2026 Most Affordable Online Web Development Degrees
Discover online bachelor's in web development programs that combine affordable tuition with student feedback submitted through OnlineU.
Why Trust Us?
- 90,000+ Verified Student Reviews
- Manually Researched Tuition
- 200+ Expert Interviews
- 1,800+ jmcomic漫画s
- 30,000+ Online Degrees
Explore the cheapest online web development degrees below. They are ranked by tuition cost to help you find the best value. All online bachelor's degrees in web development are from institutionally accredited universities.
Key Takeaways:
- Austin Peay is the clear winner for affordability. At $8,028/year in-state, it's the cheapest option by over $1,100 鈥� and even its out-of-state rate ($11,844) beats several schools' flat rates.
- 8 out of 11 schools offer the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students.
All online web development bachelor's degrees are ranked by manually collected tuition.
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 Online Web Development Degrees
| Rank | School | Annual In-State Tuition | Annual Out-of-State Tuition | Recommendation | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Peay State University | $8,028 | $11,844 | 71% | N/A | |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | $9,150 | $9,150 | 56% | N/A | |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | $9,900 | $14,970 | 59% | N/A | |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana | $10,548 | $10,548 | 83% | N/A | |
| Purdue Global | $11,130 | $11,130 | 76% | N/A | |
| Liberty University | $11,700 | $11,700 | 57% | N/A | |
| Middle Georgia State University | $12,390 | $12,390 | 73% | N/A | |
| South College | $12,525 | $12,525 | 63% | N/A | |
| Bellevue University | $13,770 | $13,770 | 67% | N/A | |
| University of Arizona | $15,750 | $15,750 | 97% | N/A | |
| Arizona State University, Online | $17,400 | $17,400 | 90% | N/A |
: /semester
Why we like them: APSU’s online CSIT degree is the cheapest on our list and it anchors the concentration in a department that is among the largest in Tennessee, serving 600-plus majors, which gives you access to a deep course roster. All classes are taught by faculty who meet the APSU Faculty Qualifications Matrix, and every full-time professor holds a terminal degree in computing. Also, many faculty actively consult and engage in multidisciplinary research.
AI Student Review Summary: Supportive professors and practical career preparation are recurring strengths in reviews of Austin Peay State University. Reviewers frequently praise approachable faculty, manageable class sizes, internships, study abroad opportunities, and career-focused learning that helped students feel prepared for employment after graduation. Many also value the balance between a traditional campus experience and the more personal atmosphere of a midsize university. Criticism centers mainly on administrative operations, with students reporting frustrations involving financial aid, advising, admissions, records, and communication delays. Some reviewers also mention inconsistent online-course support, parking problems, aging housing, unreliable technology, and safety concerns around the surrounding area.
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: 1,642 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 67%
: /credit
Why we like them: At UA Grantham, you receive a laptop at no additional cost as a degree-seeking enrollee, a distinct perk that reduces upfront technology expenses. Most courses start monthly and there is no application fee, so we see you benefiting from flexible entry points without added administrative costs. A stated 38-month time-to-completion, contingent on continuous progress, gives you a concrete timeline to organize work and life around. UA Grantham’s DEAC accreditation also signals distance-education quality.
AI Student Review Summary: Operational inconsistency is the dominant theme in reviews of University of Arkansas Grantham. Reviewers frequently report financial aid delays, billing confusion, account holds, advising problems, and course-scheduling issues that sometimes extended graduation timelines. Some also criticize rushed, self-taught coursework and uneven instructor engagement. At the same time, positive reviews highlight the university’s flexibility for working adults and military-affiliated learners, with frequent start dates, short terms, transfer-credit acceptance, and manageable pacing helping students continue their education while balancing jobs and family responsibilities. Many satisfied reviewers also credit supportive advisors and instructors with helping them advance professionally.
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: 2,838 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 24%
- Retention Rate: 24%
: /credit
Why we like them: UMGC's online web development program has a three-track design that includes a rare augmented/virtual reality focus featuring courses such as Virtual Reality Design I, Augmented Reality Design I, 3D Modeling, and Virtual World-Building, so you build XR skills alongside front-end web competencies. There are embedded certificates in web design, digital design, or AR/VR. The MARS metaverse platform that provides access to 150-plus immersive environments, giving you simulated, social, and topically aligned learning spaces.
AI Student Review Summary: Flexibility for working adults and military-affiliated learners is a defining strength in reviews of University of Maryland Global Campus. Reviewers frequently praise accelerated online and hybrid formats, rigorous writing-intensive coursework, and the ability to continue their education while balancing jobs, deployments, parenting, and irregular schedules. Many also value instructors who brought professional expertise and practical workplace relevance into courses. Criticism centers mainly on administrative and instructional inconsistency, with students reporting financial aid problems, billing confusion, transcript delays, weak advising, uneven professor engagement, and frustrating group projects. Several reviewers also say success depended heavily on persistence, self-direction, and independent problem-solving rather than institutional support.
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%
: /semester
Why we like them: At NSU, you study CIS inside an AACSB-accredited business school, which is a distinction that few online web-focused programs match, and one that assures you of rigorous oversight at the junction of technology, analytics, and management. We appreciate that you can choose a dedicated web-focused Application Development concentration while remaining in a business-and-IT framework that also offers Networking & Cybersecurity and Information Systems Management.
AI Student Review Summary: Supportive faculty and flexible online learning are recurring strengths in reviews of Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Reviewers frequently praise approachable professors, small classes, career-focused coursework, and distance-learning options that help working adults and parents balance school with other responsibilities. Many also value the welcoming campus atmosphere and involvement opportunities. Criticism centers mainly on inconsistency across departments, with students reporting disorganization, unclear expectations, limited internship support, and uneven faculty availability. Some reviewers also mention financial aid frustrations, expensive housing, maintenance concerns, and the limitations of a smaller-town setting with fewer nearby professional and social opportunities.
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: 3,318 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 70%
: /credit
Why we like them: PG's bachelor's program is structured to develop both hard technical skills, such as system design, computing problem-solving, and secure tech integration, alongside softer professional competencies like communication, teamwork, and ethical decision-making. An interesting aspect of this degree is its flexibility through the ExcelTrack option, which allows students to move at their own pace, making it well-suited for working adults or those with prior knowledge who want to accelerate their studies.
AI Student Review Summary: Back-office administration is the defining fault line in reviews of Purdue Global. Reviewers frequently report financial aid delays, billing confusion, inconsistent advising, transfer-credit disputes, and problems involving military or VA funding that sometimes disrupted enrollment or graduation progress. In contrast, many positive reviews praise knowledgeable professors, flexible scheduling, and structured online coursework that worked well for working adults, parents, and career changers. Several also describe the academic experience as more rigorous and writing-intensive than expected, especially for students with strong time-management skills and minimal reliance on administrative support.
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: 31,065 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 25%
: /credit
Why we like them: Liberty's online program has a highly specialized, career focus within the broader IT field. Rather than offering a general IT degree, it zeroes in specifically on web and mobile development, preparing students to build applications that function across multiple platforms and screen sizes. What further distinguishes it is Liberty's integration of Christian faith and values into the curriculum, reflected in its mission of "Training Champions for Christ," which appeals to students seeking an education rooted in a particular worldview.
AI Student Review Summary: Faith-based flexibility for working adults is a defining strength in reviews of Liberty University. Reviewers frequently praise accelerated eight-week terms, transfer-credit opportunities, military discounts, and online formats that helped students balance school with careers, parenting, and military service. Many also describe the coursework as rigorous, writing-intensive, and valuable for self-directed learners. Criticism centers mainly on administrative inconsistency and the school’s pervasive religious integration, with students reporting financial aid confusion, billing problems, weak advising, uneven professor engagement, and courses that sometimes relied heavily on self-teaching. Some reviewers also felt biblical integration overshadowed subject-specific depth or raised concerns about practicum quality and career preparation in certain programs.
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: 39,156 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 79%
: /credit
Why we like them: MGA’s online BSIT offers a Web Applications Development concentration inside a 10鈥憄ath portfolio that includes cybersecurity, data analytics, networking, health informatics, entrepreneurship, and a FinTech track. So, in this way, you can study web development with a security鈥慺orward sequence 鈥� Software Security, Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis, and Client/Server Systems Programming are baked into the web track 鈥� so you build more resilient apps than many design鈥憃nly programs encourage.
AI Student Review Summary: Affordability and personalized classroom support are recurring strengths in reviews of Middle Georgia State University. Reviewers frequently praise small classes, approachable professors, flexible scheduling, and practical opportunities such as internships and networking that helped improve grades and career outcomes. Many also describe the university as a strong low-cost option for online learners and working adults. Criticism centers mainly on administrative and campus-support issues, with students reporting financial aid confusion, inconsistent communication, weak student services, limited amenities, and uneven tutoring or career payoff in some programs. Some reviewers also express frustration with excessive online coursework and limited campus social life.
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: 3,245 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 26%
- Retention Rate: 61%
: /quarter
Why we like them: At SC, you pursue a web design concentration embedded in a full IT curriculum that spans cybersecurity, networking, servers, systems administration, risk mitigation, and business systems analysis. We appreciate the explicit outcomes in virtualization (create, install, and configure virtual machines) and telecommunications design, plus hands-on database work that includes designing a relational database in Microsoft Access and writing SQL-style queries.
AI Student Review Summary: Accelerated flexibility and individualized attention are recurring strengths in reviews of South College. Reviewers frequently praise smaller classes, online access, supportive faculty, and scheduling formats that helped working adults balance school with jobs and family responsibilities. Many also highlight encouraging advisors and practical instruction in stronger programs. Criticism centers mainly on inconsistency and cost, with students reporting disorganization, shifting policies, contradictory guidance, weak communication, and coursework that sometimes relied too heavily on videos, discussion boards, or self-directed assignments. Several reviewers also question whether the tuition consistently matches the level of support and career preparation 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 Bellevue, you enter an accelerated, cohort-based pathway where you register once and move through courses with the same group, so you build a reliable network as you advance. We find the nine-week, five-evenings-per-week MEAN stack bootcamp is quite immersive for an undergraduate program, asking you to deliver individual and team projects across separate development, QA, and production environments while managing code on GitHub.
AI Student Review Summary: Career-focused flexibility is a defining strength in reviews of Bellevue University. Reviewers frequently praise practical online coursework, responsive instructors, transfer-credit policies, and flexible pacing that helped working adults, military learners, and parents continue their education while building professional skills. Many also highlight applied projects and real-world instruction that improved job readiness and confidence. Criticism centers mainly on administrative inconsistency, with students reporting advisor turnover, billing and financial aid errors, transfer-credit confusion, and weak communication from support offices. Some reviewers also felt the online format relied too heavily on self-teaching, repetitive discussion posts, or generalized coursework that did not align closely with career or licensure goals.
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: 10,519 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 56%
- Retention Rate: 51%
: /credit
Why we like them: UA's applied computer program is focused on security in this field. You use Python for both offensive and defensive cyber tasks through hands-on scripting. You gain true multi-cloud mastery via separate, lab-driven courses for each major platform. We value the depth in modern infrastructure, which moves beyond basics into containers, microservices, software-defined architectures, and virtualization security using real tooling. UA has 450+ student reviews, and of that batch, 96% would recommend the school to others.
AI Student Review Summary: Research access and campus involvement are defining strengths in reviews of University of Arizona. Reviewers frequently praise knowledgeable professors, hands-on learning opportunities, internships, study abroad programs, and strong school spirit within an energetic college-town environment. Many also highlight the balance between large-university resources and more personalized attention in upper-division classes and selective programs. Criticism centers mainly on administrative inconsistency and cost, with students reporting uneven advising, financial aid frustrations, registration issues, and rising tuition concerns, particularly for out-of-state and graduate students. Some reviewers also mention oversized introductory courses, party culture, and limited industry opportunities in certain fields.
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: 8,959 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 88%
: /credit
Why we like them: At ASU, you can accelerate further through a linked master’s option to the MS in Graphic Information Technology, allowing you to complete graduate study in as little as one additional year. We also appreciate the faculty strength drawn from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, which showcases nationally recognized scholars. Finally, based on over 1,500 student reviews we've collected for this school alone, 93% of students here would recommend the school to others, a strong trust signal.
AI Student Review Summary: Flexibility for working adults is the defining strength in reviews of Arizona State University online programs. Reviewers frequently praise the user-friendly platform, clear course organization, and scheduling convenience that allowed them to balance school with careers, parenting, military service, and travel. Many also value earning a widely recognized degree without interrupting professional momentum. Criticism centers mainly on cost and uneven instructional support, with students reporting heavy reliance on prerecorded content, teaching assistants, discussion boards, and self-teaching despite high tuition. Some reviewers also mention inconsistent advising, delayed feedback, unclear assignments, and financial aid or billing frustrations.
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: 57,610 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 85%
The Hidden Skill That Makes Affordable Web Development Degrees More Valuable
"Empathy is likely the least valued technical skill for a developer working with web development viewing a design from the user's experience creates an experience that is both functional and enjoyable. Most technically-trained developers do not have formal training on developing empathy as part of their training.
Web development incorporates psychological principles that can produce measurable advantages. When developers understand how cognitive load, attention patterns, and the emotional response to designs affect user interaction they can create interfaces that convert at higher rates and keep users engaged for longer than technically-correct but psychologically-naive alternatives.
Three psychological principles that every web development student should learn about:
Cognitive Load Theory Aesthetics: [These] aren't simply based on visual appeal; rather, aesthetics are rooted in the brain's ability to process information.
The Psychology of Color: The emotional response created by color can be measured, and used to influence user decision-making and design choices.
The Behavioral Psychology of Motivation: What makes the interaction between the user and your website enjoyable versus merely functional?"
FAQs About Affordable Online Web Development Bachelor's Degrees
How Does OnlineU Rank the Most Affordable Online Web Development Bachelor鈥檚 Degrees?
To be considered, a school must offer at least one fully online bachelor鈥檚 degree in web development or a closely related field, such as web design, software development, or information technology with a web-focused curriculum. Schools must also hold institutional accreditation and report online enrollment data to NCES/IPEDS, maintained by the .
OnlineU evaluates affordability using a standardized, transparent methodology designed to support fair comparisons between the most affordable online web development degrees. Only schools that publish a global or clearly defined online tuition rate are included. Both partner and non-partner institutions are assessed using the same criteria, and advertising relationships do not influence rankings.
Final rankings are based solely on annual in-state tuition, with all costs manually collected and verified from official institutional sources to ensure accuracy.
What Is the Cheapest Online Web Development Degree in 2026?
The most affordable option on this list is Austin Peay State University, with an annual in-state tuition of $8,028. This is the lowest reported tuition among the ranked schools, making it a strong choice for cost-conscious students. However, out-of-state students pay more at $11,844, so residency can impact total cost.
Do Online Web Development Programs Charge the Same Tuition for In-State and Out-of-State Students?
Some online programs charge the same tuition regardless of residency, while others do not. Schools like University of Arkansas Grantham, Purdue Global, Liberty University, and Bellevue University offer the same rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. In contrast, schools such as Austin Peay State University and University of Maryland Global Campus have higher tuition for out-of-state students.
Which Schools Offer the Same Tuition for In-State and Out-of-State Students?
Several schools on this list offer flat tuition rates where all students pay the same regardless of location 鈥� including University of Arkansas Grantham, Northwestern State University of Louisiana, Purdue Global, Liberty University, Middle Georgia State University, South College, Bellevue University, University of Arizona, and Arizona State University Online. For students outside a school's home state, this can mean significant savings by eliminating the out-of-state cost premium.
Student Reviews of Online Web Development Programs
If you look at the reviews before 2021, you'll notice the positive responses and comments. Beginning in 2021, the instructional cadre became less skilled in personalizing the training experience based on the student. In the post by Bill, he gave a very good overview of the school's serious issues. The curriculum is very outdated -- mostly YouTube videos from miscellaneous contributors. The instructors are not allowed to update any of the curriculum plans -- instead, they are forced to use the materials... Read More
Review Date: 6/9/2022
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I started Colorado Tech University Online a few months ago. The staff seem pretty good! They are very courteous and helpful. However, my complaint lies within their online educational system. I'd had times where I got the answer correct, but the system said I Was wrong, but the answer it provided was the exact same thing. I've had times where the multiple choice answers didn't have the right answer, but when it gives solution it tells you the right answer. They provide online tutoring for free, using... Read More
Review Date: 10/24/2017
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I really appreciate the staff that worked with me to get into the school! Very friendly and willing to help at a moments notice! Very detailed degree program that will get you ready for the rest of your life! Instructors are very knowledgeable and they give very good advice on what to do when you get out! Also my academic advisor was always trying to keep in touch to see how I was doing, they don't get you in the school and leave you out to dry.
Review Date: 9/19/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have been attending Full Sail online for Web Development and Design. I will first say that I am not being bitter, my grades at the moment are very exceptional, as well as my attendance. What I am doing is addressing some things I have experienced so far. With that being said, my online experience with Full Sail has been below average. Communication with the instructors has been a little difficult. It seems like they are very quick to push you off to a web link or YouTube video instead of answering... Read More
Review Date: 6/10/2016
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I have been attend IU since September 2014. I have never had a major issue and what problems I have had have been resolved immediately. The instructors are professional, my AD has been there for me when I needed him. Ignore all the drop outs complaining, they want everything handed to them. With IU you have to work for it and it is hard work. My 3.91 GPA didn't come by luck, it's come by work. The school gives you lots of tutor options and the instructors have always been there for extra guidance,... Read More
Review Date: 5/18/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I agree with those who said UOP is a joke. All learning material was online, it looked like it was a bunch of blogs from India or someplace where the grammar is 10 times worst than mine! I was confused and unable to talk to the professor. I actually don't remember getting a response the very few times I would ask questions.
I do have to say that I did get calls from my adviser as my grades were dropping and he gave suggestions. However, at the time I tried some of them I didn't get any further assistance... Read More
I don't recommended this school at all as they don't have any real support available. Sure I had a half good adviser but they clearly aren't working together for the welfare of their students.. it seems like they are just clocking in hours.
Review Date: 1/21/2013
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I don't know what Baker is like now, but I found it to be excellent when I attended. I took me second undergrad degree there and actually found the instruction and course work to be more challenging and usefull than my first degree taken at a state university. And, when I entered the work force I found that my knowledge exeeded that of coworkers who graduated from high rated schools.
Review Date: 6/26/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This is a great private small engineering, business college. You can get the 1 on 1 help you need, it is in a very quite location, there are things to keep the students occupied and most of all they work with students to help begin their career after they graduate.
Review Date: 2/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
As a veteran who was running out of time with their own GIBill I was incredibly in awe of my school's ability to help me sustain it to the fullest. The faculty, staff and FA Advisors were incredibly knowledgeable in their areas of expertise and able to assist me with minimal to no issue. I was able to succeed even in courses where I surely thought I'd never get through with the assistance of their tutoring programs and with help from Career Services and my Program Director, I was able to find a full-time... Read More
Review Date: 3/7/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Reading through some of these one-star complaints would be almost comical if the university were able to disclose the records of the complaining students. The truth of the matter is, most students who attend this college do so under the impression that they will produce a Grammy-winning album without putting in the hard work necessary to perform at that level of success. This school is excellent, but only for people who are passionate about what they do and are willing to work hard to bring their... Read More
Review Date: 6/13/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No