Best Online Web Design and Development Certificate Programs of 2024

Q: How long does it take to get a web design certificate online?

Online web design certificates can vary in length. Some can be completed in one semester, while others may take a full year. For instance, Bismarck State College offers a one-year web page development and design certificate. The development specialist certificate from St. Petersburg College is an 18-credit program that you can complete in as little as two semesters. Prior college credits may count toward your certificate, but this varies by program.

Q: Is a web design and development certificate program hard?

Web design and development certificates vary in difficulty, length, coursework, and workload. Different certificates will pose different challenges, and how hard you find a program depends on your background and any unique program requirements or course offerings.

Q: Is web design a good career?

In an increasingly digital world, web development continues to be in demand. In the next decade, jobs for web designers and developers are projected to grow 16% — much faster than average — according to the BLS.

Q: Can you make $100,000 as a web developer?

Earning $100,000 a year as a web developer is possible, but your salary can vary significantly based on your location, educational background, and prior experience. According to the BLS, Washington-based web developers earned an average of $135,490 in 2022, while those in New York earned an average of $81,200.

Want to get into the field of web design fast? Here are the best online web developer certification and certificate programs.

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Updated April 10, 2024

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A certificate in web design and development can help you break into the tech field. This credential can qualify you for an entry-level role as a front-end developer, UX designer, or full-stack developer.

You might be drawn to online certificate programs if you’re looking for a less expensive option than a four-year degree. You also might need a flexible program or one with a shorter time commitment.

Here, we rank the best online web design certificate programs of 2024.

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In this Article

Top Online Web Design and Development Certificate Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

Affordability (30%)
Student outcomes (30%)
Reputation (20%)
Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

Atlantic Technical College

Coconut Creek, FL2 yearCampus + Online

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $2,940
Out-of-State | $11,760

Credits to Graduate: Unavailable

ATC's web design and development certificate offers traditional in-person and flexible online formats to complete the required 1,050 hours of study time. Part-time students study over about 20 months, compared to full-time learners who can graduate in just 10 months.

Students complete assignments every Monday. Projects comprise about 60% of your grades, with another 30% going toward tests. Credits from this certificate can transfer toward an associate degree from the Florida College System. You'll also gain the skills needed to apply for industry certifications in Dreamweaver, Photoshop, and CompTIA's IT Fundamentals.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

62%

Students Enrolled

2,790

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Atlantic Technical College

Coconut Creek, FL2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

62%

Students Enrolled

2,790

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $2,940
Out-of-State | $11,760

Credits to Graduate: Unavailable

Cerro Coso Community College

Ridgecrest, CA2 yearCampus + Online

$1,380

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,330

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

80%

Online Enrollment

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $46
Out-of-State | $388

Credits to Graduate: 28

Cerro Coso's web professional certificate focuses on either multimedia design or programming. You'll develop skills in Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and WordPress. Courses cover topics like web graphic creation, scripting, copyright law, project management, and communication skills. You'll also gain project management skills, including practice using productivity software.

The curriculum prepares you to pursue certification as an e-commerce specialist, web design specialist, or web foundations associate. Optional electives include computer illustration and design, e-commerce, and digital video and audio production.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

63%

Students Enrolled

4,862

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$1,380

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,330

Cerro Coso Community College

Ridgecrest, CA2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$1,380

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,330

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

80%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

63%

Students Enrolled

4,862

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $46
Out-of-State | $388

Credits to Graduate: 28

Champlain College

Burlington, VT2 yearCampus + Online

$42,564

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$42,564

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

56%

Acceptance Rate

54%

Online Enrollment

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $335
Out-of-State | $335

Credits to Graduate: 18

Champlain's online web design certificate allows you to graduate in just 21 weeks. Many graduates work as graphic designers, programmers, and web developers at companies like 3PLAY Media, Contour Products, and Girlzone.com. After earning a certificate, you can use the credits you earned to pursue an online bachelor's in web design and development or an online bachelor's in computer information systems.

The online lessons provide practice in Adobe Photoshop, CSS, HTML, and Mockups Version 3.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,310

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

2,406

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$42,564

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$42,564

Champlain College

Burlington, VT2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$42,564

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$42,564

Acceptance Rate

56%

Online Enrollment

54%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,310

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

2,406

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $335
Out-of-State | $335

Credits to Graduate: 18

The online lessons provide practice in Adobe Photoshop, CSS, HTML, and Mockups Version 3.

Colorado State University-Global Campus

Aurora, CO4 yearOnline

$8,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

96%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $350
Out-of-State | $350

Credits to Graduate: 18

A stand-alone program, CSU Global's web application developer certificate only takes six months to complete. You can transfer your credits toward a bachelor's degree at CSU Global. Courses in this program explore web design and development, human-computer interaction, and database management. The asynchronous coursework covers programming languages such as HTML, Javascript, MySQL, PHP, and Python.

Incoming students need a basic understanding of programming languages and web development to get admitted. CSU Global charges no out-of-state fees — you'll even get a tuition guarantee that locks in your rate from the day you enroll.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,000

Retention Rate

35%

Students Enrolled

10,844

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,400

Colorado State University-Global Campus

Aurora, CO4 yearOnline

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,400

Acceptance Rate

96%

Online Enrollment

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,000

Retention Rate

35%

Students Enrolled

10,844

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $350
Out-of-State | $350

Credits to Graduate: 18

Dakota State University

Madison, SD4 yearCampus + Online

$7,616

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,718

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

80%

Acceptance Rate

75%

Online Enrollment

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $294
Out-of-State | $333-$397

Credits to Graduate: 12

DSU's web application certificate trains you to build web applications with the option of later transferring to a degree program. You can transfer credits from this certificate toward an associate degree in web development or a bachelor's in computer science.

This program includes courses focusing on programming concepts using CSS, CSS, jQuery, MVC pattern, and SQL. You'll learn to use programming languages to write code and create both front-end and back-end applications.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,999

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,199

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

3,251

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,616

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,718

Dakota State University

Madison, SD4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,616

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,718

Acceptance Rate

80%

Online Enrollment

75%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,999

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,199

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

3,251

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $294
Out-of-State | $333-$397

Credits to Graduate: 12

Eastern Iowa Community College District

Davenport, IA2 yearCampus + Online

$4,396

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,904

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $195
Out-of-State | $262
Online | $216

Credits to Graduate: 16

EICC's web development certificate prepares you to enter the job market quickly with a flexible schedule. Students can opt for the full online program or take a combination of in-person and online coursework. The lessons help you build your leadership skills and foundational knowledge in front-end and back-end development. Instruction is also devoted to scripting, typography, and mobile app development.

EICC offers a testing center and practice exams to prepare you for certifications offered through Cisco, CompTIA, and Amazon Web Services. After earning your certificate, you can apply for EICC's associate in web development degree.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

55%

Students Enrolled

7,460

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,396

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,904

Eastern Iowa Community College District

Davenport, IA2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,396

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,904

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

44%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

55%

Students Enrolled

7,460

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $195
Out-of-State | $262
Online | $216

Credits to Graduate: 16

Harrisburg Area Community College

Harrisburg, PA2 yearCampus + Online

$6,798

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,798

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

90%

Acceptance Rate

52%

Online Enrollment

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $297
Out-of-State | $380

Credits to Graduate: 30

HACC's web development and design certificate prepares you to join the workforce as a web developer or graphic designer. Alternatively, you can use your certificate to prepare for an associate in web development and design degree.

The program emphasizes design, multimedia, and web application development. You can take career electives in areas such as digital photography. Electives allow you to specialize in a programming language like HTML or CSS, as well as in content management systems, front-end development, or back-end development.

Full-time students can graduate in two semesters by completing a program completely online.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

56%

Students Enrolled

14,023

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,798

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,798

Harrisburg Area Community College

Harrisburg, PA2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,798

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,798

Acceptance Rate

90%

Online Enrollment

52%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

56%

Students Enrolled

14,023

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $297
Out-of-State | $380

Credits to Graduate: 30

Full-time students can graduate in two semesters by completing a program completely online.

Heartland Community College

Normal, IL2 yearCampus + Online

$9,660

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,490

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

100%

Acceptance Rate

58%

Online Enrollment

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $168
Out-of-State | $336-$420

Credits to Graduate: 12

By enrolling in HCC's web design skills certificate program, you can graduate in as little as two semesters.

You'll take courses in digital media, web page development, interactive digital media, and webpage design. Topics cover CSS, HTML, Javascript, JQuery, and WordPress.

HCC also offers an associate degree in information technology with a concentration in computer science, information technology, or computer networking technology. This program does not qualify for financial aid, but HCC offers work-ready scholarships.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

69%

Students Enrolled

4,697

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,660

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,490

Heartland Community College

Normal, IL2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,660

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,490

Acceptance Rate

100%

Online Enrollment

58%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

69%

Students Enrolled

4,697

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $168
Out-of-State | $336-$420

Credits to Graduate: 12

By enrolling in HCC's web design skills certificate program, you can graduate in as little as two semesters.

You'll take courses in digital media, web page development, interactive digital media, and webpage design. Topics cover CSS, HTML, Javascript, JQuery, and WordPress.

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, IN2 yearCampus + Online

$4,487

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,777

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

33%

Online Enrollment

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $170
Out-of-State | $332

Credits to Graduate: 21

Ivy Tech's certification in web application development sets you on the path to earning industry certifications or an associate degree. Over the course of two semesters, you can choose to study entirely online or at any of the 27 locations available in Indiana. You'll complete 21 credits to gain a fundamental understanding of software solutions, software development life cycles, software development, and project management.

The Workforce Ready Grant helps eligible students earn this certificate at no cost.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

46%

Students Enrolled

86,100

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,487

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,777

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, IN2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,487

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,777

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

33%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

46%

Students Enrolled

86,100

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $170
Out-of-State | $332

Credits to Graduate: 21

The Workforce Ready Grant helps eligible students earn this certificate at no cost.

#10

Lewis-Clark State College

Lewiston, ID4 yearCampus + Online

$6,982

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$20,238

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

100%

Acceptance Rate

51%

Online Enrollment

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $378
Out-of-State | $378

Credits to Graduate: 30

LCSC's web design and development certificate highlights the importance of front-end and back-end web technologies. With this certificate, you can choose to study online or in Lewiston, Idaho. To fulfill program requirements, you must complete general education credits in subjects like public speaking, math, history, psychology, and sociology. The program emphasizes practicing CSS, HTML, and Javascript, as well as learning image editing and illustrations.

Graduates may choose to pursue an associate in web design and development degree.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,000

Retention Rate

63%

Students Enrolled

3,710

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,982

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,238

Lewis-Clark State College

Lewiston, ID4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,982

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,238

Acceptance Rate

100%

Online Enrollment

51%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,000

Retention Rate

63%

Students Enrolled

3,710

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $378
Out-of-State | $378

Credits to Graduate: 30

Graduates may choose to pursue an associate in web design and development degree.

What You’ll Learn in a Web Design Certificate Program

In a web design certificate program, you’ll learn coding and programming languages, how to user experience (UX) optimization, graphic design elements, and website functionality.

Courses you may take include the following:

Database Design and Structured Query Language: In this course, you’ll learn how to create a functioning relational database and use a structured query language (SQL) to interact with a database.
Web Application Development: You’ll learn how to design, build, test, and deploy web apps.
JavaScript: JavaScript is a programming language that can make a website interactive. It’s used on almost all websites in the world. In this class, you’ll learn how to create the code to animate images and make more dynamic pages.
Web Design and Usability: In this course, you’ll learn how to design a functional website for static and interactive pages with user experience in mind.

Jobs With an Online Web Developer Certification or Certificate

Web developer positions are in high demand, with opportunities in UX design, back-end development, and front-end development.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the web development and design field will grow 16% in the next decade — much faster than other fields.

Advertising and public relations, computing systems design, and software publishing have the highest employment for web developers, according to the BLS. Other industries like aerospace and peripheral manufacturing are among the most lucrative roles for web designers and developers.

While a certificate can help you get an entry-level position, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in web development or a related field can help you advance into senior roles and earn a higher salary.

Popular Web Development Certificate Jobs
Job	Average Annual Salary
Back-End Developers	$96,960 (Mar. 2024)
Digital Designers	$61,765 (Mar. 2024
Front-End Developers	$83,000 (Jan. 2024)
Web Developers	$64,570 (Mar. 2024)
UX Designers	$78,000 (Jan. 2024)
Full-Stack Developers	$75,060 (Mar. 2023)

Source: Payscale

Check Out Top Online Web Development Degrees

Best Online Associate in Web Development Programs

Best Online Bachelors in Web Development Programs

Best Online Masters in Web Development Programs

Cost of an Online Web Design Certificate

An online web development certificate can take anywhere from one semester to a year. How much you spend depends on the school’s cost per credit and the number of credits in the program.

For example, the web development specialist certificate at Daytona State College requires 35 credits and costs $82 per credit for in-state students. This comes out to about $2,870 in total tuition costs.

In comparison, Riverland Community College‘s web design certificate program requires 29 credits at $236 per credit — this adds up to almost $6,850 in total tuition costs.

One factor to consider when determining cost is whether you qualify as an in-state or out-of-state student or whether you pay an online rate regardless of location. Research potential schools’ websites to determine what best fits your budget.

Is an Online Web Development Certificate Worth It?

Pros of Online Web Design Certificates

Online certificates can help you enter the workforce sooner.
Certificate programs tend to be shorter and more affordable than degree programs.
You can focus on gaining the most practical skills needed for your field.
Some certificate programs offer more specializations in specific kinds of web design.

Cons of Online Web Design Certificates

Many jobs require or prefer a bachelor’s degree at a minimum.
In-person programs often offer unique networking opportunities that aren’t accessible online.
According to the BLS, bachelor’s degree holders earned around $26,000 more in 2022 than those with only some college but no degree.
You may find it harder to connect with your peers and faculty online vs. in person.

Frequently Asked Questions About Web Developer Certification and Certificates

Can you get a web developer or designer job with just a certificate?

Yes, you can get a web developer job with a certificate. However, some jobs may require at least a bachelor’s degree. A four-year degree can make you a more competitive candidate for employers, so be sure to weigh the pros and cons of a web development certificate.

How long does it take to get a web design certificate online?

Is a web design and development certificate program hard?

Is web design a good career?

Can you make $100,000 as a web developer?

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed March 4, 2024.