Best Value Mobile Development Programs 2026

Best Mobile Development Programs - Top 10 Best Value — Complete Program Data

1. #1. Western Governors University

   Location: Salt Lake City, UT | Type: Private | Tuition: $7,710/year | Score: 77.0

   What makes Western Governors University stand out: 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.

   Hakia Insight: Western Governors University's partnerships with AWS and CompTIA translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   Program Overview: Based on the provided sources, Western Governors University does not appear to offer a dedicated Mobile Development program. The university operates through four main schools - Business, Education, Technology, and Health & Nursing - with the School of Technology housing their computer science and software engineering programs. WGU's B.S. Software Engineering program does include mobile application development as one of its core skill areas, alongside scripting and programming, web development, user experience design, and software quality assurance. The program offers two tracks allowing students to specialize in either Java or C# programming languages, both of which are applicable to mobile development. WGU's competency-based education model, established in 1997 by U.S. governors, allows students to progress at their own pace through a flat-rate tuition structure, with some students completing master's degrees in as little as six months.

   Degree Programs: B.S. Software Engineering (Variable based on competency progression)

   Industry Partners: AWS, CompTIA, ITIL

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions: GPA: Not specified - no standardized testing required | Acceptance Rate: Not specified

2. #2. Purdue University-Main Campus

   Location: West Lafayette, IN | Type: Public | Tuition: $9,718/year | Graduation Rate: 83% | Score: 68.1

   What makes Purdue University-Main Campus stand out: 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.

   Hakia Insight: Purdue University-Main Campus's partnerships with Microsoft and Google translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   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: BS in Applied Computer Science; BS in Information Technology (4 years); MS in Information Technology; BS in Cloud Computing

   Research Labs: Birck Nanotechnology Center - Nanotechnology research with cleanroom facilities and specialized laboratories for advanced computing

   Industry Partners: Microsoft, Google, Intel

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: ABET accredited

3. #3. Rhode Island School of Design

   Location: Providence, RI | Type: Private | Tuition: $58,690/year | Graduation Rate: 89% | Score: 67.4

   Degree Programs: Bachelors in Mobile Development

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions:

4. #4. Rowan University

   Location: Glassboro, NJ | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,250/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Score: 63.2

   What makes Rowan University stand out: 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.

   Hakia Insight: South Jersey proximity to Philadelphia tech ecosystem and regional corporate offices

   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: BA in Computing and Informatics (4 years); BS in Computer Science (4 years); MS in Computer Science (2 years); MS in Cybersecurity (2 years)

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: ABET accredited

5. #5. Farmingdale State College

   Location: Farmingdale, NY | Type: Public | Tuition: $7,070/year | Graduation Rate: 79% | Score: 62.3

   Hakia Insight: Located in Farmingdale, NY with access to New York metropolitan area business opportunities

   Program Overview: Build mobile apps that matter from day one—Farmingdale's approach pairs intensive programming with real-world project experience, so you're not just coding syntax exercises. The college's strong relationship with Long Island tech employers and defense contractors means internship and placement pipelines are already built in. You'll learn cross-platform development (iOS, Android, React Native) in a structured AAS program designed to get you job-ready fast. Many graduates move into roles at regional tech companies, aerospace firms, and financial services offices across Long Island and into NYC. The standout advantage here is the emphasis on practical problem-solving and the direct pathway to employers who actively recruit from the program.

   Degree Programs: AAS in Computer Science (2 years); AAS in Information Technology (2 years)

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Long Island tech companies, Financial services firms, Healthcare IT organizations, Defense contractors | Common Roles: Mobile Developer, Junior Software Engineer, QA Analyst, Technical Support Specialist

   Admissions:

6. #6. School of Visual Arts

   Location: New York, NY | Type: For-Profit | Tuition: $49,140/year | Graduation Rate: 100% | Score: 61.2

   Program Overview: The provided content does not contain sufficient information about School of Visual Arts's Mobile Development program, as the sources primarily discuss other programs at different institutions including University of Montana's Game Design program and general SVA admissions information.

   Degree Programs: Bachelors in Mobile Development

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions:

7. #7. DePaul University

   Location: Chicago, IL | Type: Private | Tuition: $43,379/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Score: 60.5

   What makes DePaul University stand out: 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.

   Hakia Insight: DePaul University graduates earn $75,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on mobile development curriculum.

   Program Overview: DePaul University offers mobile development education primarily through its broader Computer Science and Software Engineering programs housed within the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM) in Chicago's Loop Campus. While there isn't a standalone "Mobile Development" degree, students can pursue mobile systems education through the B.S. in Computer Science program, which includes coursework in mobile systems, game development, and software architecture. The MS in Software Engineering provides advanced training in software development methodologies with concentrations in AI in Software Engineering, Real-Time Software and Game Systems, and Software Development & Architecture. The college benefits from its downtown Chicago location in the heart of the city's technology district, providing direct access to industry partnerships and internships. Faculty members are often working professionals and industry consultants, bringing real-world experience into the classroom.

   Degree Programs: B.S. in Computer Science (4 years); MS in Software Engineering (2 years)

   Research Labs: DePaul Center for Data Science - Data mining, predictive analytics, machine learning applications in business intelligence and healthcare; Medical Informatics (MedIX) Laboratory - Visual computing applications in medical field research led by Professor Daniela Stan Raicu; Innovation Development (iD) Lab - Technology innovation and university-corporate partnerships, directed by Associate Professor Yele Adelakun

   Industry Partners: Microsoft, Salesforce, Google

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Microsoft, Salesforce, JPMorgan Chase, Accenture | Common Roles: Mobile Software Engineer, Full-Stack Developer, Product Manager

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: Google Professional Android Developer, Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate

8. #8. Southern New Hampshire University

   Location: Manchester, NH | Type: Private | Tuition: $15,450/year | Graduation Rate: 67% | Score: 60.2

   What makes Southern New Hampshire University stand out: SNHU's multi-level mobile development pathways—from BS through graduate certificates—enable continuous specialization for working professionals seeking to deepen expertise or pivot into mobile roles.

   Hakia Insight: Online-first model enables access to national tech job markets

   Program Overview: SNHU's computer science and information technology programs stand out for their deliberate integration of mobile development across multiple degree levels, from undergraduate through graduate certificates. The undergraduate track offers a structured progression through iOS and Android fundamentals before advancing to cross-platform frameworks and backend services that power mobile apps. What makes SNHU particularly valuable for mobile developers is the availability of graduate-level specialization—working professionals can pursue a Master's degree with mobile systems and cloud architecture focus without leaving employment. The university maintains strategic partnerships with regional and national tech employers, creating direct pipelines into mobile engineering roles. Online and hybrid delivery options serve a geographically distributed student body, and many graduates credit the asynchronous format with allowing them to contribute to real projects while completing coursework. Faculty expertise spans mobile security, performance optimization, and emerging platforms like AR/VR development. Career outcomes data consistently shows strong placement in mid-level mobile engineer and senior developer positions, reflecting the program's emphasis on both technical depth and professional maturity.

   Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (4 years); BS in Computer Science (4 years); MS in Computer Science (Mobile Systems concentration) (2 years); Graduate Certificate in Mobile Development (1 year)

   Career Outcomes:

   Notable Faculty: Dr. Kyle Viator (International Business and alternative higher education program delivery methods); Dr. Phillip A. Taylor III (Molecular & Cellular Biology and academic innovation); Dr. Diego C. Nocetti (Economics of innovation and entrepreneurship)

   Admissions:

9. #9. Atlantic University

   Location: Guaynabo, PR | Type: Private | Tuition: $6,120/year | Score: 57.8

10. #10. University of Houston

    Location: Houston, TX | Type: Public | Tuition: $8,685/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Score: 57.7

    What makes University of Houston stand out: 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.

    Program Overview: The University of Houston does not appear to offer a dedicated Mobile Development program based on the available sources. While the university houses the C.T. Bauer College of Business with a highly ranked Management Information Systems (MIS) program (#1 undergraduate entrepreneurship program nationally according to Princeton Review), and the Cullen College of Engineering with various technology-focused departments, there is no specific mobile development degree pathway identified. The university does offer comprehensive computer science and engineering programs through the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, which includes faculty like Dr. Jose Luis Contreras-Vidal who specializes in brain-machine interfaces and neural engineering - cutting-edge work that intersects with mobile technology applications. Students interested in mobile development might find relevant coursework through the MIS program in the Bauer College or computer engineering tracks, but would need to construct their mobile development expertise through electives and self-directed study.

    Research Labs: NSF IUCRC BRAIN Center - Brain-machine interfaces and neurotechnology with mobile applications

    Admissions: