As digital learning continues to grow in popularity, developing an educational app has become a promising investment. However, understanding the costs involved can be challenging. From design and development to deployment, each stage requires careful planning and budgeting.
To offer clarity, GoodCore, a leading provider of software development services for education, offers a detailed cost breakdown based on a real-life project we undertook: an online corporate training platform. This article will provide insights into the financial aspects of educational app development costs, enabling you to make informed decisions about project costs and resource allocation effectively.
What is an educational app?
An educational app is a software application designed to facilitate learning and skill development through digital devices like smartphones, tablets, or computers. These apps offer interactive lessons, quizzes, videos, and other tools to make learning accessible, engaging, and personalised for users of all ages, from children to professionals.
What is the typical cost of building an educational app?
The cost of building an educational app typically ranges from $15,000 to $80,000 for standard apps with basic features. For more complex apps, especially those designed for multiple platforms or requiring advanced functionalities like AI-driven personalisation, the cost can exceed $200,000. The final price depends on some key factors that we’ve discussed below.
6 Factors Influencing the Cost of Educational App Development
To get a ballpark estimate of how much does it cost to make an educational app, it’s crucial to first understand the factors that influence the cost. By understanding these cost-affecting factors, you can determine an approximate cost estimate for your app. Let’s take a look at the major factors:
App complexity
The complexity of an educational app significantly impacts its development cost, largely due to the range of core functionalities it must support. The more advanced and feature-rich the app, the more resources it requires in terms of design, development, and testing. Here’s a breakdown of how app complexity can vary:
- Low Complexity: Apps with basic features such as flashcards, quizzes, and simple content delivery fall under this category. These apps are generally easier and quicker to develop, requiring minimal backend infrastructure and a straightforward user interface.
- Medium Complexity: Apps that offer additional functionalities like progress tracking, personalised learning paths, and basic gamification elements are considered medium-complexity solutions. These apps require a more robust backend to manage user data and provide personalised content, increasing both development time and cost.
- High Complexity: High-complexity educational apps include advanced features such as adaptive learning algorithms, AI-powered tutoring, social interaction capabilities, and content creation tools. These platforms require sophisticated backend infrastructure, complex algorithms, and high levels of interactivity, making them the most costly to develop.
Here’s a detailed comparison of app complexity levels, core features, and their cost implications.
| App Complexity | Core Features | Cost Implications |
| Low | – Flashcards and simple quizzes – Static content delivery – Basic user profiles – Limited interactivity |
– Lower development costs due to minimal backend requirements and simple UI/UX – Typically requires 2-3 months of development time |
| Medium | – Progress tracking and analytics – Personalised learning paths – Basic gamification elements (e.g., badges, leaderboards) – User accounts and content recommendations |
– Moderate development costs due to more complex backend and user data management – Requires 4-6 months of development time |
| High | – Adaptive learning algorithms – AI-powered tutoring and personalised feedback – Social features (e.g., discussion forums, peer reviews) – Content creation tools for users and educators – Real-time collaboration and communication tools |
– High development costs due to advanced algorithms, extensive backend infrastructure, and high interactivity – Requires 8-12 months or more of development time |
App Platform
Educational apps can be developed for various platforms. The platform you choose significantly impacts the overall budget and timeline of your project, as well as its reach and user experience. Here’s a closer look at the main platforms available for educational apps:
- iOS: Apple’s iOS platform is popular in countries like the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe. iOS apps are known for their smooth user experience and strong security features, but they often require a higher development budget and longer development time due to the need for specialised knowledge and adherence to Apple’s strict guidelines.
- Android: Android is the most widely used mobile operating system worldwide, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It offers a larger potential audience but also requires testing across a wide range of devices, which can increase development time and costs.
- Web-based: Web-based educational apps are accessible via browsers on any device, making them highly versatile. They are generally less expensive to develop than native apps and offer quick updates and maintenance. However, they may lack the performance and offline capabilities of native apps.
- Hybrid: Hybrid apps combine elements of both web-based and native apps. They are built using web technologies but run on multiple platforms, including iOS and Android. This approach can reduce development costs and time, but may not fully leverage the native features and performance capabilities of each platform.
Here is a detailed comparison table to help you understand the differences between these platforms:
| Platform | Development Cost | Development Time | Benefits | Drawbacks |
| iOS | High | High | – High quality user experience – Strong security features – Access to a high-value user base (often higher income levels) |
– Higher development costs due to specialised knowledge – Strict app store guidelines and approval process |
| Android | Moderate | High | – Access to a global audience – More flexibility in app development – Easier entry to the Google Play Store |
– Increased development time and cost due to device fragmentation – Lower average revenue per user compared to iOS |
| Web-based | Low | Low | – Cost effective development – Platform independent access – Quick updates and maintenance without app store delays |
– Limited access to device-specific features – Requires an internet connection for full functionality |
| Hybrid | Moderate | Moderate | – Reduced development costs and time by using a single codebase – Access to multiple platforms from a single app |
– May not fully utilise native features – Potential performance issues compared to native apps |
For more specific advice on which platform would be the best fit for your educational app, reach out to our expert team for a personalised platform strategy consultation.
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Number of Features
The following table presents a detailed breakdown of the features and their development time and costs. The costs are based on GoodCore Software’s average hourly rate of £30 per hour.
| Feature | Average Development Time (Hours) | Development Cost (GBP) |
| Basic features | ||
| User Authentication | 50 | £1,500 |
| Content Management | 80 | £2,400 |
| Quizzes and Assessments | 100 | £3,000 |
| Progress Tracking | 90 | £2,700 |
| Push Notifications | 40 | £1,200 |
| Search Functionality | 60 | £1,800 |
| Offline Access | 120 | £3,600 |
| Advanced features | ||
| Personalised Learning Paths | 200 | £6,000 |
| Gamification Elements | 140 | £4,200 |
| Social Features | 250 | £7,500 |
| Adaptive Learning Algorithms | 350 | £10,500 |
| AI-Powered Tutoring | 400 | £12,000 |
| Content Creation Tools | 220 | £6,600 |
| Advanced Analytics | 150 | £4,500 |
When planning to develop an educational app, it’s often more beneficial to start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that includes only the most essential features. An MVP allows you to deliver core functionalities that meet the immediate needs of your users while keeping development costs and time in check.
Technology Stack
The technology stack you choose for your educational app will directly influence development costs, scalability, performance, and maintenance. The stack includes front-end and back-end technologies as well as additional tools that enhance functionality.
- Front-End Technologies: The choice between native development (e.g., Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android) and cross-platform frameworks (e.g., React Native, Flutter) will impact costs. Native development usually requires separate teams for iOS and Android, increasing costs due to duplicate efforts. Cross-platform solutions, while more cost-effective, may have limitations in utilising device-specific features fully.
- Back-End Technologies: The cost of back-end development depends on the complexity of the app’s functionality, data management needs, and integration requirements. For instance, using robust frameworks like Django or Ruby on Rails can speed up development with their built-in features, but they may have a steeper learning curve, leading to higher initial costs. On the other hand, simpler back-end solutions like Node.js can be cost-effective for less complex apps.
- Additional Tools and Services: Integrating third-party services like Firebase, AWS, or Azure can add significant value to your app by providing essential functionalities such as cloud storage, real-time databases, and analytics. However, these services often come with ongoing costs that can increase based on usage, such as data storage, bandwidth, and computing power.
- Maintenance and Scalability: A well-chosen technology stack ensures your app can scale effectively and is easier to maintain. However, the initial setup cost might be higher for a scalable architecture using technologies like Kubernetes or Docker, which can add complexity but reduce costs in the long term by making your app more adaptable to changes and increasing its lifecycle.
If you need guidance on selecting the right stack for your educational app, consult with our experienced developers who can help you navigate these decisions to optimise both performance and cost.
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Design and User Experience
The design and user experience (UX) of an educational app play a critical role in the overall budget. The more advanced and interactive the design, the more it will cost to develop due to increased complexity and the need for specialised skills.
A simple app with basic features like flashcards or quizzes may have a straightforward, minimalist design, resulting in lower development costs and faster deployment. However, as you add more advanced features, such as augmented reality (AR), adaptive learning paths, or gamification, the design complexity increases. This not only enhances the user experience but also requires more design time and expertise, leading to higher development costs.
Here’s a table outlining various design elements and their impact on cost:
| Design Element | Description | Impact on Cost |
| Basic UI/UX Design | Simple, user-friendly interfaces with basic navigation and minimal interactive elements. | Low: Easier and faster to design, requiring fewer resources and less time. |
| Custom Animations and Transitions | Animated transitions and interactive elements that enhance user engagement, such as swiping effects or animated button presses. | Moderate: Requires additional design and development time to create smooth, engaging animations. |
| Responsive Design | Ensures the app works seamlessly across different devices and screen sizes, providing a consistent user experience. | Moderate: Requires testing and optimisation for multiple devices, increasing design and development efforts. |
| Gamification Elements | Incorporates game-like features, such as badges, points, and leaderboards, to motivate and engage users. | Moderate to High: Involves additional design for game mechanics and reward systems, increasing complexity and cost. |
| Personalised Dashboards | Customisable user interfaces that adapt based on user preferences or performance, providing a tailored experience. | High: Requires dynamic design elements and backend integration for personalisation, increasing development time and cost. |
| Augmented Reality (AR) Elements | Integrates AR to create immersive learning experiences, such as 3D models or interactive simulations. | High to Very High: Complex design and development work, requiring specialised skills and tools, significantly increasing costs. |
| Adaptive Learning Interfaces | Interfaces that dynamically adjust content and layout based on user progress and learning style. | High: Involves advanced UI/UX design and algorithm integration, requiring more development time and expertise. |
| Advanced Accessibility Features | Includes features like voice commands, screen readers, and customisable font sizes to cater to diverse user needs. | High: Requires additional design and development to ensure accessibility compliance, increasing overall costs. |
Development Team
When it comes to finding and hiring development resources, you generally have two options: hiring in-house or engaging with an outsourced software development company.
In-house development team
If you go the in-house route, you need a multifaceted technical team to deliver the front end and the back end of your application working on both the application’s code and interface.
An ideal software development project team would include the following roles:
- Software developer
- UI/UX designer
- Solution architect
- DevOps engineer
- QA expert
In-house hiring requires investing time in hiring and managing these diverse professionals. The process is time-consuming and requires a solid understanding of what each role entails. Also, depending on your location, the salaries of these technical specialists can be very high.
| Region | Web developer rates per hour (£) | iOS developer rates per hour (£) | Android developer rates per hour (£) |
| North America | 109 – 117 | 101 – 195 | 117 – 133 |
| Western Europe | 47 – 70 | 31 – 136 | 62 – 78 |
| Central Europe | 20 – 39 | 20 – 62 | 27 – 39 |
| Australia | 78 – 117 | 27 – 117 | 86 – 117 |
Bespoke software development company
Engaging with a bespoke software development company, such as GoodCore Software, offers a more flexible and cost-effective solution. We provide several cooperation models tailored to your needs:
- Outsourcing Model: In this model, we assume full responsibility for the development process from start to finish. This means we handle all aspects of the project, including planning, design, development, testing, and deployment. This model is ideal for businesses that want to leverage external expertise while focusing on their core operations. It allows for predictable costs and timelines, as our experienced team ensures a streamlined development process.
- Dedicated Team Model: The dedicated team model provides a more collaborative approach. We assemble a team of experts tailored to your project’s requirements, including developers, designers, QA specialists, and project managers. This team becomes an extension of your in-house capabilities, working closely with you to achieve your project goals. You maintain a high level of involvement and control while benefiting from the expertise and scalability of an external team. This model is particularly beneficial for companies looking to expand their development capabilities without the overhead costs associated with hiring full-time employees.
Read also: How to hire a dedicated software development team?
Case Study: Corporate Training App Developed by GoodCore
To illustrate the practical application of our development process, let’s take a closer look at an educational software development project we undertook for AKD Solutions, a learning and professional development consulting firm based in the UK.
AKD Solutions offers a training program called “Equally Yours,” originally delivered via an interactive board game designed to promote open-mindedness and inclusivity among corporate staff. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, this game was played in person, fostering engaging discussions and learning experiences. However, with the onset of the pandemic, AKD Solutions needed to adapt to the new normal and decided to digitise the “Equally Yours” training program to continue offering it in a remote setting.
They approached GoodCore to transform their in-person board game into an engaging web app, allowing organisations to conduct their training sessions online effectively.
Implemented Features
Here are the key features implemented in the corporate training app developed for AKD Solutions:
- Role-Based Access: The app supports three distinct roles: AKD admin, facilitator, and participant, each with specific permissions and access levels.
- User Management: Administrators can add, edit, or remove users at any time and view complete user data, ensuring efficient management of participants.
- Client Management: Tools are provided to the AKD admin for managing their client list, allowing seamless organisation of different corporate clients.
- Content Management: AKD administrators can modify question card packs by adding, editing, or deleting questions. The app supports content uploads in image and text formats, as well as the addition of video URLs.
- Reports: Facilitators and administrators can access detailed data within the system. Facilitators can view details of past sessions they have conducted, while administrators have access to comprehensive data on all completed sessions.
- Multilingual Support: While the app’s default language is English, facilitators can choose from other available languages to conduct training sessions, accommodating a diverse user base.
- Interactive Elements: The app features GIFs to animate actions such as dice rolls, token movements, and card flips. It also includes an option to switch to high-contrast visuals to enhance accessibility.
- Real-Time Interaction: The app allows real-time updates for all users during active sessions, including moving tokens and updating team scores, ensuring an engaging and interactive training experience.
For more information, check out our blog: Online Corporate Training Platform Feature
Development Team
To successfully develop the corporate training platform for AKD Solutions, we assembled a 5 member project team to ensure the platform was completed efficiently and met all client expectations.
- Project Manager
- Technical Lead
- Business Analyst
- Senior Software Engineer
- Senior QA Engineer
Technology Stack
The choice of technologies was driven by the need to deliver real-time interaction, manage complex data structures, and provide a smooth user experience. Here is the list of technologies we used and the rationale behind each choice:
- React: React was chosen as the front-end framework for its flexibility, speed, and robust component-based architecture. This JavaScript library is well-suited for building interactive user interfaces, which was crucial for creating an engaging training platform that mimics the experience of playing a board game.
- PHP: We used PHP for server-side scripting to handle various aspects of content management, user management, and role-based access controls. PHP is a well-established language with a strong ecosystem of libraries and frameworks, making it an excellent choice for building a reliable and secure back-end for web applications. Its compatibility with various databases and ease of integration with front-end technologies like React made it a perfect fit for this project.
- Node.js: Node.js was employed for building the real-time communication aspects of the app. Its non-blocking, event-driven architecture allows for handling multiple connections simultaneously, which is essential for applications requiring real-time updates and interactions, like moving tokens on a virtual board or updating team scores.
- Socket.io: Socket.io was selected to facilitate real-time, bidirectional communication between the client and server. This was crucial for the interactive elements of the app, such as rolling dice, moving tokens, and updating game states in real-time. By using Socket.io, we ensured that all participants in a session could see updates and interact with the application without any delays, creating a cohesive and engaging experience for users.
Timeframe: how long does it take to develop an app?
The time required to develop an educational app depends on its complexity and features. A simple app with basic functionality might take 2–4 months, while a more complex app with advanced features like AI, gamification, or multi-platform support can take 6–12 months or longer.
The online corporate training project took 4 months (approximately 16 weeks) to complete. The following table provides a detailed overview of the project timeline and the allocation of the total budget across different stages.
| Stage | Time | Cost (% of Total Budget) | Activities |
| Planning and Requirements Gathering | 2 weeks | 10% | Understanding client goals, gathering detailed requirements, defining project scope, and creating a project plan. |
| Design and Prototyping | 3 weeks | 15% | Developing wireframes and mockups, creating interactive prototypes, and refining UI/UX design elements. |
| Front-End Development | 4 weeks | 20% | Building the user interface using React, implementing role-based access, and developing interactive elements. |
| Back-End Development | 5 weeks | 25% | Developing server-side logic with PHP and Node.js, setting up databases, and integrating real-time communication features. |
| Real-Time Interaction Development | 3 weeks | 15% | Implementing real-time updates with Socket.io, ensuring synchronous interactions. |
| Quality Assurance and Testing | 2 weeks | 10% | Conducting functionality testing, performance testing, cross-browser compatibility checks, and bug fixes. |
| Deployment and Maintenance | 1 week | 5% | Deploying the app to the live environment, post-launch support, and addressing any immediate issues. |
For a deeper dive into the topic of software development cost, check out our guide: How Much Does It Cost To Develop Software?
Challenges of Educational App Development
Developing an educational app comes with unique challenges that require careful planning and execution. From ensuring user engagement to managing technical complexities, overcoming these hurdles is essential for creating a successful app. Here are some common challenges:
User Engagement through Interactive Features
Designing engaging and interactive features, such as gamification, quizzes, and progress tracking, requires careful planning to ensure these tools enhance learning outcomes without overwhelming or distracting users.
Scalability and Performance Optimisation
Educational apps must be designed to handle a growing number of users and large-scale data transactions without performance degradation. Developers need to build scalable architectures that ensure reliability during peak usage periods.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Ensuring the app functions seamlessly across various devices, operating systems, and screen sizes is a core challenge. Developers must implement responsive designs and rigorous testing to provide a consistent experience for all users.
Data Privacy and Security Compliance
Protecting user data is critical in educational apps, which often handle sensitive information. Developers must comply with regulations like GDPR, COPPA, and FERPA while implementing robust security measures to prevent breaches.
Offline Functionality and Connectivity Optimisation
Educational apps need to perform well in areas with limited internet access. Developers must build features that support offline usage and optimise the app for low-bandwidth scenarios, ensuring accessibility for all users.
Effective Testing and Debugging
Educational apps require rigorous testing to ensure they function correctly across diverse devices and scenarios. Developers need to address bugs, compatibility issues, and performance bottlenecks through thorough quality assurance processes.
Continuous Updates and Adaptability
As technology and user needs evolve, developers must update the app regularly to fix bugs, introduce new features, and adapt to changing educational methodologies, ensuring long-term relevance and usability.
Focusing on these core challenges ensures that the app meets the technical, functional, and experiential needs of a diverse user base while maintaining high standards of quality and performance.
Key Takeaways
Developing an educational app involves careful consideration of various factors like features, design, technology stack, and more all of which impact the overall timeline and cost of making an educational app.
With years of experience in creating custom education software solutions, GoodCore Software is well-equipped to bring your app idea to life effectively. Whether you’re building a corporate training platform an e-learning app or a LMS, our expert team can guide you through every step of the process.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create a top-notch educational app tailored to your needs!
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FAQs
What is the average cost to develop an educational app?
The average cost of making an educational app can vary widely based on factors like complexity, features, platforms, and the development team’s location. For a basic app with essential features, costs might range from £15,000 to £30,000. More advanced apps with features like AI-driven personalisation, real-time interactions, and multimedia content can cost upwards of £50,000 or more.
How can I estimate the cost of my educational app project myself?
To estimate the cost of your educational app project, start by outlining the core features, target platform (iOS, Android, web, or hybrid), and design complexity. Next, determine if you’ll need advanced functionalities like AI, real-time interactions, or multimedia content. Research the hourly rates of developers in your region or outsourcing partners, and estimate the development time based on the complexity of each feature. Don’t forget to factor in costs for design, testing, and future updates. Building an MVP can also help you get a more accurate estimate by focusing on essential features first.
Is it cheaper to develop an educational app in-house or outsource?
Outsourcing app development is often more cost-effective than building an in-house team, especially for short-term projects. With outsourcing, you avoid the overhead costs of hiring full-time employees, such as salaries, benefits, and training. Additionally, outsourcing companies typically have specialised expertise and can scale teams as needed, allowing for faster development.
How much does it cost to add features to an existing educational app?
The cost of adding features to an existing educational app depends on the complexity of the new features, the app’s current architecture, and the development team’s rates. Basic features like quizzes or user management may cost a few thousand pounds, while advanced functionalities such as AI-powered personalisation, real-time interactions, or gamification can significantly increase costs. Additionally, integrating new features might require updating the app’s design, backend, and testing, which can further impact the overall cost.
How can I monetise my educational app?
You can monetise your educational app through various strategies, depending on your target audience and app model. Popular options include offering in-app purchases, such as premium content, courses, or resources, and using a subscription model where users pay a recurring fee for access to exclusive features or content. You can also implement a freemium model, where the basic version is free, but advanced features require payment. Additionally, ads and affiliate marketing partnerships can generate revenue, and for corporate training apps, licensing the app to businesses can be an effective monetisation strategy.
What is the potential (ROI) for an educational app?
ROI is influenced by factors such as the app’s target audience, the problem it solves, and its scalability. The potential return on investment (ROI) for an educational app can be substantial, especially as the e-learning market continues to grow. With educational apps generating billions in revenue globally, a well-executed app can offer significant financial returns through monetisation models like subscriptions, in-app purchases, and licensing.
