- 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 Best Value
School of Visual Arts
233 web development graduates annually
Program Overview
School of Visual Arts's Web Development program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. Graduates find positions at The New York Times, Apple, Google.
Degree Programs
Career Outcomes
The New York Times, Apple, Google, HBO, NBC Universal
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
Career Outcomes
Admissions
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.
Hakia Insight: New York University's Music and Audio Research Laboratory (MARL) and Applied Interactive Multimedia Laboratory position students at the forefront of web development research.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Audio technology and interactive media research
Haptic interfaces and Human-Computer Interaction
Data visualization and analytics
Career Outcomes
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.
Program Overview
Santa Clara University's Web Development program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. Located in Silicon Valley
Hakia Insight: Santa Clara University's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory and Cloud Laboratory position students at the forefront of web development research.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Artificial Intelligence
Cloud Computing
Computing Systems and Informatics
Data Science
Humanitarian Computing
Location Advantages
- •Located in Silicon Valley
- •Access to cutting-edge technology industry
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
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
University of Arizona's Web Development program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. Industry connections include partnerships with Google, Microsoft, Arizona Department of Education. Proximity to Phoenix tech corridor and growing startup scene
Hakia Insight: University of Arizona's partnerships with Google and Microsoft translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Web accessibility, user interface design, and usability research
Location Advantages
- •Proximity to Phoenix tech corridor and growing startup scene
- •Access to Arizona's robust tech company recruitment networks
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
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.
Program Overview
Weber State University's Web Development program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. Industry connections include partnerships with Community nonprofit organizations. Access to Salt Lake City tech job market in healthcare IT and fintech sectors
Hakia Insight: Access to Salt Lake City tech job market in healthcare IT and fintech sectors
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Access to Salt Lake City tech job market in healthcare IT and fintech sectors
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
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.
Program Overview
CUNY New York City College of Technology's Web Development program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. Industry connections include partnerships with Brooklyn Navy Yard, NYC Tech Companies.
Hakia Insight: CUNY New York City College of Technology graduates earn $95,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on web development curriculum.
Degree Programs
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Admissions
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.
Program Overview
DePaul University's Web Development program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. Industry connections include partnerships with Google, Microsoft, Salesforce. Downtown Chicago Loop location (walking distance to enterprise tech offices)
Hakia Insight: DePaul University's partnerships with Google and Microsoft translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Data mining, predictive analytics, and intelligent Web systems with industry partnerships
University and corporate partnerships in technology innovation, bringing ideas to life
Location Advantages
- •Downtown Chicago Loop location (walking distance to enterprise tech offices)
- •Orbitz headquarters (local employer)
- •Midwest tech recruiting hub and startup ecosystem
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of Maryland Global Campus
UMGC's fully online, employer-validated curriculum delivers full-stack development training specifically engineered for working professionals seeking accelerated entry or advancement in web development roles.
Program Overview
University of Maryland Global Campus's Web Development program delivers strong value, balancing quality education with reasonable costs. Industry connections include partnerships with U.S. Department of Defense. Proximity to Washington DC tech corridor and federal technology contractors
Hakia Insight: Proximity to Washington DC tech corridor and federal technology contractors
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Proximity to Washington DC tech corridor and federal technology contractors
- •Access to DC-area startup ecosystem and digital agencies
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Atlantic University
38 web development graduates annually
Program Overview
Atlantic University offers a high-value Web Development degree, combining rigorous academics with practical experience to prepare graduates for successful careers.
Program Strengths
- 38 web development graduates annually
- Accredited institution
Best Web Development Programs - Top 10 Best Value — Complete Program Data
#1. School of Visual Arts
Location: New York, NY | Type: For-Profit | Tuition: $49,140/year | Graduation Rate: 100% | Score: 83.6
Program Overview: SVA's BFA Design program offers one of the largest catalogues of studio courses in the world with award-winning faculty including Cooper Hewitt Design Award recipients and AIGA Lifetime Achievement medalists. Students benefit from direct access to top-tier employers through faculty connections and extensive internship opportunities at major companies like Apple, Google, HBO, and renowned agencies.
Degree Programs: Bachelors in Web Development
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: The New York Times, Apple, Google, HBO, NBC Universal, Warner Music Group, Meta, Equinox, MTV, NAYA, Shopify, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Zoom, Hearst, Madison Square Garden, Horizon Sports, Pentagram, Deutsch, McCann, Dentsu Creative, COLLINS, Wieden + Kennedy, FCB NY, Buck, loyalkaspar, Hobbes, Mother Design, Sunday Afternoon, Mischief, Gretel, Mojo Supermarket, 72andSunny, Jones Knowles Ritchie, &Walsh, Wolff Ollins
Admissions:
#2. The New School
Location: New York, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $54,995/year | Score: 72.6
What makes The New School stand out: 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: BFA Design and Technology (4 years); MFA Design and Technology (2 years)
Research Labs: Making Center - Hands-on creation and fabrication spaces for interdisciplinary projects
Career Outcomes:
Admissions:
#3. New York University
Location: New York, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $60,438/year | Score: 61.4
What makes New York University stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: New York University's Music and Audio Research Laboratory (MARL) and Applied Interactive Multimedia Laboratory position students at the forefront of web development research.
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: Web Programming and Applications Minor; MS Computer Science
Research Labs: Music and Audio Research Laboratory (MARL) - Audio technology and interactive media research; Applied Interactive Multimedia Laboratory - Haptic interfaces and Human-Computer Interaction; Center for Data Science - Data visualization and analytics
Career Outcomes:
Admissions: GPA: No minimum GPA requirement stated, superior undergraduate record expected
#4. Santa Clara University
Location: Santa Clara, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $58,587/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Score: 59.9
What makes Santa Clara University stand out: Santa Clara University does not offer a dedicated Web Development graduate program, despite its prime Silicon Valley location and strong technology program offerings.
Hakia Insight: Santa Clara University's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory and Cloud Laboratory position students at the forefront of web development research.
Program Overview: After searching through Santa Clara University's comprehensive graduate program listings and detailed admissions information, I found no evidence of a dedicated Web Development program at SCU. The university offers robust graduate programs across multiple schools including the Leavey School of Business (with the largest MBA program in Silicon Valley), School of Engineering (with programs in Computer Science and Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and other tech-focused fields), and various online and hybrid options. However, web development is not specifically listed among their graduate degree offerings. The School of Engineering does offer relevant programs like MS in Computer Science and Engineering, MS in Artificial Intelligence, and various certificate programs, but none are specifically branded as Web Development programs. Given SCU's location in Silicon Valley with access to over 7,000 companies and startups, students interested in web development could potentially pursue related computer science or engineering programs that would provide applicable skills.
Degree Programs: Bachelors in Web Development
Research Labs: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory - Artificial Intelligence; Cloud Laboratory - Cloud Computing; Computing Systems & Informatics Laboratory (CSI Lab) - Computing Systems and Informatics; Data Science Laboratory - Data Science; Humanitarian Computing Laboratory - Humanitarian Computing
Career Outcomes:
Admissions: GPA: 3.0
Accreditations: ABET Accredited Programs, ABET
#5. University of Arizona
Location: Tucson, AZ | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,546/year | Graduation Rate: 68% | Score: 57.0
What makes University of Arizona stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: University of Arizona's partnerships with Google and Microsoft translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
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: Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Computing - Software Development Emphasis (4 years); Bachelor of Science in Information Science (4 years)
Research Labs: Human-Computer Interaction Lab - Web accessibility, user interface design, and usability research
Industry Partners: Google, Microsoft, Arizona Department of Education
Career Outcomes:
Admissions: GPA: Varies by program
Accreditations: ABET accredited (Computer Science)
#6. Weber State University
Location: Ogden, UT | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,471/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 57.0
What makes Weber State University stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: Access to Salt Lake City tech job market in healthcare IT and fintech sectors
Program Overview: Weber State University's Web and User Experience (UX) program stands out as a comprehensive Bachelor of Science degree that bridges the gap between technical development and user-centered design. The program offers two distinct emphasis tracks: Full Stack Web Development and User Experience Design, allowing students to specialize while maintaining a solid foundation in both areas. Students master everything from front-end frameworks and database integration to user research methodologies and information architecture. The program is housed within the College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology and holds accreditation from the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. What makes this program particularly practical is its emphasis on real-world experience through internships and community partnerships with nonprofit organizations, where students build, test, and maintain actual web applications. The curriculum progresses strategically, with the first two years focusing on front-end fundamentals and responsive design, while upper-division courses dive deep into back-end development, full-stack integration, and advanced UX research methods.
Degree Programs: Bachelors in Web Development; Associate of Applied Science Web and User Experience (2 years); Bachelor of Science Web and User Experience (4 years); Bachelor of Science Web and User Experience - Full Stack Web Development Emphasis (4 years); Bachelor of Science Web and User Experience - User Experience Design Emphasis (4 years); User Experience Design Certificate of Proficiency; Web Essentials Certificate of Proficiency; User Experience Design Minor; Web Development Minor; Bachelor of Integrated Studies Web Development Emphasis (4 years)
Industry Partners: Community nonprofit organizations
Career Outcomes:
Notable Faculty: Benjamin Barraza (Web development management and architecture); Levi Slade (Web architecture and system design); Divyansha Arora (UI/UX development and design)
Admissions:
Accreditations: Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET (BS only)
#7. CUNY New York City College of Technology
Location: Brooklyn, NY | Type: Public | Tuition: $6,930/year | Graduation Rate: 98% | Score: 56.8
What makes CUNY New York City College of Technology stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: CUNY New York City College of Technology graduates earn $95,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on web development curriculum.
Program Overview: CUNY New York City College of Technology (City Tech) offers comprehensive web development programs through its School of Technology & Design, serving over 15,000 students in Brooklyn's vibrant Tech Triangle. The college provides both Associate in Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Systems Technology with web development concentrations, alongside specialized programs in Multimedia Programming and Design with UX and Web Design tracks. Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and technologies while benefiting from City Tech's strong connections to NYC's thriving tech ecosystem. The programs combine technical programming skills with creative design principles, preparing graduates for the full spectrum of web development careers. With 32 baccalaureate degrees and 26 associate degrees offered, City Tech maintains its reputation as one of the top performers in social mobility, ranked #18 nationally. The college's location at 300 Jay Street places students at the heart of Brooklyn's Tech Triangle, adjacent to major tech companies and the Brooklyn Navy Yard innovation district.
Degree Programs: Computer Information Systems/AAS (2 years); Computer Systems/BTech (4 years); Website Development/AAS (2 years)
Industry Partners: Brooklyn Navy Yard, NYC Tech Companies
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Web Developer
Admissions: GPA: Open admission for associate degrees
#8. DePaul University
Location: Chicago, IL | Type: Private | Tuition: $43,379/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Score: 53.8
What makes DePaul University stand out: 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.
Hakia Insight: DePaul University's partnerships with Google and Microsoft translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Program Overview: DePaul University's web development programs are housed within the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM), strategically located in Chicago's Loop campus at the heart of the city's technology and business districts. Students can pursue web development through multiple pathways: a BS in Information Technology with a Web Development concentration, a User Experience Design major with development concentration, or through the comprehensive Computer Science program. The programs benefit from CDM's unique positioning where many faculty members are working professionals and industry consultants, providing direct access to thought leaders and change-makers in Chicago's thriving tech scene. The BS in Information Technology with Web Development concentration emphasizes hands-on technical skills in interactive scripting and web technologies, while the User Experience Design program combines technical development methods with artistic principles for interactive web development. Both programs offer STEM designation for international students, potentially extending post-graduation stay in the United States. The Computer Science program provides a robust foundation with courses like User Interface Architecture and Development, complemented by specialized facilities and labs within CDM's state-of-the-art building on South Wabash Avenue.
Degree Programs: BS Information Technology - Web Development Concentration (4 years); BS User Experience Design - Development Concentration (4 years); BS Computer Science (4 years)
Research Labs: DePaul Center for Data Science - Data mining, predictive analytics, and intelligent Web systems with industry partnerships; Innovation Development (iD) Lab - University and corporate partnerships in technology innovation, bringing ideas to life
Industry Partners: Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, Orbitz Worldwide, Uptake
Career Outcomes:
Notable Faculty: Usable Privacy and Security Lab leadership (Security and human-centered design)
Admissions:
Accreditations: ABET accredited (Computer Science)
#9. University of Maryland Global Campus
Location: Adelphi, MD | Type: Public | Tuition: $7,632/year | Graduation Rate: 74% | Score: 53.0
What makes University of Maryland Global Campus stand out: UMGC's fully online, employer-validated curriculum delivers full-stack development training specifically engineered for working professionals seeking accelerated entry or advancement in web development roles.
Hakia Insight: Proximity to Washington DC tech corridor and federal technology contractors
Program Overview: UMGC's web development curriculum prioritizes accessibility and flexibility for working professionals, delivering a practical, employer-aligned program through fully online delivery. The program emphasizes full-stack development across front-end frameworks (React, Angular), back-end technologies (Node.js, Python, Java), and database management, with coursework designed around real-world project scenarios rather than theoretical abstracts. What distinguishes UMGC's approach is its integration of industry feedback into course design—curriculum is regularly updated based on employer input, ensuring graduates land jobs in contemporary tech stacks. The program structure allows students to specialize in areas like cloud computing, mobile development, or DevOps practices depending on elective choices. Faculty bring direct industry experience, often maintaining active roles in tech companies alongside teaching, which translates to classroom discussions grounded in current challenges. For students balancing careers and education, UMGC's asynchronous online format and year-round enrollment cycles remove the friction of traditional semester constraints. Graduates report strong placement outcomes in mid-to-senior roles at enterprise technology departments, startups, and digital agencies across the DC metro region and nationally. The program's cohort-based capstone projects simulate real consulting engagements, giving students portfolio-ready deliverables before graduation.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (Web Development concentration) (4 years); MS in Information Technology (Web Development track) (2 years)
Industry Partners: U.S. Department of Defense
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Full-Stack Developer, Front-End Developer, Backend Developer
Admissions:
#10. Atlantic University
Location: Guaynabo, PR | Type: Private | Tuition: $6,120/year | Score: 52.5
Best Web Development Programs - Compare Top 5 Best Value
| 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 |
Best Value Web Development Programs 2026
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | School of Visual Arts | New York, NY | $49,140 | — | — | — |
| 2 | The New School | New York, NY | $54,995 | — | — | — |
| 3 | New York University | New York, NY | $60,438 | — | — | — |
| 4 | Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | $58,587 | — | — | — |
| 5 | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | $11,546 | — | — | — |
| 6 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | $5,471 | — | — | — |
| 7 | CUNY New York City College of Technology | Brooklyn, NY | $6,930 | — | — | — |
| 8 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | $43,379 | — | — | — |
| 9 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | $7,632 | — | — | — |
| 10 | Atlantic University | Guaynabo, PR | $6,120 | — | — | — |
| 11 | Academy of Art University | San Francisco, CA | $27,024 | — | — | — |
| 12 | Eastern Washington University | Cheney, WA | $7,294 | — | — | — |
| 13 | University of Washington-Bothell Campus | Bothell, WA | $11,524 | — | — | — |
| 14 | Lipscomb University | Nashville, TN | $35,848 | — | — | — |
| 15 | College for Creative Studies | Detroit, MI | $49,950 | — | — | — |
| 16 | Neumont College of Computer Science | Salt Lake City, UT | $25,500 | — | — | — |
| 17 | DeVry University-Illinois | Lisle, IL | $14,392 | — | — | — |
| 18 | Beacon College | Leesburg, FL | $48,510 | — | — | — |
| 19 | Brigham Young University-Idaho | Rexburg, ID | $4,656 | — | — | — |
| 20 | Touro University | New York, NY | $18,950 | — | — | — |
| 21 | CUNY Brooklyn College | Brooklyn, NY | $6,930 | — | — | — |
| 22 | Lindenwood University | Saint Charles, MO | $19,900 | — | — | — |
| 23 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | $6,600 | — | — | — |
| 24 | Duquesne University | Pittsburgh, PA | $47,146 | — | — | — |
| 25 | Franklin University | Columbus, OH | $9,552 | — | — | — |
Showing 1–25 of 28
Understanding Value Score
Our Value Score methodology evaluates Web Development programs by calculating quality per dollar spent. Unlike pure cost rankings, Value Score rewards programs that deliver strong outcomes at reasonable prices—helping you find the best investment for your education.
Value Score Formula:
`Value Score = Quality Score ÷ (Annual Tuition / $10,000)`
Quality Score Components:
- Graduation Rate (35%) — 6-year completion rate from IPEDS
- Program Strength (25%) — Based on annual graduates and program maturity
- Selectivity (20%) — Admission rate indicating competitive student body
- Research Activity (20%) — Carnegie classification for research opportunities
This formula means a program with a Quality Score of 80 at $10,000/year tuition scores higher than a program with Quality Score 90 at $50,000/year—because the outcomes don't justify 5x the cost.
ROI Analysis: Break-Even Time
Return on Investment (ROI) analysis helps determine how long it takes for your Web Development degree to "pay for itself." According to Georgetown CEW, computer science degrees have among the highest lifetime ROI of any major—averaging $1.5 million in additional lifetime earnings.
Break-Even Calculation:
`Break-Even Time = Total Degree Cost ÷ (Post-Degree Salary - Pre-Degree Salary)`
Example Scenarios:
- Public university ($50K total) — With $80K starting salary vs $40K HS grad salary: 1.25 years to break even
- Private university ($200K total) — Same salaries: 5 years to break even
- Community college + transfer ($30K total) — 9 months to break even
Key Insight: For Web Development degrees, the break-even point is typically 1-5 years post-graduation. After that, every year represents pure return on your educational investment.
Quality Metrics Explained
Quality metrics help distinguish excellent Web Development programs from mediocre ones. We use objective, verifiable indicators rather than subjective reputation surveys.
Academic Quality Indicators:
- ABET Accreditation — Industry-recognized quality standard; required by some employers
- Faculty Research — H-index scores, grant funding, and publication rates
- Student-Faculty Ratio — Lower is better; enables mentorship and undergraduate research
- PhD Production — Programs that produce PhD students have stronger research cultures
Career Outcome Indicators:
- Employer Recruiting — Number of tech companies actively hiring from campus
- Internship Placement — % of juniors completing paid internships
- Graduate School Placement — % admitted to top-20 graduate programs
- Alumni Network — Strength and engagement of professional network
Value vs Prestige Analysis
Is a prestigious (expensive) program worth the premium? For Web Development, skills demonstrated through projects and interviews typically matter more than school brand.
When Prestige Matters: Elite employer preferences, PhD/academic careers, strong alumni network value.
When Value Wins: Most tech employers care about skills, regional employers prefer local universities, debt burden impacts life choices.
Who Recruits from Value Programs?
Top employers actively recruit from high-value Web Development programs. Understanding which companies recruit where helps you target schools with strong career pipelines.
Major Tech Employers and Feeder Schools:
- Google — Stanford, UC Berkeley, MIT, CMU, University of Washington
- Amazon — University of Washington, Georgia Tech, UT Austin, Purdue
- Microsoft — University of Washington, CMU, Stanford, UC Berkeley
- Meta — Stanford, CMU, MIT, UC Berkeley, University of Michigan
- Apple — Stanford, UC Berkeley, San Jose State, Santa Clara University
Value School Recruiting: Many high-value public universities have identical employer access to elite privates. Georgia Tech, UIUC, UT Austin, and UMich attract the same top recruiters at a fraction of the tuition.
Career Paths
Design and implement user-facing web interfaces using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frameworks.
Work on both front-end and back-end components of web applications and systems.
Web Designer
Create visual designs and user experiences for websites and web applications.
Build web-based software applications and systems for various industries.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Web Development Students
Federal financial aid through FAFSA covers web development degree programs, with Pell Grants providing up to $7,395 annually for eligible students. Many state grant programs specifically target STEM fields, offering additional funding for technology education.
Technology companies increasingly offer scholarships and tuition assistance for web development students. Major employers like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon provide funding programs targeting underrepresented groups in tech, often with internship or employment pathways.
Consider employer tuition reimbursement programs if you're currently working. Many companies offer $3,000-$8,000 annually for employee education, making part-time degree completion highly affordable.
Explore FAFSA and grants for STEM majors to understand federal aid options, and research scholarships for women in technology if you qualify for targeted funding programs.
Program Selection Framework
- Total program cost under $60,000
- Strong regional job market
- In-state tuition eligibility
- Traditional college experience preferred
- Working while studying
- Need flexible scheduling
- Want to minimize total costs
- Comfortable with remote learning
- Enhanced career services important
- Smaller class sizes preferred
- Strong industry connections valued
- Budget allows for higher tuition
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 180 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Ranking Factors
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 Methodology
Graduate earnings and employment data from Department of Education
Occupational outlook and salary data for web developers
Institutional tuition, enrollment, and graduation rate data
Financial aid program information and eligibility requirements
Public vs Private Web Development Programs: Value Analysis
Public universities consistently offer better value for web development education, with average annual tuition of $13,200 compared to $24,800 at private institutions. However, private schools sometimes provide advantages in career services, industry connections, and flexible scheduling that can justify higher costs.
Top public programs like Arizona State University and University of Maryland Global Campus combine low tuition with strong industry partnerships. These programs typically offer in-state residents additional savings, with costs as low as $8,000-$12,000 annually for qualified students.
Private institutions excel in personalized attention and accelerated degree options. Schools like Southern New Hampshire University offer competency-based programs that allow motivated students to complete degrees faster, potentially offsetting higher tuition through reduced time to employment.
- Public universities: Average 40% lower tuition, strong state employer connections
- Private colleges: More flexible schedules, smaller class sizes, faster completion options
- Regional public schools: Often best value for local job markets
- Online programs: Reduced costs regardless of public/private status
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.