Top 3 Web Development Programs in Illinois
DePaul University
152 Web Development graduates annually, 86% graduation rate
Elmhurst University
26 Web Development graduates annually, 82% graduation rate
DeVry University-Illinois
44 Web Development graduates annually, 23% graduation rate
- 1.Illinois offers 18 accredited web development programs with tuition ranging from $12,000 to $61,000 annually
- 2.Web developers in Illinois earn an average starting salary of $72,500, with Chicago metro area offering the highest compensation
- 3.Job growth for web developers in Illinois is projected at 13% through 2032, faster than the national average
- 4.University of Illinois system provides the best value with strong industry connections and affordable tuition
- 5.Private schools like DePaul and Northwestern offer smaller class sizes and extensive alumni networks
Complete Illinois Web Development Programs Rankings
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | $43,379 | 86% | — | 81.2 |
| 2 | Elmhurst University | Elmhurst, IL | $41,258 | 82% | — | 55.3 |
| 3 | DeVry University-Illinois | Lisle, IL | $14,392 | 23% | — | 51.6 |
| 4 | Lewis University | Romeoville, IL | $37,592 | 99% | — | 48.5 |
| 5 | Columbia College Chicago | Chicago, IL | $30,734 | 91% | — | 47.5 |
| 6 | Olivet Nazarene University | Bourbonnais, IL | $36,950 | — | — | 38.6 |
| 7 | Greenville University | Greenville, IL | $29,998 | — | — | 38.4 |
| 8 | Blackburn College | Carlinville, IL | $26,758 | — | — | 38.4 |
| 9 | Trinity Christian College | Palos Heights, IL | $19,800 | — | — | 34.2 |
Top 5 Web Development Programs in Illinois: Side-by-Side
| School | DePaul | Elmhurst | DeVry University-Illinois | Lewis | Columbia College Chicago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $43,379 | $41,258 | $14,392 | $37,592 | $30,734 |
| Graduation Rate | 86% | 82% | 23% | 99% | 91% |
| Annual Graduates | 152 | 26 | 44 | 1 | 7 |
| Acceptance Rate | 74% | 76% | 43% | 73% | 91% |
| Type | Private | Private | For-Profit | Private | Private |
| Score | 81.2/100 | 55.3/100 | 51.6/100 | 48.5/100 | 47.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Web Development in Illinois
Illinois offers 9 bachelor's-level web development programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are DePaul University, Elmhurst University, DeVry University-Illinois. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $79,240 in the Illinois 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 Illinois
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 DePaul | $43,379 | 86% | 152 | 81.2 |
| #2 Elmhurst | $41,258 | 82% | 26 | 55.3 |
| #3 DeVry University-Illinois | $14,392 | 23% | 44 | 51.6 |
Top Web Development Schools for Master's Degrees in Illinois
For graduate study, Illinois offers 1 master's-level web development programs. Leading institutions include DePaul University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Illinois reaching $147,160 or more.
Top 3 Web Development Master's Programs in Illinois
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 DePaul | $43,379 | 86% | 107 | 81.2 |
Most Affordable Web Development Colleges in Illinois
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable web development programs in Illinois are at DeVry University-Illinois ($14,392/year), Trinity Christian College ($19,800/year), Blackburn College ($26,758/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Illinois's competitive tech salaries.
At DeVry University-Illinois, a 4-year degree costs approximately $57,568 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $79,240, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1.3 years.
Most Affordable Web Development Programs in Illinois (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 DeVry University-Illinois | $14,392 | $57,568 | 1.3 years | For-Profit |
| #2 Trinity Christian College | $19,800 | $79,200 | 1.8 years | Private |
| #3 Blackburn College | $26,758 | $107,032 | 2.4 years | Private |
Illinois Web Development Job Market Analysis
Illinois ranks among the top 10 states for web development employment, with over 15,000 web developers currently working across the state. The Chicago metropolitan area accounts for 78% of these positions, making it the third-largest tech hub in the United States after San Francisco and New York.
Web developers in Illinois earn competitive salaries, with entry-level positions starting at an average of $72,500 annually. Mid-career professionals earn $95,000 on average, while senior developers and team leads can expect salaries exceeding $125,000. The state's diverse economy, from fintech companies in Chicago's Loop to e-commerce startups in suburban tech corridors, creates abundant opportunities for web development professionals.
Major employers include Abbott, Boeing, Caterpillar, McDonald's Corporation, and Allstate Insurance, all of which maintain significant technology teams. The startup ecosystem has grown substantially, with companies like Grubhub, Groupon, and Sprout Social creating additional demand for skilled web developers. Remote work opportunities have also expanded, allowing Illinois graduates to work for companies nationwide while maintaining lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs.
- Over 1,200 new web development positions posted monthly in Illinois
- Average time to employment after graduation: 3.2 months
- find employment within Illinois
- Remote work available for 67% of positions
- Strongest demand in e-commerce, fintech, and healthcare technology
Web Development Program Types and Specializations
Illinois universities offer diverse approaches to web development education, from traditional computer science degrees with web development concentrations to specialized web development and digital media programs. Understanding these different pathways helps students choose the program that best aligns with their career goals and learning preferences.
Bachelor's programs typically fall into three categories: Computer Science with Web Development Track, Digital Media and Web Design, and Software Engineering with Front-End Specialization. Computer Science tracks provide the strongest technical foundation, covering algorithms, data structures, and system design alongside web technologies. These programs prepare students for senior developer roles and technical leadership positions.
Digital Media programs emphasize user experience design, visual design principles, and client-side development. These interdisciplinary programs often combine web development with graphic design, marketing, and business courses. Graduates typically pursue roles in digital agencies, marketing departments, or as freelance web developers.
Many Illinois schools now offer specialized tracks within their programs. Popular specializations include full-stack development, mobile app development, e-commerce systems, and progressive web applications. Some programs also offer concentrations in emerging areas like artificial intelligence integration, blockchain development, and IoT web interfaces.
- Full-Stack Development: Complete web application development from database to user interface
- Front-End Specialization: Advanced JavaScript frameworks, responsive design, and user experience
- Back-End Systems: Server architecture, databases, APIs, and cloud deployment
- E-Commerce Development: Online store platforms, payment integration, and inventory management
- Mobile Web Development: Progressive web apps, responsive design, and mobile-first approaches
DePaul University
Chicago, IL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $43,379 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 86% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Web Development Graduates: 152 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 74%
- • Ranking Score: 81.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- 152 web development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 81.2 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (86%), program size (152 graduates), state salary outcomes ($113,200), and selectivity (74% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
DePaul's Web Development concentration within Information Technology is STEM-designated, allowing international students to extend their post-graduation stay in the US. The program combines technical methods with artistic principles and offers both design and development concentrations to prepare students for interactive web development careers.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.5
Program Details
- Credits: 192 hours
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 93% of UX Design graduates were employed, continuing their education or not seeking employment after graduation
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Elmhurst University
Elmhurst, IL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $41,258 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 82% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Web Development Graduates: 26 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 55.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 82% graduation rate
- 26 web development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 55.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (82%), program size (26 graduates), state salary outcomes ($113,200), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Elmhurst's computer science program combines theoretical foundations with practical application, achieving nearly 90% job placement within months of graduation. The curriculum focuses on real-world skills with hands-on experience that employers value.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.00
Program Details
- Credits: 30 semester hours
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: almost 90 percent of computer science graduates find jobs in the field within a few months of graduation
Available Specializations / Concentrations
DeVry University-Illinois
Lisle, IL • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,392 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 23% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Web Development Graduates: 44 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 43%
- • Ranking Score: 51.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 23% graduation rate
- 44 web development graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 51.6 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (23%), program size (44 graduates), state salary outcomes ($113,200), and selectivity (43% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $37,592 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Web Development Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 48.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 1 web development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 48.5 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($113,200), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $30,734 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Web Development Graduates: 7 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 91%
- • Ranking Score: 47.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 7 web development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 47.5 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (7 graduates), state salary outcomes ($113,200), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Create user-facing web applications using modern JavaScript frameworks, HTML5, CSS3, and responsive design principles.
Develop complete web applications handling both client-side interfaces and server-side logic, databases, and APIs.
Build complex web-based software applications for enterprise clients, focusing on scalability and performance.
UI/UX Developer
Bridge design and development by creating user interfaces that are both visually appealing and functionally robust.
E-Commerce Developer
Specialize in online retail platforms, payment processing, inventory management, and customer experience optimization.
Web Development Team Lead
Manage development teams while maintaining hands-on coding responsibilities for complex projects.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Illinois
Web Development Programs by Illinois Region
Chicago Metropolitan Area
Central Illinois
Northern Illinois
Southern Illinois
Tuition Costs and Financial Aid Opportunities
Web development program costs in Illinois vary significantly based on institution type and residency status. Public universities offer the most affordable options, with in-state tuition ranging from $12,200 at Eastern Illinois University to $16,210 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Out-of-state students can expect to pay 2-3 times more at public institutions.
Private universities command premium pricing, with annual tuition ranging from $38,900 at Bradley University to $60,900 at Northwestern University. However, these institutions often provide substantial financial aid packages that can significantly reduce net costs. Northwestern University, for example, meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students.
Illinois residents benefit from several state-specific aid programs. The Monetary Award Program (MAP) provides need-based grants up to $6,468 annually for students attending Illinois institutions. The FAFSA application remains the gateway to federal aid, including Pell Grants worth up to $7,395 for eligible students.
Many technology companies offer scholarship programs specifically for Illinois students. Notable opportunities include the ComEd STEM Scholarship, Illinois Tool Works Foundation Scholarships, and the Chicago Tech Diversity Initiative. Additionally, several universities have established corporate partnerships that provide direct-to-employment pipelines with tuition assistance.
- Average total debt for Illinois web development graduates: $24,800
- 85% of students receive some form of financial aid
- Work-study programs available at 16 of 18 ranked programs
- Average scholarship award for STEM majors: $8,200
- Employer tuition reimbursement available through co-op programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 18 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 Resources and Programs
Data Sources and Methodology
Salary and employment data for web developers by state and metro area
Graduation rates, earnings outcomes, and institutional characteristics
Tuition costs, enrollment statistics, and program offerings
State-specific program approval and quality metrics
$28,400
Average Annual Tuition
94%
Programs Offering Internships
22
Average Class Size
11
Online Options Available
Source: Average ROI for Illinois web development degrees over 10 years
Next Steps: Choosing Your Illinois Web Development Program
Research Program Requirements
Review admission requirements, prerequisite courses, and application deadlines for your target schools. Most programs require strong math background and basic programming exposure.
Visit Campus and Attend Info Sessions
Schedule campus visits to see facilities, meet faculty, and talk with current students. Virtual info sessions are also available for most programs.
Build a Foundation Portfolio
Start building basic web projects to demonstrate interest and aptitude. Simple HTML/CSS/JavaScript projects can strengthen your application.
Apply for Financial Aid Early
Complete FAFSA applications by priority deadlines to maximize aid eligibility. Research Illinois-specific scholarships and grant programs.
Connect with Alumni and Industry Professionals
Use LinkedIn to connect with program graduates working in your target companies. Illinois has strong alumni networks throughout the tech industry.
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.