- 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 Central Florida, University of Florida, Green River College based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of Central Florida offers web development education at $4,478/year with 93% graduation rate
- 4.25 accredited Web Development programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Web Development Programs - Top 10 Most Affordable
University of Central Florida
N/A web development graduates annually
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 for Web Development based on 93% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
University of Florida
N/A web development graduates annually
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 for Web Development based on 95% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
Green River College
N/A web development graduates annually
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 for Web Development based on 99% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
University of Florida-Online
N/A web development graduates annually
Florida Gulf Coast University
N/A web development graduates annually
University of North Carolina Wilmington
N/A web development graduates annually
Kennesaw State University
N/A web development graduates annually
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
N/A web development graduates annually
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.
Utah Valley University
N/A web development graduates annually
Best Web Development Programs - Compare Top 5 Most Affordable
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | Public | $4,478 | 93% | N/A |
| #2 University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | Public | $4,477 | 95% | N/A |
| #3 Green River College | Auburn, WA | Public | $4,074 | 99% | N/A |
| #4 University of Florida-Online | Gainesville, FL | Public | $3,358 | 65% | N/A |
| #5 Florida Gulf Coast University | Fort Myers, FL | Public | $4,191 | 95% | N/A |
Top 25 Most Affordable Web Development Programs 2026
| Rank | Institution | Location | Tuition | Value Score | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $4,478 | 195.1 | 93% |
| 2 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | $4,477 | 172.7 | 95% |
| 3 | Green River College | Auburn, WA | $4,074 | 140.2 | 99% |
| 4 | University of Florida-Online | Gainesville, FL | $3,358 | 131.8 | 65% |
| 5 | Florida Gulf Coast University | Fort Myers, FL | $4,191 | 130.7 | 95% |
| 6 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington, NC | $4,443 | 122.5 | 79% |
| 7 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | $4,450 | 122.4 | 66% |
| 8 | Lake Washington Institute of Technology | Kirkland, WA | $3,195 | 110.3 | 43% |
| 9 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | $5,471 | 95.2 | 92% |
| 10 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | $5,614 | 93.7 | 92% |
| 11 | Tarleton State University | Stephenville, TX | $4,416 | 88.8 | 69% |
| 12 | Farmingdale State College | Farmingdale, NY | $7,070 | 80 | 79% |
| 13 | University of Houston | Houston, TX | $8,685 | 79 | 91% |
| 14 | CUNY New York City College of Technology | Brooklyn, NY | $6,930 | 76.9 | 98% |
| 15 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | Whitewater, WI | $6,812 | 76.3 | 92% |
| 16 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | $9,718 | 76.2 | 83% |
| 17 | Wichita State University | Wichita, KS | $7,247 | 75.4 | 87% |
| 18 | Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, TX | $9,003 | 74.5 | 84% |
| 19 | Purdue University Northwest | Hammond, IN | $7,259 | 71.7 | 92% |
| 20 | SUNY Old Westbury | Old Westbury, NY | $7,070 | 69.2 | 93% |
| 21 | The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | $11,678 | 65.5 | 89% |
| 22 | Dakota State University | Madison, SD | $7,616 | 63.3 | 93% |
| 23 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | $7,632 | 60 | 74% |
| 24 | Rowan University | Glassboro, NJ | $11,250 | 59 | 97% |
| 25 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Cincinnati, OH | $11,228 | 53.2 | 78% |
Career Paths
Web Developer
SOC 15-1254Design and create websites and web applications using programming languages and frameworks
Front-End Developer
Focus on user interface and user experience aspects of web applications
Full-Stack Developer
Work on both front-end and back-end components of web applications
UI/UX Designer
Design user interfaces and optimize user experience for web applications
Web Application Developer
Specialize in building complex web-based software applications
Most Affordable States for Web Development Education
Washington
Florida
Utah
New York
Texas
Indiana
Ohio
Michigan
Financial Aid and Funding Options
Federal financial aid significantly reduces the cost burden for web development students. The average Pell Grant award is $7,395 for eligible students, while federal student loan limits allow borrowing up to $57,500 for undergraduate programs (Federal Student Aid).
Many institutions offer merit-based scholarships specifically for technology students. These awards range from $2,000 to $10,000 annually and are often renewable throughout the program. Students should research scholarships for women in tech and minority-focused funding opportunities.
Employer tuition reimbursement programs provide another funding avenue. Companies like Amazon, IBM, and Microsoft offer educational benefits covering up to $5,250 annually for employees pursuing relevant technical degrees. Students already working in technology roles should explore these employer tuition reimbursement options.
State-specific grants and scholarships can further reduce costs. Programs like the Georgia HOPE Scholarship and Texas Grant provide substantial funding for residents attending in-state institutions. Students should complete the FAFSA application to access all available federal and state aid programs.
Choosing the Right Affordable Web Development Program
Selecting an affordable web development program requires balancing cost considerations with program quality and career outcomes. Start by researching accredited programs that offer comprehensive curricula covering both front-end and back-end development technologies.
Evaluate program delivery formats to find the most cost-effective option. Online programs often provide significant savings while maintaining academic rigor. However, some students benefit from the networking opportunities and hands-on labs available in traditional campus settings.
Consider the total cost of attendance beyond tuition fees. Factor in technology requirements, software licenses, and living expenses when comparing programs. Many institutions offer laptop lending programs and free software access through educational partnerships with companies like Microsoft and Adobe.
Research career services and industry connections at prospective schools. Programs with strong employer partnerships and active job placement assistance can significantly impact graduate employment rates and starting salaries, ultimately improving your return on investment.
Program Selection Framework
- You're a state resident seeking maximum affordability
- You prefer traditional campus experiences
- You want access to state-specific scholarships and grants
- You value networking with local employers
- You need flexible scheduling around work or family
- You want to minimize total education costs
- You're comfortable with self-directed learning
- You have reliable internet and a suitable study environment
- You want to complete prerequisites affordably
- You're unsure about your commitment to the field
- You need to improve your academic standing
- You want to explore web development before committing to a 4-year program
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 36 programs from IPEDS 2023 (tuition $2K-$35K, 40%+ grad rate, 10+ graduates)
Our Best Value algorithm calculates Value Score = Quality Score / (Tuition / $10,000). This rewards schools delivering quality education at reasonable prices.
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023, weighted at 35% of the Quality Score
Number of Web Development graduates indicating program resources and faculty (IPEDS 2023)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
R1 research universities receive bonus points for institutional quality
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database of college costs, graduation rates, and employment outcomes
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System for institutional comparisons
Official employment and salary data for web development occupations
Official source for financial aid information and FAFSA data
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.