If you are considering a computer-related career, you may be interested in the Web Development or Web Design niches. They have overlapping skills and roles, but the former leans to the technical (front- and back-end) while the latter leans more to the visual aspects (front-end) of Web site and app building. This includes graphic design and UI/UX (user interface/user experience).
What you actually do in either role depends on the job description and ultimately the company offering the opportunity. Different Web job titles can have similar responsibilities. Both types of Web skills are in demand. Web Development are jobs expected to grow 15% from 2016-2026, which is faster than the national average.
In this ranking, we present the 15 most affordable traditional (on-campus) bachelor's degree programs in Web Development or Web Design. Methodology details are below.
Ranking Methodology
Each institution's net price is established by calculating the average cost of attendance for full-time undergrads in all degree programs, factoring tuition, scholarships and other financial aid, fees, books, room and board, etc.
Step 1: Query NCES for bachelor's degrees in the categories "Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design" and "Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster" — public and private nonprofit institutions.
Step 2: Filter out non-U.S. listings such as for protectorates including Guam, Puerto Rico, etc.
Step 3: Sort candidate colleges ascending by net price, and filter out schools with an undergrad graduation rate of less than 20% (institutionally, not necessarily program-wise).
Step 4: Manually verify that each college has a Web Development/Design or closely related bachelor's degree — until 15 institutions are verified.
While we verify accreditation during preparation of the data in this ranking, it is subject to change. In fact, NCES data may change 2-3 times per calendar year. You should verify all admission, cost, accreditation and program details for any college to which you intend to apply. For the full list of programs covered here at AffordableSchools to date, please see our School Rankings page.
Most Affordable Traditional Bachelor's Degrees in Web Development or Web Design
These are the 15 most affordable colleges (by average yearly net price) offering traditional (on-campus) programs in Web Development, Web Design, or closely related topics.
15. Grace College and Theological Seminary
Winona Lake, Indiana
Grace College and Theological Seminary is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. It integrates Christian ideals into academic programs which have been ranked by U.S. News & World Report in a number of categories:
Best Colleges for Veterans
Best Value Schools
Regional Universities Midwest
It has over 260 different practicum or internship opportunities on-campus and in the community. Students have a choice of a 3 or 4 year bachelor's degree or a 4 year bachelor's plus master's. Undergraduates receive free textbook rentals. There are many financial aid, opportunities. Undergrad tuition is fixed at the first-year rate. Notable Grace alumni includes writer Richard Mayhue, author of the book "How to Study the Bible."
Grace offers associate's through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Its 120-credit Web Design and Development major is available as either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. It is offered by the Department of Visual, Performing, and Media Arts in the School of Arts and Sciences, combining the artistic and technical aspects of Web site development. Curriculum categories include:
visual communication
Web development
marketing
Sample major courses (42 credits total) include:
Art and Design Fundamentals
Visual Communication Design
Introduction to Computer Science
HTML and Web Development
Server-side Programming
Client-side Programming.
Type: private, nonprofit
Net price: $20,324
In-state: $24,768 (tuition+fees)
Out-of-state: $24,768 (tuition+fees)
#students: 2156
#undergrads: 1762
Graduation rate: 62%
Has housing: Yes
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
14. Husson University
Bangor, Maine
Husson University is a private, nonprofit institution. It serves students at three campuses in Maine, plus online. Husson is #1 for the lowest net price in the state for 4-year private colleges. U.S. News & World Report ranked Husson #1 in 2017-2018 for the least tuition and fees among private colleges in the state. U.S. News also ranked Husson in their Best Colleges: 2019 Regional Universities North list. Notable Husson alumni include country music songwriter James Flynn.
Husson offers associate's through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Its Bachelor of Science in Integrated Technology (BSIT) – Web Design and Development concentration, is offered by Husson's College of Business. It consists of 122-123 credits. Example core major courses include Introduction to Computer Programming and Project Management Techniques. The Web Media concentration includes courses such as:
Web Imaging
Web Design-Content Layer
Web Design- Presentation Layer
User Experience and Interaction Design
Interactive Web Design
The skills gained in this BSIT program give graduates what they need to solve business problems with Web-based solutions.
Type: private, nonprofit
Net price: $19,429
In-state: $18,170 (tuition+fees)
Out-of-state: $18,170 (tuition+fees)
#students: 3648
#undergrads: 2768
Graduation rate: 55%
Has housing: Yes
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
13. University of St Francis
Joliet, Illinois
University of St Francis is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. It serves students on four campuses plus online, incorporating Roman Catholic/Franciscan values into its academic offering. While female students outnumber males (64% to 36%), the student body is fairly diverse and open to various faiths. USF's academic programs are recognized on top college ranking lists, including:
U.S. News & World Report
Princeton Review
Money Magazine
Victory Media/G.I. Jobs
Notable USF alumni include heavyweight Bellator MMA mixed martial artist Mike Wessel.
USF offers bachelor's through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Its Web Application Development major combines the technical (Computer Science) and the creative (Communication Media Arts) aspects of Web development. Some sample courses include:
Introduction to Information Technology
Web Programming Languages
Server Installation and Configuration
EBusiness
Digital Photography Editing
Web Page Design
Web Publishing and Platforms
The curriculum includes a Senior Project (Computer Science). An alternative is to pair a suitable bachelor's program (typically within Communication and Media Arts majors) with a concentration in Web Design, which consists of four courses .
Type: private, nonprofit
Net price: $18,766
In-state: $32,320 (tuition+fees)
Out-of-state: $32,320 (tuition+fees)
#students: 4166
#undergrads: 1599
Graduation rate: 63%
Has housing: Yes
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
12. Mount Saint Joseph University
Cincinnati, Ohio
Mount Saint Joseph University is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. It was founded as a Catholic university for women. It now serves coed students (61% female) on campus and online. More than 74% of students are commuters. Recognition for The Mount includes ranking lists published by:
- U.S. News & World Report
- Washington Monthly
- Victory Media/G.I. Jobs Magazine
The university included on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. It was also designated an Excellence in Assessment college/university. Notable Mount alumni include composer/instrumentalist Christopher Wilke.
The Mount offers associate's through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Its Web and Mobile App Development program is offered as both a major (Bachelor of Science) and a minor. While the program leans toward the technical aspects of the Web, the program has two tracks:
Technical
Graphic Design
These are treated as minors. The core computing course requirements are the same for each track, consisting of 71-77 credits. Example courses include:
Principles of Programming
Database Design and Development
Web Fundamentals and Standards
Intro to Mobile Application Development
Students in the Technical track might find careers in one of the following roles:
Back End Web and Mobile App Developer
Content Management System Manager
Database Administration/Mining/Analytics
Database Designer/Administrator
Front End Web and Mobile App Developer
Human-Computer Interaction Specialist
Type: private, nonprofit
Net price: $18,625
In-state: $30,100 (tuition+fees)
Out-of-state: $30,100 (tuition+fees)
#students: 2010
#undergrads: 1318
Graduation rate: 61%
Has housing: Yes
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
11. SUNY Morrisville State College
Morrisville, New York
Morrisville State College is a member of the public State University of New York (SUNY). It was founded as an agricultural college, and now serves students at two campuses, a learning center, plus online. Academic programs fall into a number of areas including:
career
technical
liberal arts (transfer only).
The college encourages hands-on experience in some study programs. In fact, it has ranked in the top six nationally for undergrad internship programs, as per U.S. News & World Report. The magazine who also ranked the college in their 2019 Best Colleges categories of Top Public Schools and Regional Colleges North. SUNY Morris's community service programs were recognized by their inclusion on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Morrisville also enjoys the designation of being a Military Friendly School by Victory Media. Notable alumni of Morrisville include UFC mixed martial artist Jon Jones, who is the current Light Heavyweight Champion.
Morrisville offers associate's and bachelor's level degrees, plus certificate programs. Its Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Information Technology: Web Development is delivered by the School of Science, Technology and Health Studies. It combines information technology with a strong background in:
multimedia
database design and management
web security
interface design and a multilingual command of programming
This combination of skills opens up job opportunities for multiple Web-related career roles. The curriculum includes a 12-credit internship that lasts a full semester. The college also hosts Global Game Jam, an annual, on-site, 48-hour computer game creation event.
Type: public
Net price: $18,326
In-state: $8,670 (tuition+fees)
Out-of-state: $18,720 (tuition+fees)
#students: 3063
#undergrads: 3063
Graduation rate: 28%
Has housing: Yes
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
10. Graceland University-Lamoni
Lamoni, Iowa
Graceland University-Lamoni is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Community of Christ. It serves students at two locations plus online. Its educational offering has much recognition, including on ranking lists published by:
- U.S. News & World Report
- Princeton Review
- Money Magazine
- Forbes Magazine
- Victory Media
Graceland's notable alumni include Pulitzer Prize winner Teresa Carpenter, a journalist and novelist.
Graceland offers bachelor's through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Its Bachelor of Arts in Web Design (or as an 18-credit Minor option) is delivered by the Division of Visual and Performing Arts. It'ss described as a combination of "the elements of an art major and a computer science and information technology major." Skills gained include those needed for Web-related creative work. The major portion of the BA consists of 38-42 credits. Example courses include:
Computer Graphics for Art and Design
Introduction to Graphic Design
Introduction to Web Page Programming
Database Concepts and SQL
Students also have a choice of Graphic Design Internship (3cr) or Internship in CSIT (1-3cr).
Type: private, nonprofit
Net price: $18,302
In-state: $29,240 (tuition+fees)
Out-of-state: $29,240 (tuition+fees)
#students: 2262
#undergrads: 1403
Graduation rate: 50%
Has housing: Yes
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
9. Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, Missouri
Lindenwood University is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. Originally founded as a girls school, Lindenwood University (LU, est. 1827) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, and one of the oldest colleges/universities "west of the Mississippi River." The university has earned recognition from Washington Monthly and U.S. News & World Report (2019: National Universities) for its academic offering. Notable Lindenwood alumni include multi-talented film and TV producer (Monster's Ball, Empire, Star), director (Precious, The Butler) and actor Lee Daniels.
LU offers bachelor's through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Its Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Media and Web Design is delivered by the Communications Department at the Belleville campus. Typical careers for graduates of this program include:
graphic designer
social media manager
web copywriter
web page developer
Example courses include:
Introduction to Computer Science: Javascript
Media Design Foundations
Internet and Web
Web Design
Capstone Interactive Media and Web Design
Program alternatives: BS Information Technology with a Web Design Cluster (three courses) and Advanced Web Design Cluster (four courses).
Type: private, nonprofit
Net price: $17,305
In-state: $17,600 (tuition+fees)
Out-of-state: $17,600 (tuition+fees)
#students: 10025
#undergrads: 6928
Graduation rate: 50%
Has housing: Yes
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
8. SUNY College of Technology Alfred State College
Alfred, New York
SUNY College of Technology at Alfred is part of the public State University of New York (SUNY) system. Although the college highlights its overall value and affordability, it's also known for:
its educational quality
suitability for military personnel and veterans
student life
A number of these factors are reflected in many of the rankings Alfred State has been recognized in, including those published by:
U.S. News & World Report
Best Value Schools
Princeton Review
Money magazine
WalletHub
Victory Media/GI Jobs
Some of Alfred State's alumni are also accomplished. A few such include:
Thomas Golisano, billionaire founder of Paychex, husband of Hall of Fame tennis player Monica Seles
Brandon (B.J.) Mendelson, comedian, author, and social media critic.
ASC offers associate's and bachelor's level degrees, plus certificate programs. Its Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology: Web Development requires 124 credit hours, with 81 for program requirements. This is a program that Money Magazine ranked as #1 nationally in their 2018 Best Colleges for Your Money list. Key courses and electives include:
Database Concepts
Linux/Unix Admin and Scripting
Web Applications
Web Server Administration
a full-semester Info Technology Internship
Graduates will be able to find work as web administrators or web developers. However, because the degree has a strong IT foundation, students also should be able to become:
database administrators
IT managers
network support specialists
programmers
project managers
systems analysts
user support staff
technical sales reps.
Alfred State says 100% of students with this degree find employment. They will also be able to pursue an IT graduate degree.
Type: public
Net price: $15,304
In-state: $8,570 (tuition+fees)
Out-of-state: $15,395 (tuition+fees)
#students: 3686
#undergrads: 3686
Graduation rate: 52%
Has housing: Yes
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
7. University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, Arkansas
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is one of the largest universities in the state. It's part of the public University of Arkansas System. The school is known for its flexible approach to education.It combines critical thinking with practical learning opportunities, including extensive internship options. UA Little Rock is also known for its affordability, student diversity, and the support available for service members, veterans, and their families. Among the university's notable alumni are several state and federal politicians. However, career diplomat James Richard Cheek, U.S. Ambassador to Sudan under George H.W. Bush and Ambassador to Argentina under Bill Clinton, may be the most successful alumnus.
The university offers associate's through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Its Bachelor of Arts in Web Design and Development is a multidisciplinary program that combines:
art
design
information science
information technology
mass communication
writing
The degree requires 120 credit hours, with 85 for program requirements and electives. Key courses and options include:
Mobile Web Design
Non-Linear Editing
Social Computing
Vector Graphics
Writing on the Web
a Cooperative Experience capstone
The program suits students looking to create a foundation for their careers, or those employed individuals who want to either change careers or expand their existing skill sets. Graduates will be able to find work in:
content management
user experience
web design.
Type: public
Net price: $13,404
In-state: $9,544 (tuition+fees)
Out-of-state: $21,754 (tuition+fees)
#students: 11624
#undergrads: 8793
Graduation rate: 32%
Has housing: Yes
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
6. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Founded as a teacher training school, University of Wisconsin-Oshkoshis a member of the public University of Wisconsin System. It serves students at three locations plus online. The university's academic offering earned it spots in U.S. News & World Report's 2019 Best Colleges lists UW Oshkosh's alumni enjoy careers in many areas, including:
art and literature
business
education
government/politics
computer science and technology
media
sports
Notable alumni include jazz and blues musician/composer John Altenburgh.
UW Oshkosh offers associate's through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Its Bachelor of Arts and Science (BAS) in Interactive Web Management is available with two emphases:
Web and Mobile Development
Web Presence Management
This is an interdisciplinary program that combines courses from several departments, covering a range of topics:
Business
Computer Science
Information Systems
Journalism
Marketing
Example courses include:
Creating the Digital Future
Introduction to Business
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming
Web Development
Graduates of this program may find themselves in one of a variety of careers, including:
e-commerce social media management
user experience design
Web design
Web development
Search engine analytics and/or optimization.
Type: public
Net price: $13,092
In-state: $7,621 (tuition+fees)
Out-of-state: $15,194 (tuition+fees)
#students: 13933
#undergrads: 12410
Graduation rate: 52%
Has housing: Yes
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
5. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is a member of the public University of Wisconsin System. It serves students at three locations plus online. It is the first college/institution in state to attain 100% renewable electricity. U.S. News & World Report also ranked the university in several categories in its 2019 Best Colleges list. Notable UWSP alumni include actresses Kathy Kinney (The Drew Carey Show) and Andrea Anders (The Class).
UWSP offers associate's through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Its Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) Web Development are delivered by the Department of Computing and New Media Technologies. Skills gained include the ability to "design and develop interactive products from websites and desktop applications to mobile apps and beyond." Example courses include:
Web Design and Development
Principles of Computing
Object-Oriented Programming
A capstone experience is one of a number of projects. These are both 66-credit degree completion programs, with the BA requiring eight credits of language courses.
Type: public
Net price: $12,935
In-state: $8,239 (tuition+fees)
Out-of-state: $16,506 (tuition+fees)
#students: 8222
#undergrads: 7894
Graduation rate: 65%
Has housing: Yes
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
4. Lewis-Clark State College
Lewiston, Idaho
Lewis-Clark State College, a public institution, follows what it calls a three-mission model, encompassing:
community college
career/technical college,
traditional academic
It also offers community support and outreach initiatives. This provides a pathway to higher education for students from differing backgrounds with varying interests and goals. Not surprisingly, 73% are first-generation students. Overall, LCSC is well regarded as a regional college, particularly when it comes to practical experience opportunities and student support. This is reflected in their being ranked in U.S. News & World Report's 2019 Best Colleges: Regional Colleges West list. The school's notable alumni include Major League Baseball players, such as Keith Foulke, Boston Red Sox 2004 World Series closer. However, LCSC can also count celebrated writers among its number, including Aprilynne Pike, a New York Times bestselling author.
LCSC offers associate's and bachelor's level degrees, plus certificate programs. Its Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Web Design and Development requires 120 credits, with 33 for upper-division BAS electives. Students must first complete the school's AAS degree before entering the bachelor's portion of the program. Students can use up to 50 credits from AAS program courses towards the BAS. Key courses and electives include:
Advanced Web Design
Multimedia Web Applications
Web Authoring Systems
an Internship in Computer Information Technology
a Web Development Capstone
Potential career avenues for BAS graduates include:
backend developers
content strategists
frontend developers
UI designers/UX developers
web designers; web developers
website managers/administrators.
Type: public
Net price: $11,482
In-state: $6,618 (tuition+fees)
Out-of-state: $19,236 (tuition+fees)
#students: 3746
#undergrads: 3746
Graduation rate: 28%
Has housing: Yes
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
3. Weber State University
Ogden, Utah
Weber State University is a public institution. It has a dual-mission model that gives every student the opportunity for an affordable, quality higher education. While the school has an open admissions policy for its lower-division courses, some bachelor's programs do have admission requirements. The dual-mission model attracts a large number of non-traditional students, WSU works to support each student to ensure they can succeed in their academic career and beyond. The university's overall approach and academic offering is recognized in several categories of U.S. News & World Report's 2019 Best Colleges ranking lists, including:
Regional Universities West
Business Programs
Best Online Bachelor's Programs
Some of the school's notable alumni include:
Damian Lillard, 4-time NBA All-Star point guard
J. Willard Marriott founder of the Marriott hospitality empire
Sarah Callister Sellers,2018 Boston Marathon runner-up
WSU offers associate's through master's level degrees, plus certificate programs. Its Bachelor of Science (BS) in Web and User Experience requires 123 credits, with 42 for upper-level major requirements. Key courses and electives include:
Human-Computer Interaction
Motion Graphics
Server-Side Web Architecture
User Interface Prototyping and Design
a Web Development Capstone
The BS builds on the AAS degree, which students can apply to receive after completing the first two years of the bachelor's program. The Web and User Experience BS utilizes various practical learning opportunities, including:
studying abroad in Thailand and creating multimedia content for their tourism websites
building and maintaining websites for community partners and non-profit organizations
and internships
WSU also offers a Bachelor of Integrated Studies (BIS) with a 23-24 credit Emphasis in Web Technology.
Type: public
Net price: $11,098
In-state: $5,859 (tuition+fees)
Out-of-state: $15,646 (tuition+fees)
#students: 27949
#undergrads: 27111
Graduation rate: 33%
Has housing: Yes
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
2. Brigham Young University-Idaho
Rexburg, Idaho
Brigham Young University-Idaho is a private, nonprofit institution operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Students do not have to be Mormon, but must adhere to an honor code, which includes regular church attendance and rules on abstinence, behavior, clothing, and language. BYU-Idaho is known for its value — combination of academic quality and affordability, which is recognized by U.S. News & World Report.
Some of BYU-Idaho's notable alumni include:
Rulon Gardner,Olympic gold medal wrestler
Stephanie Barclay, law professor and clerk for Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch
Frank L. VanderSloot, multi-billionaire founder of wellness company Melaleuca
BYUI offers associate's and bachelor's level degree programs. Its Bachelor of Science in Web Design and Development requires 120 credits, with 36 for core courses and 15 for supplemental courses. Key courses and electives include:
Advanced CSS; Database Design & Development
Full Web Stack Development; an Internship
a Capstone
The 15 credits for supplemental courses provide students with the choice to complete either a design-oriented UI/UX Certificate or a web-oriented Development Module. Various additional certificates, clusters, or minors may also be available. Possible career options include:
advertising
content development
corporate communications
database design
digital communications
interactive design
public relations
project management
web design
web development.
Type: private, nonprofit
Net price: $7,727
In-state: $4,118 (tuition+fees)
Out-of-state: $4,118 (tuition+fees)
#students: 51881
#undergrads: 51881
Graduation rate: 59%
Has housing: Yes
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
1. Utah Valley University
Orem, Utah
Utah Valley University is the largest public university in the state and a member of the Utah System of Higher Education. Its continued enrollment growth over the past few years centers centers its open admissions policy and dual-mission model. This means UVU has the accessibility, affordability, and academic options of a community/technical college. It offers a smoother pathway to a 4-year or advanced degree. To create that smoother pathway, UVU provides support and resources that help ensure student success. Its academic offering has recognition from U.S. News & World Report, in several categories of their Best Colleges ranking list. Some of the school's notable alumni include:
Actress A. J. Cook, known for her role as Jennifer "JJ" Jareau on Criminal Minds
Ricky Lundell, grappling world champion and coach for such UFC fighters as Jon Jones and Ronda Rousey
UVU offers associate's through master's level degrees, plus certificate programs. Its Bachelor of Science (BS) in Web Design and Development has two pathways:
the Interaction and Design
Web and App Development
The degree requires 120 credits, with 47 for core requirements and 38 for the chosen emphasis.Key core courses include: :
Digital Product Design
Media Traffic and Analytics
two Senior Capstones.
Key ID Emphasis courses include:
Authoring for Virtual Reality Experiences
an Interaction Design Colloquium.
Key WAD Emphasis courses include:
Rich Internet Application Development
Web Tools and Frameworks
Both emphases have internship options. ID Emphasis graduates can find work in digital product design, interaction design, or VR/AR content development. Those with the WAD Emphasis should be in line for web and app developer positions.
Type: public
Net price: $6,690
In-state: $5,726 (tuition+fees)
Out-of-state: $16,296 (tuition+fees)
#students: 37282
#undergrads: 36868
Graduation rate: 30%
Has housing: No
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
By AS Staff
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