The Best Colleges for Web Development in 2021
If you want to become a web developer, you can reach your goal by attending any one of the best colleges and getting a degree. Some of these web development schools offer online training, in-person training, or both.
The primary benefit of attending a university or college is you will get a well-rounded web developer education. In this piece, you will learn about the top 10 schools for web development, what each school has to offer, and how to decide which one is ideal for you.
Top 10 Web Development Schools in 2021 at a Glance
The table below shows details about the best schools for web development. This includes the location of each school, the program name, and the tuition. All the details were collected from the official website of each school, so it is subject to change.
| School and Degrees | State | Tuition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University Bachelor of Applied Science in Internet and Web Development |
(AZ) | $9,640 per year $25,920 per year |
In-state Out-of-state |
| Baker College Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, Concentration in Web Development |
(MI) | $415 per credit hour | All Students |
| Bellevue University Bachelor of Science in Web Development |
(NE) | $430 per credit | All Students |
| Champlain College Associate of Science in Web Design and Development Bachelor of Science in Web Design and Development |
(VT) | $318 per credit | All Students |
| Dakota State University Associate of Science in Web Development Web Development Minor |
(SD) | $295 per credit $398 per credit |
In-state Out-of-state |
| Franklin University Bachelor of Science in Web Development |
(OH) | $398 per credit $526 per credit |
US Students International |
| Liberty University Bachelor of Science in Web and Mobile Programming Undergraduate Certificate in Web Development |
(VA) | $390 per credit hour | All Students |
| Northwestern State University Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, Concentration in Web Development |
(LA) | $375 per credit | All Students |
| Purdue University Bachelor of Science in Web Programming and Design |
(IN) | $9,992 per year (with fees) $28,794 per year (with fees) $31,104 per year (with fees) |
In-state Out-of-state International |
| Utah Valley University Bachelor of Science in Web Development and Design |
(UT) | $5,368 per year $16,450 per year |
In-state Out-of-state |
Online vs In-Person Web Development Degrees
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Online and in-person schools each have unique advantages and disadvantages. The most significant advantage of an online school is the ability to attend from anywhere. This flexibility allows you to get a degree without making significant adjustments to your existing routine.
On the other hand, there is a certain level of fulfillment and sense of community that comes from attending a university in person. You will have the opportunity to enjoy several extracurricular activities on campus. In-person schools also offer more networking opportunities.
Choosing the Best School for You
These degrees take two to four years, depending on the program you choose. Choosing the right school for you can be difficult. Some factors you should consider when picking a school are curriculum, accreditation, and flexibility.
Curriculum
The best programs contain modern technologies that prepare you for in-demand jobs. Apart from programming languages like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. It should also cover Ruby on Rails, React, Python, and Django. Angular is losing popularity in the web development space, but it is still useful to learn.
Accreditation
Accreditation is important for schools to award degrees. Program accreditation is just as important. Web design and development is typically part of the computer science department in a university. So, the department should have programmatic accreditation from the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Flexibility
Flexibility is an important consideration, especially with online programs. If you are a worker who doesn’t want to cut down too many hours to get a degree, you should go for the school that offers flexibility. Online programs with self-paced options are ideal for professionals. You should also look for financial aid options.
The Best Web Development Schools in 2021
Below, we provide an in-depth look at the degree programs provided by each of these schools.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) was founded in 1885, and it is one of the largest public universities in the state. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
ASU offers an online Bachelor of Applied Science program that covers multimedia design, web technologies, and cross-platform graphic design. It can help you become a UX/UI designer. The total credit requirement is 120 credit hours. Students can finish the program faster by taking more classes, though this is not required.
Arizona State University Web Development Programs
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Internet and Web Development
Baker College
Baker College has an extensive online platform that offers a range of courses. However, it also has an in-person location in Owosso, Michigan. It was founded in 1911 and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Baker College has a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems where you can pursue a web development concentration. During the four-year program, you will learn the business application of information and web technologies.
Baker College Web Development Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, Concentration in Web Development
Bellevue University
This is one of the most popular private schools in Nebraska. It was founded in 1966 and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The school was initially focused on adult education, but it has since evolved to include an extensive library of programs.
The Bachelor of Science will teach you full stack software development and web design. You will also pick up collaboration skills, which are useful for group development projects both in and out of the classroom. This program is available completely online.
Bellevue University Web Development Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Web Development
Champlain College
This is one of the best private colleges for computing and information technology in Vermont. It has been around since 1878 and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. It has a graduation rate of 62 percent.
The bachelor’s program includes front end development, web design, computer programming, and UX design. The coursework is done completely online, and students are allowed to transfer up to 90 credits from an associate degree. This is useful because Champlain also offers an Associate Degree in Web Design and Development.
Champlain College Web Development Programs
- Associate of Science in Web Design and Development
- Bachelor of Science in Web Design and Development
Dakota State University
Dakota State University (DSU) is located in South Dakota. It was established in 1881 and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The school is known for its programs in computer information systems and computer management.
DSU offers an Associate Degree in Web Development that combines business, accounting, and programming courses. By the end of the two-year program, you will be able to develop web applications and computer programs using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. If you want to get a bachelor’s degree, you can also access DSU’s web development minor.
Dakota State University Web Development Programs
- Associate of Science in Web Development
- Web Development Minor
Franklin University
This private institute is based in Columbus, Ohio. It is known to host most of its courses online. However, students can take classes on the in-person campus. The school has been around since 1902 and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The bachelor’s program at Franklin University emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning. You will learn about human-computer interaction, data analytics, mobile programming, and Linux administration.
Franklin University Web Development Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Web Development
Liberty University
If you want to study in Virginia, Liberty University might be a good option for you. The school was established in 1971 and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award degrees. Keep in mind that it is a faith-based school.
Liberty University offers a combination of web and mobile programming, offering you more options after graduation. The entire program is available completely online. Along with the bachelor’s degree, you can also earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Web Development, which only takes a year.
Liberty University Web Development Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Web and Mobile Programming
- Undergraduate Certificate in Web Development
Northwestern State University
Northwestern State University is a multi-campus school with its main headquarters in Louisiana. The school was founded in 1884 and it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Northwestern State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems that has concentration options in web development, cyber security, network security, and application development. The concentration can teach you everything you need to know about the topic.
Northwestern State University Web Development Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, Concentration in Web Development
Purdue University
This public university was founded in 1969 and has been one of the most popular schools in Indiana since. The school has a graduation rate of 76 percent, and it is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The web development track allows students to double major in programming and design. Apart from picking up basic development skills, students in this program will also build entrepreneurial skills.
Purdue University Web Development Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Web Programming and Design
Utah Valley University
This public school is another excellent option. It was founded in 1941 and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. It has an open admissions process, which means all students are admitted upon application.
The web development and design program offer two different concentrations. These include web and app development as well as interaction design. Students have an opportunity to work with the faculty to gain hands-on experience and knowledge.
Utah Valley University Web Development Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Web Development and Design
What Can You Do With a
Web Development Degree?
With a degree in web development, you can find work as a web application developer, web programmer, web administrator, or web designer. You can also find work in other computer science fields because the education from these programs is generally versatile.
Major firms like JP Morgan Chase, Verizon Media, Netflix, General Dynamics, and Adobe are among the top employers of web developers. You can also work freelance and create your own web development business.
How Much Can I Expect to Earn With a Degree in Web Development?
According to ZipRecruiter, web developers earn an average salary of $75,073 in the United States. Salaries might range from $22,000 to $137,500, depending on your experience. Some other factors that affect the salary of web developers are job title, description, company type, and location.
ZipRecruiter reports that the highest-paid web developers work in Santa Monica, CA, Boston, MA, and San Mateo, CA. They earn an average of $89,948, $88,526, and $87,373 respectively.
Min salary
Average salary
Top salary
Top Web Development Degree Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Web Architect | Bachelor’s Degree | $134,331 |
| Senior Web Developer | Bachelor’s Degree | $95,856 |
| Application Developer | Bachelor’s Degree | $93,371 |
| Web Application Tester | Bachelor’s Degree | $81,535 |
| Web Application Developer | Bachelor’s Degree | $75,073 |
| Web Programmer | Bachelor’s Degree | $71,537 |
| Webmaster | Bachelor’s Degree | $71,270 |
| Web Manager | Bachelor’s Degree | $69,660 |
| Web Administrator | Bachelor’s Degree | $69,143 |
| Web Designer | Bachelor’s Degree | $60,202 |
Does It Matter What College I Go to for Web Development?
Yes, it matters what college you go to. Make sure that you go to a reputable and accredited school with an advanced curriculum. Colleges with world-class computer science and information technology departments are best for prospective web developers.
Should You Pursue a Degree in Web Development?
Yes, you should pursue a degree in web development. This career will give you the knowledge you need to specialize in developing websites and other web-based services. There are a lot of career opportunities for web developers now and in the future.
Between 2009 and 2029, the job outlook for web developers is estimated to rise by eight percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While there are exceptions, employers tend to hire web developers with degrees as opposed to those who are self-taught. Having a degree will also make it easier for you to advance in your career.
