If you’re looking to begin your career in web development by enrolling in an academic program, it is important to consider affordable options. This article aids your school search by providing you with a list of the cheapest web development schools in the US and their average annual costs.
This article lists ten of the most affordable web development schools, how much they cost, and what web development programs they offer. The second section breaks down the cheapest web development degrees by education level (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate) and elaborates on the job outlook for graduates with a web development degree.
What Are the Most Affordable Web Development Schools in the US?
The most affordable web development schools in the US are Seminole State College of Florida, Brigham Young University, and Fort Hays State University. These schools offer a standard web development program and a more affordable tuition rate than other schools.
How Much Do the Cheapest Web Development Schools Cost?
The cheapest web development schools cost between $3,000 and $23,000 per year. All of the schools listed in the table below offer online degrees in web development that suit your budget and cover all the foundational topics.
Cheapest Web Development Schools Costs Breakdown
- Tuition and Fees: These are the charges students pay as a condition of enrollment in a university.
- Accommodations: This is the cost you incur if you stay in school-provided housing.
- Books and Supplies: This is the fee used to provide books and necessary supplies to students. The amount to pay depends on the field of study.
- Registration Charges: These fees are exclusively for new students and are a necessary prerequisite for enrollment.
- Lab Fee: This fee is specifically for students in science and engineering programs that require the use of a laboratory.
Why You Should Attend a Web Development School
You should attend a web development school because it can teach you the fundamentals of web design. In addition to getting a foundational education in web design, you also get to learn industry best practices and work hands-on with the newest technologies used in this ever-evolving industry.
Furthermore, attending a web development school allows you to network with like-minded students, learn new skills while sharpening your old ones, and push yourself to develop further as a student and professional. Most importantly, by attending a web development school you can obtain a degree or certificate that helps you to stand out in the job market.
Best Web Development School Career Options
After attending a web development school you can work as a web designer, software developer, computer and information research scientist, or computer programmer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for web developers and digital designers is predicted to grow by 13 percent from 2020 to 2023, which is good news for recent graduates.
Web Development Salary
The average salary for a web development graduate is $77,200, according to BLS. The lowest-paid 10 percent earn less than $41,000 and the highest-paid 10 percent earn more than $145,000.
Can You Attend Web Development School for Free?
Yes, you can attend a web development school for free if you qualify for sufficient financial aid or scholarships. To qualify for financial aid you must be a US citizen or an eligible noncitizen enrolled in an eligible degree or program.
There are also good web development schools that offer free web development courses such as Code Academy, Khan Academy, MIT OpenCourseWare, and Mozilla Developer Network. These schools also offer you certificates at the end of the course.
Cheapest Web Development Schools That Won’t Break the Bank
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminole State College Of Florida | $3,131 | $11,456 | 45% |
| Fort Hays State University | $5,430 | $15,870 | 50% |
| Brigham Young University | $6,120 | $6,120 | 77% |
| Weber State University | $6,228 | $16,644 | 41% |
| Lewis-Clark State College | $6,982 | $20,238 | 37% |
| American Public University System | $7,360 | $7,360 | 49% |
| University of Phoenix | $9,552 | $9,552 | 14% |
| Franklin University | $9,577 | $9,577 | 25% |
| Southern New Hampshire University | $15,380 | $15,380 | 39% |
| Liberty University | $22,713 | $22,713 | 62% |
What Are the Cheapest Web Development Schools? A Deep Dive
Seminole State College of Florida is a public college located in Sanford, Florida. Seminole State College offers over 200 degree and certificate programs. SSCF's most popular majors are liberal arts, engineering, and marketing. The Seminole State College has a total enrollment of over 16,000 full-time and part-time students.
Seminole State College of Florida Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 45%
- US News National Ranking: N/A
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $38,557
- Web Development Degrees Offered: Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science
Top Web Development Degrees at Seminole State College of Florida
- Associate of Science in Computer Programming & Analysis. This degree program is for people who want to pursue a degree in website programming. This program covers core web development topics like web programming, network concepts, system analysis, and graphics design.
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Technology. This four-year program provides students with a solid foundation in information systems technology. It covers different subcategories of IT and gives students the tools and skills they need when beginning their web development careers.
Seminole College of Florida Web Development Key Takeaway
Seminole State College offers a safe and scenic environment for undergraduate students pursuing web development programs.
Fort Hays State University, or FHSU, is a public university in Hays, Kansas. FHSU’s most popular majors are business administration and management, liberal arts, and technology. FHSU's total enrollment is 14,104, consisting of 6,604 online students and 3,807 on-campus students.
Fort Hays State University Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 50%
- US News National Ranking: N/A
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $42,518
- Web Development Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Science, Master of Science
Top Web Development Degrees at Fort Hays State University
- Bachelor of General Studies, Concentration in Web Development Studies. This fully online program consists of 21 credit hours per week. Topics covered in this program include web scripting language, advanced front end web development, and mobile application development.
- Bachelor of Science in Information Networking and Telecommunications, Concentration in Web and Mobile Application Development. This program teaches design and animation skills for web and mobile devices. Graduates of this program are also prepared for a Certified Web Designer Apprentice (CWDSA) certification.
- Master of Science in Computer Science. This fully-online program prepares students for leadership roles in their respective careers by helping them to develop expertise in fields like software design and database administration.
Fort Hays State University Web Development Key Takeaway
If you’re specifically looking for an online web development program, Fort Hays State University is the right place for you.
Brigham Young University is a private research university located in Provo, Utah. BYU is known for offering high-quality education at a low cost. The school’s most popular majors include business management, marketing, and social sciences. BYU has a total enrollment of 34,737 students, consisting of 31,627 undergraduates and 3,110 graduate students.
Brigham Young University
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 77%
- US News National Ranking: #79
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $70,785
- Web Development Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Science, Master of Science
Top Web Development Degrees at Brigham Young University
- Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Development. This program covers crucial aspects of web design and development and provides students with hands-on experience. Topics covered in this program include programming, visual media, user experience design, front end development, and backend development.
- Master of Science in Information Technology and Cybersecurity. This 30-credit-hour master of science program is for students who have completed an undergraduate degree and want to further their studies in a particular subfield of IT.
Brigham Young University Web Development Key Takeaway
Brigham Young University is a school with a unique culture that gives you a foundational education at a low cost.
Weber State University is a public university in Ogden, Utah. Weber State is mostly known for its teaching programs, but other popular majors at WSU are nursing and computer science. The total enrollment at Weber State University is 29,596.
Weber State University Overview
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 41%
- US News National Ranking: N/A
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $51,840
- Web Development Degrees Offered: Associate of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science
Top Web Development Degrees at Weber State University
- Associate of Applied Science in Web and User Experience. A total of 63 credit hours is required for this program. This program focuses on core aspects of web development such as client-side programming, front end development, backend development, usability, motion graphics, and user experience design.
- Bachelor of Science in Web and User Experience. This program focuses on providing students with the skills and techniques necessary for increasing accessibility, navigation, and satisfaction on an application and website. A minimum of 123 credit hours is required for this program.
- Master of Science in Computer Science. This program equips students with the skills necessary to further their careers. It is research-intensive. This program treats advanced courses and contemporary developments in web development.
Weber State University Web Development Key Takeaway
Weber State University gives web development students and professionals the skills they need to push their careers to the next level.
Lewis-Clark State College is located in Lewiston, Idaho. It offers over 130 undergraduate programs, 20 of which are offered online. The most popular majors at Lewis-Clark include social sciences and psychology. The total enrollment at Lewis-Clark State College is 3,856.
Lewis-Clark State College Overview
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 37%
- US News National Ranking: N/A
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $41,741
- Web Development Degrees Offered: Associate of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science
Top Web Development Degrees at Lewis-Clark State College
- Associate of Applied Science in Web Design & Development. This AAS program teaches students skills in organizational web development, design, and management. This program covers the use of programming language in the construction and design of web pages as well as contemporary front end and backend web development.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This program requires a minimum of 120 credits to complete. It equips students with the techniques they need to build and design webs and applications.
Lewis Clark State College Web Development Key Takeaway
Lewis-Clark State College offers two solid programs for undergraduates looking to jumpstart their careers in web development.
American Public University System is a private, for-profit online university system. APUS offers online degrees in business administration, communication, and criminal studies among others. APUS has a total enrollment of 88,408 active students excluding students in doctoral programs.
American Public University System Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 49%
- US News National Ranking: N/A
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $59,367
- Web Development Degrees Offered: Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science
Top Web Development Degrees at American Public University System
- Associate of Science in Computer Technology. This associate degree program gives students the practical and theoretical knowledge they need for their future careers. This program extensively covers web development and programming languages. APUS’s Computer Technology program prepares students for certifications in A+ and Security+.
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. This IT program introduces students to contemporary programming tools and skills that can be applied to web development, database design, visual design, networking, and computing telecommunications. This course requires a minimum of 120 credits.
- Master of Science in Information Technology. This program provides students with advanced and deep knowledge of information systems. Students also research global technological problems and propose solutions. This program is fully online and requires a minimum of 36 credits to complete.
American Public University System Web Development Key Takeaway
American Public University offers a fully online web development program, which is ideal for learners who prioritize flexibility.
University of Phoenix is a private university in Arizona and the largest for-profit private school in the US. The most popular majors at the University of Phoenix include computer information systems, criminal justice, and health and medical services. The University of Phoenix had a total enrollment of 83,800 students in 2020.
University of Phoenix Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Education
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 14%
- US News National Ranking: #299-391
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $39,382
- Web Development Degrees Offered: Associate of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science, Master of Information Systems
Top Web Development Degrees at University of Phoenix
- Associate of Applied Science in Web Design/Development. This associate degree program equips students with the skills needed to create, design, and administer interactive websites. This 60-to-67-credit program focuses mainly on the hands-on application of web development skills.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This program provides fundamental knowledge in the IT field, including the analysis of computer problems and the application of CS theory. It is completely online, takes four years to complete, and requires 120 credits.
- Master of Information Systems. This program prepares students to tackle real-world issues with their IT skills. It is offered online and on-campus. This program lasts for one year or 18 months, depending on format, and consists of 36 credits.
University of Phoenix Web Development Key Takeaway
University of Phoenix offers a very standard web development education and online degrees that give you the skills you need for your future career.
Franklin University is a private non-profit university in Columbus, Ohio. Franklin University is well known for its exercise science, biological science, and applied mathematics programs. The university is a great place for adult learners and has a well-designed schedule for adults pursuing a degree.
Franklin University Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 25%
- US News National Ranking: N/A
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $51,859
- Web Development Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Science, Master of Science
Top Web Development Degrees at Franklin University
- Bachelor of Science in Web Development. This program is offered completely online. Franklin University’s BS in Web Development program prepares students to capitalize on commercial trends in web development and design. This program requires a total of 124 credit hours.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This program is offered fully online and requires a total of 124 credit hours. It equips students with the skills they need to provide technology-based solutions to organizational problems.
- Master of Science in Computer Science. The MSCS program at Franklin University aims to prepare students for leadership roles in the field of computer science. This program is available on-campus and online. This program requires 36 credit hours and can be completed within 20 months.
Franklin University Web Development Key Takeaway
If you’re an adult learner or if you’re just looking for a good balance between your work and your education, Franklin University can offer you the flexibility you need.
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Southern New Hampshire University, also known as SNHU, is a private university in New Hampshire. SNHU is well known for the quality on-campus and online degrees it offers. The most popular majors at SNHU include social sciences, psychology, and computer and information sciences. SNHU has more than 3,000 on-campus students and 135,000 online students.
Southern New Hampshire University Overview
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 39%
- US News National Ranking: N/A
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $52,024
- Web Development Degrees Offered: Associate of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science.
Top Web Development Degrees at Southern New Hampshire University
- Associate of Science in Information Technology. This program helps students qualify for entry-level IT roles. This program also prepares students for IT certifications like CompTIA, Google Web Service, and Amazon Web Service. This program is offered fully online and requires a total of 60 credits.
- Bachelor of Arts in Graphics Design and Media Arts - Concentration in Web Design. This 120-credit program is offered completely online. Students in this program are equipped with the latest design tools and technologies in graphics and web design.
- Master of Science in Information Technology. The web design concentration of SNHU’s MS in IT program covers crucial topics like the development of interactive websites, HTML\XML, and interface design for websites. This program requires a total of 36 credits.
Southern New Hampshire University Web Development Key Takeaway
Southern New Hampshire University is ideal for online learners or students looking to enter the IT field after graduation.
Liberty University is an evangelical university in Lynchburg. The most popular Liberty University programs are nursing, psychology, and criminal justice. The institution has a total enrollment of over 100,000 students.
Liberty University Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 62%
- US News National Ranking: #299-391
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $42,394
- Web Development Degrees Offered: Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science
Top Web Development Degrees at Liberty University
- Associate of Arts in Information Systems. This program gives students the skills they need to design, implement, and manage information systems. This program requires 60 credit hours and takes over a year to complete.
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Web & Mobile Programming. This program teaches students to create websites and web programs that function effectively. This online, four-year program requires a total of 120 credit hours.
- Master of Science in Information Technology. This program focuses on topics in the IT field, from data analysis to networking and database management. This year-long program requires 36 credit hours.
Liberty University Web Development Key Takeaway
Liberty University can provide you with a foundational education in web development and programming, which will help you during your job search.
Paying For Web Development School With Financial Aid
There are several scholarships, grants, and financial aid options available to students pursuing online degrees. Some financial aid options you might consider are federal grants, federal loans, private loans, and work study.
Federal Grants
There are various types of federal grants. Two of the most common types of grants are Federal Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, which do not have to be repaid. Students who take out Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are not required to pay interest on them until six months after graduation.
Federal Loans
Federal loans are granted by the federal government. They are beneficial in the sense that they have a fixed interest rate and lower interest than private loans. Students who apply for these loans also enjoy income-based repayment and postponement options. However, these loans can take a long time to repay which may affect other life goals.
Private Loans
Private loans are non-governmental loans granted by a company or private organization, bank, or credit union. Private loans have a higher borrowing limit than federal loans. Private loans are not beneficial because they have a relatively high and variable interest rate in contrast to federal loans.
Work Study
Work study is a federal government program that provides part-time jobs for students with financial needs. This enables students to earn and pay their tuition through employment. Work study also gives you practical experience in your career field. Some potential disadvantages of a work study program are limited hours and low pay.
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How to Apply for Federal Aid to Finance Your Web Development School Program
There are several steps you need to take to apply for federal aid and help finance your web development school program. You need to create an FSA ID, prepare necessary documents, fill out and submit the student aid form, review financial aid packages and reply to aid offers. Continue reading for more information.
- Create an FSA ID. To successfully apply for federal financial aid you need to have an FSA ID. This helps you avoid processing delays.
- Prepare necessary documents. Gather all the necessary documents you’ll need to apply for a student loan. These documents include your social security number, your parent’s social security number, and federal tax information.
- Fill out and submit the federal student aid form. Answer all the questions on the form accurately, then sign and submit the form. You can fill out this form online or on the mystudentAid mobile app.
- Review financial aid packages. The school you listed in the application form will send you an aid offer. The offer covers the types and amount of aid available to you. Compare the aid options available while evaluating their pros and cons.
- Reply to aid offer. After evaluating the available aid offers, you can then choose the one with the most favorable terms.
Best Web Development Scholarships
- Generation Google Scholarship | Amount: $10,000. Only full-time computer science students in a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program can apply for this award. This award is specifically for students studying computer science or a closely related field. Applicants must also have a good academic record.
- ESA Foundation Scholarship | Amount: $1,280. This annual, non-renewable award aims to support underrepresented students in the computer science field. Applicants must be undergraduates in a computer science program.
- Microsoft Scholarship | Amount: $1,200. This scholarship encourages students to further their education in computer science or related STEM fields. To be eligible, you need to be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program at the time of application. You must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Chee Web Development Scholarship | Amount: $1,000. This award is for students pursuing a web design-related certificate or undergraduate degree. Students who apply for this scholarship are required to write a 1,000-word essay and attach their academic transcript in PDF format with the essay.
- eSchoolVView Student Web Design & Development Scholarship | $35,000. This scholarship gifts $35,000 to high school seniors looking to study graphic design in college. Students in the contest build a website and the first amongst the eight winners is awarded a sum of $5,000, two students get $2,500, and five students get $1,000.
Cheapest Undergraduate Web Development Schools
The cheapest undergraduate web development schools are the Seminole State College of Florida, Southern New Hampshire University, the University of Phoenix, the American Public University System, Liberty University, Brigham Young University, Franklin University, Bellevue University, and Lewis-Clark State University.
Most Affordable Web Development Associate Degree Programs
- Seminole State College of Florida | AS in Computer Programming and Analysis (Web Development Specialization) | $3,131. Students in this program gain practical, hands-on experience working with Internet databases and web applications.
- Southern New Hampshire University | AS in Information Technology | $320/credit hour. This program prepares students for entry into the IT industry. This program revolves around the hands-on application of IT theories to computer-based problems.
- University of Phoenix | AAS in Web Design/Development | $85/credit hour. Students in this program learn how to create, design, and administer interactive web pages. At the end of this program, students get a certificate of completion in foundational web technology.
- American Public University | AS in Computer Technology | $285/credit hour. Students in this program get to complete industry certifications like Security+ and A+ in addition to getting an associate degree. This program is fully online.
- Liberty University | AA in Information Systems | $390/credit hour. This program teaches students the fundamentals of information systems and how to use computers to solve real-world problems. This program is fully online, and you can complete it at your own pace.
Most Affordable Web Development Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- Southern New Hampshire University | BA in Graphics Design and Media Arts | 320/credit hour. This 120-credit program exposes students to contemporary techniques needed to design a website. Students in this program gain technical proficiency in practical web design.
- Brigham Young University | BS in Web Design and Development | $323/credit hour. Through this program, you’ll gain experience in crucial areas of web development including front end and backend development, web business creation, and visual media.
- Franklin University | BS in Web Development | $398/credit hour. The BS in Web Development program exposes students to many skills required to build, design, and administer a website. This program is transfer-friendly and available online.
- Bellevue University | BS in Web Development | $440/credit hour. This program prepares you for an in-demand career by providing you with the coding, front end, and backend skills needed for building websites and applications. This program is offered completely online.
- Lewis-Clark State University | BS in Computer Science | $358/credit hour. This BS program gives undergraduate students a foundational education in computer science. Students in this program apply tech theory to the building of concrete objects.
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Cheapest Graduate Schools for Web Development
The cheapest graduate web development schools are Fort Hays State University, Wilmington University, Southern New York University, University of Florida, Arizona State University, Aspen University, Dakota State University, Colorado Technical University, Cornell University, and University of California.
Most Affordable Schools for Master’s Degrees in Web Development
- Fort Hays State University | MS in Web and Mobile Applications Development | $250/credit hour. This program is ideal for students looking to enter the professional web development field. The program covers front end web development, backend web development, and mobile development.
- Weber State University | Master of Science in Computer Science | $7,272/year. This program covers topics like algorithms and computer architecture. Students must complete graduate-level research culminating in a thesis or project.
- Southern New Hampshire University | MS in Information Technology (Concentration in Web Design) | $627/credit hour. This 36-credit-hour program teaches students advanced skills in core web design aspects like website development, HTML/XML, interface design, and drawing website traffic.
- University of Florida | MS in Web Design & Online Communication | $12,740/year. This course focuses on coding, communication theory, and web design. Students in this program learn software design, coding, and programming languages like HTML and JavaScript. This program is fully online.
- Arizona State University | MS in Graphic Information Technology | $12,766/year. This program helps graphic design students expand their professional capacity and master the latest and most cutting-edge graphic information technology. This program covers web management, ecommerce, and interaction design and implementation.
Most Affordable PhDs in Web Development Universities
- Aspen University | PhD in Computer Science | $375/month. This program is designed to benefit people from different information science disciplines. This program covers topics like AI, algorithm design, and system metrics. Students also take a series of courses that help them in their research and dissertation writing.
- Dakota State University | PhD in Computer Science | $5,100/semester. This program offers students the opportunity to advance their knowledge by providing them with resources to conduct theoretical and practical research in any computer science subfield or related courses. This program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.
- Colorado Technical University | PhD in Computer Science | $598/credit hour. This 100-credit-hour program covers contemporary computer science topics and research methods. Some topics covered in this program are quantitative and qualitative research methods, dissertation literature, and research writing.
- Cornell University | PhD in Computer Science | $10,400/semester. Students in this program choose a specific topic that they research and present during an oral evaluation. Cornell University offers over 90 minor fields other than computer science which students can explore and write their dissertation on.
- University of California | PhD in Computer Science | $17,006/year. This program covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of computer science. The program encompasses various research fields including graphics and computer vision, analysis and design of computer systems, and database development.
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How to Choose a Good and Affordable Web Development School
The first thing to consider when choosing a good and affordable web development school is cost. Affordability is essential to consider, especially for entry-level students, but the reputation of the school, modes of learning/flexibility, student services/aid, and student population should also be considered. Below is a list of factors you should look out for during your school search.
Cost
Even if the quality of education is the same across several schools, the cost might differ among them. A school’s tuition rate depends on several factors. You should analyze the cost of attendance to choose the most affordable and suitable school. Private schools typically cost more than public schools, which in turn cost more than online bootcamps or remote courses.
Location
Going to school out of state often attracts extra costs, including transportation, accommodation, or the higher out-of-state tuition charged by institutions outside your state. Out-of-state tuition is sometimes double the in-state tuition. Going to school in-state will lower the cost of your tuition.
Flexibility/Online
Web developers usually work remotely, so a flexible or online learning program can prepare you for your post-graduation career. There are numerous benefits of online learning including relatively lower tuition, no transportation and accommodation hassle, and self-paced learning. Besides all these attractive benefits, online learning can be a bonus for future web developers.
Tips for Saving Money While Attending Web Development School
- Get a Job. Having a part-time job while attending a web development school can guarantee you some pocket money to fall back on. Ideally, you should look for jobs that are related or tangentially related to web development.
- Apply for Web Development Scholarships. Scholarships help you save money by covering your education cost and in some cases providing stipends. Some web design scholarships available to you are the Adobe Design Circles scholarship and the Edison International STEM Scholarship.
- Invest in Group/Family Data Plan. Data in the USA is ranked as the 154th-most expensive worldwide by the 2021 Worldwide Data Pricing map done by Cable.co.uk. Since learning and practicing web development consumes a significant amount of data, joining a group plan gets you more data at a lower cost.
- Utilize On-Campus Meal Plans. If you’re living on campus, a meal plan is the best choice for saving money on food. You should take advantage of this opportunity if it’s available.
- Buy Homecare and Self-Care Supplies in Bulk. Buying regularly used items in bulk will save you cash. However, you should be wary of buying more perishable items in this manner due to unpredictable future circumstances. When buying in bulk, stick to items like toilet paper, soap, toothbrushes, canned food, and other long-lasting products.
Cheapest Online Schools for Web Development
Below is a list of the cheapest online schools for web development. The list below also includes the per credit hour cost for web development programs at the certificate (usually about 15 credits), associate (less than 30 units), bachelor’s (usually 120 credits), and master’s (usually 30 credits) level.
| School | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Hays University | $226.88 per credit hour | 50% |
| American Public University System | $285 per credit hour | 49% |
| Champlain College | $328 per credit hour | 68% |
| Southern New Hampshire University | $320 per credit hour | 39% |
| Franklin University | $398 per credit hour | 25% |
Most Affordable Online Web Development Bachelor’s Programs
- University of Maryland Global Campus| Bachelor’s in Web & Digital Design | $312/credit (in state); $499/credit (out of state). This 120-credit-hour online BS program is one of the most reputable and affordable web development/web and media design programs in the US.
- Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts – Web Design Concentration | $320/credit. SNHU offers a 120-credit-hour online BA program in graphic design and media arts with a concentration in web design. This program teaches web development students to create work using web design tools.
- Champlain College | Bachelor’s in Web Design & Development | $328/credit. This is a 120-credit-hour program. Some of the components of its curriculum include website design, writing for the web, Python programming, and ethical hacking, all of which prepare students for a career in web development.
- Southeastern University | Bachelor of Science in Digital Media & Design | $390/credit. This four-year online BS program is designed for working professionals of all ages. Its 120-credit-hour curriculum consists of several digital design and elective courses that teach future web developers important soft skills.
- Lindenwood University | Bachelor of Fine Art in Art & Design | $495/credit. This online program requires 120 credit hours in two to four years. It introduces students to web design and then provides an in-depth curriculum centered on the art of media and digital design.
Most Affordable Online Web Development Master’s Programs
- Wilmington University | Master of Science in Information Systems Technologies | $1,536/course. This program teaches graduates how to handle complex information system technology projects. It gives four concentration options which include web design. Students are allowed to complete the master’s program online.
- Southern New Hampshire University | Master of Science in Information Technology | $627/credit. This 36-credit-hour online program teaches students the fundamentals of information technology and gives them the skills they need to stand out in the competitive IT market.
- University of Baltimore | Master of Arts in Integrated Design | $788/credit. This 36-credit-hour MA program covers topics like web design, graphic design, motion graphics, and professional writing. Students gain problem-solving skills and complete capstone projects at the end of the program.
- University of Denver | Master of Science in Web Design and Development | $36,768 total. Through hands-on learning techniques, students of this program effectively learn how to create web applications that are suitable for modern business styles and activities.
- Academy of Art University | Master of Arts in Online Interaction and UI/UX Design | $1,171/unit. This program provides students with the technological tools and skills in user interface design they need to thrive in a tech career. Students work with on-site instructors and also have unlimited access to online design training materials.
Will Attending an Online Web Development School Save Me Money?
Yes, attending an online web development program is generally seen as a cost-effective alternative to an in-person program. Online web development degrees will save you the cost of commuting to school, parking, housing for on-campus students, and other expenses.
Benefits of Online Web Development Programs
- Flexibility. Online web development programs are usually flexible and allow students to take classes at their own pace. Most online programs offer an asynchronous format of learning, which means students are not required to be present at live online lectures.
- Convenience. In addition to allowing you to complete work at your own pace, online programs also allow you to work from anywhere with a stable Internet connection. The option of not having to dress up every day also saves you laundry bills and time spent deciding what to wear.
- No Out-of-State Tuition Charge. Most schools prescribe a separate tuition charge for online programs and this tuition is fixed for all programs regardless of an applicant’s location or origin.
- No Transportation Fee. The cost of commuting to school every weekday will make a visible dent in your budget. Online students may never have to visit the school in person unless in some exceptional cases, which will help them avoid extra expenses.
- No Need to Relocate. Online schools do not require you to be physically present. Students benefit from not having to relocate to a different city or state to attend the web development school of their choice.
Highest-Paying Web Development Careers
| Web Development Job | Web Development Degree | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | Bachelor’s degree | $159,010 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | Master’s degree | $131,490 |
| Software Developer | Bachelor’s degree | $110,140 |
| Computer Programmer | Bachelor’s degree | $93,000 |
| Web Developers and Digital Designer | Bachelor’s degree | $77,200 |
Best Web Development Jobs Explained
The best web development jobs include computer and information systems manager, computer and information research scientist, and software developer. Listed below are some of the highest-paying web development careers available.
Overall Job Growth: 11%
Highest-paying States: New York, California, New Jersey, Washington, District of Columbia
Computer and information systems managers, or IT managers, are in charge of planning and coordinating all an organization’s computer-related activities. One of their many primary duties is analyzing an organization’s computer needs and recommending lasting solutions in the form of updates and upgrades.
Overall Job Growth: 22%
Highest-paying States: Oregon, Arizona, Texas, Massachusetts, Washington
Computer and information research scientists are usually in charge of overseeing research processes, complying, and completing reports in their companies. They work together with other scientists, sharing information to efficiently complete large-scale time-sensitive projects.
Overall Job Growth: 22%
Highest-paying States: California, Washington, Maryland, New York, Rhode Island
Software developers are in charge of developing computer programs and applications that allow users to perform required tasks on computers and other devices. They also create operating systems that run computer devices.
Overall Job Growth: -10%
Highest-paying States: Washington, California, Virginia, District of Columbia, Massachusetts
Computer programmers write, update, and test codes that allow computer applications to function properly. They also update and expand existing computer applications. They work closely with computer software developers, and in most organizations, their duties often overlap.
Overall Job Growth: 13%
Highest-paying States: Washington, New York, Iowa, California, New Jersey
Web developers and digital designers are responsible for the design and development of digital products. They are responsible for the look, feel, and functionality of websites and mobile apps. They must have a strong understanding of user experience as well as web development and design principles. They must also be able to write code and markup languages.
Web Development Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Web Development Schools
We chose the most affordable web development colleges based on tuition and general costs information from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
Additional Reading About Web Development
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-web-developer/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/web-development-processes/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/review-of-web-development-bootcamp-brainstation/
Cheapest Web Development Schools FAQ
Full stack refers to the entire components of a computer system application. Full stack developers make use of two separate web development domains, front end and backend. Front end is all the visible parts of a web project a user can see and interact with while the backend refers to the servers and databases that drive the application.
Bootstrap is a free tool used by front end developers to build responsive user-friendly projects. It is essentially a collection of recyclable HTML, JavaScript, and CSS codes you can use when creating your own web codes.
Web development certificates are a qualification that web developers earn to learn the foundational practices of web development and coding. A certification program’s curriculum consists of a wide variety of web development-related topics, including front end development, backend development, web design, object-oriented programming, human-computer interaction, and project management. Web development certifications are different from certificates.
Web development certifications are important because they present aspiring web designers with a lot of benefits upon achievement of certification. One benefit is that certification allows you to gain specialized knowledge about web development without a school degree. They also provide the added benefit of gaining up-to-date knowledge on web development.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
