How Much Does Educational App Development Cost?

The rise of educational apps has transformed the way we learn and teach, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the shift towards digital education. As educational institutions and entrepreneurs look to capitalize on this trend, understanding the costs associated with developing an educational app becomes crucial.

Education app development services are in great demand since the COVID pandemic showed many educational institutions its necessity and lasting benefits. It is also the cause behind the rapid growth of online learning platforms. According to Statista, the global revenue in online learning platforms could reach $82.7 billion by 2027, compared to $57 billion in 2021.

If you are confused about the cost to build an Educational App?

Estimating the development costs for an educational app is the first step in figuring out how you can make your business a large part of such growth.

Here we are to help you. Cost is a matter of fact to create an app. Moreover, when it comes to an already well-established education industry, cost estimation becomes a challenge.

The average cost to make an educational app is $25,000 to $350,000.

This blog post delves into the various factors influencing the cost of educational app development, providing a comprehensive overview for anyone considering entering this market.

All You Need To Know About the Current Educational App Market

The answer to the question can be found with a single line of cost estimation. However, before that, it is essential to study the top trends in the educational industry as well as in the educational app industry.

The online education industry has increased over the years and it is estimated to excel within the next couple of years. Let’s know some stats regarding the same.

• Revenue within the online education market is expected to increase by $87.51 billion in the year 2024.
• The number of users is projected to be 82.7 million by the year 2028.

What is an Educational App?

Educational applications allow users to learn various subjects through virtual teachers or all-in-one digital books. Such applications include digital textbooks, tutorials, quizzes & examinations, homework assignments, and grading facilities.

Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy are some examples of educational apps.

These apps remove the need to visit an educational institution, which can be a hassle for many students. Being able to study the subject they like or need becomes a one-click away task that they can do from any place of comfort they choose.

Types of E-learning apps

E-learning apps come in various types, each designed to cater to different learning needs and preferences. Here’s a brief overview of the main types of e-learning apps:

1. Mobile Online Course Apps: These platforms offer structured courses that users can access anytime, often featuring video lessons, reading materials, and assignments. Examples include Coursera and Udemy.
2. Schooling Apps: Designed for formal education, these apps assist in organizing the learning process, managing curricula, and grading. They help teachers streamline classroom activities.
3. Tutoring Apps: These connect students with personal tutors for one-on-one sessions. They facilitate scheduling, payments, and tracking of attendance. Examples include TutorMe and Preply.
4. Virtual Classroom Apps: These recreate the in-person classroom experience online, enabling live discussions and interactions between students and teachers. Examples include Google Classroom and WizIQ.
5. Language Learning Apps: Focused on teaching languages through interactive lessons and gamification, these apps make language acquisition engaging. Popular examples are Duolingo and Babbel.
6. Student Grading Apps: These tools help educators assess student performance efficiently by automating grading processes. They are tailored to meet specific grading needs.
7. Pre-K Learning Apps: Targeted at young children, these apps provide engaging, game-like experiences to introduce basic concepts such as math and reading.
8. Corporate Training Apps: Designed for businesses, these apps offer training materials for employee development and compliance training.
9. Assessment Software: These applications focus on evaluating student knowledge through quizzes and exams, helping educators gauge learning outcomes.
10. Interactive Learning Platforms: Combining various multimedia elements like videos, simulations, and discussion forums, these platforms engage learners in a dynamic educational experience.

Each type of e-learning app serves distinct purposes and audiences, making education more accessible and tailored to individual learning styles.

Must Read: How to Create a Profitable Language Learning App: Strategic Guide to Developing Your Own Duolingo

Factors Influencing Development Costs

Understanding the cost of developing an educational app requires consideration of several key factors:

1. App Complexity: The complexity of the app directly affects development costs. Basic apps with minimal features may cost between $10,000 and $50,000, while more advanced applications with intricate functionalities can range from $50,000 to over $250,000
2. Features and Functionality: The more features you want to include—such as user authentication, content management systems, gamification elements, or AI capabilities—the higher the cost will be. For instance:

Basic App: $10,000 to $50,000

Standard App: $45,000 to $90,000

Advanced App: $75,000 to $500,000+ depending on features like AI or machine learning integration

3. Platform Choice: Developing for multiple platforms (iOS and Android) typically increases costs. A single-platform app may cost between $20,000 and $75,000 for iOS or Android

4. Development Team Location: The geographical location of your development team significantly impacts costs. For example:

USA: $100 to $150 per hour

Eastern Europe: $90 to $130 per hour

India: $15 to $60 per hour

5. Design and User Experience (UI/UX): A well-designed user interface is crucial for user engagement. Investing in quality UI/UX design can range from $5,000 to over $100,000, depending on the complexity and customization required

6. Maintenance and Updates: Post-launch maintenance is essential for keeping the app functional and relevant. This typically costs about 20% to 50% of the total development cost annually

Breakdown of Costs by Development Stages

To provide a clearer picture of how costs accumulate throughout the development process, here’s a breakdown based on different stages:

Types of Educational Apps and Their Costs

Different types of educational apps come with varying complexity levels and associated costs.

• Kids Learning Applications: These apps focus on interactive learning for children. Development costs typically range from $20,000 to $100,000, depending on features like games or quizzes.
• Language Learning Applications: Apps like Duolingo that offer gamified language learning can cost between $50,000 and $150,000, depending on complexity
• Online Course Platforms: Building a platform similar to Udemy or Coursera can require significant investment—ranging from $100,000 to over $500,000, especially if it includes features like video hosting and live classes
• Flashcard Apps: Simple flashcard applications can be developed for around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on customization options available for users

Must Read: How Much Does It Cost to Build a Health Tracking App Like Google Fit?

Strategies for Reducing Development Costs

While developing an educational app can be costly, there are strategies that can help mitigate expenses:

1. Prioritize Features: Focus on core functionalities that are essential for your app's success. This helps in reducing unnecessary complexity.
2. Use Open-Source Technologies: Leveraging open-source frameworks can cut down licensing fees associated with proprietary software.
3. Outsource Development: Consider hiring developers from regions with lower labor costs without compromising quality.
4. Start with an MVP: Building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) allows you to test your concept with minimal investment before scaling up.

In Conclusion

The cost of developing an educational app varies widely based on numerous factors, including complexity, features, platform choice, and geographical location of developers. On average, you can expect costs to range from $10,000 for basic apps up to over $500,000 for advanced platforms.

Estimating the final costs for your educational app will require assistance from an eLearning mobile app development company to do it correctly. They will have a clear idea and understanding of what goes into the development of a successful educational app, which allows them to accurately estimate and even lessen the overall development costs of your educational app.

Moreover, to achieve success in the educational app industry, you should consider the factors that impact the cost of building an educational app including complexity, app platform, and UI/UX interface. At last focus on the monetization strategies that can help you earn money from the app.