How Much Does it Cost to Develop an Educational App: Product Owner Budget Calculator

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the education system, with many schools and universities shifting to online learning. As a result, there has been a significant increase in the demand for educational apps. This has led to many entrepreneurs and businesses considering investing in the development of educational apps, with the question in mind “how much does it cost to make an educational app?”. However, before investing in the development of an educational app, it is important to consider the return on investment (ROI) and predict the risks involved.

At ProCoders, we have extensive expertise in the field of educational app development. By utilizing our knowledge and experience, we have created this informative article to help guide you through the process of developing an educational app.

Educational App After COVID Era Boom: Worth Investing?

According to a report by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, there were over 1 billion students affected by school closures in 2020. As a result, there has been a significant increase in the demand for educational apps. According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets, the global education technology market is expected to reach $325 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period.

To calculate the ROI of an educational app, you will need to consider the development costs, marketing costs, and revenue generated by the app. The ROI can be calculated by subtracting the total costs from the total revenue and dividing the result by the total costs. Thus, you can evaluate profitability of an investment, compare investments, make right financial decisions, monitor performance, and identify areas for improvement.

When it comes to predicting risks, it is crucial to consider the potential challenges that may arise during the development and launch of the app, whether for desktop or mobile. These challenges may include changes in the education system, competition from other apps, and changes in technology. To predict these risks, it is important to conduct market research and gather data on the barriers and troubles that may arise.

So, to ensure profitability, investors must consider the development costs, marketing costs, and potential risks associated with launching an educational app. By conducting thorough market research and calculating the ROI, investors can make informed decisions and identify areas for improvement to maximize their returns.

Types of Educational Apps

With the market flooded with various types of educational apps, it can be challenging to determine which one is best suited for your needs. ProCoders explored the different types of educational apps available in the market and their unique features to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right educational app for your audience:

Category	Description	Examples
Language learning apps	Help users learn a new language, including vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.	Duolingo, Babbel, Speakly
Math learning apps	Provide interactive lessons and quizzes to help students learn and practice math concepts.	Khan Academy, Photomath, Mathway
Educational games	Teach subjects such as history, science, and geography with the help of games and interactive activities.	Minecraft: Education Edition, The Oregon Trail, Civilization
Educational reference apps	Consist of educational resources such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, and educational videos.	Wikipedia, Britannica, TED
Exam preparation apps	Provide practice questions, flashcards, and other resources to help students prepare for standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT.	SAT Prep by Ready4, ACT Practice Test, Magoosh
Learning management system(LMS) apps	Used by students, teachers, and administrators to manage and track educational progress and communicate with each other.	Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle
Virtual reality and augmented reality (VR/AR) apps	Use VR and AR technology to provide immersive educational experiences.	Google Expeditions, Anatomyou, The VR Classroom
Coding and programming apps	Teach the basics of coding and programming.	Scratch, Codecademy, Udemy
Mindfulness and meditation apps	Have guided meditations and exercises to help students develop mindfulness and emotional regulation.	Headspace, Calm, Smiling Mind

Factors Affecting Education App Development Costs

With years of experience, ProCoders are well-versed in the different elements that can impact the cost to build an educational app. The factors affecting the cost of developing an educational app include: 

Complexity:

The complexity of the app’s features and functionality will also affect the cost to create an educational app. A more complex app with many features will require more time and resources to develop, leading to higher costs. For example, an app that includes interactive quizzes, gamification, and real-time tracking will require more resources to develop than an app that only includes basic text and images.

Design:

The design and user interface of the app play a huge role in the costs of educational apps. A more complex or customized design will require more resources to develop. For example, if the design includes custom icons, animations, and special effects, it will require more resources to develop than an app with a simple and basic design.

Tech Stack: 

There are several different technology stacks that can be used, some popular choices include:

Native development:

Using the native programming languages and tools for the specific platform (iOS or Android) to develop the app. For example, using Swift or Objective-C for iOS and Java or Kotlin for Android. Native development can provide the best performance and user experience but can also be more expensive and time-consuming.

Cross-platform development: 

A framework or tool that allows for the development of an app that can run on multiple platforms. Like, React Native, Xamarin, or Flutter. Cross-platform development can reduce the overall cost and speed up development time, but it may also result in some performance issues.

Progressive Web App (PWA): 

Creating a web-based app that can be accessed via a browser and can provide a similar experience as a native app. PWAs can be faster to develop and less expensive, but they may not have the same level of functionality and performance as native apps.
In terms of cost insights, please read ‘Hire an App Developer: Cost per Hour and Region Rates Comparison’ and ‘React Native Developer Salary and Rates’. Ultimately, the choice of technology stack will depend on the specific requirements and goals of the educational app project. That is why ProCoders strongly recommend carefully considering all the factors, including rates, speed of development, and final costs, before making a final decision.

Engagement Model and Team Seniority:

The engagement model chosen for the development of the educational app can affect the overall cost. For example, working with a full-time, in-house development team can be quite expensive. Outsourcing can be a cost-effective and efficient option for many organizations. By working with a specialized team of mobile app developers for hire, in our case businesses can take advantage of ProCoders’ expertise and experience in creating educational apps, while also saving on costs associated with hiring and training.

Working with a team of senior developers with more experience and expertise may be more expensive than working with a team of junior developers. A more senior team, on the other hand, may be able to complete the project faster and of a higher quality than a less experienced team. ProCoders would suggest having a proper mix of Senior, Middle and Junior developers in your team, the experienced developers would be able to guide the juniors and keep a high-quality standard while not increasing the cost of developing the education app.

Data analytics and reporting: 

If the app needs to provide data analytics and reporting it will require additional resources. This includes gathering, analyzing, and presenting data from the app.

Content development: 

The creation and administration of the material will come at an expense. This covers the cost of writing, revising, and maintaining the app’s content.

Quality assurance testing: 

it is important to ensure the app is free of bugs and functions correctly. We at ProCoders always insist on the importance of this stage, and that’s why we suggest starting testing at an early stage of development! 

Maintenance: 

Ongoing maintenance and updates for the app are required, for example, bug fixing, security updates, and adding new features.

It is important to evaluate the specific needs of the educational app project and choose the appropriate options to manage the cost while ensuring the high quality of the final product.

Stages of Pricing of the Educational App 

The cost of developing education apps can vary depending on a number of factors, including:

Research and Analysis: 

This stage is crucial for success. It involves researching the target audience, analyzing the competition, and determining the features and functionality that are needed in the app. This stage can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, and the cost will depend on the complexity of the research and the team’s expertise. We at ProCoders believe It’s important to invest in this stage to ensure that the app meets the needs of the target audience and stands out in the marketplace. Because of that, we have the Discovery Phase service which will help you understand you target audience, features it wants to see in your app, and the development stages and budget you will face.

Development: 

Remember: it is always important to stay engaged with the process. Even if you have outsourced the development of your educational app, it is crucial to stay involved and communicate with your team. This ensures that your vision is being realized, and any issues or changes can be addressed in a timely manner.

At ProCoders, we understand the importance of transparency during the development process. Our team uses agile methodologies that prioritize open communication and collaboration between our developers, project managers, and clients. We also provide regular updates and encourage our clients to provide feedback throughout the development process. This approach ensures that our clients remain involved and informed throughout the project’s lifecycle, allowing us to deliver a product that meets their needs and exceeds their expectations.

Deployment and Maintenance: 

Deploying the app and maintaining it over time, can include hosting and server costs. This stage includes submitting the app to stores, configuring and setting up servers, databases, and APIs, and ensuring that the app is scalable and can handle a high volume of users.

Marketing and Promotion: 

Promoting the app and driving downloads, advertising and public relations. This stage is crucial for the app’s success, and it’s important to invest in it to ensure that the app reaches its target audience. The funding allocated for the app, the target market, and the marketing tactics employed will all influence the amount of marketing and promotion.

Ongoing Support and Upgrades:

This stage is ongoing and includes fixing bugs, updating the app with new features and functionality, and ensuring that the app is compatible with new operating system versions.

Again, you can consult ProCoders to get a more accurate estimate of the costs associated with developing an educational app, taking into account the different stages and factors.

Hidden Costs During Early Stages of Educational App Development

During the early stages of educational app development, there are many hidden costs that can arise if the project is not properly managed. Some of these costs can include:

• Lack of experience: Developers who lack experience may require additional time and resources to deliver the final product, resulting in increased costs.

• Lack of a plan: Without a comprehensive plan, it’s easy to miss important steps and requirements, resulting in delays and excess expenditure.

• Poor management: This can lead to delays, confusion, and misunderstandings, probably resulting in a subpar final product.

• Changes in scope: As the project progresses, it’s not uncommon for the scope of the project to change. The market is dynamic, so you should remember the possible unexpected changes under which you would need to change all your workflow and plans.
  
• Unforeseen design or development issues: As the app is being built, unforeseen design or development issues can arise.

• Unforeseen delays: Delays can occur due to a variety of reasons such as lack of experience, lack of a plan, poor management, unforeseen technical challenges, changes in scope, or unforeseen design or development issues.

To avoid these hidden costs, it’s important to work with an experienced team of developers who have a proven track record in educational app development and by creating a detailed plan that outlines the project’s scope, timelines, and budget. It’s also important to have a clear project management process in place to ensure that the project stays on track and on budget. ProCoders can help you avoid these issues by providing a detailed plan and project management, so you can be sure that your educational app will be delivered on time and within budget.

Ways to Reduce Development Cost for EdTech Apps

There are several ways to reduce educational app development cost:

Choosing the right technology stack:

Choosing a technology stack that is both cost-effective and efficient can help reduce development costs. For example, using open-source technologies can help to reduce licensing costs. 

If you don’t know how to choose the right technology stack, ProCoders are always ready to help. We can provide you not only the Discovery Phase, but also a consultation, where we’ll discuss your project and offer the best technology stack variants for you to develop a successful product. 

Outsourcing:

Outsourcing development to a team of experienced developers can help to reduce costs while also ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget. That is where ProCoders come in, with years of experience and expertise under our belt, we would love to help you create the project that you dream about! 

Using a minimum viable product (MVP) approach: 

An MVP approach is launching the app with a minimal set of features, and then adding more features as the app gains traction. This can help to reduce costs and minimize the risk of failure.

Effective communication: 

Effective communication between the vendor and client can help to ensure that everyone is on the same page, which can reduce costs by minimizing delays and rework.

Testing, testing and testing!: 

Testing is an important part of development, and it allows you to catch and fix bugs early on, which can help reduce development costs. By testing your educational app throughout the development process, you can catch and fix bugs early on, minimizing the need for costly rework later on.

ProCoders can help you to reduce the costs of educational apps by providing a comprehensive plan, project management, and a team of experienced developers who can help you to deliver a successful app on time and within budget.

App Development Cost Calculator from ProCoders

We have a proven track record of creating high-quality, innovative apps that engage and educate users. Our team is made up of experts who are passionate about creating educational apps and are always up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.

When it comes to calculating the cost of an educational app, we take a holistic approach that considers all the factors that can affect the final price. We are transparent about our pricing and always communicate clearly with our clients, so there are no surprises. Our goal is to provide our clients with a comprehensive service that delivers a successful app on time and within budget.

One of the outstanding examples of our words is Quartz Network. Quartz Network, a US-based company, approached ProCoders with a revolutionary idea for a B2B networking platform. They wanted a comprehensive online destination where professionals could network, learn together, and attend virtual conferences. Additionally, the platform needed to have a matching system that would allow users to find like-minded individuals and vendors. 

ProCoders provided a full-stack solution, which included an administrative panel, a deep library of coursework, a matching system for users to find like-minded professionals and vendors, and a payment system for reserving conference tickets and purchasing courses. An individual system was also created for requesting meetings and facilitating discussions.

ProCoders’ team reported directly to the client, providing a turnkey experience that made a significant difference for this fledgling startup. The result was a multi-faceted web application that was delivered in record time, making Quartz Network a first-to-market mover that’s worth watching.

With ProCoders, you can be confident that you are working with a team of experts who are dedicated to delivering the best possible solution for your educational app. We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver high-quality, cost-effective apps that engage and educate users.

Conclusion

The cost of developing an educational app can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. To reduce costs, it is important to clearly define project requirements, reduce unnecessary functionality, add the necessary one step by step regarding financial KPIs and your expectations, and collaborate with an experienced and reliable development team such as ProCoders. We are a trusted player in the educational app development space and have extensive experience in delivering quality educational apps.