- 1.Mobile Developers earn a median salary of $132,270 with 25% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Mobile Development programs include Purdue University-Main Campus, Texas A & M University-College Station, Rowan University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Purdue University-Main Campus offers mobile development education at $9,718/year with 83% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Mobile Development programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Mobile Development Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's
Purdue University-Main Campus
Purdue integrates Google Career Certificates directly into its technology degree programs and operates one of the largest networks of university research centers with 135+ institutes, including cutting-edge facilities like the Birck Nanotechnology Center.
Program Overview
Based on the available sources, Purdue University's mobile development capabilities span across multiple technology programs rather than a single dedicated mobile development program. The university offers comprehensive Information Technology programs through both its main campus and Purdue Global, with degrees in Applied Computer Science, Cloud Computing, and Cybersecurity that encompass mobile technologies. Purdue's Information Technology offerings include Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees, with ExcelTrack options for accelerated completion. The programs integrate Google Career Certificates in IT Support, UX Design, and Project Management, providing students with industry-recognized credentials alongside their degrees. Purdue Global specifically targets working adults with 100% online options and frequent start dates, while the main campus provides traditional on-campus experiences with access to world-class research facilities.
Purdue's technology education is enhanced by its extensive research infrastructure, including the Birck Nanotechnology Center and over 135 university-approved institutes and centers focused on emerging technologies. The university's commitment to practical, skills-based learning is evident through partnerships with major technology companies and integration of industry certifications directly into degree pathways.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Nanotechnology research with cleanroom facilities and specialized laboratories for advanced computing
Industry Partners
Admissions
Texas A & M University-College Station
Based on the available sources, I cannot verify the existence of a specific Mobile Development program at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Program Overview
After reviewing the available sources, I could not locate specific information about a dedicated Mobile Development program at Texas A&M University-College Station. The sources provide extensive details about the university's Distance Education offerings, various engineering research centers, business programs, and other academic departments, but do not contain any references to mobile development, mobile app development, iOS/Android programming, or related mobile technology curricula. Texas A&M offers robust computer science and engineering programs through its College of Engineering, including the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, but the specific mobile development focus area is not documented in the provided materials.
Rowan University
Rowan's BA in Computing and Informatics is specifically engineered to produce industry-ready programmers and IT professionals without the theoretical computer science burden, featuring hands-on Advanced Programming Workshops and a semester-long capstone that simulates the complete systems development lifecycle.
Program Overview
Rowan University's Computer Science Department offers a unique Bachelor of Arts in Computing and Informatics that bridges the gap between traditional computer science theory and practical industry applications. This innovative program is specifically designed for students pursuing careers in information technology that require solid computing principles without the heavy mathematics and theoretical foundations of a traditional CS degree. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on programming across multiple languages including Java, C++, and Python, with advanced programming workshops that prepare students for real-world development scenarios. Students complete foundation courses, basic core areas covering data structures, database systems, computer networks, and web development, culminating in a capstone project that integrates software engineering and project management principles. The program offers five specialized concentrations including Cybersecurity, DevOps, and Mobile Application Development, allowing students to tailor their education to specific career goals.
Degree Programs
University of Houston
University of Houston does not currently offer a dedicated Mobile Development program, though students can access mobile-relevant coursework through highly ranked business and engineering programs.
Western Governors University
WGU pioneered competency-based online education in 1997, allowing students to accelerate through coursework by demonstrating mastery rather than seat time, with 98% of employers saying WGU graduates meet or exceed expectations.
DePaul University
DePaul's computing programs are uniquely positioned in Chicago's Loop Campus technology district, where many CDM faculty serve as active industry consultants and working professionals, providing students direct connections to Chicago's tech ecosystem.
University of Miami
Unable to verify the existence of a Mobile Development program at the University of Miami based on available sources.
Southern New Hampshire University
308 mobile development graduates annually
Rhode Island School of Design
78 mobile development graduates annually
Farmingdale State College
129 mobile development graduates annually
Best Mobile Development Programs - Compare Top 5 Bachelor's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | 78.3/100 |
| #2 Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, TX | Public | $9,003 | 84% | 67.7/100 |
| #3 Rowan University | Glassboro, NJ | Public | $11,250 | 97% | 63.9/100 |
| #4 University of Houston | Houston, TX | Public | $8,685 | 91% | 63.8/100 |
| #5 Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | N/A | 62.8/100 |
Top 50 Mobile Development Bachelor's Programs 2026
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | — | 78.3 |
| 2 | Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, TX | Public | $9,003 | 84% | — | 67.7 |
| 3 | Rowan University | Glassboro, NJ | Public | $11,250 | 97% | — | 63.9 |
| 4 | University of Houston | Houston, TX | Public | $8,685 | 91% | — | 63.8 |
| 5 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | — | 62.8 |
| 6 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | — | 61.7 |
| 7 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | Private | $58,104 | 94% | — | 58.9 |
| 8 | Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH | Private | $15,450 | 67% | — | 58.7 |
| 9 | Rhode Island School of Design | Providence, RI | Private | $58,690 | 89% | — | 57.9 |
| 10 | Farmingdale State College | Farmingdale, NY | Public | $7,070 | 79% | — | 57.1 |
| 11 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Cincinnati, OH | Public | $11,228 | 78% | — | 57.1 |
| 12 | University of Michigan-Dearborn | Dearborn, MI | Public | $14,544 | 94% | — | 55.2 |
| 13 | Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | Private | $49,821 | 96% | — | 53.7 |
| 14 | Green River College | Auburn, WA | Public | $4,074 | 99% | — | 53.5 |
| 15 | Brigham Young University | Provo, UT | Private | $6,496 | 91% | — | 53.2 |
| 16 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington, NC | Public | $4,443 | 79% | — | 52.6 |
| 17 | North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | Public | $3,540 | 84% | — | 51.9 |
| 18 | Capitol Technology University | Laurel, MD | Private | $26,088 | 87% | — | 51.9 |
| 19 | Atlantic University | Guaynabo, PR | Private | $6,120 | — | — | 51.4 |
| 20 | Southwestern College | Winfield, KS | Private | $38,330 | 96% | — | 50.5 |
| 21 | Purdue University Northwest | Hammond, IN | Public | $7,259 | 92% | — | 50.4 |
| 22 | Dakota State University | Madison, SD | Public | $7,616 | 93% | — | 49.9 |
| 23 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | Public | $5,614 | 92% | — | 49.6 |
| 24 | Missouri Valley College | Marshall, MO | Private | $21,300 | 93% | — | 48.5 |
| 25 | University of Utah | Salt Lake City, UT | Public | $8,175 | 72% | — | 47.9 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Mobile Development Degree Overview: What You'll Learn
Mobile development bachelor's programs prepare students for careers creating iOS and Android applications, with coursework spanning native development (Swift/Objective-C for iOS, Kotlin/Java for Android), cross-platform frameworks (React Native, Flutter), and mobile-specific design patterns. Top programs combine computer science fundamentals with hands-on mobile development experience, often featuring industry partnerships with companies like Apple, Google, and major mobile app studios.
The field offers excellent career prospects, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 25% growth for software developers through 2032, driven largely by mobile application demand. Graduates typically pursue roles as iOS developers, Android developers, mobile app architects, or full-stack mobile engineers, with starting salaries ranging from $65,000 to $95,000 depending on location and specialization.
Related career paths include AI/ML engineering for mobile AI applications, data science for mobile analytics, and broader software engineering roles. Students interested in mobile development should also explore cloud certifications for mobile backend development and consider bootcamp alternatives for accelerated learning paths.
Career Paths
Mobile Application Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop mobile applications for iOS and Android platforms using native languages or cross-platform frameworks
iOS Developer
SOC 15-1252Specialize in native iOS application development using Swift and Objective-C, with expertise in Apple's development ecosystem
Android Developer
SOC 15-1252Focus on Android application development using Kotlin and Java, with deep knowledge of Google's Android ecosystem
Full-Stack Mobile Developer
SOC 15-1252Develop complete mobile solutions including frontend apps, backend APIs, and cloud infrastructure integration
Mobile UX/UI Developer
SOC 15-1255Combine mobile development skills with user experience design to create intuitive and engaging mobile interfaces
Mobile DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Manage mobile app deployment pipelines, continuous integration, and mobile-specific infrastructure requirements
Mobile Solutions Architect
SOC 15-1243Design high-level mobile application architectures and guide technical decisions for complex mobile projects
AR/VR Mobile Developer
SOC 15-1252Develop augmented and virtual reality applications for mobile platforms using specialized frameworks and tools
Top States for Mobile Development Education
Financial Aid and Funding Options for Mobile Development Degrees
Mobile development students have access to various financial aid options, including federal aid through FAFSA, technology-specific scholarships, and employer tuition assistance programs. Many tech companies offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing mobile development skills, making part-time study an attractive option for working professionals.
Merit-based scholarships are particularly valuable for high-achieving students, with organizations like the National Science Foundation, IEEE, and major tech companies offering substantial awards for STEM students. Scholarships for women in technology are especially important given the gender gap in mobile development fields.
Top Programs Analysis: What Sets Leaders Apart
The top mobile development programs distinguish themselves through comprehensive curricula covering both native and cross-platform development, strong industry partnerships, and exceptional career placement rates. Carnegie Mellon leads with its Human-Computer Interaction Institute's mobile computing research and in mobile development roles, while MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) pioneered mobile app development education with MIT App Inventor.
Stanford's proximity to Silicon Valley provides unmatched internship and networking opportunities, with students regularly securing positions at Apple, Google, Meta, and leading mobile-first startups. Public institutions like UC Berkeley and Georgia Tech offer exceptional value, providing similar career outcomes at significantly lower tuition costs - particularly important given the competitive entry-level mobile development market.
Program Selection Guide: Choose Based on Your Profile
- You want the absolute best education regardless of cost
- You're targeting competitive positions at top tech companies
- You value prestige and extensive alumni networks
- You plan to pursue graduate studies or research
- You can afford $50,000+ annual tuition or qualify for substantial aid
- You want excellent education at an affordable price
- You're eligible for in-state tuition rates
- You value diversity and large student communities
- You want strong job placement without the debt burden
- You're looking for practical, industry-focused education
- You prefer smaller class sizes and more personalized attention
- You want to stay close to home or in a specific region
- You're looking for strong local industry connections
- You value affordability and want minimal student debt
- You prefer a collaborative rather than competitive environment
- You're working full-time while pursuing your degree
- You need maximum flexibility in scheduling
- You live in an area without strong local options
- You're changing careers and want accelerated learning
- You prefer self-paced learning environments
Mobile Development Degree FAQs
Based on 285 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment data, tuition costs, and institutional characteristics
Salary data for software developers and related mobile development occupations
Technology preferences, salary trends, and mobile development market insights
Employment outcomes and earnings data for program graduates
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.