Top 3 Web Development Programs in California 2025
Otis College of Art and Design
101 Web Development graduates annually, 86% graduation rate
University of Southern California
36 Web Development graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
Academy of Art University
74 Web Development graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.California has 45+ accredited web development bachelor's programs across UC, CSU, and private institutions (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Academy of Art University leads with industry-focused curriculum and 71% graduation rate in San Francisco tech hub
- 3.San Jose State offers exceptional value at $7,852 in-state tuition with direct Silicon Valley access
- 4.California web developers earn median $98,750 annually—20% above the national median (BLS California 2024)
- 5.Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and Los Angeles provide 180,000+ web developer positions—most opportunities nationwide
Web Development Education Landscape in California
California dominates the web development industry with more opportunities and higher salaries than any other state. From Silicon Valley startups to established tech giants in San Francisco and Los Angeles, the state offers unparalleled access to internships, networking, and career advancement for web developers.
For national program comparisons, see our best web development programs ranking across all states. Students considering alternative paths should explore our best software engineering bootcamps or full-stack developer certification guide. Career-focused information is available in our software engineer salary guide.
California's web development programs range from comprehensive computer science degrees with web specializations at UC campuses to industry-focused programs at private institutions. The state's proximity to major tech companies provides students with exceptional internship opportunities and direct pathways to high-paying careers.
California Web Development Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Otis College of Art and Design | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $49,100 | 86% | — | 83.8 |
| 2 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | — | 82 |
| 3 | Academy of Art University | San Francisco, CA | For-Profit | $27,024 | — | — | 72.5 |
| 4 | Gnomon | Hollywood, CA | For-Profit | $33,390 | 45% | — | 67.4 |
| 5 | Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | Private | $49,821 | 96% | — | 65 |
| 6 | Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | Private | $58,587 | 91% | — | 63.1 |
| 7 | California College of the Arts | San Francisco, CA | Private | $57,096 | — | — | 56.7 |
| 8 | University of Silicon Valley | San Jose, CA | For-Profit | $21,480 | — | — | 52.7 |
| 9 | Ashford University | San Diego, CA | For-Profit | $12,240 | — | — | 48.5 |
| 10 | Laurus College | San Luis Obispo, CA | For-Profit | $0 | — | — | 48.5 |
| 11 | DeVry University-California | Ontario, CA | For-Profit | $14,392 | 25% | — | 41.1 |
Top 5 Web Development Programs in California: Side-by-Side
| School | Academy of Art | USC | Otis College of Art and... | Gnomon | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $27,024 | $66,640 | $49,100 | $33,390 | $58,587 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 92% | 86% | 45% | 91% |
| Annual Graduates | 155 | 36 | 101 | 48 | 7 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 10% | 84% | 40% | 44% |
| Type | For-Profit | Private | Private | For-Profit | Private |
| Score | 81.4/100 | 78.0/100 | 76.7/100 | 62.7/100 | 61.3/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Web Development in California
California offers 11 bachelor's-level web development programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Otis College of Art and Design, University of Southern California, Academy of Art University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $102,039 in the California market.
A bachelor's in web development typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Web Development Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Web Development Bachelor's Programs in California
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Otis College of Art and... | $49,100 | 86% | 101 | 76.7 |
| #2 USC | $66,640 | 92% | 36 | 78.0 |
| #3 Academy of Art | $27,024 | N/A% | 74 | 76.1 |
Top Web Development Schools for Master's Degrees in California
For graduate study, California offers 1 master's-level web development programs. Leading institutions include Academy of Art University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in California reaching $189,501 or more.
Top 3 Web Development Master's Programs in California
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Academy of Art | $27,024 | N/A% | 155 | 81.4 |
Most Affordable Web Development Colleges in California
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable web development programs in California are at Ashford University ($12,240/year), DeVry University-California ($14,392/year), University of Silicon Valley ($21,480/year). These programs offer strong ROI given California's competitive tech salaries.
At Ashford University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $48,960 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $102,039, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years.
Most Affordable Web Development Programs in California (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Ashford | $12,240 | $48,960 | 0.7 years | For-Profit |
| #2 DeVry University-California | $14,392 | $57,568 | 0.9 years | For-Profit |
| #3 U of Silicon Valley | $21,480 | $85,920 | 1.3 years | For-Profit |
Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CA • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $27,024 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Web Development Graduates: 155 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 81.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 155 web development graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 81.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (155 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $66,640 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Web Development Graduates: 36 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 10%
- • Ranking Score: 78.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 36 web development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 78.0 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (36 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (10% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Otis College of Art and Design
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $49,100 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 86% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Web Development Graduates: 101 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 84%
- • Ranking Score: 76.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- 101 web development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 76.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (86%), program size (101 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (84% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Otis College offers one of the only fully accredited four-year Toy Design degrees in the world, with STEM designation allowing international students to work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation. Located near major toy companies in Los Angeles, students benefit from internship opportunities and achieve 100% employment within six months of graduation.
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 100% were gainfully employed within six months of graduation
- Top Employers: American Girl, Aurora, Bandai, Basic Fun, Disney, Fisher-Price, Funko, Hasbro, Lego, Mattel, MGA Entertainment, Moose Toys, Playmates, Spin Master
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Gnomon
Hollywood, CA • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $33,390 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 45% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Web Development Graduates: 48 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 40%
- • Ranking Score: 62.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 45% graduation rate
- 48 web development graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 62.7 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (45%), program size (48 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (40% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Gnomon offers specialized training in digital production for the entertainment industry with programs designed to develop studio-ready professionals. Students can study on a Hollywood campus with industry professionals and choose from multiple program lengths including accelerated 2-year certificates or comprehensive 4-year degrees.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 180
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $58,587 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Web Development Graduates: 7 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 44%
- • Ranking Score: 61.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 7 web development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 61.3 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (7 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (44% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Santa Clara University's Web Design and Engineering program combines technical programming skills with creative design elements, requiring courses in both computer science (web programming, networks, software engineering) and arts/design (graphic design, computer imaging, website graphic design). The program culminates in a three-quarter senior design project and requires 175 units including University Core Curriculum requirements.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •MATH 11, 12, 13, 14 (Calculus and Analytic Geometry I, II, III, and IV)
- •Natural Science course
- •ENGL 181
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 175 units
Career Paths
Front-End Developer
SOC 15-1254Create user interfaces using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frameworks like React, Vue, or Angular.
Full-Stack Developer
SOC 15-1254Handle both front-end and back-end development, working with databases, servers, and complete application architecture.
UI/UX Developer
SOC 15-1255Bridge design and development by implementing user interfaces that prioritize user experience and accessibility.
Web Application Developer
SOC 15-1254Build complex web applications using frameworks like Django, Rails, or Node.js for enterprise and startup environments.
Mobile Web Developer
SOC 15-1254Specialize in responsive design and mobile-first development for cross-platform web applications.
California's Web Development University Systems
California's diverse higher education landscape provides multiple pathways into web development careers, each with distinct advantages for different student needs and career goals.
The University of California (UC) system offers the most prestigious computer science programs with web development specializations. UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Riverside provide rigorous theoretical foundations combined with modern web technologies. These programs prepare students for both immediate industry roles and advanced graduate study.
The California State University (CSU) system focuses on practical, career-oriented education at affordable prices. San Jose State's Silicon Valley location, Cal State Long Beach's multimedia focus, and San Francisco State's urban tech connections provide excellent value for students seeking direct employment after graduation.
Private institutions like Academy of Art University offer specialized, industry-focused programs with smaller class sizes and strong portfolio development. These programs often provide more hands-on experience and direct industry connections, particularly valuable for students seeking immediate employment in creative and technical roles.
Students should also consider alternative pathways like our software engineering bootcamps guide for accelerated training or web development certification programs for skill validation.
Other Tech Degree Programs in California
Web Development Programs by State
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to the world's largest tech job market
- Highest web developer salaries (median $98,750)
- Direct networking with Silicon Valley startups and tech giants
- Diverse program options from UC research to CSU career-focused
- Year-round internship and job opportunities
- Cutting-edge curriculum updated with latest technologies
- Lower cost of living (housing costs 2-3x national average)
- More affordable tuition at top-tier programs
- Less competitive job market for entry-level positions
- Shorter commute times and less traffic congestion
- More traditional college campus experiences
- Guaranteed admission to preferred programs
California Web Development Programs FAQ
Based on 20 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
Related Web Development Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Official education statistics including graduation rates, enrollment, and institutional characteristics for all accredited colleges and universities
California-specific salary data for web developers, software developers, and related technology occupations
State-specific employment projections and labor market information for technology careers
Federal education data including program outcomes, student demographics, and institutional performance metrics
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.