10 BEST VALUE ONLINE MOBILE COMPUTING BACHELOR'S DEGREES

Updated November 29, 2022

Explore the top 10 most affordable online bachelor's degrees in mobile computing. This is one of the most in-demand areas in computer science and IT.

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By BVS Staff

Welcome to our ranking of affordable online mobile computing degree programs.

"Mobile computing," also referred to as mobile engineering or mobile app development, is one of the more in-demand areas in computer science and information technology. Following the rise of smartphones, tech companies need more employees who are familiar with multiple platforms and all phases of mobile app development. A B.S. degree in Mobile Computing or a related field is perfect for new students and seasoned professionals alike who want to gain an edge in a competitive market.

And if you're committed to your full-time job, have a family, or are unable to commute, there's no need to give up on your goals. Distance education makes getting almost any type of degree easy and convenient!

The 10 Best Online Mobile App Development Degrees Ranking Methodology

Selection Criteria

For this ranking, we focused on public and private (non-profit) colleges and universities that offer mobile development degrees online. Because the focus of this list is on affordability, we only considered programs with average* tuition rates of $25,000/year or less.

*For public schools, we calculated the average value of their in-state and out-of-state rates.

Ranking Factors

Unfortunately, there are a limited number of mobile computing degrees available online. Therefore, we could not compile a pool of options large enough to justify a multifactorial ranking system in which we'd score colleges and universities based on a list of specific considerations.

So instead, we ranked the programs solely according to their affordability. See below for the best cheap online mobile computing degree programs, ranked from most to least expensive.

Cheap Online Mobile Computing Degree Programs Ranked

#1 Bellevue University Bellevue, NE
#2 Fort Hays State University Hays, KS
#3 Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA
#4 University of South Florida Tampa, FL
#5 Florida International University Miami, FL
#6 Northwestern State University of Louisiana Natchitoches, LA
#7 Independence University Salt Lake City, UT
#8 Davenport University Grand Rapids, MI
#9 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Carbondale, IL
#10 Liberty University Lynchburg, VA

Featured Online Programs

Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

  1. Bellevue University
    Location

    Bellevue, NE

    Tuition

    $7752

    Bellevue self-describes its computer information systems degree as the combined study of computer programing, databases, and information system management. This three-pronged approach helps prepare graduates for a wide range of technology careers. At the same time, it emphasizes practical skills like problem-solving and system design. So, what makes this program a top cheap online mobile app development degree? The curriculum incorporates an Application Development emphasis that consists of classes like "Fundamentals of Mobile Application Development," "Web Scripting," and "Hybrid Mobile Application Development." And given that the coursework has been designed to meet ACM and ABET standards, you can feel confident not just in the content, but also in the quality of education that you'll receive.

  2. Fort Hays State University
    Location

    Hays, KS

    Tuition

    $9920

    If you want to become an expert in all things IT, Fort Hays State University can help you get there. How? By offering a well-balanced, broad-based curriculum that also gives you the flexibility to gain a deeper understanding of the topics that interest you most. First, you'll complete an 18-credit informatics core, which focuses largely on information networking. Then, you'll complete a 15-credit concentration in Web and Mobile Application Development, which covers everything from web scripting and development to interactive design. But you'll get to go even further before graduating from FHSU's affordable mobile development degree online by choosing 15 credits of electives in practical topics like "Android Application Development" and "Seminar in iOS Application Development."

  3. Kennesaw State University
    Location

    Kennesaw, GA

    Tuition

    $11838

    Kennesaw State University boasts a top online mobile app development degree for anyone who wants to pursue an in-depth study of mobile computing. Like most of the options on this ranking, KSU's program primarily focuses on information technology. However, this BSIT offers a concentration in Mobile and Web Development that provides a much more extensive summary of mobile computing than many of its competitors. The five-course concentration provides not just an overview of mobile systems, but also explores topics like "Mobile Web Development," "Mobile and Casual Game Development," and "Advanced Web Development." Plus, you'll get to take a special topics course that covers contemporary issues in the field.

  4. University of South Florida
    Location

    Tampa, FL

    Tuition

    $11867

    Associate's degree holders and other transfer students will love the University of South Florida's BSIT program. While only some lower-level and gen ed courses are available online, 100% of the program's upper-level coursework is. USF also stands out on this online mobile computing degrees ranking for the variety of concentrations it offers (six in total!). Of course, one of these is a specialization in Applications and Mobile App Development, which is available thanks to relevant electives like "Mobile Applications Development for IT" and "Mobile and Wireless Security." You can also earn credit for completing an industry internship or independent study experience, both of which will help you strengthen your practical abilities and critical thinking skills.

  5. Florida International University
    Location

    Miami, FL

    Tuition

    $12755

    Florida International University's BSIT program is great for students who want to gain specialized knowledge in multiple areas. On top of a core sequence that imparts skills in computer networking and software development, degree candidates must select five elective courses. These electives fall under four career-focused categories: Application Development and System, Network, and Database Administration. To meet the requirements for this accredited online mobile app development degree, you'll need to pick electives from two concentration areas. If you're interested in application development, this approach will help you gain a secondary area of expertise that could distinguish you from your colleagues on the job.

  6. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
    Location

    Natchitoches, LA

    Tuition

    $13316

    Although this ranking is primarily about recognizing the most affordable online mobile app development degrees, Northwestern State University deserves recognition for the high quality of its program, too. For the past 20 years, the school's computer information systems program has regularly earned recognition from the University of Louisiana system as one of its "areas of excellence." In addition, major corporations have cited the exceptionality of the program and work hard to recruit its graduates. Still not convinced? Check out the comprehensive concentration in Application Development, which runs the gamut of coursework from object-oriented programming to mobile app design and deployment.

  7. Independence University
    Location

    Salt Lake City, UT

    Tuition

    $16968

    Whether you're new to the tech industry or have years of experience and are hoping to advance your career, a BS in Software and Mobile Applications Development could prove extremely useful in achieving your goals. The robust, skills-focused curriculum covers just about every topic you could possibly need, from mobile development and user interaction design to web server, database, and object-oriented programming. In addition, you'll supplement your studies with business-related classes in entrepreneurship, management, and computer law. This extra element helps separate Independence's program from other top mobile development degrees online and could be the difference that lands you the job offer you want.

  8. Davenport University
    Location

    Grand Rapids, MI

    Tuition

    $17558

    As a BS in Computer Information Systems, Davenport University's online program strongly emphasizes programming and scripting skills. This is good news for anyone looking for a cheap online mobile app development degree, as you'll take a variety of core classes - covering web page applications, server-side scripting, and mobile development, for example - that will help boost your career prospects. On top of a relevant core curriculum, you'll also have an opportunity to specialize in Web and Mobile Development. To do so, you'll need to take targeted electives that build on your core knowledge. These include advanced courses in mobile development and server-side scripting as well as related coursework in web design/authoring and image editing.

  9. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
    Location

    Carbondale, IL

    Tuition

    $21019

    If you already have your associate's degree, then you can earn SIU-Carbondale's BS in Information Systems Technologies entirely online. The program offers both continuous and part-time enrollment, making it ideal for working adults who can't follow a traditional college course schedule. Working professionals will also appreciate the curriculum's concentration options, which can help prepare you for careers in specific areas of information technology. For example, those looking for an accredited mobile development degree online can opt for a specialization in Web and Mobile App Development. This track consists of classes in mobile programming, software engineering, and both client- and server-side web development - all of which will impart much-needed skills for a career in mobile computing.

  10. Liberty University
    Location

    Lynchburg, VA

    Tuition

    $21310

    Liberty University's BSIT in Web and Mobile Programming is designed to produce IT professionals with expertise in website and web application development. This includes an understanding of advanced concepts like responsive design and mobile site compatibility. Aside from the coursework, this affordable online mobile computing degree program attracts applicants for its low costs. Not only does Liberty offer low tuition, but the university provides electronic textbooks for all undergraduate courses, which could save you thousands of dollars a year! Liberty's goal of "develop[ing] information technology professionals with a Christian worldview" also makes this a top choice for students in the Judeo-Christian faith.

Thanks for reading our ranking of the 10 top cheap mobile development degrees online!

Sources:
IPEDS Data Center
College Navigator

See Also:
Mobile Computing Scholarships

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