- 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, University of Georgia, The New School 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 Online
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
University of Georgia
UGA's approach to web development education integrates business leadership and emerging media expertise rather than offering a traditional computer science track, positioning graduates uniquely for entrepreneurial and strategic technology roles.
Program Overview
The University of Georgia does not offer a dedicated Web Development program, but provides several technology-focused degrees that encompass web development skills through related disciplines. The Terry College of Business offers an online Master of Business and Technology degree designed to reinforce IT skill sets and complement them with project management and leadership expertise. Additionally, the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication houses an online Master of Arts in Emerging Media program that focuses on interactive digital media, encompassing design, development, digital storytelling, social strategy, data analytics, brand identity, user research, product ideation, and project management. These programs serve students seeking to combine technical development skills with business acumen or digital media expertise.
While UGA's School of Computing produces strong Computer Science graduates who often pursue web development careers - with Class of 2024 graduates working at major tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta in software engineering roles - there is no standalone web development curriculum. The university's strength lies in its comprehensive technology education through established departments, with the Terry College ranking as the #1 Public BBA program according to Niche and featuring 9 programs ranked among the top 10 public business schools.
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.
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.
University of Maryland Global Campus
11 web development graduates annually
Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University's Web Development program benefits from the institution's recognition as one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions and its strategic location in Connecticut's tech corridor, providing direct access to both New York and Boston metropolitan technology markets.
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.
Best Web Development Programs - Compare Top 5 Online
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | Public | $11,546 | 68% | 67.1/100 |
| #2 University of Georgia | Athens, GA | Public | $9,790 | 95% | 66.2/100 |
| #3 The New School | New York, NY | Private | $54,995 | N/A | 65.1/100 |
| #4 New York University | New York, NY | Private | $60,438 | N/A | 64.7/100 |
| #5 Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | Private | $58,587 | 91% | 59.1/100 |
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | Public | $11,546 | 68% | — | 67.1 |
| 2 | University of Georgia | Athens, GA | Public | $9,790 | 95% | — | 66.2 |
| 3 | The New School | New York, NY | Private | $54,995 | — | — | 65.1 |
| 4 | New York University | New York, NY | Private | $60,438 | — | — | 64.7 |
| 5 | Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | Private | $58,587 | 91% | — | 59.1 |
| 6 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | — | 57.3 |
| 7 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | Public | $7,632 | 74% | — | 56.6 |
| 8 | Sacred Heart University | Fairfield, CT | Private | $48,160 | 73% | — | 55.4 |
| 9 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | Public | $5,471 | 92% | — | 54 |
| 10 | CUNY New York City College of Technology | Brooklyn, NY | Public | $6,930 | 98% | — | 52.9 |
| 11 | St. Francis College | Brooklyn, NY | Private | $27,460 | 86% | — | 52.8 |
| 12 | Lipscomb University | Nashville, TN | Private | $35,848 | 90% | — | 52.2 |
| 13 | Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | Private | $58,293 | — | — | 52.2 |
| 14 | University of Washington-Bothell Campus | Bothell, WA | Public | $11,524 | 69% | — | 52.1 |
| 15 | Eastern Washington University | Cheney, WA | Public | $7,294 | — | — | 49.7 |
| 16 | The University of Findlay | Findlay, OH | Private | $38,176 | 97% | — | 49.4 |
| 17 | School of Visual Arts | New York, NY | For-Profit | $49,140 | 100% | — | 49.3 |
| 18 | Belmont University | Nashville, TN | Private | $39,400 | 97% | — | 49.2 |
| 19 | College for Creative Studies | Detroit, MI | Private | $49,950 | 92% | — | 49.1 |
| 20 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | Public | $5,614 | 92% | — | 49 |
| 21 | Baldwin Wallace University | Berea, OH | Private | $37,686 | 94% | — | 48.6 |
| 22 | Atlantic University | Guaynabo, PR | Private | $6,120 | — | — | 47.8 |
| 23 | Butler University | Indianapolis, IN | Private | $44,990 | 92% | — | 47.1 |
| 24 | Touro University | New York, NY | Private | $18,950 | — | — | 46.6 |
| 25 | Beacon College | Leesburg, FL | Private | $48,510 | 65% | — | 46.2 |
| 26 | Duquesne University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $47,146 | — | — | 45.8 |
| 27 | New York Institute of Technology | Old Westbury, NY | Private | $41,960 | — | — | 45.7 |
| 28 | Immaculata University | Immaculata, PA | Private | $27,700 | 72% | — | 45.5 |
| 29 | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | Alfred, NY | Public | $7,070 | 90% | — | 45.3 |
| 30 | Hastings College | Hastings, NE | Private | $33,950 | 95% | — | 44.8 |
| 31 | CUNY Brooklyn College | Brooklyn, NY | Public | $6,930 | — | — | 44.5 |
| 32 | Lindenwood University | Saint Charles, MO | Private | $19,900 | — | — | 44 |
| 33 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | Stevens Point, WI | Public | $7,112 | 86% | — | 43.6 |
| 34 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | Public | $6,600 | — | — | 43.5 |
| 35 | University of Baltimore | Baltimore, MD | Public | $7,442 | — | — | 43.2 |
| 36 | Simmons University | Boston, MA | Private | $44,208 | — | — | 43 |
| 37 | Union University | Jackson, TN | Private | $19,476 | — | — | 42.8 |
| 38 | Concordia University-Saint Paul | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $25,000 | 66% | — | 42.7 |
| 39 | Kent State University at Kent | Kent, OH | Public | $11,595 | — | — | 42.4 |
| 40 | Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | Private | $41,200 | 62% | — | 42.4 |
| 41 | Brigham Young University-Idaho | Rexburg, ID | Private | $4,656 | — | — | 41.8 |
| 42 | Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville, MO | Public | $6,442 | — | — | 40.4 |
| 43 | Franklin University | Columbus, OH | Private | $9,552 | — | — | 38.2 |
| 44 | Dewey University-Hato Rey | Hato Rey, PR | Private | $6,480 | — | — | 37.8 |
| 45 | Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | Public | $6,664 | — | — | 37.2 |
| 46 | Gwynedd Mercy University | Gwynedd Valley, PA | Private | $37,825 | — | — | 36.9 |
| 47 | Pennsylvania College of Technology | Williamsport, PA | Public | $15,450 | — | — | 35.5 |
| 48 | Neumont College of Computer Science | Salt Lake City, UT | For-Profit | $25,500 | 97% | — | 34.9 |
| 49 | Roger Williams University | Bristol, RI | Private | $42,336 | — | — | 34.6 |
| 50 | University of Mount Union | Alliance, OH | Private | $35,000 | — | — | 34.6 |
Online Web Development Degree Overview: What You Need to Know
Online web development degree programs have evolved significantly, now offering comprehensive curricula that match their on-campus counterparts while providing flexibility for working students. The best programs feature live coding sessions, virtual labs, and dedicated career services specifically designed for remote learners.
Our analysis of 185 accredited programs reveals that online web development graduates achieve similar career outcomes to traditional students, with (BLS OEWS May 2024). Top-ranked programs like Arizona State University's online program and Southern New Hampshire University offer robust student support systems that contribute to higher completion rates.
Key advantages of online programs include asynchronous learning options, lower total cost of attendance (no room/board), and the ability to maintain employment while studying. However, students should evaluate program features like virtual lab access, live instruction availability, and career placement support when choosing between options. For state-specific rankings, explore our guides for California, Texas, and New York programs.
Career Paths
Front-End Web Developer
SOC 15-1254Creates user interfaces and user experiences using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frameworks like React or Vue.js
Back-End Web Developer
SOC 15-1252Develops server-side applications, databases, and APIs using languages like Python, Java, Node.js, and PHP
Full-Stack Web Developer
SOC 15-1252Works on both front-end and back-end development, managing complete web application development lifecycle
UI/UX Designer
SOC 15-1255Focuses on user interface design and user experience optimization using design tools and front-end technologies
Web Application Developer
SOC 15-1252Specializes in creating dynamic web applications with complex functionality and database integration
E-commerce Developer
SOC 15-1252Develops online retail platforms, payment systems, and shopping cart functionality
Financial Aid and Funding Options for Online Students
Online students are eligible for the same federal financial aid as on-campus students, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study programs. However, funding strategies may differ due to the ability to maintain employment while studying and lower total cost of attendance (no room and board expenses).
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs that work particularly well with online education, allowing students to immediately apply new skills in their current roles. For comprehensive information about funding options, explore our FAFSA and grants guide for STEM majors and employer tuition reimbursement strategies.
- Federal Financial Aid: Pell Grants up to $7,395 and federal student loans available
- State Grants: Many states offer aid for online students at in-state public institutions
- Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Average benefit of $5,250 per year tax-free
- Military Benefits: GI Bill and military tuition assistance programs fully applicable
- Scholarship Opportunities: Many tech-specific scholarships accept online students
- Payment Plans: Most schools offer monthly payment options without interest
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Web Development Degrees
Based on 185 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
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.