Updated December 2025

Best Web Development Programs in Tennessee: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 7 top accredited web development programs in Tennessee. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis.

Programs Ranked:7
Median Salary:$108,470
Cost of Living:93.2%
Tech Hubs:3

Top 3 Web Development Programs in Tennessee 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

Lipscomb University

Nashville, TNPrivate

28 web development graduates annually, 90% graduation rate

$36K
Tuition/yr
90%
Grad Rate
62.5
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Johnson University

Knoxville, TNPrivate

2 web development graduates annually, 87% graduation rate

$18K
Tuition/yr
87%
Grad Rate
50.8
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TNPublic

3 web development graduates annually, 97% graduation rate

$8K
Tuition/yr
97%
Grad Rate
47.8
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Tennessee offers 7+ accredited web development programs across public and private universities
  • 2.Lipscomb University leads with 90% graduation rate
  • 3.Tennessee software developers earn median $108,470 annually (BLS OES 2024)
  • 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis
  • 5.Cost of living index: 93.2% of US average (below average)

Web Development Education in Tennessee: Overview

Tennessee offers 7 accredited web development programs, producing approximately 44 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, with major employers including HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein.

With a median software developer salary of $108,470 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 93.2% compared to the US average, Tennessee offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, further boosting take-home pay.

The top web development programs in the state are led by Lipscomb University, Johnson University, East Tennessee State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Ranking Methodology

Based on 7 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Web Development degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

Tennessee-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024

Tennessee Web Development Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1Lipscomb UniversityNashville, TNPrivate$35,84890%62.5
2Johnson UniversityKnoxville, TNPrivate$18,42887%50.8
3East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson City, TNPublic$7,70697%47.8
4Belmont UniversityNashville, TNPrivate$39,40097%44.8
5King UniversityBristol, TNPrivate$32,902โ€”44.4
6Union UniversityJackson, TNPrivate$19,476โ€”42.9
7Trevecca Nazarene UniversityNashville, TNPrivate$28,590โ€”38.3

Top 5 Web Development Programs in Tennessee: Side-by-Side

SchoolLipscombJohnsonEast Tennessee StateBelmontKing
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$35,848
$18,428
$7,706
$39,400
$32,902
Graduation Rate
90%
87%
97%
97%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
28
2
3
2
5
Acceptance Rate
67%
54%
87%
96%
54%
Type
Private
Private
Public
Private
Private
Score
62.5/100
50.8/100
47.8/100
44.8/100
44.4/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Web Development in Tennessee

Tennessee offers 6 bachelor's-level web development programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Lipscomb University, Johnson University, Belmont University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,929 in the Tennessee 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 Tennessee

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Lipscomb
$35,848
90%
28
62.5
#2 Johnson
$18,428
87%
2
50.8
#3 Belmont
$39,400
97%
2
44.8

Top Web Development Schools for Master's Degrees in Tennessee

For graduate study, Tennessee offers 1 master's-level web development programs. Leading institutions include East Tennessee State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Tennessee reaching $141,011 or more.

Top 3 Web Development Master's Programs in Tennessee

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 East Tennessee State
$7,706
97%
3
47.8

Most Affordable Web Development Colleges in Tennessee

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable web development programs in Tennessee are at East Tennessee State University ($7,706/year), Johnson University ($18,428/year), Union University ($19,476/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Tennessee's competitive tech salaries.

At East Tennessee State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $30,824 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,929, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.8 years. See our Most Affordable Web Development Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Web Development Programs in Tennessee (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 East Tennessee State
$7,706
$30,824
0.8 years
Public
#2 Johnson
$18,428
$73,712
1.8 years
Private
#3 Union
$19,476
$77,904
1.9 years
Private

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Web Development Schools in Tennessee

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 web development programs in Tennessee, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.

#1

Lipscomb University

Nashville, TN โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $35,848 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Web Development Graduates: 28 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 67%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 62.5 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 90% graduation rate
  • 28 web development graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 62.5 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (28 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (67% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

Lipscomb's Information Technology program offers hands-on learning with expert faculty specializing in different areas of computing, combined with professional connections to the IT industry in Middle Tennessee and a 97% job placement rate.

Program Details
  • Credits: 126 credits
  • Internship Required
Career Outcomes
  • Job Placement: 97% job placement rate
#2

Johnson University

Knoxville, TN โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $18,428 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Web Development Graduates: 2 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 54%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 50.8 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 87% graduation rate
  • 2 web development graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 50.8 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (54% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

Johnson & Wales University offers a three-year career-focused Design Bachelor's degree that allows students to save on tuition, graduate one year earlier, and start their career faster. Students work on real-world projects for actual clients, build portfolios, and showcase their work at the annual Design Student Reveal Exhibit where industry professionals see their creativity in action.

Available Specializations / Concentrations
Web DesignGraphic Design
#3

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $7,706 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Web Development Graduates: 3 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 47.8 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 97% graduation rate
  • 3 web development graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 47.8 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (87% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#4

Belmont University

Nashville, TN โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $39,400 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Web Development Graduates: 2 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 44.8 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 97% graduation rate
  • 2 web development graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 44.8 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

Belmont's computer science program offers personalized learning with small class sizes, strong undergraduate research opportunities leading to conference presentations, and direct connections to Nashville's thriving tech scene with major employers like Amazon and Oracle.

Program Details
  • Credits: 128 hours
Career Outcomes
  • Job Placement: 97% of graduates were employed, pursuing continuing education or enlisted in the military or volunteering within six months of graduation
  • Top Employers: Amazon, Oracle
#5

King University

Bristol, TN โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $32,902 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Web Development Graduates: 5 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 54%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 44.4 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 5 web development graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 44.4 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (5 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (54% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

$75,929
Starting Salary
$108,470
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
5,385
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$127,366

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+35%

Data Scientist opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$112,762

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1244
+22%

DevOps Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$117,088

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+23%

AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$122,862
+33%

Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$112,899

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Tennessee if...
  • You want access to tech jobs in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis
  • You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (93.2% of US average)
  • You want to work at companies like HCA Healthcare or Asurion
  • You want no state income tax on wages
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Tennessee's 7)
  • You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)

Other Tech Degree Programs in Tennessee

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+35% growth
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Web Development Programs in Other States

Web Development in Tennessee FAQ

Related Resources

Data Sources & Methodology

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Tennessee salary data

2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

Taylor Rupe

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.