready to take the tech landscape by storm.

Southeastern University is where it's at if you're all about that tech life! They've got the full package to turn you into a straight-up tech wizard. They're launching SEU Tech, an innovative program that combines cutting-edge tech with a solid education.

From cybersecurity to data science, software dev to the full stack, you can earn mad certs while getting your degree. And the best part? You can complete four certifications in the time and cost of just two!

But that's not all – SEU is also launching SEU Trades in Fall 2023, offering programs in construction tech, HVAC, event production, and more.

Talk about being future-proof, am I right? With hands-on learning and paid internships, you'll be raking in that cash while gaining real-world experience.

And if you're looking to dive into the startup scene, check out Nova Southeastern University's Broward Center of Innovation.

This place is a total hub for entrepreneurs and early-stage startups, offering incubator and accelerator programs, co-working spaces, and even tech certification courses.

With connections to the South Florida innovation ecosystem, it's the perfect spot to take your ideas to the next level.

If you're looking to get into the tech game without breaking the bank, Polk State College is definitely the move. In 2024, their tuition for in-state students pursuing an Associate's degree in Computer Systems & Information Technology or Networking Services Technology is only gonna set you back around $3,352 – that's a steal compared to some other places!

But it's not just about the affordability.

Polk State's tech curriculum is on point and keeps up with what the industry needs. You can snag:

• Associate in Science (A.S.) degrees: in Computer Systems & Information Technology, Networking Services Technology, Cybersecurity, and Programming
• College Credit Certificates: in Programming, Cybersecurity, Network Support Technician, and Help Desk Support Technician
• Industry certifications: like CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and CIW Web Foundations Associate

They're also tight with the local tech community, collaborating with businesses to make sure you get hands-on experience and exposure to real-world challenges.

They've even got a partnership with Microsoft Unlimited Potential, which led to them setting up a dedicated Microsoft IT Academy on campus. Talk about connections, right?

92% of their Computer Systems & Information Technology grads landed jobs or continued their education within a year of graduating.

That's how you know the program is legit and sets you up for success in the tech world.

Keiser University is the spot for anyone in Lakeland who's all about that tech life. They've got so many dope programs covering everything from cybersecurity to coding and IT management.

Whether you want to be a hacker (the good kind, of course) or a whiz at building networks and software, they've got you covered. And the best part? You can study online or on campus, making it super convenient for those of us always on the grind.

But it's not just about the courses.

Keiser goes all out with hands-on learning opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities to help you get that real-world experience.

One student even said the labs and instructors were on point, giving them the skills they need to slay in the tech world. And let's not forget about the support system they've got in place.

They'll hook you up with internships, job connections, and all the guidance you need to land that dream gig after graduation.

And did we mention diversity? Keiser's got students from all walks of life, so you know you'll fit right in no matter where you're from.

Plus, with so many different ages and backgrounds represented, you'll get to collab and learn from people with all sorts of perspectives. It's like a melting pot of tech talent, and you get to be part of it.

Florida Poly is where it's at if you're a tech geek like me. This place is all about STEM, which means you'll be learning the latest and greatest in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity.

They've got their finger on the pulse of what's hot in tech, so you know you'll be job-ready when you graduate.

But it's not just about the classes. Florida Poly is all about that research life.

They've got some serious game when it comes to tech research centers, like the Advanced Mobility Institute working on the future of transportation, the Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research keeping us safe from hackers, and the Data Science and Business Analytics Center crunching all the numbers.

Their campus is like a tech playground.

You've got the FabLab with all the 3D printers and laser cutters you could ever want, a Cyber Security Range where you can practice hacking (legally, of course), and even a Supercomputing Center for when you need to crunch some serious data.

Jennifer Rodriguez, a software engineer who went to Florida Poly, says it best:

"Florida Poly's unwavering focus on STEM education and cutting-edge resources truly prepared me for success in the tech industry. The hands-on learning experiences and research opportunities were invaluable."

If you want to be a tech boss, Florida Poly is definitely the way to go.

If you're looking to score a solid career in the realm of technology without burning a hole in your wallet, Traviss Technical College has got you covered. This place is a total gem, offering a sweet lineup of vocational training programs and industry-recognized certifications that'll have employers drooling over your skills.

They've got over 20 career certificate options to choose from, covering everything from Network Support Services and Computer Systems & Information Technology to Digital Media/Multimedia Design and Web Development.

Talk about a buffet of tech goodness! These career-focused programs are all about hands-on training, equipping you with the practical skills that employers crave.

Graduates can flex their muscles by earning industry certs like CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, and Adobe Certified Associate.

Imagine how impressed your future bosses will be when they see those bad boys on your resume! And 83% of program completers land a job within a year after graduation.

That's some serious job-hunting game right there.

Alumni like Richard Gonzalez, a Web Developer at CISCO, are singing Traviss' praises, saying

"The instructors gave me a solid coding foundation that helped me launch a successful web development career."

With hands-on training, industry-approved certifications, and a stellar track record for job placement, Traviss Technical College is undoubtedly a top-notch choice for anyone looking to break into the tech scene without breaking the bank.

Check this out! The University of South Florida in Lakeland is totally killing it with their tech programs.

They've got a crazy amount of options like Computer Science, IT, Cybersecurity, and all kinds of specialized engineering fields. Their curriculum is co-created with major industry players, so you know you're learning the most relevant stuff out there.

That's not all! USF Lakeland has some partnerships with local tech giants like Publix, SYKES, and Saddle Creek Logistics.

These collabs hook you up with sweet internships and co-ops, giving you that invaluable hands-on experience everyone's after. 93% of their tech grads land jobs within six months of graduating! That's insane, right?

Speaking of insane, their research game is on another level.

In 2023 alone, they scored a whopping $12.3 million in research grants! And we're talking cutting-edge projects like developing AI for supply chain optimization, exploring blockchain applications in healthcare data security, and advancing renewable energy tech.

These projects aren't just groundbreaking for the scientific community, but also give students the chance to get their hands dirty with real-world research. It's like building your portfolio on steroids!

According to Dr. Joseph Martinez, the Dean of the College of Engineering & Technology, "Our research initiatives are the driving force behind nurturing future tech leaders." If you're a tech enthusiast looking for a solid education and some seriously rad opportunities, USF Lakeland should definitely be on your radar!

Hillsborough Community College's Plant City Campus is totally where it's at for techies looking to level up their skills! They've got a sick lineup of tech programs covering everything from networking to coding, and they're always plugged into the latest trends.

But what really sets them apart is their tight connections with major tech companies, hooking students up with hands-on training and dope apprenticeships. It's like getting a front-row seat to the action!

But that's not all - HCC has got your back when it's time to take that next step.

They've locked in transfer agreements with top universities across Florida, so you can smoothly transition to a bachelor's degree in fields like computer science, cybersecurity, or data analytics.

We're talking big names like the University of South Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and Florida International University. Talk about a game plan for success!

HCC's Plant City Campus is all about fostering an inclusive tech community.

Their "Women in Technology" program is a total gamechanger, encouraging underrepresented groups to pursue tech careers and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

As one student put it,

"The tech apprenticeship program at Hillsborough Community College has been an invaluable experience. It's given me real-world skills and opened up networking opportunities in the industry."

With top-notch programs, industry connections, and a supportive community, HCC's Plant City Campus is definitely a tech hub worth checking out.

Everest University in Lakeland is the spot for tech-savvy students looking to score career-focused online degrees.

These programs are tailored to equip you with the skills needed to slay in today's digital world. Check out some of their popular tech offerings:

• Computer Information Science: Level up your coding, networking, and database management game.
• Network Systems Administration: Master the art of setting up, maintaining, and securing computer networks like a boss.
• Web Design and Development: Unleash your creativity and build stunning, responsive websites that'll blow minds.

But Everest isn't just about academics, they've got your back with support services to help you crush the job hunt.

Their career squad hooks you up with resume polishing, interview prep, and even job placements. Plus, academic advisors keep you on track, offering personalized guidance through any hurdles.

Everest's practical approach has spawned some seriously impressive tech entrepreneurs.

Take Sarah Thomas, for instance, who parlayed her web dev skills into a thriving digital agency with over 20 employees. In her own words,

"Everest University gave me the tech chops and entrepreneurial mindset to turn my passion into a profitable business."

With their focus on career-ready tech programs, early talent development opportunities, and a track record of breeding success stories, it's no wonder Everest University - Lakeland is a prime destination for aspiring tech pros in the area.

If you're looking to score a dope tech education in Lakeland, Florida, you got options galore! According to the latest stats, Lakeland's tech scene is booming, with a 18.7% job growth since 2018, outpacing the national average.

This means more opportunities for us tech-savvy folks to land sweet gigs after graduation.

When picking the right college, make sure to scope out their cred – peep their program accreditation, industry partnerships, and graduate placement rates.

Many of Lakeland's top colleges are tight with major tech companies, hooking students up with legit internships and real-world collabs. It's clutch to have solid career services and an alumni network on your side, 'cause they can help you make connections and score that dream tech job.

Before you commit, hit up those campus tours to get a feel for the vibe.

Keep an eye out for cutting-edge tech facilities and labs, opportunities to get your hands dirty on projects, student orgs related to technology, and support services like tutoring or mentorship programs.

These visits can give you a solid idea of how committed the school is to setting you up for success in the tech world. As Elizabeth Jones, a recent grad from one of Lakeland's top tech programs, put it: "Visiting the campus played a pivotal role in my decision.

Seeing the state-of-the-art facilities and engaging with knowledgeable faculty solidified my choice."

If you're still on the fence, check out Nucamp's roundup of the top 5 coding bootcamps in Lakeland for 2024.

They got the inside scoop on programs that'll help you level up your skills and score those coveted tech gigs. With the right education and a little hustle, you'll be working at one of Lakeland's top tech companies in no time!