2026 Most Affordable jmcomic漫画s for Web Design Degrees
Compare low-cost online web design programs backed by manually researched tuition figures and verified student reviews.
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Find the most affordable online web design degree from the list below. All school are accredited.
Key Takeaways:
- Only 5 schools made the cut, and the cheapest is Arkansas State at $8,760.
- The top three schools are reasonably clustered ($8,760鈥�$10,260), but then there's a noticeable jump to South College at $12,525, and Maryville University at $17,250 is nearly double the #1 school.
How We Rank "Most Affordable" Schools
The OnlineU research team manually collects and verifies tuition data for every school on our lists, ensuring you see accurate, up-to-date costs whether you're pursuing an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral program. To qualify, schools must offer fully online degrees, hold institutional accreditation, and have verifiable enrollment data through the National Center for Education Statistics. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
We prioritize schools that offer a consistent tuition rate across programs at the same degree level, so you're not caught off guard by unexpected price differences between majors, and for graduate programs we go a step further by individually calculating program costs since credit requirements and fees vary widely.
2026 Most Affordable jmcomic漫画s for Web Design Degrees
| Rank | School | Annual In-State Tuition | Annual Out-of-State Tuition | Recommendation | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas State University | $8,760 | $8,760 | 93% | N/A | |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | $9,900 | $14,970 | 59% | N/A | |
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | $10,260 | $10,260 | 62% | N/A | |
| South College | $12,525 | $12,525 | 63% | N/A | |
| Maryville University | $17,250 | $17,250 | 47% | N/A |
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Why we like them: A-State is the #1 cheapest web design degree. It also has a 90% recommendation rate, so you can expect consistent quality and support. The web design pathway integrates native mobile development into the concentration. You choose Swift for iOS or Kotlin for Android, then progress to an advanced, repeatable Design Build course where small teams produce fully publishable apps.
AI Student Review Summary: Flexible online learning and affordability are recurring strengths in reviews of Arkansas State University. Reviewers frequently praise accelerated seven-week terms, supportive professors, and career-focused coursework that helped working adults and parents balance school with jobs and family responsibilities. Many also highlight approachable faculty, practical instruction, and an easy-to-navigate campus environment. Criticism centers mainly on inconsistency across programs and administrative systems, with students reporting weak communication, delayed grading, technology problems, registration errors, and uneven instructor access. Some reviewers also felt certain courses relied too heavily on busy work or lacked meaningful collaboration and accountability.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Undergraduate Online: 2,824 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 78%
: /credit
Why we like them: UMGC's web and digital design degree has a three-track structure that includes an augmented/virtual reality focus featuring courses like Virtual Reality Design I, Augmented Reality Design I, 3D Modeling, and Virtual World-Building, so you build XR fluency that most design programs do not prioritize. You also gain access to UMGC’s metaverse-powered learning ecosystem, including the MARS platform and more than 150 virtual environments.
AI Student Review Summary: Self-directed flexibility is the defining strength in reviews of University of Maryland Global Campus. Reviewers frequently praise the online format, accelerated terms, and writing-intensive coursework that allowed working adults, military learners, and frequent movers to continue their education while balancing demanding schedules. Many also say the degree supported promotions, career advancement, or graduate study. Criticism centers mainly on administrative and instructional inconsistency, with students reporting financial aid and billing problems, transcript-processing delays, uneven professor engagement, and courses that sometimes relied too heavily on papers, discussion posts, and self-teaching. Group projects and questions about institutional reputation also appear repeatedly in negative reviews.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Undergraduate Online: 46,379 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 30%
- Retention Rate: 53%
: /credit
Why we like them: SNHU integrates industry-recognized credentials into your pathway with optional AIGA Certificates for Creatives 鈥� up to six micro-credentials you can stack alongside designated courses. Another unique factor is that the web design concentration embeds social media design and integrated digital campaign development into the core sequence. You culminate this track by building a CMS-driven, self-promotional website.
AI Student Review Summary: Convenience for working adults is a defining strength in reviews of Southern New Hampshire University. Reviewers frequently praise structured online courses, attentive advisors, flexible scheduling, and transfer-credit policies that help students balance education with jobs and family responsibilities. Many also describe the coursework as writing-intensive and rewarding for self-motivated learners. Criticism centers mainly on administrative and instructional inconsistency, with students reporting billing disputes, confusing financial aid guidance, withdrawal penalties, uneven professor engagement, and courses that relied heavily on prebuilt modules and self-teaching. Some reviewers also question grading rigor and employer perception of the degree.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Undergraduate Online: 160,747 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 60%
: /quarter
Why we like them: SC combines web design with IT depth that includes hands-on virtualization (creating, installing, and configuring virtual machines), telecommunications principles applied to network design, and full project-lifecycle coverage that includes risk, timelines, and outsourcing. You culminate with a capstone that solves a real organizational problem via a web or computer-based system.
AI Student Review Summary: Scheduling flexibility and smaller learning environments are recurring strengths in reviews of South College. Reviewers frequently praise accelerated formats, online access, supportive faculty, and individualized attention that helped working adults balance school with jobs and family responsibilities. Many also highlight encouraging advisors and practical course delivery in stronger programs. Criticism centers mainly on administrative inconsistency and value concerns, with students reporting shifting policies, unclear expectations, contradictory guidance, unresponsive staff, and coursework that sometimes relied too heavily on videos, discussion posts, or self-directed assignments. Several reviewers also question whether the tuition cost consistently matches the educational experience provided.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Undergraduate Online: 5,083 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 37%
- Retention Rate: 62%
: /credit
Why we like them: At MU, the online NASAD-accredited BFA in Digital Media has a dual-core design that includes an art history foundation to sharpen visual literacy paired with an interdisciplinary core that integrates communications, marketing, and design psychology, so you link aesthetics to business impact. You build breadth across UX/UI, web design, animation, motion graphics, and game design using an Adobe-centered toolchain.
AI Student Review Summary: Flexibility and personalized support are recurring strengths in reviews of Maryville University. Reviewers frequently praise approachable instructors, smaller classes, flexible scheduling, and hands-on placement opportunities that helped them balance school with work and family responsibilities. Many also value the university’s online resources, supportive atmosphere, and stronger clinical or fieldwork experiences. Criticism centers mainly on online-course quality and institutional support, with students reporting self-taught classes, limited instructor feedback, inconsistent grading, and difficulty securing internships or clinical placements. Some reviewers also describe frustrations involving advising, financial aid, accommodations, and tuition costs that felt too high relative to the level of instruction.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Undergraduate Online: 2,684 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 72%
- Retention Rate: 83%
What Students Should Look for in an Affordable Online Web Design Degree
How can students evaluate whether an online web design program is high quality?
"Evaluating an online web design can be tedious. For one, students explore the subject keeping in mind the design elements that interest them. However, the complexity of design as a subject is vast. Therefore, incorporating all elements, supported by subject matter experts and alumni who complement that same area, along with post-training placements, are must-haves when narrowing down for quality.
In most cases, it the interest of the pupil that draws them toward the best opportunities."
What are the pros/cons of an online web design program?
Pros:
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"It's cost-effective because it can be achieved for a low fee unlike regular college.
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It's remote and allows you to learn at your own pace.
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In-demand skills are taught at early levels, followed by self-learning based on interest and ability."
Cons:
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"Shrinkage. Basic concepts are omitted, with more emphasis placed on hands-on learning.
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[There's an] unstructured curriculum. Although the emphasis is on getting the pupil job-ready, most fail to grow the confidence and lack the opportunity to apply the learnings."
Do online web design programs adequately prepare students for the real world?
"Some programs come with a hand-holding handover where the practical projects are executed alongside the theory, instilling confidence. [However,] real world scenarios that we as an agency come across are that every problem is unique and needs effort through trial error and surprises even seasoned folks."
How valuable are internships, client-based projects, or capstones in lower-cost online web design degrees?
"As an agency that understands this model, let me give you a gist of how it works. An agency builds educational content around web design, UI/UX and SEO and also trains students. This is the most successful model: the fee is low, generally no advance tools are used, and the projects are web design and development jobs generated by the agency. This creates a full circle ecosystem where students are monetized, put to task, and may also be retained based on project availability.
This provides exposure and the ability to digest learning, putting students in a grind that almost feels like OJT (On-Job Training). [They receive] practice adhering to timelines, coordinating with teams, and instilling corporate discipline."
Any other advice for students interested in this field?
"As an agency, we look for students who care to go beyond design, possessing a hybrid of creative and technical skills, UI/UX incorporation, proficiency in tools like Adobe and Figma and foundational front-end knowledge such as HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript, this keeps the learning curve short and give better capacity to execute."
EXPERT TIP
"Design is everywhere; some for functionality, some for aesthetics, but behind every great design is a designer who is comfortable pushing boundaries, learning, and applying."
Not sure if web design is the right career path for you? You may want to explore online web development bachelor's programs and online graphic design bachelor's programs, too.
FAQs About Affordable Online Web Design Degrees
Can I Earn a Web Design Degree Online?
Yes, you can earn a web design bachelor's degree online. Many students value distance education programs because they offer flexibility in balancing school work with other commitments, and they're often more affordable. You'll take the same courses, probably work with the same faculty, and graduate with the same degree as your on-campus counterparts.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Web Design Degrees?
Most four-year schools that offer online web design degrees share fairly similar admission requirements, although there are some variations. In general, you'll need a high school diploma or GED. To be accepted into one of the more competitive colleges, your high school transcripts need to show that you maintained a fairly high GPA.
When you submit your application, you may be asked to include a personal essay, a resume or list of extracurricular activities and awards, a letter of recommendation, and your scores on SAT or ACT college entrance exams.
What Can You Expect From an Affordable Online Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Web Design?
An affordable online web design degree teaches you to craft visually engaging, user-friendly websites by blending design principles with coding and digital media. You'll work with industry-standard tools to develop functional, aesthetically driven web experiences. Flexible online learning allows you to build creative and technical skills at your own pace while preparing you for growing demand in digital design across industries.
Online bachelor's programs in web design offer a unique blend of technical skill development and creative exploration. As a student enrolled in one of these programs, you'll learn a variety of technical skills such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and responsive web design techniques, equipping you to build and manage websites efficiently. Additionally, you'll acquire soft skills like project management, communication, and critical thinking, which are crucial for successful collaboration and problem-solving in a professional setting.
In each course, you'll typically engage in assignments that simulate real-world scenarios, like redesigning existing websites for better user experience, creating wireframes and mockups for new web projects, and developing digital marketing strategies. This practical approach not only solidifies your technical skills but also enhances your creative and analytical abilities, preparing you for the dynamic nature of the web design industry. These programs also emphasize the importance of staying current with emerging technologies and design trends, fostering a mindset of continuous learning.
Online web design bachelor's programs usually lead to either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, which are slightly different. BA programs tend to focus on the creative and artistic aspects of web design, while BS programs typically emphasize technical skills.
What Courses Will You Take in an Online Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Web Design?
An online web design bachelor's degree usually requires the completion of 120 credit hours. Programs often include an internship and a capstone course designed to help you polish your portfolio of projects. Full-time students may need four or five years to meet all of the requirements.
A few of the courses commonly required to earn an online web design degree include the following:
- Introduction to Web Design: This course introduces the fundamentals of web design, including basic HTML and CSS. Students learn to create simple, effective web pages and understand the principles of design and user experience.
- JavaScript and Interactive Web Development: Students learn JavaScript programming, focusing on creating interactive and dynamic web content. This course emphasizes practical skills in manipulating the Document Object Model (DOM) and developing user-centric interfaces.
- Responsive Web Design: This course covers techniques and best practices for creating websites that adapt to various devices and screen sizes. Students learn about CSS frameworks, media queries, and flexible layouts to ensure optimal user experience across platforms.
- Web Design Portfolio Development: In this course, students compile and refine their work to create a professional digital portfolio. It focuses on showcasing their skills and creativity, which is critical for employment and freelance opportunities in web design.
How Can You Pay for an Online Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Web Design?
An online bachelor's degree in web design is a major investment of money and time, so you'll want to figure out how you'll pay for college well in advance of enrolling in school. Like most students, you will probably fund your degree with some combination of savings, income, loans, scholarships, and grants.
If your budget is limited, you'll find plenty of ways to save money on college. Making several important decisions upfront will also help you minimize your expenses:
Should you pursue an online school or a traditional college experience?
You may not know this, but distance learning may help you reduce the cost of a degree. Many colleges 鈥� including the most affordable web design degree programs listed above 鈥� charge lower tuition fees for online learners. Also, online students don't have to pay for on-campus room and board or transportation to and from school.
Should you live someplace less expensive?
Another advantage of attending school online is that you can live anywhere you choose. You could economize on living expenses like housing, food, and transportation by moving to the most affordable place you can find.
Should you go to a public or a private school?
When the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) collected tuition rates from schools across the country for the 2022-23 school year, it found a significant difference in the cost of public schools as compared to private schools. The were $9,750 for in-state students attending public schools and $34,051 for students attending private schools. Of course, there are variations in tuition fees at both types of schools, but considering public schools could save you thousands of dollars.
Should you go to community college first or a four-year university all the way?
During the first two years of a web design bachelor's program, you'll take many general education courses such as biology, algebra, and English. If you take these early courses at a community college, you can complete nearly half of the required courses for a bachelor's degree at a lower price. The NCES reports that community colleges have an average . Later, you can transfer your credits to a four-year school and take the remaining required courses.
Should you work while going to college?
Although working while attending college has both pros and cons, you can put your earnings toward tuition payments and other expenses as you go along. To maintain a healthy work-school balance, you might need to take fewer courses each semester, but the extra time may allow you to graduate with less student loan debt.
How Does Financial Aid Work for Online Web Design Degrees?
As described above, one of the most common sources of funding for a college degree is financial aid. Depending on your financial circumstances, you may be able to receive funding from the federal government, state government, and colleges.
Aid is often awarded to students based on financial need, but even if you don't think you'll qualify for aid on this basis, you should still submit an application. There are many school-sponsored and private scholarships that are given out based on other qualifications, such as your previous academic achievements, academic major, or family heritage.
Grants and scholarships are the best types of financial aid because you don't have to pay them back like student loans. However, if you don't get enough grant or scholarship money to cover all of your college expenses, you may need to borrow money. Before accepting a loan, determine how much the loan interest will add to the cost of earning a degree by using a student loan repayment calculator. Also, choose carefully between federal and private student loans, as federal loans often have more favorable repayment terms.
To apply for most types of financial aid, you simply need to fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After your submission has been reviewed, you'll receive a financial aid letter that tells you how much aid you're being offered, if any. However, you'll need to submit separate applications for all private scholarships.
What Can You Do With an Online Web Design Degree?
An online bachelor's degree in web design opens up a range of career options in the digital world. Graduates are equipped for roles in web development, digital design, and user experience (UX) design, among others. They may find themselves working in large organizations that hire in-house design staff, in design firms that work for clients, or in their own studios.
Perhaps the most common occupation for web design graduates is to become a web developer or digital designer. These professionals are responsible for designing and building websites and apps, often as part of a collaborative team. Front-end web developers focus on the look and functionality of digital media, including text and graphics, while back-end web developers use programming languages like HTML to write the code that drives the website's functioning. Professionals who can do both are referred to as full-stack developers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for web developers and designers as a whole is , with the highest 10% of earners making more than $192,180. The demand for trained professionals is projected to through the end of the decade.
The skills you develop in an online web design program prepare you for other occupations, as well. For example, if you're particularly passionate about design, you could use your artistic skills to work as a graphic designer. People engaged in graphic design earn a median annual salary of . You could also focus on designing special effects and animations for the entertainment industry, including video games. These digital artists earn a median annual salary of .
Further educational pursuits, such as a master's degree in web design or related fields, can enhance your design and technical expertise and potentially lead to higher-level positions. An advanced degree typically focuses on more specialized areas like advanced programming, user experience research, and digital strategy, providing a deeper understanding and broader skill set that can lead to leadership roles or specialized design positions.
Considering earning a master's degree in this field? Explore our lists of the best online web design master's programs and the most affordable online web design master's programs.
Are Web Design Degrees Worth It?
Our economy has become increasingly reliant on the web, making web design a smart and rewarding career choice. Depending on the career path you choose to take, you may end up realizing a high return on your educational investment. You can enhance this by looking for ways to reduce the cost of earning a web design degree by, for example, enrolling in one of the most affordable online web design programs listed above.
How Do I Choose a Bachelor's in Web Design?
To choose the best online web design bachelor's degree for your needs, you'll want to consider several factors. Some factors may be more important to you than others, so try to prioritize which ones matter most to you. The possibilities include cost, program curriculum, notable faculty, online format, student resources, or the availability of financial aid.
Another key consideration is institutional accreditation, which means that a college's programs, faculty, facilities, and services have met high standards for academic excellence. Accreditation is important because you'll need to be enrolled in an accredited school if you plan to apply for financial aid, transfer to another university, or enroll in a graduate program. You may be interested to know that all of the schools listed on our website, including those listed above, are accredited.
Student Reviews of Online Web Design Programs
I have loved my experience at DeVry. The Professors are unique and offer multitudes of resources to learn with. Weekly video lectures, assignments that push you to learn, and evolve. I am 100% online as this is perfect for me, my schedule as a mom, and employee. I have felt that the academic advisers take the time to really invest in your path and what career goals you have after graduation.
Review Date: 9/6/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I had a great time with the online classes at AIP Online, the instructors are very well educated and I graduate this year with my bachelors degree in computer science. I am in a older student (54) that only took part time classes,just so I could work my day job. Its a wonderful school and I learned some great information from there. Glad I went and proud of my accomplishment. One of the best things I ever did. I'm sure school is expensive but you get what you work for.I loved it all and took my time,... Read More
Review Date: 3/1/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Rasmussen is the 7th college I've attended in the last 4 years, two which were non-profit and five which were for profit. All of the schools I've attended were online and I've by far had the best experience with Rasmussen's teaching staff and advisors. In my 6 semesters with Rasmussen everyone has been helpful in assisting me and getting me in classes and checking up when I fall behind and ablit every three weeks or so just to see how it's going. The instructors are great and all that I've had were... Read More
Review Date: 11/20/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Here at DeVry I have learned so much about myself. They teach you practical things. Things that you can really use. The instructors are friendly and very helpful. If you ever need help they are there for you. I go to classes on-line and they are still there to help whenever I need them. I get to program in all of the new programming languages. Believe me when I say that if you are looking for a great school to attend, you can't go wrong with DeVry.
Review Date: 6/26/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
If I could do it all over again, I would have steered clear of The Art Institute and any other For-Profit schools. On the positive side, the equipment is up-to-date and some of the instructors are good. The BIG negative is the price. Do you want to have debt about the size of a mortgage only to not earn enough to adequately pay the loan along with a modest apartment and food? Although I am working in my field as a designer, I have to use Income Based Repayment and will pay a fortune just for INTEREST... Read More
Review Date: 10/21/2013
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes
Do not go here, especially if you are considering taking out student loans to attend. Their on campus classes are hit or miss, and their online classes are a joke. Full-time online students only have a 6% graduation rate, and part-time online students only have a 3% graduation rate. Their estimates for graduation and employment rates are greatly skewed in their favor by using loose definitions and inaccurate sources of information. (They don't include online students in their numbers. They also count... Read More
Review Date: 5/28/2017
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Lindenwood University is a great school for any type of degree you are pursuing in any stage of life. The faculty are highly qualified individuals and are not only great networking tools, but can become great mentors throughout your career. I have had a full and fun experience at Lindenwood as I was very involved in an array of organizations that taught me great leadership skills and great life lessons. There is so much to be learned in so many different ways at Lindenwood, you just have to have... Read More
Review Date: 7/21/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The cons: It was a for-profit company, so while they told us that underperforming students would not be permitted to advance and/or graduate, the truth was that AiPD was never going to give up the money that student was paying, no matter how terrible the student was at design. There were some TERRIBLE "designers" in some advanced classes. Some teachers were also overworked/overbooked teaching a ton of classes, some of which they clearly had only a passing knowledge of the subject matter. It was hideously... Read More
Review Date: 10/26/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes