- 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
Two specializations - Game Design and Web and Social Platforms - lead to a Bachelor of Arts degree, recognizing that there are many combinations of courses which meet the needs of individual students.
Program Overview
University of Central Florida provides budget-friendly Web Development education at $4,478 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 93% graduation rate.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Career Outcomes
Admissions
University of Florida
The program combines visual design, communication theory, and web development to create websites tailored to specific audiences and client needs, with curriculum guided by an Advisory Board of top industry experts and courses taught by industry professionals and University of Florida faculty.
Program Overview
University of Florida provides budget-friendly Web Development education at $4,477 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 95% graduation rate.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Green River College
Green River College offers a complete four-year pathway in software development and data analytics entirely at one institution, eliminating transfer requirements while providing university-level outcomes at community college prices.
Program Overview
Green River College provides budget-friendly Web Development education at $4,074 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 99% graduation rate. Access to both Main Campus and Auburn Center locations
Hakia Insight: Green River College graduates earn $131,342, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on web development curriculum.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Access to both Main Campus and Auburn Center locations
- •Located in Washington State with strong tech industry presence
Career Outcomes
Admissions
University of Florida-Online
Fully online web development program from a top-tier research university, combining rigorous CS fundamentals with remote-career-focused services.
Program Overview
University of Florida-Online provides budget-friendly Web Development education at $3,358 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 65% graduation rate. National reach; removes geographic barriers to accessing top-tier CS instruction
Hakia Insight: National reach; removes geographic barriers to accessing top-tier CS instruction
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •National reach; removes geographic barriers to accessing top-tier CS instruction
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Florida Gulf Coast University
Startup-oriented web development program with integrated entrepreneurship mentorship and abundant opportunities in emerging Southwest Florida tech sectors.
Program Overview
Florida Gulf Coast University provides budget-friendly Web Development education at $4,191 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 95% graduation rate. Access to growing Southwest Florida tourism tech, real estate tech, and digital marketing sectors
Hakia Insight: Access to growing Southwest Florida tourism tech, real estate tech, and digital marketing sectors
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Access to growing Southwest Florida tourism tech, real estate tech, and digital marketing sectors
Career Outcomes
Admissions
University of North Carolina Wilmington
N/A web development graduates annually
Program Overview
University of North Carolina Wilmington provides budget-friendly Web Development education at $4,443 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 79% graduation rate.
Hakia Insight: University of North Carolina Wilmington's partnerships with Live Oak Bank and nCino translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Web applications and software architecture
User experience and interface design
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
IBM, Bank of America, nCino, Live Oak Bank
Certifications & Designations
Kennesaw State University
N/A web development graduates annually
Program Overview
Kennesaw State University provides budget-friendly Web Development education at $4,450 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 66% graduation rate.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
LWIT delivers job-ready web development training through practicing developers, emphasizing practical workflows and rapid, cost-effective entry into the job market.
Program Overview
Lake Washington Institute of Technology provides budget-friendly Web Development education at $3,195 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 43% graduation rate. Kirkland location with direct access to Seattle tech corridor
Hakia Insight: Kirkland location with direct access to Seattle tech corridor
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Kirkland location with direct access to Seattle tech corridor
- •Proximity to major tech company headquarters and offices
- •Strong local employer relationships and job placement pipeline
Career Outcomes
Microsoft, T-Mobile, Stockcharts.com
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 provides budget-friendly Web Development education at $5,471 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 92% graduation rate. 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
Cost Breakdown
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
Utah Valley University
UVU's program uniquely centers accessibility and inclusive design as core technical competencies, producing web developers who stand out for building products that work for everyone.
Program Overview
Utah Valley University provides budget-friendly Web Development education at $5,614 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 92% graduation rate. Proximity to Salt Lake City tech employers
Hakia Insight: Proximity to Salt Lake City tech employers
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Proximity to Salt Lake City tech employers
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Best Web Development Programs - Top 10 Most Affordable — Complete Program Data
#1. University of Central Florida
Location: Orlando, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,478/year | Graduation Rate: 93%
What makes University of Central Florida stand out: Two specializations - Game Design and Web and Social Platforms - lead to a Bachelor of Arts degree, recognizing that there are many combinations of courses which meet the needs of individual students.
Program Overview: The B.A. in Digital Media allows students to integrate the multiple domains of art, storytelling, and technology. It is designed to provide a solid foundation in techniques and theory in one focused area of competence, provide a broad understanding of related disciplines including arts, humanities, and technology, and provide extended experience in working in multidisciplinary teams on realistic problems.
Degree Programs: BA (4 years)
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Front End Web Developer
Admissions:
#2. University of Florida
Location: Gainesville, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,477/year | Graduation Rate: 95%
What makes University of Florida stand out: The program combines visual design, communication theory, and web development to create websites tailored to specific audiences and client needs, with curriculum guided by an Advisory Board of top industry experts and courses taught by industry professionals and University of Florida faculty.
Program Overview: The University of Florida offers an online Master of Arts in Mass Communication with a concentration in Web Design and Online Communication that takes a three-pronged approach combining design skills, communication theory, and code. The program teaches students to code in HTML and JavaScript while developing design skills with tools like InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, alongside technical training in content creation, marketing, and user experience principles.
Degree Programs: MA in Mass Communication - Web Design Concentration (16 months minimum (full-time)); Graduate Certificate in Web Design
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Brand Manager, Digital Media Manager, Graphic Designer, Online Marketing Manager, Senior Web Producer, Web Content Coordinator, Web Designer, Web Manager, UX Designer/Manager, Full Stack Developer
Admissions:
#3. Green River College
Location: Auburn, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,074/year | Graduation Rate: 99%
What makes Green River College stand out: Green River College offers a complete four-year pathway in software development and data analytics entirely at one institution, eliminating transfer requirements while providing university-level outcomes at community college prices.
Hakia Insight: Green River College graduates earn $131,342, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on web development curriculum.
Program Overview: The BAS in Information Technology-Software Development prepares students for diverse software development careers including web developer, mobile application developer, and software tester. The program features hands-on learning environments with team-based workspaces and requires all students to have wireless laptops to reflect modern software development practices.
Degree Programs: Bachelors in Web Development; Associate in Computer Science, ACS-DTA/MRP (90 credits); Data Analytics and Software Development, AAS-T Business Management Track (90 credits); Data Analytics and Software Development, AAS-T Software Development Track (90 credits); Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology- Software Development (180 credits); Associate in Science Transfer Track 2 (Computer Science, Engineering, Physics) (90 credits)
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Software Developer, Web Developer, Data Analyst, Software Tester, Systems Analyst, Quality Assurance Analyst, Mobile Application Developer
Notable Faculty: Dr. Tina Ostrander (Database systems and Agile development methods); Josh Archer (Web development, data analysis, algorithms, and artificial intelligence); Auberon Lopez (Machine learning, natural language processing, and serverless architectures); Susan Uland (Network and cloud computing, and data science); Tyler Schrock (Website design and development, strategic problem solving); Keller Flint-Blanchard (AI-driven application development and full-stack web apps)
Admissions:
#4. University of Florida-Online
Location: Gainesville, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,358/year | Graduation Rate: 65%
What makes University of Florida-Online stand out: Fully online web development program from a top-tier research university, combining rigorous CS fundamentals with remote-career-focused services.
Hakia Insight: National reach; removes geographic barriers to accessing top-tier CS instruction
Program Overview: UF's online web development program leverages the university's substantial computer science faculty expertise while removing geographic barriers, allowing students nationwide to access Gator-level instruction. The asynchronous curriculum covers responsive design, progressive web apps, and modern JavaScript ecosystems, with particular rigor in the algorithms and data structures components that separate serious developers from hobbyists. Discussion forums and peer code review create genuine learning community despite the fully remote format—not a stripped-down correspondence course. UF's research legacy in systems and software engineering informs how practical assignments are structured; you're not just building todo apps but understanding the architectural principles behind production systems. The program attracts working developers seeking a credential from a tier-one research university while maintaining employment. Career services specifically address remote job markets, helping graduates position themselves for distributed teams at companies like GitHub, Netlify, and remote-first startups. Graduation from UF opens doors with national employers who use degree selectivity as a screening mechanism, particularly for roles requiring security clearances or roles at FAANG companies with campus recruiting relationships.
Degree Programs: Bachelors in Web Development
Career Outcomes:
Admissions:
#5. Florida Gulf Coast University
Location: Fort Myers, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,191/year | Graduation Rate: 95%
What makes Florida Gulf Coast University stand out: Startup-oriented web development program with integrated entrepreneurship mentorship and abundant opportunities in emerging Southwest Florida tech sectors.
Hakia Insight: Access to growing Southwest Florida tourism tech, real estate tech, and digital marketing sectors
Program Overview: FGCU's web development program distinguishes itself through startup-focused mentorship and hands-on project work that mirrors early-stage company environments. Rather than abstract algorithms, the curriculum prioritizes rapid prototyping, MVP development, and pragmatic technology choices—exactly what a developer encounters at a Series A startup or digital agency. Students work in cross-functional teams with business and design majors through the university's entrepreneurship initiatives, learning how technical decisions intersect with market viability and user needs. The program benefits from FGCU's location in Southwest Florida, a region experiencing significant growth in tourism tech, real estate tech, and digital marketing agencies, creating abundant internship and job placement opportunities. Faculty members actively mentor student startups through the Lutgert College of Business, blending web development coursework with entrepreneurial thinking. Graduates frequently launch their own ventures or join early-stage teams, a career pattern that the program explicitly supports through its curriculum structure. Class sizes remain manageable, allowing professors to know students individually and write recommendations that carry weight with hiring managers. The maritime technology cluster emerging in the region also creates niche opportunities for developers interested in IoT and geospatial web applications.
Degree Programs: Bachelors in Web Development
Career Outcomes:
Admissions:
#6. University of North Carolina Wilmington
Location: Wilmington, NC | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,443/year | Graduation Rate: 79%
Hakia Insight: University of North Carolina Wilmington's partnerships with Live Oak Bank and nCino translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Program Overview: UNCW's web development program thrives in a location uniquely positioned at the intersection of growing tech industry expansion and creative industries, with Wilmington becoming increasingly recognized as a tech and media hub. The program curriculum emphasizes practical, industry-aligned skills in front-end and back-end development, with coursework in responsive design, JavaScript frameworks, database management, and modern development workflows. Faculty members bring real-world experience from tech companies and digital agencies, infusing the classroom with current best practices and emerging trends. A key strength is the program's integration with internship opportunities—many students secure positions with local tech startups, established companies, and digital agencies before graduation, often converting internships to full-time roles. The coastal setting and relatively tight-knit tech community mean students can build genuine professional networks quickly. UNCW emphasizes project-based learning, with capstone projects and client work that gives students portfolio-ready experience. The university's resources support hands-on learning through well-equipped computer labs and access to current development tools and platforms. What distinguishes this program is the combination of rigorous technical training and genuine career-building opportunities in an emerging tech market—students aren't just learning development; they're establishing themselves in a growing regional industry. Graduates report strong job placement rates and the ability to either launch careers locally or transfer their skills and experience to companies nationally. The program's focus on both technical depth and professional development prepares students to lead projects and grow into senior roles.
Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (4 years); Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (4 years)
Research Labs: Software Engineering Research Lab - Web applications and software architecture; Human-Computer Interaction Lab - User experience and interface design
Industry Partners: Live Oak Bank, nCino, PPD
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: IBM, Bank of America, nCino, Live Oak Bank | Common Roles: Web Developer, Software Engineer, Full-Stack Developer, UI/UX Designer
Admissions:
Accreditations: Oracle Certified Professional, Microsoft Technology Associate, CompTIA Security+
#7. Kennesaw State University
Location: Kennesaw, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,450/year | Graduation Rate: 66%
Degree Programs: BS (4 years)
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Web Developer, Application Developer, Software Developer, Web Page Designer, Webmaster
Admissions:
Accreditations: AACSB
#8. Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Location: Kirkland, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,195/year | Graduation Rate: 43%
What makes Lake Washington Institute of Technology stand out: LWIT delivers job-ready web development training through practicing developers, emphasizing practical workflows and rapid, cost-effective entry into the job market.
Hakia Insight: Kirkland location with direct access to Seattle tech corridor
Program Overview: Lake Washington Institute of Technology's web development program takes a direct-to-workforce approach, building practical skills that employers immediately value without extraneous theory that delays job readiness. The curriculum focuses on in-demand technologies and professional practices—version control, testing, deployment pipelines, and collaborative development workflows—alongside core web technologies. Instructors are practicing developers and industry professionals who bring current, unfiltered knowledge of what development teams actually need. LWIT's Kirkland location provides convenient access to Seattle-area tech companies while maintaining the cost-effectiveness and flexible scheduling that open educational access to working adults and career changers. The program deliberately keeps cohorts manageable, enabling personalized feedback and networking. Graduates typically transition directly into junior developer roles, with many reporting that their practical readiness gave them competitive advantage over four-year graduates lacking real-world context. The program's strength lies in its efficient, outcome-focused design—students invest less time and money to reach job-ready capability.
Degree Programs: Bachelors in Web Development
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Microsoft, T-Mobile, Stockcharts.com
Admissions:
#9. Weber State University
Location: Ogden, UT | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,471/year | Graduation Rate: 92%
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)
#10. Utah Valley University
Location: Orem, UT | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,614/year | Graduation Rate: 92%
What makes Utah Valley University stand out: UVU's program uniquely centers accessibility and inclusive design as core technical competencies, producing web developers who stand out for building products that work for everyone.
Hakia Insight: Proximity to Salt Lake City tech employers
Program Overview: UVU's web development pathway emphasizes accessibility and inclusive design from day one—students learn to build interfaces that work for everyone, not just typical users. This human-centered approach threads through the curriculum, complementing technical training in responsive design, accessibility standards (WCAG), and usability testing. The program actively recruits and supports first-generation and non-traditional students, reflecting a teaching philosophy that demystifies web development and removes barriers to entry. Industry partnerships bring working professionals into the classroom as guest lecturers and project sponsors, ensuring students understand current hiring priorities. The program's strength lies in producing developers who think about user experience and inclusive design—differentiating graduates in interviews and resonating with employers building consumer-facing products.
Degree Programs: Bachelors in Web Development
Career Outcomes:
Admissions:
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% |
True Cost Breakdown
The true cost of a Web Development degree extends beyond tuition. Understanding total cost of attendance helps you budget accurately and compare programs fairly. According to College Board, non-tuition expenses add $12,000-$25,000 annually to degree costs.
Full Cost Breakdown:
- Tuition — $3,000-$15,000/year (in-state public) vs $30,000-$60,000/year (private)
- Fees — $500-$3,000/year (technology, activity, health fees)
- Books/Supplies — $500-$1,500/year; e-textbooks and open resources reduce costs
- Housing — $8,000-$15,000/year; off-campus often cheaper than dorms
- Food — $3,000-$5,000/year; meal plans vs. cooking varies widely
- Transportation — $1,000-$3,000/year; car-free campuses save significantly
- Personal/Misc — $2,000-$4,000/year; includes phone, entertainment, supplies
Cost-Saving Strategy: Use each school's Net Price Calculator for personalized estimates including financial aid. Sticker price rarely reflects actual cost.
In-State Tuition Strategies
Establishing in-state residency can reduce Web Development degree costs by $40,000-$80,000 over four years. Each state has different requirements, but most allow residency establishment within 12 months.
Common Residency Requirements:
- Physical presence — 12 consecutive months living in state before enrollment
- Intent to remain — Driver's license, voter registration, vehicle registration in state
- Financial independence — If under 24, may need parents to establish residency too
- Employment — Some states require working in-state during residency year
Gap Year Strategy: Work in your target state for a year before starting college. You'll earn money, establish residency, and save tens of thousands on tuition. Many tech hubs (Austin, Seattle, Denver) offer good entry-level tech jobs.
Regional Agreements: Some states offer reduced tuition through compacts like WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) or MSEP (Midwest Student Exchange)—typically 150% of in-state tuition.
Save with Transfer Credits
Starting at a community college before transferring can reduce Web Development degree costs by $20,000-$40,000. According to Community College Research Center, transfer students who complete associate's degrees before transferring achieve similar graduation rates to direct admits at four-year schools.
Transfer Pathway Strategy:
- Complete 60+ credits at community college (~$8,000-$15,000 total)
- Target transfer agreements — Many states guarantee admission to public universities for CC graduates
- Focus on transferable courses — General education and intro CS courses transfer most reliably
- Maintain 3.5+ GPA — Transfer admission is often more competitive than freshman admission
Transfer-Friendly Universities:
- UC System — TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) with CA community colleges
- UT Austin — CAP program guarantees transfer after one year at other UT campuses
- Arizona State — MAPP agreements with Maricopa Community Colleges
- Many state schools — 2+2 articulation agreements guarantee credit transfer
Graduate Debt-Free Strategies
Graduating debt-free from a Web Development program is achievable with strategic planning. According to TICAS, 30% of bachelor's graduates complete their degrees without student loans. Here's how to join them.
Debt-Free Strategies:
- Community college start — Complete 2 years for ~$7,000 vs $30,000+ at 4-year schools
- Work part-time — 15-20 hours/week at $15-20/hour covers living expenses; campus IT jobs are ideal
- Employer tuition programs — Companies like Starbucks, Amazon, and Target offer full tuition coverage
- AmeriCorps/Peace Corps — Earn $6,500+ education award per year of service
- Tuition payment plans — Interest-free monthly payments avoid loans for manageable amounts
Income While in School:
- Paid internships — ${programName} interns earn $4,000-$8,000/month in summer
- Freelance work — Web development, tutoring, or technical writing at $25-75/hour
- Teaching/tutoring — Campus tutoring centers pay $12-20/hour
- Research positions — $15-25/hour working with faculty
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
| State | Total Programs | Median Tuition | Top Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Affordable Web Development Programs in Washington | 3 | $4,074 | Green River College |
| Most Affordable Web Development Programs in Florida | 4 | $4,477 | University of Central Florida |
| Utah | 2 | $5,614 | Weber State University |
| Most Affordable Web Development Programs in New York | 3 | $7,070 | Farmingdale State College |
| Most Affordable Web Development Programs in Texas | 5 | $9,003 | Tarleton State University |
| Indiana | 2 | $9,718 | Purdue University-Main Campus |
| Most Affordable Web Development Programs in Ohio | 2 | $13,746 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus |
| Most Affordable Web Development Programs in Michigan | 2 | $16,930 | University of Michigan-Dearborn |
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.
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)
Ranking Factors
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
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.
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.