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.
Key Takeaways:
- Arkansas State University is the #1 most affordable web design bachelor's degree online, with yearly tuition at $7,260.
- Southern New Hampshire University Online is in the top 1% of the most popular online schools in the nation.
- The University of Arizona has a 97% recommendation rate, based on student surveys we've collected.
We manually research all tuition costs to identify the most cost-effective online degrees. All featured schools are accredited and offer 100% online programs with clear, upfront pricing. Find out how we determine affordability in our methodology.
2025 Most Affordable UU直播s for Web Design Degrees
| Rank | School | Location | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro (AR) | $7,260 | |
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | Manchester (NH) | $9,900 | |
| Bellevue University | Bellevue (NE) | $13,470 | |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi (MD) | $14,970 | |
| University of Arizona | Tucson (AZ) (and 1 other) | $15,750 | |
| Maryville University | St. Louis (MO) | $16,200 |
Overview of Online Web Design Bachelor's Degrees
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.
Common Courses
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.
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.
Funding an Online Web Design Degree
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 2020-21 school year, it found a significant difference in the cost of public schools as compared to private schools. The were $9,375 for in-state students attending public schools and $32,825 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.
Financial Aid
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 this occupation is , and demand for trained professionals is projected to grow by 16% through 2032.
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 this occupation 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.
FAQs About Online Web Design Degrees
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.
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.
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.
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.
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