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, including 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, with Web Development jobs expected to grow 15% for the period 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 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 (GCTS, est. 1948) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. It integrates Christian ideals into academic programs (over 1,600 courses with integration) — which have been ranked by U.S. News & World Report in a number of categories (2019: Best Colleges for Veterans, Best Value Schools, Regional Universities Midwest) — and 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,” and undergrads receive free textbook rentals. In addition to a strong likelihood (99%) of some form of financial aid, undergrad tuition is fixed at the first-year rate. Notable Grace alumni include writer Richard Mayhue, author of the book “How to Study the Bible.”
Grace offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs — with over 70 majors in total. 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 delivered 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 and 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 (Husson, est. 1898) is a private, nonprofit institution. It serves students at three campuses in Maine, plus online. Husson is particularly proud of its 100% pass rate for the graduate nursing certification exam, as well as the fact that they are #1 for the lowest net price (undergrad average yearly cost of attendance) in the state for 4-year private colleges — a fact also recognized by U.S. News & World Report (USNWR), which ranked them similarly #1 for 2017-2018 for the least tuition and fees amongst private colleges in the state. USNWR 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, delivered by Husson’s College of Business, 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 (USF, est. 1920) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. It serves students on four campuses (including one in New Mexico) plus online, incorporating Roman Catholic/Franciscan values into its academic offering. While female students outnumber males (64% to 36%, F2018-19), the student body is fairly diverse and open to various faiths. USF’s academic programs are recognized on top college ranking lists, including those published by: U.S. News & World Report (2019: Best Value Schools, Regional Universities Midwest, Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, Best Online Graduate Education Programs); Princeton Review (Best Colleges: Midwestern Region 2019); Money Magazine (Best Colleges for Your Money 2017); Victory Media/G.I. Jobs (Military Friendly 2018). 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 comprises 61 credits of a bachelor’s degree, combining 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 and 12 credits.
- 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 (The Mount, est. 1920) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Originally founded as a Catholic university for women, it serves coed students (61% female) on campus and online, with over 74% of students being commuters. Recognition for The Mount includes ranking lists published by: U.S. News & World Report (2019: Regional Universities Midwest, Best Online Bachelor’s Programs); Washington Monthly (Best Bang for the Buck); Victory Media/G.I. Jobs Magazine (Military Friendly School). The university also made it to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, and was designated an Excellence in Assessment (EIA) college/university. Notable Mount alumni include composer/instrumentalist Christopher Wilke (guitar, lute).
The Mount offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – with over 35 majors in total. Its Web and Mobile App Development program is offered as both a major (Bachelor of Science) and a minor. While the program leans to the technical aspects of the Web, the BS program has two tracks (Technical; Graphic Design), which 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 (CMS) Manager; Database Administration/Mining/Analytics; Database Designer/Administrator; Front End Web and Mobile App Developer; Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Specialist. Students graduating from the Graphic Design track may find opportunities in similar roles, as well as Web and Graphic Design.
- 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 (Morrisville, est. 1908) is a member of the public State University of New York (SUNY). Originally founded as an agricultural college, it currently serves students at two campuses, a learning center, plus online. Academic programs fall into a number of areas including career, technical and liberal arts (transfer only), and the college has a history of having facilities that enable 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, who also ranked them in their 2019 Best Colleges categories of Top Public Schools and Regional Colleges North. Their 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 (2016). 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 — over 75 degree programs in total. Its Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Information Technology: Web Development is delivered by the School of Science, Technology and Health Studies, and 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 (at a business) that lasts a full semester (senior year). (The college also hosts Global Game Jam, an annual, on-site, 48-hour computer game creation event.) Contact Morrisville for curriculum information.
- 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 (Graceland, est. 1895) 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 (2019: Regional Universities Midwest, Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, Best Online Graduate Education Programs); Princeton Review (2019 Best College Midwest; Green Colleges); Money Magazine (Best Colleges); Forbes Magazine (Grateful Grads Index: Top 200 Best-Loved Colleges); Victory Media (Military Friendly 2019-20). 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 — over 35 programs in total. Its Bachelor of Arts in Web Design (or as an 18-credit Minor option) is delivered by the Division of Visual and Performing Arts and is described as a combination of “the elements of an art major and a computer science and information technology major.” Skills gained include that 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 (LU, est. 1827) 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 (BA-IMWD, available as a minor) is delivered by the Communications Department, in the Division of Humanities at the Belleville campus. (Note: this will become part of a new Art and Design program for Fall 2019. Details available mid-April.) 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 (Alfred State, est. 1908) 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 (particularly in the regional colleges category), suitability for military personnel and veterans, and 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 (2019: Top Public Schools, Regional Colleges North, Best Value Schools, Best Colleges for Veterans); Princeton Review (Best Colleges – Northeastern); Money magazine (Best Colleges for Your Money – multiple categories); WalletHub (best regional colleges – NY state and northern regional); Victory Media/GI Jobs (Military Friendly School). Some of Alfred State’s are also accomplished. A few such include: Thomas Golisano (billionaire founder of Paychex, husband of Hall of Fame tennis player Monica Seles); and Brandon (B.J.) Mendelson (comedian, author, and social media critic).
ASC offers associate’s and bachelor’s level degrees — over 70 majors in total — plus certificate programs. Its Bachelor of Technology (BTech) 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; and a full-semester Info Technology Internship. Graduates will mostly 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; or 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 (UALR, est. 1927) is one of the largest universities in the state and within the public University of Arkansas System. The school is known for its flexible approach to education, which 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. This is reflected in a number of “best colleges” ranking lists published by U.S. News & World Report (2019: National Universities, Business Programs, Engineering Programs – schools with a doctorate, Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs). 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 political figure to have attended UA Little Rock.
UALR offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Web Design and Development is a multidisciplinary program that combines art, design, information science, information technology, mass communication, and 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; and a Cooperative Experience capstone. The program suits high school graduates looking to create a foundation for their careers, or those employed individuals who want to either change careers or upgrade/expand their existing skill sets. Graduates will be able to find work in content management, user experience, or web design in pretty much any industry that requires responsive websites or mobile apps.
- 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
Originally founded as a teacher training school, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (UW Oshkosh, est. 1871) is a member of the public University of Wisconsin System. It serves students at three locations plus online. The university supplements its academic offering with programs such as their annual Model United Nations Program, which has earned 25 25 consecutive yearly awards for Outstanding Delegation. Their academic offering earned them spots in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Colleges lists, in the categories of Top Public Schools and Regional Universities Midwest. UW Oshkosh’s alumni enjoy careers in many areas, including art and literature, business, education, government/politics, computer science and technology, media, sports and more. A few notable alumni include jazz and blues musician/composer John Altenburgh.
UW Oshkosh offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs — with over 200 majors, minors and emphasis options. Its Bachelor of Arts and Science (BAS) in Interactive Web Management (IWM) 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 and more. 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 (UX) design, Web design, Web development, search engine analytics and/or optimization, and more.
- 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 (UWSP, est. 1894) is a member of the public University of Wisconsin System. It serves students at three locations plus online. USWP is tops for their sustainability initiatives, receiving recognition for them from AASHE/STARS (Gold 2015, 2012), Princeton Review (Green College Honor Roll) and the U.S. Dept. of Education (Green Ribbon Award for sustainability). 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 (2019: Top Public Schools , Best Colleges for Veterans, Best Value Schools, Regional Universities Midwest). 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 – over 100 programs in total. Its Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) Web Development (also available as a minor) 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 (LCSC, est. 1893), a public institution, follows what it calls a three-mission model, encompassing community college, career/technical college, and traditional academic programs, as well as community support and outreach initiatives. This provides a pathway to higher education for students not only from differing backgrounds but with varying interests and goals, as well. 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. Many of the school’s notable alumni are Major League Baseball players (including 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. They 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; and a Web Development Capstone. Potential career avenues for BAS graduates include becoming: backend developers; content strategists; frontend developers; UI designers/UX developers; web designers; web developers; or 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 (WSU, est. 1889) is a public institution with 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. As the dual-mission model attracts a large number of non-traditional students (including older, married, and first-generation), WSU works to support each student to ensure they can succeed in their academic career and beyond. Their 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); and 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; and 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 (BYU-Idaho, est. 1888) is a private, nonprofit institution operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka the LDS or Mormon Church). Students do not have to be Mormon (although most are), but must adhere to an honor code, which includes regular church attendance and rules on abstinence, behavior, clothing, and language. Aside from its LDS foundation, BYU-Idaho is known for its value — combination of academic quality and affordability, which is recognized by U.S. News & World Report in some of their 2019 Best Colleges categories (Regional Colleges West, Engineering Programs – schools with no doctorate). Some of BYU-Idaho’s notable alumni include: Rulon Gardner (Olympic gold medal wrestler); Stephanie Barclay (law professor who will clerk for Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch in 2021); and Frank L. VanderSloot (multi-billionaire founder of wellness company Melaleuca).
BYUI offers associate’s and bachelor’s level degree programs. Its Bachelor of Science (BS) in Web Design and Development (WDD) 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; and 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 (depending on career interests/preferences). Various additional certificates, clusters, or minors may also be available. Possible career options include working in: advertising; content development; corporate communications; database design; digital communications; interactive design; public relations; project management; web design; or 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 (UVU, est. 1941) is the largest public university in the state and is a member of the Utah System of Higher Education. Its continued enrollment growth over the past few years centers around its open admissions policy and dual-mission model. This means UVU has the accessibility, affordability, and academic options of a community/technical college with 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 (2019: Regional Universities West, Business Programs, Engineering Programs – schools with no doctorate). Some of the school’s notable alumni include: A. J. Cook (actress known for playing 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 (ID) Emphasis or the Web and App Development (WAD) Emphasis. The degree requires 120 credits, with 47 for core requirements and 38 for the chosen emphasis (minimum grades and a portfolio evaluation are needed to enter the program’s upper-level). Key core courses include: Digital Product Design; Media Traffic and Analytics; and two Senior Capstones. Key ID Emphasis courses include: Authoring for Virtual Reality Experiences; and an Interaction Design Colloquium. Key WAD Emphasis courses include: Rich Internet Application Development; and 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
April 2019
