- 1.Hakia's analysis of the best web development associate's degree programs reveals that associate's degree in web development costs 60-70% less than bachelor's programs—average $2,622/year at community colleges vs $12,000 at 4-year universities.
- 2.Our top-ranked associate's programs are Diablo Valley College, Orange Coast College, Santa Monica College—selected for transfer agreements and job placement rates.
- 3.33% of associate's graduates transfer to bachelor's programs, often with guaranteed admission to state universities.
- 4.Entry-level web development technician positions start at $35,000 median salary (BLS, 2024).
- 5.Complete in 2 years full-time, or 3-4 years part-time while working—many programs offer evening and weekend classes.
Source: An associate's degree in web development is worth it for students seeking affordable entry into tech careers. At ~$3,500/year (vs $40,000+ for bachelor's), you can enter the workforce in 2 years or transfer to a 4-year university with completed prerequisites. Entry-level technician roles start at $45,500.
Why Choose an Associate's Degree in Web Development?
An associate's degree in web development offers a cost-effective pathway into technology careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Web Developers earn a median salary of $90,930 annually, with entry-level positions starting around $48,560.
Key Benefits of the 2-Year Path
- Lower cost: Average $3,500-4,000/year at community colleges vs $11,000+ at 4-year schools (AACC)
- Strong job outlook: 7% projected growth from 2024-2034 (BLS)
- Large job market: 86,000 positions nationwide in this field
- Transfer-friendly: Credits typically transfer to bachelor's programs at state universities
- Flexible scheduling: Evening, weekend, and online options for working adults
- Hands-on focus: Practical skills emphasized over theoretical coursework
Salary potential: Entry-level web development positions start at $48,560, with experienced professionals earning up to $162,870 (BLS OEWS, 2024).
Who succeeds with an associate's: Students seeking quick entry to tech careers, working adults balancing jobs and education, career changers looking for an affordable credential, and those planning to transfer to bachelor's programs.
Best Web Development Associate's Programs - Top 10
Diablo Valley College
Diablo Valley College is a public institution known for web development education with strong transfer pathways.
Diablo Valley College Associate's Web Development Program Overview
Hakia ranks Diablo Valley College as the #1 associate's in web development degree program.
Diablo Valley College's associate's Web Development program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $1,288 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Pleasant Hill, CA location
Hakia Insight: Pleasant Hill, CA location
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Pleasant Hill, CA location
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Orange Coast College
Orange Coast College is a public institution known for web development education with strong transfer pathways.
Orange Coast College Associate's Web Development Program Overview
Hakia ranks Orange Coast College as the #2 associate's in web development degree program.
Orange Coast College's associate's Web Development program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $1,104 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Costa Mesa, CA location
Hakia Insight: Costa Mesa, CA location
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Costa Mesa, CA location
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Small tech companies, Local businesses, Freelance
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Santa Monica College
SMC is one of California's top transfer community colleges with guaranteed ADT transfer to CSU campuses and strong UC transfer rates.
Santa Monica College Associate's Web Development Program Overview
Hakia ranks Santa Monica College as the #3 associate's in web development degree program.
Santa Monica College's associate's Web Development program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $1,104 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Silicon Beach location
Hakia Insight: Silicon Beach location
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Silicon Beach location
- •Close to LA tech industry
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
LA area tech companies, Entertainment industry
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Bellevue College
Bellevue College is a public institution known for web development education with strong transfer pathways.
Bellevue College Associate's Web Development Program Overview
Hakia ranks Bellevue College as the #4 associate's in web development degree program.
Bellevue College's associate's Web Development program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $4,074 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Bellevue, WA location
Hakia Insight: Bellevue College graduates earn $130,160, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on web development curriculum.
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Bellevue, WA location
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, T-Mobile, Meta Facebook
Admissions
MiraCosta College
MiraCosta is located in San Diego County and has produced successful transfer students to UC Berkeley and other top universities.
MiraCosta College Associate's Web Development Program Overview
Hakia ranks MiraCosta College as the #5 associate's in web development degree program.
MiraCosta College's associate's Web Development program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $1,104 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. San Diego County location
Hakia Insight: San Diego County location
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •San Diego County location
- •Access to biotech and defense industries
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
San Diego tech sector, Defense contractors
Admissions
Green River College
Green River is one of Washington's top transfer community colleges, nationally known for math and science preparation.
Green River College Associate's Web Development Program Overview
Hakia ranks Green River College as the #6 associate's in web development degree program.
Green River College's associate's Web Development program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $4,074 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Seattle metro area
Hakia Insight: Green River College graduates earn $131,342, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on web development curriculum.
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Seattle metro area
- •Access to Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Pierce College District
Pierce College District is a public institution known for web development education with strong transfer pathways.
Pierce College District Associate's Web Development Program Overview
Hakia ranks Pierce College District as the #7 associate's in web development degree program.
Pierce College District's associate's Web Development program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $4,074 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Lakewood, WA location
Hakia Insight: Lakewood, WA location
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Lakewood, WA location
Career Outcomes
Local tech startups in Pierce County, Regional e-commerce companies, Healthcare IT departments, Government agencies in Washington
Admissions
Valencia College
Valencia College is a public institution known for web development education with strong transfer pathways.
Valencia College Associate's Web Development Program Overview
Hakia ranks Valencia College as the #8 associate's in web development degree program.
Valencia College's associate's Web Development program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $1,984 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Orlando, FL location
Hakia Insight: Valencia College's industry network — including Orange Technical College and Osceola Technical College — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Orlando, FL location
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Skagit Valley College
Skagit Valley College is a public institution known for web development education with strong transfer pathways.
Skagit Valley College Associate's Web Development Program Overview
Hakia ranks Skagit Valley College as the #9 associate's in web development degree program.
Skagit Valley College's associate's Web Development program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $4,623 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Washington state location with transfer agreements
Hakia Insight: Washington state location with transfer agreements
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Washington state location with transfer agreements
- •Lower cost alternative to four-year universities
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Spokane Community College
Spokane Community College is a public institution known for web development education with strong transfer pathways.
Spokane Community College Associate's Web Development Program Overview
Hakia ranks Spokane Community College as the #10 associate's in web development degree program.
Spokane Community College's associate's Web Development program offers an affordable entry into the field at just $3,195 per year. This two-year program can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or direct entry into the workforce. Online learning availability
Hakia Insight: Online learning availability
Program Pathway
Complete your associate's degree and transfer credits toward a bachelor's program, or enter the workforce directly with foundational skills.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Online learning availability
- •Multiple center locations throughout Washington
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Best Web Development Associate's Programs - Top 10 — Complete Program Data
#1. Diablo Valley College Associate's Web Development Program
Hakia ranks Diablo Valley College as the #1 associate's in web development degree program. Location: Pleasant Hill, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Score: 100.0
What makes Diablo Valley College stand out: Diablo Valley College is a public institution known for web development education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Pleasant Hill, CA location
Program Overview: Diablo Valley College offers an associate degree program in web development designed for students seeking entry into the web development field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Pleasant Hill, CA, the program provides foundational skills in web development with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate in Arts - Interaction Design for Web and Mobile Platforms; Certificate of Achievement - Web Design; Certificate of Achievement - Interaction Design for Web and Mobile Platforms
Career Outcomes:
Notable Faculty: Joann Denning (Department Chair, FTVE and Art Digital Media, Work Experience); Sahra Bhimji (Program Co-Lead, FTVE and Art Digital Media)
Admissions:
#2. Orange Coast College Associate's Web Development Program
Hakia ranks Orange Coast College as the #2 associate's in web development degree program. Location: Costa Mesa, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 96.8
What makes Orange Coast College stand out: Orange Coast College is a public institution known for web development education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Costa Mesa, CA location
Program Overview: Orange Coast College offers an associate degree program in web development designed for students seeking entry into the web development field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Costa Mesa, CA, the program provides foundational skills in web development with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: AS in Computer Science (Web Development Track) (2 years); Certificate in Web Development (1 year)
Industry Partners: Local tech startups
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Small tech companies, Local businesses, Freelance | Common Roles: Junior Web Developer, Front-end Developer, Web Designer
Admissions:
Accreditations: Adobe Certified Expert, Google Analytics
#3. Santa Monica College Associate's Web Development Program
Hakia ranks Santa Monica College as the #3 associate's in web development degree program. Location: Santa Monica, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Score: 95.4
What makes Santa Monica College stand out: SMC is one of California's top transfer community colleges with guaranteed ADT transfer to CSU campuses and strong UC transfer rates.
Hakia Insight: Silicon Beach location
Program Overview: Santa Monica College's Associate in Science in web development prepares students for transfer to four-year universities through California's ADT (Associate Degree for Transfer) program. The curriculum covers core web development topics including programming, data structures, database theory, operating systems, and computer hardware. Students can also earn certificates in Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and Entry Level Programmer.
Degree Programs: Associate in Science (2 years); Certificate of Achievement (varies); Department Certificate (varies)
Industry Partners: Silicon Beach tech companies
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: LA area tech companies, Entertainment industry
Admissions: GPA: 2.0 minimum for degree
Accreditations: Cloud Computing Certificate, Cybersecurity Certificate
#4. Bellevue College Associate's Web Development Program
Hakia ranks Bellevue College as the #4 associate's in web development degree program. Location: Bellevue, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,074/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 94.1
What makes Bellevue College stand out: Bellevue College is a public institution known for web development education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Bellevue College graduates earn $130,160, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on web development curriculum.
Program Overview: Bellevue College offers an associate degree program in web development designed for students seeking entry into the web development field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Bellevue, WA, the program provides foundational skills in web development with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Digital Media Arts AAS (2 years); AAS-T Software Development, Game Development (2 years); BAS Software Development (4 years); 3D Certificate of Accomplishment; Game Design Certificate of Accomplishment; Video Certificate of Accomplishment; Visual Design Certificate of Accomplishment
Industry Partners: Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, T-Mobile, Meta Facebook, Nintendo, Costco Wholesale, AT&T, SAP Concur, F5, Premera Blue Cross, Fannie Mae, Staples, LG Electronics, Trader Joe's, TerraPower LLC
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, T-Mobile, Meta Facebook, Nintendo, Costco Wholesale | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Software Development Engineer, Full Stack Engineer, Web Developer, Application Developer, Quality Assurance Manager, Data Engineer, Computer Software Engineer
Notable Faculty: David Bruckner (Digital Media Arts); Karrin Peterson (Writing and Communication); Tamara Pinkas (Career Development)
Admissions:
#5. MiraCosta College Associate's Web Development Program
Hakia ranks MiraCosta College as the #5 associate's in web development degree program. Location: Oceanside, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 94% | Score: 92.8
What makes MiraCosta College stand out: MiraCosta is located in San Diego County and has produced successful transfer students to UC Berkeley and other top universities.
Hakia Insight: San Diego County location
Program Overview: MiraCosta College in Oceanside, California offers an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) in web development that prepares students for seamless transfer to California State University campuses. Students learn programming fundamentals, data structures, and computer architecture while completing calculus and discrete mathematics requirements. Graduates are prepared for careers as software engineers, data scientists, and systems analysts.
Degree Programs: Associate in Arts - Graphic Design; Associate in Arts - Web Development and Design; Certificate of Achievement - Graphic Design; Certificate of Achievement - Video and Media Design; Certificate of Achievement - Web Development and Design; Certificate of Proficiency - Digital Media Foundations
Industry Partners: San Diego tech companies
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: San Diego tech sector, Defense contractors
Notable Faculty: Leigh Cotnoir (Department Chair); Min Choi (Full-Time Faculty); Karl Cleveland (Full-Time Faculty)
Admissions: GPA: 2.0 minimum
#6. Green River College Associate's Web Development Program
Hakia ranks Green River College as the #6 associate's in web development degree program. Location: Auburn, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,074/year | Graduation Rate: 99% | Score: 92.1
What makes Green River College stand out: Green River is one of Washington's top transfer community colleges, nationally known for math and science preparation.
Hakia Insight: Green River College graduates earn $131,342, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on web development curriculum.
Program Overview: Green River College offers an Associate in web development (ACS-DTA/MRP) designed for students preparing to transfer to web development programs at Washington universities. Students can complete their degree in as little as six quarters full-time. GRC also offers Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in Software Development and Cybersecurity & Networking for students who want to continue at the college.
Degree Programs: Bachelors in Web Development; Associate in Computer Science, ACS-DTA/MRP (90 credits); Data Analytics and Software Development, AAS-T Business Management Track (90 credits); Data Analytics and Software Development, AAS-T Software Development Track (90 credits); Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology- Software Development (180 credits); Associate in Science Transfer Track 2 (Computer Science, Engineering, Physics) (90 credits)
Industry Partners: Seattle area tech companies
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Software Developer, Web Developer, Data Analyst, Software Tester, Systems Analyst, Quality Assurance Analyst, Mobile Application Developer
Notable Faculty: Dr. Tina Ostrander (Database systems and Agile development methods); Josh Archer (Web development, data analysis, algorithms, and artificial intelligence); Auberon Lopez (Machine learning, natural language processing, and serverless architectures); Susan Uland (Network and cloud computing, and data science); Tyler Schrock (Website design and development, strategic problem solving); Keller Flint-Blanchard (AI-driven application development and full-stack web apps)
Admissions:
#7. Pierce College District Associate's Web Development Program
Hakia ranks Pierce College District as the #7 associate's in web development degree program. Location: Lakewood, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,074/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 91.6
What makes Pierce College District stand out: Pierce College District is a public institution known for web development education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Lakewood, WA location
Program Overview: Pierce College District offers an associate degree program in web development designed for students seeking entry into the web development field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Lakewood, WA, the program provides foundational skills in web development with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: AAS in Web Development (2 years); AS in Computer Science (transferable) (2 years)
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Local tech startups in Pierce County, Regional e-commerce companies, Healthcare IT departments, Government agencies in Washington | Common Roles: Junior Web Developer, Front-End Developer, Web Support Technician
Admissions:
#8. Valencia College Associate's Web Development Program
Hakia ranks Valencia College as the #8 associate's in web development degree program. Location: Orlando, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,984/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Score: 91.2
What makes Valencia College stand out: Valencia College is a public institution known for web development education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Valencia College's industry network — including Orange Technical College and Osceola Technical College — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.
Program Overview: Valencia College offers an associate degree program in web development designed for students seeking entry into the web development field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Orlando, FL, the program provides foundational skills in web development with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Associate in Science - Digital Media Technology (Web Development) (5 terms); Associate in Science - Computer Programming and Analysis (2 years)
Industry Partners: Orange Technical College, Osceola Technical College, UCF
Career Outcomes:
Notable Faculty: Sanika Paranjape (Computer Programming (East Campus Program Chair)); Joan Alexander (Computer Programming (West Campus Program Chair)); Denise Ross (Computer Programming (Osceola Campus Program Chair))
Admissions:
#9. Skagit Valley College Associate's Web Development Program
Hakia ranks Skagit Valley College as the #9 associate's in web development degree program. Location: Mount Vernon, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,623/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Score: 90.7
What makes Skagit Valley College stand out: Skagit Valley College is a public institution known for web development education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Washington state location with transfer agreements
Program Overview: Skagit Valley College offers an associate degree program in web development designed for students seeking entry into the web development field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Mount Vernon, WA, the program provides foundational skills in web development with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: AAS in Multimedia, Web Developer; AAS in Multimedia, Web Designer
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Web Developer, Web Designer, Multimedia Specialist
Admissions:
Accreditations: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#10. Spokane Community College Associate's Web Development Program
Hakia ranks Spokane Community College as the #10 associate's in web development degree program. Location: Spokane, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,195/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 90.1
What makes Spokane Community College stand out: Spokane Community College is a public institution known for web development education with strong transfer pathways.
Hakia Insight: Online learning availability
Program Overview: Spokane Community College offers an associate degree program in web development designed for students seeking entry into the web development field or transfer to a four-year university. Located in Spokane, WA, the program provides foundational skills in web development with opportunities for hands-on learning and industry connections.
Degree Programs: Certificate - Frontend Developer; Certificate - Full Stack Developer; Certificate - Mobile Developer; Certificate - PHP Developer; Certificate - Web Design
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Web Developer, Frontend Developer, Full Stack Developer, Mobile App Developer
Admissions:
Accreditations: CAHIIM
Full Web Development Associate's Rankings 2026
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diablo Valley College | Pleasant Hill, CA | Public | $1,288 | — | 100 |
| 2 | Orange Coast College | Costa Mesa, CA | Public | $1,104 | — | 96.8 |
| 3 | Santa Monica College | Santa Monica, CA | Public | $1,104 | 95% | 95.4 |
| 4 | Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | Public | $4,074 | 96% | 94.1 |
| 5 | MiraCosta College | Oceanside, CA | Public | $1,104 | 94% | 92.8 |
| 6 | Green River College | Auburn, WA | Public | $4,074 | 99% | 92.1 |
| 7 | Pierce College District | Lakewood, WA | Public | $4,074 | 93% | 91.6 |
| 8 | Valencia College | Orlando, FL | Public | $1,984 | 86% | 91.2 |
| 9 | Skagit Valley College | Mount Vernon, WA | Public | $4,623 | 91% | 90.7 |
| 10 | Spokane Community College | Spokane, WA | Public | $3,195 | 92% | 90.1 |
| 11 | San Jacinto Community College | Pasadena, TX | Public | $3,456 | 56% | 89.1 |
| 12 | Austin Community College District | Austin, TX | Public | $2,010 | — | 89 |
| 13 | Everett Community College | Everett, WA | Public | $4,046 | 93% | 88.5 |
| 14 | Modesto Junior College | Modesto, CA | Public | $1,188 | 77% | 88.3 |
| 15 | Antelope Valley Community College District | Lancaster, CA | Public | $1,104 | 82% | 88 |
| 16 | Houston Community College | Houston, TX | Public | $2,904 | 86% | 86 |
| 17 | Dallas College | Dallas, TX | Public | $4,050 | 71% | 83.5 |
| 18 | Clover Park Technical College | Lakewood, WA | Public | $5,740 | 62% | 82.8 |
| 19 | Solano Community College | Fairfield, CA | Public | $1,104 | 74% | 82.2 |
| 20 | Sierra College | Rocklin, CA | Public | $1,104 | — | 81.8 |
| 21 | Fullerton College | Fullerton, CA | Public | $1,104 | — | 81.8 |
| 22 | Mt San Antonio College | Walnut, CA | Public | $1,288 | — | 81.6 |
| 23 | CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College | New York, NY | Public | $4,800 | — | 81.4 |
| 24 | Hartnell College | Salinas, CA | Public | $1,380 | — | 80.9 |
| 25 | Lake Washington Institute of Technology | Kirkland, WA | Public | $3,195 | 43% | 80.6 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Transfer Pathways to Bachelor's Programs
Transfer pathways are critical for associate's degree students. According to NCES, about 34% of first-time community college students transfer to another institution within 150% of normal completion time.
Preparation is Key: Success in transfer requires strong foundations and careful planning. Students should complete prerequisite courses at their community college and verify course equivalencies through official articulation agreements before transferring.
State Transfer Systems
- California: The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) guarantees CSU admission. Use ASSIST.org to verify course-by-course transfer equivalencies.
- Washington: Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) programs provide guaranteed pathways to state universities.
- North Carolina: The Comprehensive Articulation Agreement ensures seamless credit transfer to UNC System schools.
- Texas: The Texas Common Course Numbering System facilitates transfer between community colleges and state universities.
Key to Success: Research from PPIC shows successful transfer students share common traits: they start planning early, attend colleges with strong transfer partnerships, and choose universities with robust support services for transfer students.
Community College Advantages
Community colleges are experiencing a significant resurgence. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, community college enrollment increased 5.4% between Fall 2023 and Fall 2024 (+288,000 students)—the largest growth among all institutional sectors.
As Dr. Walter Bumphus, president of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), noted: "Community colleges have always been gateways to opportunity, but in 2025, they are increasingly engines of innovation in workforce development."
Why Community Colleges Excel for Technology Programs
- Smaller class sizes: Community college classes average 25-35 students, compared to 100+ in university introductory courses (Community College Review)
- Industry-connected instructors: Many instructors work in tech and teach part-time, bringing current industry practices to the classroom
- Lower cost: Average public community college tuition is $3,990/year vs $11,260 at public 4-year schools (AACC Fast Facts 2024)
- Open access: No SAT/ACT requirements—community colleges serve all students regardless of prior academic performance
- Flexible scheduling: Evening, weekend, and hybrid options designed for working adults
- Transfer pathways: State articulation agreements provide guaranteed transfer to 4-year universities
2-Year Curriculum Overview
Web Development associate's programs typically require 60-65 credit hours completed over 2 years full-time. The curriculum balances technical skills with general education requirements, preparing students for both employment and transfer to bachelor's programs.
Core Web Development Courses
- HTML/CSS
- JavaScript
- Responsive Design
- Frontend Frameworks
- Backend Basics
- Database Integration
Typical Course Sequence
- Year 1: Programming fundamentals, math requirements (algebra/statistics), English composition, introductory technical courses
- Year 2: Advanced technical courses, electives in specialization area, capstone project or internship
Transfer Requirements: Most courses will transfer to 4-year universities through articulation agreements. A grade of C or better is typically required for technical courses. Check your state's transfer agreements (e.g., ASSIST.org for California, Direct Transfer Agreement for Washington).
Accelerated & Online Options
Online learning has become mainstream in higher education. According to NCES, 53% of U.S. students were enrolled in at least one online course in 2022-23. BestColleges research found that 60% of institutions reported online classes filling first in 2024—indicating strong student preference for flexible formats.
Enrollment Trends: The National Student Clearinghouse reports associate degree enrollment grew 6.3% in Spring 2025. Notably, older first-year students are driving growth—enrollment among those aged 25+ increased 19.7% compared to the prior year.
Flexible Format Options
- Fully online: Complete your degree from anywhere with asynchronous courses—many community colleges now offer 100% online associate's degrees
- Hybrid programs: Mix of online coursework and in-person labs—ideal for hands-on technical practice
- Accelerated tracks: Complete in 18 months with year-round enrollment at schools offering quarterly or trimester calendars
- Evening/weekend programs: Designed for working adults; many community colleges offer courses starting at 6pm or on Saturdays
Tip: Look for programs with asynchronous course delivery if your work schedule is unpredictable. Synchronous (live) classes require logging in at specific times.
Associate's vs Bootcamp vs Certificate
Choosing between an associate's degree, bootcamp, or certificate depends on your career goals, timeline, and budget. Each path has trade-offs.
Coding Bootcamp Outcomes: According to the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR), 71% of coding bootcamp graduates find a job within 6 months of completion. Course Report's 2025 survey found 79% of alumni land programming jobs within six months, with a 51% average salary increase over pre-bootcamp income.
Comparison
- Associate's degree (2 years, $7-15K total): Regionally accredited credential, transfers to bachelor's programs, qualifies for federal financial aid, recognized by employers across industries
- Coding bootcamp (3-6 months, $10-20K): 71% job placement within 6 months (CIRR), fastest path to specific dev roles, but limited to certain job titles and employers
- Industry certificate (6-12 months, $2-5K): CompTIA, AWS, or vendor-specific certifications focus on specific skills; best for career changers with some tech background
Key difference: Only associate's degrees are regionally accredited and qualify for federal student aid. Bootcamps typically require full upfront payment or income share agreements. As The Century Foundation notes, always read the fine print on any education program's outcomes claims.
Our recommendation: Choose an associate's degree if you want maximum flexibility—transfer options, employer recognition, and financial aid eligibility. Choose a bootcamp if you're confident about a specific developer role and can afford the upfront cost.
Financial Aid & Employer Tuition Assistance
Community college programs qualify for federal financial aid, state grants, and employer tuition assistance. With average tuition under $4,000/year, many students graduate debt-free.
Federal Pell Grants: The maximum Federal Pell Grant for 2024-25 is $7,395 (minimum $740). Since this exceeds typical community college tuition, eligible students may have funds left for books and fees. Lifetime eligibility is limited to 12 semesters.
Free Community College Programs: Over 300 promise programs now operate at state and local levels, including:
- California: California College Promise provides free tuition for first-time students at participating community colleges
- Maryland: Community College Promise Scholarship covers up to $5,000/year in tuition
- Oregon: Oregon Promise Grant covers tuition for recent high school graduates
- Maine: Free College Scholarship covers tuition at all 7 Maine community colleges for classes 2020-2025
Employer Tuition Assistance: In 2023, 80% of large U.S. employers offered tuition reimbursement, spending $28 billion annually (Learn & Work Ecosystem Library). Key programs:
- Amazon Career Choice: Pre-pays 100% of tuition, books, and fees for associates and bachelor's degrees at participating schools. Available to hourly employees after 90 days.
- Target Dream to Be: 100% tuition coverage for 250+ programs at 40 partner schools, or up to $5,250/year for other programs
- Starbucks College Achievement Plan: 100% tuition coverage for Arizona State University online bachelor's programs after 3 months of 20+ hours/week
Tax benefits: The American Opportunity Tax Credit provides up to $2,500/year in tax credits for the first four years of higher education.
Top States for Web Development Associate's Programs
| State | Total Programs | Median Tuition | Top Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Web Development Associate's Programs in California | 5 | $27,000 | Santa Clara University |
| Best Web Development Associate's Programs in New York | 7 | $19,000 | The New School |
| Best Web Development Associate's Programs in Florida | 2 | $48,500 | Beacon College |
| Best Web Development Associate's Programs in Pennsylvania | 4 | $37,800 | Duquesne University |
| Best Web Development Associate's Programs in Maryland | 1 | $7,600 | University of Maryland Global Campus |
| Best Web Development Associate's Programs in Illinois | 2 | $43,400 | DePaul University |
| Best Web Development Associate's Programs in Georgia | 1 | $14,400 | DeVry University |
| Best Web Development Associate's Programs in Massachusetts | 1 | $44,200 | Simmons University |
Software Engineering Career Track
+$25K avg salary increase·9 months
- Curriculum designed by Colt Steele, industry veteran
- 1-on-1 mentorship from industry professionals
- Money-back job guarantee
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Frequently Asked Questions
Data Sources
Federal database of U.S. postsecondary institutions
May 2024 salary data by occupation and location
Department of Education outcomes data
Related Web Development Resources
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.