- 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 School of Visual Arts, 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
- 4.28 accredited Web Development programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Web Development Programs - Top 10
School of Visual Arts
233 web development graduates annually
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 for Web Development based on 1% graduation rate, 233 graduates, and overall score of 83.6/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 1% graduation rate
- 233 web development graduates annually
- Accredited institution
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.
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.
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.
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
Atlantic University
38 web development graduates annually
Best Web Development Programs - Compare Top 5
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 School of Visual Arts | New York, NY | For-Profit | $49,140 | 1% | 83.6/100 |
| #2 The New School | New York, NY | Private | $54,995 | N/A | 72.6/100 |
| #3 New York University | New York, NY | Private | $60,438 | N/A | 61.4/100 |
| #4 Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | Private | $58,587 | 91% | 59.9/100 |
| #5 University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | Public | $11,546 | 68% | 57/100 |
Top 50 Web Development Programs 2026
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | School of Visual Arts | New York, NY | For-Profit | $49,140 | 100% | — | 83.6 |
| 2 | The New School | New York, NY | Private | $54,995 | — | — | 72.6 |
| 3 | New York University | New York, NY | Private | $60,438 | — | — | 61.4 |
| 4 | Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | Private | $58,587 | 91% | — | 59.9 |
| 5 | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | Public | $11,546 | 68% | — | 57 |
| 6 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | Public | $5,471 | 92% | — | 57 |
| 7 | CUNY New York City College of Technology | Brooklyn, NY | Public | $6,930 | 98% | — | 56.8 |
| 8 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | — | 53.8 |
| 9 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | Public | $7,632 | 74% | — | 53 |
| 10 | Atlantic University | Guaynabo, PR | Private | $6,120 | — | — | 52.5 |
| 11 | Academy of Art University | San Francisco, CA | For-Profit | $27,024 | — | — | 52.5 |
| 12 | Eastern Washington University | Cheney, WA | Public | $7,294 | — | — | 50.2 |
| 13 | University of Washington-Bothell Campus | Bothell, WA | Public | $11,524 | 69% | — | 50.2 |
| 14 | Lipscomb University | Nashville, TN | Private | $35,848 | 90% | — | 50.1 |
| 15 | College for Creative Studies | Detroit, MI | Private | $49,950 | 92% | — | 50 |
| 16 | Neumont College of Computer Science | Salt Lake City, UT | For-Profit | $25,500 | 97% | — | 48.8 |
| 17 | DeVry University-Illinois | Lisle, IL | For-Profit | $14,392 | 23% | — | 48 |
| 18 | Beacon College | Leesburg, FL | Private | $48,510 | 65% | — | 47.7 |
| 19 | Brigham Young University-Idaho | Rexburg, ID | Private | $4,656 | — | — | 45.8 |
| 20 | Touro University | New York, NY | Private | $18,950 | — | — | 45.4 |
| 21 | CUNY Brooklyn College | Brooklyn, NY | Public | $6,930 | — | — | 45.3 |
| 22 | Lindenwood University | Saint Charles, MO | Private | $19,900 | — | — | 43.4 |
| 23 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | Public | $6,600 | — | — | 43.2 |
| 24 | Duquesne University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $47,146 | — | — | 41.4 |
| 25 | Franklin University | Columbus, OH | Private | $9,552 | — | — | 41.4 |
Showing 1–25 of 28
Web Development Education Landscape 2026
Web development has emerged as one of the most dynamic and accessible paths into technology careers. Our comprehensive analysis of 285 accredited programs reveals significant growth in specialized web development curricula, with 89% of programs now incorporating modern frameworks like React and Vue.js alongside traditional HTML, CSS, and JavaScript fundamentals.
The field has evolved beyond basic website creation to encompass full-stack development, progressive web applications, and mobile-responsive design. Leading programs like those at Rochester Institute of Technology and Arizona State University now offer specialized tracks in front-end frameworks, back-end development with Node.js and Python, and cloud deployment strategies.
Career prospects remain exceptionally strong, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 23% job growth for web developers through 2032 - much faster than average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increasing mobile device usage, e-commerce expansion, and the need for responsive, user-friendly web interfaces across all industries.
Students considering web development degrees should evaluate programs based on curriculum currency, hands-on project experience, and industry partnerships. The best programs combine theoretical computer science foundations with practical skills in modern development tools, version control systems like Git, and agile development methodologies used by tech companies.
Career Paths
Front-End Developer
SOC 15-1254Specialize in user interface development using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frameworks like React or Vue.js. Focus on responsive design, performance optimization, and user experience.
Full-Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Work across the entire web application stack, from user interfaces to server-side logic, databases, and deployment. Combine front-end and back-end development skills.
Web Application Developer
SOC 15-1252Build complex web applications using modern frameworks and technologies. Focus on creating scalable, maintainable applications for business and consumer use.
UI/UX Developer
SOC 15-1255Bridge design and development by implementing user interface designs in code while considering user experience principles. Collaborate closely with designers and product teams.
E-commerce Developer
SOC 15-1252Specialize in building and maintaining online retail platforms using technologies like Shopify, WooCommerce, or custom solutions. Focus on payment systems, inventory management, and customer experience.
Web Performance Engineer
SOC 15-1252Optimize website speed, accessibility, and user experience. Specialize in performance monitoring, code optimization, and implementing best practices for fast, efficient web applications.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1299Focus on deployment, automation, and infrastructure for web applications. Manage CI/CD pipelines, cloud services, and ensure reliable, scalable web application hosting.
Technical Product Manager
SOC 11-3021Lead product development for web applications, combining technical knowledge with business strategy. Work with development teams to define features and technical requirements.
Top States for Web Development Education
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Ohio
Michigan
Virginia
Financing Your Web Development Degree
Web development programs offer some of the best return on investment in higher education, with graduates typically recovering educational costs within 2-4 years of employment. Public universities provide exceptional value, with in-state students at top programs like University of Florida and University of Wisconsin-Stout paying under $10,000 annually while accessing high-quality curricula and strong career services.
Financial aid options specifically benefit STEM students, including federal Pell Grants and state-specific technology scholarships. Many tech companies offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing web development or computer science degrees, making part-time study financially feasible for working professionals.
Students should also consider employer-sponsored bootcamps and certification programs as complementary education. Some employers will fund intensive training programs alongside degree coursework, accelerating skill development and career advancement while reducing overall educational costs.
Program Spotlights: Deep Dive Into Top Schools
Our detailed analysis of the top five web development programs reveals distinct strengths and approaches that make each program exceptional. These spotlights examine curriculum design, faculty expertise, student outcomes, and unique program features that contribute to their high rankings.
Web Development Programs by State
Geographic distribution of quality web development programs reflects both population centers and regional technology hubs. California leads with 38 programs, benefiting from Silicon Valley's influence and the state's large university system. Texas follows with 22 programs, driven by growing tech scenes in Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
State selection can significantly impact educational costs, with residents of states like Wyoming and South Dakota enjoying tuition under $10,000 annually, while maintaining access to quality programs. Students should consider both in-state tuition advantages and post-graduation job market opportunities when selecting programs.
Program Selection Guide: Choose Based on Your Goals
- You want the highest quality education and can afford premium tuition
- Career services and alumni network connections are priorities
- You prefer small class sizes and personalized attention
- Location in major tech hubs is important for internships and networking
- You're seeking excellent education at more affordable cost
- In-state tuition makes public options financially attractive
- You value research opportunities and diverse academic resources
- Large alumni networks and established industry connections appeal to you
- You're a working professional needing schedule flexibility
- Geographic location limits access to quality on-campus programs
- You have strong self-discipline and time management skills
- Cost savings from avoiding relocation and campus fees are important
- You want excellent value education with lower competition for admission
- Smaller community and personalized attention are priorities
- Regional job market aligns with your career goals
- Innovative curricula combining web development with related fields interest you
Frequently Asked Questions About Web Development Programs
Based on 285 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Web Development degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific web development salaries from BLS OES 2024
Data Sources and References
Federal database providing institutional characteristics, enrollment, graduation rates, and tuition data for all accredited postsecondary institutions
National employment and wage data for web developers and related occupations
Annual survey of 90,000+ developers providing insights into technologies, salaries, and career trends
Annual report on programming languages, frameworks, and developer activity trends
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.