- 1.Web Developers earn a median salary of $98,580 with 16% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Web Development programs include University of Arizona, The New School, New York University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of Arizona offers web development education at $11,546/year with 68% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Web Development programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Web Development Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's
University of Arizona
Arizona's Applied Computing program uniquely combines six specialized emphasis areas under one flexible degree, allowing students to customize their education for emerging fields like AI and DevOps while maintaining strong fundamentals in web and software development.
Program Overview
The University of Arizona offers several computing and information science programs, but does not appear to have a dedicated "Web Development" program. Instead, students interested in web development can pursue the Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Computing through the College of Information Science, which includes a Software Development emphasis that covers web programming, application development, and related technologies. This 120-credit online program costs $525 per credit and is ranked in the top 3% of online bachelor's programs nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
The Applied Computing program features six specialized areas of emphasis including Software Development, Information Management, Network Operations, Applied Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, and DevOps. Students gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art online technologies and interactive assessments designed for "learning by doing." The Software Development emphasis specifically covers object-oriented programming, web programming, systems programming, and data analysis - providing a strong foundation for web development careers. The program is designed to prepare graduates for careers across government, private, and public organizations in fields ranging from finance to manufacturing.
Degree Programs
Admissions
The New School
Parsons School of Design is the #1 ranked art and design school in the United States, located in Greenwich Village where students learn from industry leaders while having direct access to New York City's thriving tech and creative industries.
Program Overview
The New School offers web development education primarily through its Parsons School of Design, which has been ranked the #1 art and design school in the United States according to QS World University Rankings 2025. The program is delivered through the Design and Technology (BFA) undergraduate track and the Design and Technology (MFA) graduate program. Students work in Greenwich Village, New York City, learning from world-renowned practitioners who lead their industries. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to take classes across The New School's five colleges to create personalized academic paths. With a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and over 30 equipment stations, labs, shops, and studios, students gain hands-on experience in a dynamic urban environment that serves as a global center of art, design, and business.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Hands-on creation and fabrication spaces for interdisciplinary projects
New York University
NYU leverages its prime Manhattan location to provide students with real-time exposure to industry trends and innovations, with faculty who are active practitioners at top NYC organizations, creating an immersive tech education experience in the world's business capital.
Program Overview
New York University offers web development education primarily through its Tandon School of Engineering's M.S. in Computer Science program, which provides significant curriculum flexibility to tailor degrees toward web technologies, interactive media, and software engineering. Students can shape their studies around areas like web search technology, game engineering, and interactive data visualization while gaining a solid foundation in computer science fundamentals. The program is highly adaptive, allowing both full-time completion in 1-2 years and part-time study extending to 3+ years for working professionals.
NYU's School of Professional Studies also offers technology-focused master's programs that complement web development skills, emphasizing practical, hands-on experience in the heart of New York City. With faculty who are industry experts and innovators at top organizations, students gain real-world insights and access to cutting-edge trends. The university's location in NYC provides unparalleled access to the world's business capital, where students can tap into the dynamic energy of the tech industry while building professional networks.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Audio technology and interactive media research
Haptic interfaces and Human-Computer Interaction
Data visualization and analytics
Admissions
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University does not offer a dedicated Web Development graduate program, despite its prime Silicon Valley location and strong technology program offerings.
DePaul University
Located in Chicago's Loop technology district with faculty who are active industry professionals, DePaul's web development programs offer direct professional networking opportunities and real-world experience that many university programs cannot match.
Weber State University
Weber State offers a rare dual-track approach that allows students to master both technical full-stack development and user experience design within a single ABET-accredited program, with mandatory community partnerships providing real client experience before graduation.
CUNY New York City College of Technology
City Tech is strategically located in Brooklyn's Tech Triangle, one of NYC's fastest-growing tech hubs, providing students direct access to internships and careers with major tech companies while maintaining the affordability of the CUNY system at just $4,800 annual tuition for New York residents.
Lipscomb University
5 web development graduates annually
University of Washington-Bothell Campus
25 web development graduates annually
University of Maryland Global Campus
11 web development graduates annually
Best Web Development Programs - Compare Top 5 Bachelor's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | Public | $11,546 | 68% | 67.1/100 |
| #2 The New School | New York, NY | Private | $54,995 | N/A | 65.1/100 |
| #3 New York University | New York, NY | Private | $60,438 | N/A | 64.7/100 |
| #4 Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | Private | $58,587 | 91% | 59.1/100 |
| #5 DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | 57.3/100 |
Complete Web Development Bachelor's Program Rankings
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | $11,546 | 68% | — | 67.1 |
| 2 | The New School | New York, NY | $54,995 | — | — | 65.1 |
| 3 | New York University | New York, NY | $60,438 | — | — | 64.7 |
| 4 | Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | $58,587 | 91% | — | 59.1 |
| 5 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | $43,379 | 86% | — | 57.3 |
| 6 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | $5,471 | 92% | — | 54 |
| 7 | CUNY New York City College of Technology | Brooklyn, NY | $6,930 | 98% | — | 52.9 |
| 8 | Lipscomb University | Nashville, TN | $35,848 | 90% | — | 52.2 |
| 9 | University of Washington-Bothell Campus | Bothell, WA | $11,524 | 69% | — | 52.1 |
| 10 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | $7,632 | 74% | — | 51.6 |
| 11 | Eastern Washington University | Cheney, WA | $7,294 | — | — | 49.7 |
| 12 | The University of Findlay | Findlay, OH | $38,176 | 97% | — | 49.4 |
| 13 | School of Visual Arts | New York, NY | $49,140 | 100% | — | 49.3 |
| 14 | Belmont University | Nashville, TN | $39,400 | 97% | — | 49.2 |
| 15 | College for Creative Studies | Detroit, MI | $49,950 | 92% | — | 49.1 |
| 16 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | $5,614 | 92% | — | 49 |
| 17 | Baldwin Wallace University | Berea, OH | $37,686 | 94% | — | 48.6 |
| 18 | Atlantic University | Guaynabo, PR | $6,120 | — | — | 47.8 |
| 19 | Butler University | Indianapolis, IN | $44,990 | 92% | — | 47.1 |
| 20 | Touro University | New York, NY | $18,950 | — | — | 46.6 |
| 21 | Beacon College | Leesburg, FL | $48,510 | 65% | — | 46.2 |
| 22 | Duquesne University | Pittsburgh, PA | $47,146 | — | — | 45.8 |
| 23 | Immaculata University | Immaculata, PA | $27,700 | 72% | — | 45.5 |
| 24 | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | Alfred, NY | $7,070 | 90% | — | 45.3 |
| 25 | Hastings College | Hastings, NE | $33,950 | 95% | — | 44.8 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Career Paths
Frontend Developer
SOC 15-1254Design and implement user interfaces using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frameworks like React or Vue.js
Full-Stack Developer
SOC 15-1254Work across both frontend and backend technologies to build complete web applications
Backend Developer
SOC 15-1254Focus on server-side logic, databases, and application architecture using languages like Python, Java, or Node.js
UI/UX Developer
SOC 15-1255Bridge design and development by implementing user interfaces with focus on user experience
Web Application Developer
SOC 15-1254Build complex web applications for businesses, focusing on functionality and scalability
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244Manage deployment pipelines, cloud infrastructure, and development workflows
Modern Web Development Curriculum Analysis
Today's web development programs have evolved significantly from basic HTML and CSS courses. Leading programs now integrate full-stack development from day one, teaching students to think holistically about web applications. Core programming languages include JavaScript, Python, and increasingly, TypeScript for large-scale applications. Students also gain proficiency in modern frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js for frontend development.
Backend development curricula cover server-side technologies including Node.js, Express, and database management with both SQL and NoSQL systems. Students learn to work with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, understanding how to deploy and scale applications in production environments. Version control with Git, API development, and microservices architecture are now standard components across top programs.
- Frontend Technologies: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript ES6+, React/Angular/Vue.js, SASS/Less
- Backend Development: Node.js, Python Django/Flask, PHP Laravel, RESTful APIs
- Database Systems: MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis for caching
- DevOps & Deployment: Docker, CI/CD pipelines, AWS/Azure cloud services
- Development Tools: Git/GitHub, npm/yarn, Webpack, Jest for testing
- Design & UX: Figma/Adobe XD, responsive design, accessibility standards
- Project Management: Agile methodologies, Scrum, team collaboration tools
The best programs emphasize project-based learning where students build progressively complex applications. Capstone projects often involve real clients or industry partners, giving students portfolio pieces that demonstrate their abilities to potential employers. Many programs also include internship requirements or co-op experiences, ensuring graduates have practical work experience alongside their degree.
Choosing the Right Web Development Program
- You want the lowest tuition costs and qualify for in-state rates
- Research opportunities and graduate school preparation matter to you
- You prefer larger, diverse academic environments
- Strong alumni networks in your target geographic region
- Small class sizes and personalized attention are priorities
- Industry connections and job placement support are crucial
- You can manage higher tuition through aid or family resources
- Specialized facilities and cutting-edge technology access matter
- Maximum job placement rates and industry partnerships are essential
- You prefer hands-on, practical learning over theoretical coursework
- Co-op or internship programs are important to your career goals
- You want the fastest path to employment with competitive starting salaries
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 85 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
Employment projections, median wages, and job growth data for web developers
Federal database of college costs, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings
Institutional characteristics, enrollment data, and program information
Alumni salary data and return on investment calculations for degree programs
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.