Top 15 Online Bachelor’s in Web Design and Development

By: GDDH Staff

Earning an online bachelor’s degree in web development is a great way to boost your earning potential, value, and versatility in a competitive market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 15% growth in employment for web developers between 2012-2026. This growth is largely due to the rapid expansion of software, mobile platforms, e-commerce, and online applications.
Below are the top 15 most affordable online bachelor’s degrees in web development. This list was narrowed from approximately 40 programs that featured an online bachelor’s in web development. This list also includes online degrees that offer web design and development as concentrations or majors. Focusing further on affordability, all of the selected online web development degrees are under $650 per-credit-hour.
The selected, affordable online web development degrees were ranked by a specific set of criteria that included the following:

Tuition Rate

Between $0 and $350 per credit-hour – 10 points
Between $350 and $450 per credit-hour – 8 points
Between $450 and $550 per credit- hour – 6 points
Between $550 and $650 per credit-hour – 4 points
Over $650 per credit-hour – 2 points

Tuition value of the online web design and development bachelor’s, as reported by Niche and U.S. Department of Education (Range 1-4 points)

Presence of scholarship or credit for prior learning opportunities for the web development bachelor’s online student (Range 1-3 points)

Flexibility level of the affordable online bachelor’s degree in web development (Range 1-3 points)

1 point was added for any additional factors that would be considered particularly beneficial to the potential web design and development bachelor’s degree seeking online student.

In the event of a tie in points, the online bachelor’s degree program with the lower tuition rate was ranked more highly.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

Online BS in Information Technologies: Web Development Concentration

Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 18th
Tuition Rate: $320 per credit-hour
Points: 24
Website
Revered for its high academic standards, Southern New Hampshire University has degree programs for a wide range of study areas. SNHU has a low-cost online BS in information technologies that can be specialized with an online web development concentration. Graduates with this bachelor of science online can go on to careers as computer support specialists, system analysts, and information security analysts, among other related field areas. The curriculum associated with the BS includes computer system security, computing as a service, and cross-platform technologies. Additionally, SNHU has generous policies for earning credit for what incoming students already know in information technology.

2. Hodges University

Naples, Florida

Online Bachelor of Science in Web Development

Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 18th
Tuition Rate: $381 per credit-hour
Points: 24
Website

Hodges University is a low-cost, military-friendly institution that is popular among adult students. Hodges boasts a 93% job placement rate among graduates pursuing career-centered employment. Hodges’ computer science degree options include a bachelor’s in BS in computer information technology, cybersecurity and networking, or software developer. For students seeking competencies in online web design and development, Hodges provides the needed curriculum to feel confident in the workforce. Hodges consistently ranks among the top affordable online web development degrees.

3. Wilmington University

New Castle, Delaware

Online Bachelor of Science in Web Development

Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 18th
Tuition Rate: $381 per credit-hour
Points: 23
Website
Based in Delaware, Wilmington University has degree programs for a vast range of academic pursuits. Wilmington’s online bachelor of science in web development focuses on software design, theory, computer architecture, systems analysis, and programming software including HTML/CSS, PHP, and Java, JavaScript, C # and C++. Wilmington’s flexible, affordable 100% online computer science degree leads to promising careers in IT consulting, multimedia programming, database administration, and more. Wilmington charges only for the courses needed to earn or complete the bachelor’s degree.

4. Franklin University

Columbus, Ohio

Online BS in Web Development

Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 18th
Tuition Rate: $398 per credit-hour
Points: 23
Website

Franklin University has a highly affordable online BS web development degree; this 124-credit degree combines general education with core professional courses related to the major. Students enrolled in the online web development bachelor’s complete courses that are 100% online, and the faculty is known to be seasoned professionals in the field. The comprehensive curriculum includes principles of computer networks, graphic editing software, javascript for programmers, Linux administration, and human-computer interaction. Franklin University students may transfer up to 94 college credits toward the degree. Franklin’s tuition is 66% less than the national average for 4-year private colleges.

5. American Public University

Charlestown, West Virginia

Bachelor of Science in Computer Technology

Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 18th
Tuition Rate: $285 per credit-hour
Points: 22
Website

A high-value, low-cost education, American Public University is a nationally recognized institution. APU’s online bachelor’s in computer science is an excellent choice for students seeking a degree with a web development concentration. The 120-credit online degree has monthly opportunities to begin courses; among the course curriculum options are user interface design, web eCommerce development, and enterprise data exchange using XML. This college allows up to 90 transfer credits from other institutions. APU’s university book grant allows students to access all textbooks at no additional cost.

6. Full Sail University

Worldwide

Online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking:
Tuition Rate: $696 per credit-hour
Points: 22
Website

Recognized for its non-traditional approaches to education, Full Sail University has hands-on course curriculum and faculty. Full Sail has multiple 100% online bachelor’s degrees in computer technology, such as computer science, information technology, mobile development, simulation and visualization, and web design and development. The online web development bachelor’s degree provides students with design, software, and programming skills for websites. Additionally, students learn server-side languages and advanced database structures. Full Sail University provides a dynamic learning environment, top-notch media software, and networking opportunities.

7. Fort Hays State University

Hays, Kansas

Online BS: Information Networking and Telecommunications, Web Application Development Concentration

Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 18th
Tuition Rate: $218 per credit-hour
Points: 21
Website

Fort Hays State University has a well-rounded range of degree programs and a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. FHSU offers an online BS in information networking and telecommunications web development degree; this degree merges web development with e-commerce and data development. Additionally, FHSU’s online degree in general studies includes a web development concentration; this concentration is 21 credit-hours that include courses in interactive systems design, web scripting languages, intensive web development, and more. Fort Hays is an affordable option for earning a web development bachelor’s degree online.

8. Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska

Online Bachelor of Science in Web Development

Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 18th
Tuition Rate: $425 per credit-hour
Points:21
Website
Based in Nebraska, Bellevue University has over 50,000 graduates on a global scale. Bellevue’s flexible online degree opportunities are considered affordable, and especially military-friendly. A significant outcome of Bellevue’s online bachelor’s in web development degree is the enhancement of teamwork skills. BU’s online BS in applied technology leads to successful careers in online web development, information technology, and similar fields. BU’s online bachelor’s in applied technology degree can be specialized with supplemental certificates; among these certifications are web backend development, social media marketing, and system administration.

9. Champlain College

Burlington, Vermont

Online Bachelor of Science Web Design and Development

Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 18th
Tuition Rate: $318 per credit-hour
Points: 20
Website

Founded in 1878, Champlain College is a Vermont-based private college with both on-campus and online degrees. This college’s 100% online bachelor’s in web design and development is affordable and flexible. Students enrolled in the online web development degree complete 120 credits in both general education and web professional curriculum; these credit-hours are taken in three seven-week semesters per year. Graduates of Champlain’s online bachelor’s in web design go into careers as computer programmers, web designers, UX designers, front end developers, and more. Additionally, the online web development faculty are expert-level professionals in their field.

10. Brigham Young University

Rexburg, Idaho

Online Bachelor of Science in Applied Technology

Accreditation: Yes
Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 18th
Tuition Rate: $286 per credit-hour
Points:19
Website
An admired name in education, Brigham Young University has a wide spectrum of online degree opportunities. BYU’s online BS in applied technology leads to successful careers in online web development, information technology, and similar fields. BYU’s online bachelor’s in applied technology can be specialized with ten supplemental certificates from which to choose, including web backend development, social media marketing, and system administration. This affordable online degree in web development is only $286 per credit-hour, making for a tuition with an excellent return on investment.

11. Colorado State University Global

Worldwide

Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking:
Tuition Rate: $325 per credit-hour
Points: 19
Website
An entirely online school, Colorado State University Global has affordable tuition that has not risen in over seven years. CSU Global has an online BS in information technology; this degree includes a hands-on approach to web development online curriculum. The 120-credit online bachelor’s in information technology degree provides courses in programming, technology troubleshooting, theoretical and applied uses of technology, network design and administration, online IT security, software and application development, and much more. Over 84% of CSU Global’s faculty are current professionals with terminal degrees in their field.

12. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, Louisiana

Online BS in Computer Information Systems: Web Development Concentration Early Childhood Education

Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 18th
Tuition Rate: $375 per credit-hour
Points: 18
Website

Founded in 1884, Northwestern State University of Louisiana has a long history of top-notch academic programs. NSULA has an online bachelor of science in computer information systems (CIS); this online BS program has online courses for a wide range of study areas. NSULA has a low-cost online BS in information technologies; this program can be specialized by adding an online web development concentration. Graduates of this online degree program frequently seek Cisco, CompTIA, and Microsoft certifications. NSULA’s CIS program has been awarded 17 national titles in competitions across the country.

13. Strayer University

Herndon, Virginia

Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Web Development Technology

Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 18th
Tuition Rate: $493 per credit-hour
Points: 18
Website

Strayer University, founded in Strayer Virginia, is an excellent choice for non-traditional students fitting a degree track into their schedule. The school has an online bachelor of science in information technology with a concentration in web development technology. Strayer’s online web development bachelor’s degree is highly affordable, flexible, and the curriculum is presented on a user-friendly interface. The online software development major includes courses in C++ programming, human-computer interaction, JAVA programming I and II, among others. Strayer provides personalized services that include a student services coach and 1-1 guidance counselor to help formulate and reach career goals.

14. University of Maine at Augusta

Augusta, Maine

Online Bachelor of Science: Computer Information Systems

Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 18th
Tuition Rate: $239 in-state, $578 out of state – per credit-hour
Points: 18
Website
Founded in 1965, the University of Maine at Augusta is a large school with many degree areas with both on-campus and online degrees to pursue. UMA has a 121-credit, 100% online bachelor’s in computer information systems; this affordable web development degree prepares graduates to be versatile professionals. Online students learn a curriculum in systems and analysis design, organizational theory, systems integration, project management, database theory, and much more. UMA is considered among the 2020 “Best for Vets” colleges by the Military Times.

15. Independence University

Salt Lake City, Utah

Online BS in Web Design and Development

Regional Accreditation: Yes
NCATE Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 18th
Tuition Rate: $280.00 annual tuition per credit-hour
Points: 17
Website

Independence University trends well among non-traditional students, as it values flexibility and personalized learning and has spent years in developing distance-learning pedagogy and delivery. Independence U’s online BS in web design and development helps students learn how to conceptualize code, work with multiple languages in interactive design, and build the needed versatility to thrive in the field. IU’s affordable, 26-month web development online bachelor’s degree leads to careers in information design, web design and development, and mobile application design. Independence has outstanding military benefits and tuition deductions.

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