Coding skills have become increasingly valuable and sought after, thanks to the ever-evolving landscape of technology. It is even listed as one of the core skills in the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023. However, the high costs associated with acquiring coding skills may dissuade aspiring programmers from pursuing this career path. Fortunately, the rise of cheap coding bootcamps has made this opportunity more accessible in 2023.
Affordable coding bootcamps offer an alternative to traditional education, making it possible for learners of all backgrounds to acquire digital skills without breaking the bank. They are designed to provide intensive, hands-on training in a matter of weeks or months. This guide highlights 10 of the cheapest coding bootcamps in the market, as well as free coding bootcamps that can help you build a solid technical foundation.
How Affordable Is a Cheap Coding Bootcamp? A Closer Look At Average Coding Bootcamp Cost
The cost of coding bootcamps can vary depending on various factors such as the program’s duration, location, curriculum, and add-on services. According to our State of the Bootcamp Market 2023 Report, the average coding bootcamp cost across all tech disciplines is $12,953. Other reports suggest that coding bootcamps can cost up to $20,000. While this is significantly cheaper than a college degree, it is still a hefty sum for many.
This is where cheap coding bootcamps come in. When considering affordable coding bootcamp options, you can find the same quality education and practical training well under $10,000, as highlighted in this article. Beginner coders can also benefit from free coding bootcamps which are typically shorter and self-paced. They serve as great introductory programs to tech skills.
Top 10 Cheap Coding Bootcamps of 2023
Cheap coding bootcamps provide accessible opportunities for aspiring coders from diverse backgrounds. They offer focused, immersive, and intensive training that equips students with the necessary skills to enter the tech industry confidently. Let’s look at 10 of the cheapest coding bootcamps covering in-demand skills like data analytics, web development, and design.
| Coding Bootcamp | Program | Cost | Location | Learning Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nucamp | Full Stack Web + Mobile Development | $2,604 | Remote | Part-time |
| CodeStack Academy | Software Engineering Program | $5,000 | Remote | Full-time or part-time |
| Devmountain | Web Development Program | $5,000 (In-person) | In-person or remote | Full-time or part-time |
| The Tech Academy | Front-End Web Developer Boot Camp | $5,300 (Full-time), $6,300 (Part-time) | Remote | Full-time or part-time |
| theClubhou.se | Code Boot Camp | $5,360 | In-person | Full-time |
| TrueCoders | Software Engineering Program | $6,500 (Self-paced) $8,500 (Full-time) |
Remote | Full-time or part-time |
| CareerFoundry | Data Analytics Program | $6,900 | Remote | Full-time or part-time |
| DigitalCrafts | Web Development Program | $7,499 (In-person) $9,500 (Remote) |
In-person or remote | Part-time |
| Designlab | UX Academy Program | $7,749 | Remote | Full-time or part-time |
| Parsity | Software Engineering Program | $7,900 | Remote | Full-time or part-time |
An Overview of the Top 10 Cheap Coding Bootcamps of 2023
Our list of cheap coding bootcamps features robust programs that start from as low as $2,604. Note that shorter and part-time coding bootcamps typically have lower costs compared to longer, full-time programs. Some of the most affordable coding bootcamps also offer career assistance services as an add-on, allowing you the option to level up if your budget permits it.
Nucamp
Nucamp is one of the cheapest coding bootcamps in the US, offering four job-oriented training programs in web and mobile development. Online classes are led by expert instructors, coupled with a four-hour live session every week.
Its Web Development Fundamentals program is the most affordable at just $458 while the full-fledged Full Stack Web Development program is $2,604. The latter is a 22-week part-time program offered in partnership with Google Cloud.
CodeStack Academy
CodeStack Academy offers a software engineering program covering in-demand topics and tools such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, React, and Angular. Available in full-time and part-time formats, the program can be completed in 10 months or 16 months respectively.
Upon completion, you will move forward with a two-month internship designed to further refine your technical skills. This affordable coding bootcamp requires no prior programming experience.
Devmountain
Devmountain offers in-person and remote training in areas such as web development, UX design, cyber security, and data analytics. Most programs at Devmountain costs $9,900.
However, you can find high-quality programs that are more affordable if you are willing to learn in person at its Lehi campus in Utah. The cheapest coding program available at Devmountain is the Web Development Program which covers topics like JavaScript, React, Node, and Redux.
The Tech Academy
The Tech Academy is a Portland-based bootcamp offering 11 programs which include game development, data science, and cyber security. You can also find language-specific training in Python, C# and .NET, and JavaScript.
The cheapest instructor-led program is the full-time Front End Web Developer Program which costs $5,300. Aspiring programmers on a budget would appreciate the self-paced option, which is significantly more affordable than the guided version.
theClubhou.se
theClubhou.se provides aspiring programmers with full stack development skills through its Code Boot Camp. This cheap coding training requires a full-time commitment of 12 weeks.
theClubhou.se also conducts a Technology Industry Skills Survey annually to assess what employers are looking for in job candidates and incorporate their feedback into the curriculum. This helps students better prepare for a full-time role upon graduation.
TrueCoders
TrueCoders is dedicated to helping people break into tech without breaking the bank. It offers software engineering and web development programs that feature the latest curriculum, coding labs, one-on-one mentoring, and career services.
If you are interested in an affordable coding bootcamp, you can opt for the self-paced format which costs $6,500. The school also currently offers a 20 percent discount if you pay the full tuition upfront.
CareerFoundry
CareerFoundry was established in 2013 as an accessible platform for skill development. Over the past decade, it has helped over 7,000 people acquire new skills and launch new careers.
The cost of CareerFoundry’s cheapest program is $6,900 which makes it one of the most affordable coding bootcamps available. There are six career tracks to choose from which include UX design, UI design, data analytics, digital marketing, and product management.
DigitalCrafts
Founded in 2015, DigitalCrafts aims to equip aspiring coders with the skills necessary to launch a career in the tech industry. All DigitalCrafts programs are priced under $10,000, making it one of the most accessible and cheapest coding bootcamps in 2023.
Another key feature is its emphasis on collaboration. Students work together by completing real-world projects and collaborating in pair programming exercises, either at the Atlanta campus or online.
Designlab
Designlab offers an intensive UX design program called the UX Academy, covering over 490 hours of design lessons and projects. You will learn how to build responsive web pages and an end-to-end mobile application in as little as 15 weeks.
By the end of Designlab’s UX Academy, you can expect to have a robust portfolio of design works that can demonstrate your skills. This can help boost your employability and impress hiring managers.
Parsity
Parsity is a coding bootcamp dedicated to helping you break into software engineering. Its full stack curriculum covers in-demand tools like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Redux, and SQL.
At Parsity, classes are kept very small with a maximum of 10 students per program. This promotes increased participation and better communication between instructors and students. You will also get one-on-one mentoring sessions throughout and after the program.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Top 5 Free Coding Bootcamps, Programs, and Classes
While cheap coding bootcamps are great, a lot of people may still hesitate to spend thousands of dollars on a coding program. That’s where free coding bootcamps can help. Free coding bootcamps are designed to make coding education accessible to people who may not have the financial means to attend paid programs. They also serve as a solid introductory course to coding, allowing beginners to explore the viability of a new career path at no cost.
Ada Developers Academy
Ada Developers Academy is a free coding bootcamp for women based in Seattle, Washington. It’s designed to help address the lack of gender diversity in tech by helping women and gender-diverse people learn the skills needed for successful tech careers. The Academy offers a full stack development program covering crucial topics like computer science fundamentals, SQL, JavaScript, Python, and React.
42
42 is a free online coding bootcamp based in France. It offers tuition-free training in line with its mission to promote gender diversity and inclusivity in the global tech scene. 42 prides itself on its purely practical approach to education, where lectures are swapped for collaborative work. Students learn how to connect and communicate better as they work hand-in-hand through the challenging curriculum. This free coding bootcamp is open to learners from all backgrounds.
CodeOp
CodeOp is a Barcelona-based coding bootcamp offering paid full stack development and data science programs. Beginners and career changers can take advantage of its free coding class that will expose them to the basics of programming. In just 1.5 hours, you will learn how to build a web portfolio using HTML and CSS, query data using SQL, and navigate the command line. This introductory class can also help you prepare for the full programs at CodeOp.
freeCodeCamp
freeCodeCamp is designed to help you learn coding at zero cost. The learning structure is straightforward, with topics laid out according to their complexity. Learners are advised to follow the curriculum in the given order. Since 2014, freeCodeCamp has helped 40,000+ people land developer jobs. freeCodeCamp is a good option for those new to coding in general, upskillers looking to break into tech, and career switchers from a non-tech background.
SkillCrush
SkillCrush offers paid and free programs that can prepare you for high-paying tech roles. Its free program is beginner-friendly, allowing diverse learners to get their feet wet and explore new technical skills. It focuses on the fundamentals of coding, covering topics such as HTML and CSS, visual and web design, JavaScript, and UX design. SkillCrush’s Free Coding Bootcamp is a popular choice among beginners with over 350,000 enrollments since its inception.
Popular Financing Options for Cheap Coding Bootcamps
When considering financing options for cheap coding bootcamps, several avenues are available to help make the cost more manageable. Some affordable coding bootcamps also offer unique discounts or scholarships to eligible students. You can learn more about your specific coding bootcamp by contacting them directly. Meanwhile, here are some common financing options.
Upfront payment
An upfront payment is generally preferred by coding bootcamps. Most coding bootcamps also offer special discounts to students who make one-off payments. While it may seem like a huge transaction, it is the best financial move in the long run. You won’t end up paying additional charges commonly associated with other financing options. If budgeting for the bootcamp’s cost is a viable option for you, upfront payment is a good way to pay off your tuition.
Month-to-month installment
A majority of coding bootcamps provide flexible payment plans that allow students to pay the tuition in installments over the duration of the program. This option can help break down the cost into more manageable monthly payments. Cheap coding bootcamps like Nucamp, for example, allow students to spread their tuition evenly across a fixed period of time with no additional interest charges.
Loan financing
Some coding bootcamps partner with lending institutions to offer loans specifically tailored for their students. These loans can cover the full or partial cost of tuition, depending on your coding bootcamp, program, and location. Students make repayments over a set period with interest. It’s essential to carefully review the terms and interest rates before committing to a loan.
Scholarship and tuition discount
Financial aid, scholarships, and discounts are great at making your cheap coding bootcamp even more affordable. Check your coding bootcamp for any scholarships or grants that are merit-based, need-based, or specific to underrepresented groups in tech. You can apply for those that align with your background, experience, and qualification. If eligible, you can save on the full cost of tuition through free coding bootcamps like Ada Developers Academy or 42.
Can You Get a Job in Tech After Coding Bootcamp?
It is absolutely possible to get a tech job after coding bootcamp. In fact, this is what most coding bootcamps set out to achieve. Unlike other types of formal training, coding bootcamps provide intensive and focused training in a relatively short time. During this period, students learn new skills by building projects relevant to their career path. This means bootcamp students graduate with a robust portfolio of projects, ready to showcase their abilities to potential employers.
Aside from equipping students with technical knowledge, most bootcamps also round out their services by offering career assistance. Students have access to resume optimization techniques and mock interviews to help them ace their job search. The best part is coding education doesn’t have to be expensive. There are a lot of cheap coding bootcamps offering high-quality education in various tech disciplines, as discussed in this article.
Popular Career Paths for Bootcamp Graduates and Average Salaries
- Software engineer: $110,007
- UX designer: $92,325
- Front end engineer: $92,283
- Web developer: $77,411
- Data analyst: $70,355
Is a Cheap Coding Bootcamp Worth It?
Cheap coding bootcamps are worth the investment because they can potentially offer high returns. Despite their lower price point, these affordable coding bootcamps don’t compromise on the quality of education they provide. The curriculum is often designed to be hands-on and project-based, allowing students to gain practical experience and build a portfolio of work that showcases their abilities to potential employers.
The cheapest coding bootcamp on our list, for example, costs only $2,604 but it packs a punch. It’s a 22-week intensive training done in partnership with Google Cloud, covering the most in-demand topics in full stack development. This shows that cheap, or even free, coding bootcamps can deliver high-quality education at a fraction of the cost, leveling the playing field for aspiring coders of all backgrounds.
Cheap Coding Bootcamps FAQ
Most coding bootcamps offer financing options to make the costs more manageable and affordable. Popular options include month-to-month installments and deferred payments. These allow students to focus more on the program and worry less about finances while they are learning. You can also check if your coding bootcamp offers scholarships or financial aid that might align with your background, experience, or qualification.
One of the cheapest coding bootcamps in NYC is Noble Desktop. It offers a variety of affordable coding classes and bootcamps in areas like web development, software engineering, and data science from as low as $300. You can also choose an affordable coding bootcamp offering self-paced or remote options as they are typically priced lower than in-person classes.
Yes, coding bootcamps are cheaper than college. According to Career Karma’s State of the Bootcamp Market 2023 Report, the average tuition for a bootcamp is $12,953. Meanwhile, US News & World Report says the average cost for an online computer science degree ranges between $15,000 to $80,000. Note that degree programs are longer so they cover more in-depth topics while coding bootcamps are job-focused and can be completed within months.
The amount you spend on a coding bootcamp depends on several factors like your budget, career goal, and the offerings of the bootcamp you’re considering. Take into account your personal financial situation and the potential return on investment you expect to gain from the program. On average, people typically pay $14,237 for a full-time program, $12,226 for a part-time program, and $9,408 for a self-paced program, based on a Career Karma report.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
