Your search for a truly affordable online software development degree has begun. Starting with GetEducated is a great first step when it comes to the financial aspects of college tuition. The 2019 average annual salary for software developers in the U.S. hit over $100,000, and the projected job outlook through 2029 is currently at 22%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While these numbers are a fantastic reason to enter this field with an academic leg-up, looking at one’s current financial position and working from that standpoint has more logical benefits. The difference in tuition between the most affordable and most expensive online web development degrees is now over $136,000. Imagine enrolling with a school way beyond budget when another completely reasonable option, perhaps even more aligned with one’s professional goals, was available as well. GetEducated helps future students avoid that possibility and choose the online software development degree best suited to student financial restrictions and professional aspirations.
Our editors compared 69 software development and web design degrees from 48 regionally accredited online schools to create this “Best Buy” list. Our rankings reveal the most affordable online web development degree options in the United States. Check the numbers before taking the plunge.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$58,900
Least Expensive: Eastern Florida State College ~ $13,951.20
Most Expensive: Savannah College of Art and Design ~ $150,800
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest online software development degree programs. The online web development degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2020 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
Most Affordable Online Software Development Degree Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Eastern Florida State College | (FL) | $13,951.20 $54,880.80 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | NUC University | (PR) | $22,600.00 $40,000.00 $34,600.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
3 | Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology | (OK) | $23,286.45 | All Students |
4 |  Western Governors University | (UT) | $28,160.00 | All Students |
5 | University of the Potomac | (DC) | $33,500.00 | All Students |
6 | Austin Peay State University | (TN) | $35,422.00 $48,862.00 $29,376.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
7 | Missouri State University | (MO) | $35,880.00 | All Students |
8 |  American Public University System | (WV) | $36,900.00 $30,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
9 | University of Maryland Global Campus | (MD) | $37,850.00 $61,730.00 $30,050.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
10 | Champlain College | (VT) | $38,310.00 $30,150.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
11 |  Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $38,550.00 $27,150.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
12 | King University | (TN) | $41,045.00 $34,225.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
13 | Indiana Wesleyan University | (IN) | $44,880.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
14 | Wilmington University | (DE) | $46,020.00 $30,300.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
15 | Liberty University | (VA) | $48,492.00 $30,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
16 | Husson University | (ME) | $48,729.00 | All Students |
17 | Franklin University | (OH) | $49,417.00 $31,065.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
18 | South College | (TN) | $50,000.00 | All Students |
19 | Concordia University-Saint Paul | (MN) | $50,400.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
20 | Park University | (MO) | $51,240.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
21 | Salem University | (WV) | $51,800.00 $66,800.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 | Baker College | (MI) | $51,800.00 $32,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
21 |  Fisher College | (MA) | $51,800.00 | All Students |
24 | Limestone University | (SC) | $53,045.00 $29,285.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
25 | Lindenwood University | (MO) | $54,100.00 | All Students |
26 | Bellevue University | (NE) | $55,875.00 $33,650.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
27 | Tiffin University | (OH) | $57,260.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
National American University | (SD) | $59,160.00 $30,073.80 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Mercer University | (GA) | $59,400.00 | All Students | |
University of Cincinnati | (OH) | $60,600.00 $62,400.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Walden University | (MN) | $61,385.00 | All Students | |
Central Penn College | (PA) | $63,736.00 | All Students | |
Point Park University | (PA) | $64,009.00 | All Students | |
Northeastern University | (MA) | $65,128.00 | All Students | |
Maryville University | (MO) | $67,000.00 | All Students | |
Post University | (CT) | $68,800.00 | All Students | |
Southwestern College - Kansas | (KS) | $68,800.00 $31,600.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
ECPI University | (VA) | $70,376.00 | All Students | |
Peirce College | (PA) | $73,995.00 | All Students | |
University of Advancing Technology | (AZ) | $88,000.00 | All Students | |
Davenport University | (MI) | $100,480.00 $67,960.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Academy of Art University | (CA) | $121,815.00 | All Students | |
Academy of Art University | (CA) | $133,947.00 | All Students | |
Savannah College of Art and Design | (GA) | $150,800.00 | All Students |
14 Options for this program have changed since publication.
Accreditation Note
To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.
ABET Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
Rankings Note
These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Fall 2020 review of regionally accredited online software development degree options. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online bachelor degree programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online degree including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note
Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a bachelor degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online schools for web design and software development may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the best online web development degree for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Career Guide: Online Software Development Degree Programs
Software and technology is changing virtually every aspect of our lives. From how we communicate to how we travel, technology has created greater efficiencies and a more connected world.
This trend will not slow, and people who know how to design and develop software will be in high demand. If you are interested in technology and want to contribute to the growth of software across the globe, an online software development degree may be perfect for your future!
Online Web & Software Development Program Overview
If you enroll in an online software development degree, you’ll have a variety of useful skills that will help you contribute to the growing technology world. You’ll learn concepts and skills that include online systems, network technology, database security, scripting, programing, and the business of information technology.
Some courses can even be specialized to a specific type of programming. For example, you may find an online web development degree that lets you choose between Java or C# programming.
You can also find an online web design degree that lets you focus your skills on a specific interest. You may find bachelor’s degrees that let you become an expert in creating video games, interactive design, or network software, allowing you to thrive in an area that meets your specific interest and skills.
Best Careers in Software Development & Design
If you complete an online degree in software development, you’ll be prepared for many outstanding careers, including…
Software Developer
- Salary: $107,510
- Education: Bachelor’s
- Training/Experience: None
- Growth: 22%
Software developers create the computer programs and applications that we use on a daily basis. The tasks often include analyzing the needs of a specific group, then creating software products that can meet these needs. They may work within a team to design part of an application, or could create the entire program by themselves.
The job outlook for this career is excellent. It’s expected to grow by 22% between 2019 and 2029, adding roughly 316,000 jobs in a single decade. This growth will be driven by a need for developers in expanding industries like healthcare. The top 10% can expect salaries over $164,000, making this one of the best options for people with an online web development degree or software education.
Computer Programmer
- Salary: $86,550
- Education: Bachelor’s
- Training/Experience: None
- Growth: -9%
These tech-savvy professionals write and test the codes that allow computer applications and programs to function. They use various coding languages, and test programs for errors to ensure smooth performance once they are released. They may also be tasked with fixing or enhancing existing programs to ensure better operations.
While this career is expected to decline by 9%, driven largely by outsourcing, there are plenty of opportunities available to highly-skilled programmers. According to the BLS, there were almost 214,000 computer programmers in the U.S. in 2019, but this number will dip below 200,000 by 2029.
Database Administrator
- Salary: $93,750
- Education: Bachelor’s
- Training/Experience: None
- Growth: 10%
Companies and organizations are utilizing data in profound ways. They can use it to identify business opportunities, create new products, and find solutions to complex problems. But they can’t do it without database administrators. These tech professionals ensure that an organization’s data is secure, and also backup and store data in the appropriate locations. They work to make sure data is organized and accessible so it can be used by team members at the right time.
Growth for these careers is expected to be 10%, although the increase could be tempered by automation and cloud services.
Continuing Education for Online Software Development Degree Graduates
To be the best possible software-development professional, you need the right knowledge. Fortunately, if you have that knowledge you really don’t need anything else. There are (in almost all cases) no requirements for certifications or licensing. While you need to demonstrate proficiency to employers, you don’t need to be licensed through state or local agencies.
While a bachelor’s degree is enough for many positions, you may want to expand your education to include a master’s degree. With this education, you can move into many high-paying jobs, and your chances of being employed by high-level companies is increased.