According to the Career Karma 2023 State of the Bootcamp Market Report, the average coding bootcamp cost is $12,953. While the average coding bootcamp price may seem steep, there are tons of benefits to attending a coding bootcamp. In fact, coding bootcamps have become a well-respected education pathway in recent years. Many consider a coding bootcamp education to be a replacement for a traditional computer science degree.
With the robust career services that bootcamps offer, you can get career coaching that will help you meet your career goals after you graduate. You can go from having no background in coding to being a full stack developer in less than a year. Plus, there are many different ways to pay for coding bootcamps, which we will cover in this article as we break down how much coding bootcamps cost.
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What Is a Coding Bootcamp?
Coding bootcamps are short-term educational programs. These courses teach students new technical skills so they can start lucrative careers in the tech industry. Students work on real-world projects to add to their professional portfolios and get soft skills training, so they’re prepared for the current job market. Bootcamps were created to meet the market demand for skilled tech professionals.
Most coding bootcamps offer courses as a part-time program or a full-time program. Most schools have at least one online coding bootcamp. However, if you’re worried you won’t enjoy the virtual classroom experience, there are in-person courses as well.
Although most coding bootcamps do not require prior experience to enroll, some students find it helpful to prepare for bootcamp before attending. This is because the language, tools, and techniques are foreign to complete beginners. This can make the experience harder without prior knowledge. While preparing for bootcamps in advance is not a requirement, it is recommended. Whether you choose to attend a course on campus or online, you’ll get to participate in real-world coding challenges.
Types of Tech Bootcamp Programs
There are also tons of different subjects on offer, some of which are listed below:
- Coding Bootcamps: Traditional coding bootcamps give students experience in programming with a wide variety of popular programming languages. They can choose to pursue front end, backend, or full stack development. Students can choose to specialize in one programming language or learn to build progressive web applications.
- Data Science Bootcamps: Data science bootcamps teach students how to collect, analyze, and present data. This prepares graduates for careers as business analysts and data scientists.
- Cyber Security Bootcamps: These bootcamps teach students how to improve the security of software and information systems. They will learn in-demand skills like ethical hacking and penetration testing to prepare for careers in IT security.
- Web Design Bootcamps: Web design students learn to create websites and web pages. These bootcamps usually teach a combination of visual design skills and programming skills.
- Non-Technical Coding Bootcamps: A few popular bootcamp providers teach courses in topics like product management and digital marketing. These bootcamps focus on soft skills training in communication, critical thinking, and market strategy.
Coding Bootcamp Cost Breakdown
So, what exactly does the total coding bootcamp cost entail? You’ll get to work on hands-on projects and learn key skills in your subject of choice and add to your professional portfolio of projects. Coding bootcamp costs also cover extensive career services. You’ll get help with your career journey by creating a professional network, career connections, and at some coding bootcamps, gain access to an employer partner network.
Furthermore, some bootcamps, like Brainstation, have an employer network that hires coding bootcamp grads. Nearly 90 percent of Brainstation graduates get hired within 180 days of completing a bootcamp program. Alumni have gone on to work for tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft. Here is a breakdown of what’s included in the price of a coding bootcamp.
- In-demand coding curriculum. First and foremost, coding bootcamps offer robust coding curricula that help students build job-ready tech skills, allowing them to go on and work in high-earning positions.
- Hands-on projects. Coding bootcamps also offer real-world experience, helping learners develop a professional portfolio of projects that assists them in breaking into tech.
- Technical and educational support. Educational and technical support is also included in the coding bootcamp price. Depending on the program, this means that students can access mentors, TA services, and sometimes even 24/7 technical support.
- Career services. While a coding bootcamp’s cost may seem high for some students, the comprehensive career services these programs offer are a major perk. This may include resume reviews, career coaching, mock interviews, and more.
- Employer network. Coding bootcamps also give students access to their vast employer networks, helping them land lucrative roles in tech after graduation. Some programs even offer hiring partners and job guarantees.
Cost of Coding Bootcamp by Format
Within the scope of coding bootcamps, there are many different types of programs that can cater to different students. Options such as full time, part time, online, and self paced also influence the tuition cost of a coding bootcamp. Below, you can get an overview of the different coding bootcamp costs based on duration and format.
| Program Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| All Programs | $13,035 |
| Full Time | $14,237 |
| Part Time | $12,226 |
| Self Paced | $9,408 |
Coding Bootcamp Cost vs University Cost
While the average coding bootcamp price of $12,953 may seem like a lot, a coding bootcamp education still costs much less than the traditional cost of university tuition. Most coding bootcamps take between three and 12 months to complete, and the total tuition cost covers your entire education. Furthermore, full-time coding bootcamp programs are the most affordable.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost per year for freshmen pursuing a four-year degree is between $14,700 and $28,400. Coding bootcamp programs give you college-level education in a short amount of time for a fraction of the cost. Plus, through technical interview preparation and employer partners, you’ll get a tech job at a faster pace.
Ways to Cover Coding Bootcamp Costs
When weighing how much a coding bootcamp costs, its important to consider the payment options. Most coding bootcamps do not make students pay the full cost upfront if they don’t want to. A bootcamp payment plan is an ideal solution for any student who can’t afford the full coding bootcamp cost in one payment. However, there are multiple options for prospective students to consider when deciding how they would like to cover coding bootcamp costs, which are listed below:
- Upfront Payment Plan
- Deferred Payment Plan
- Income Share Agreements
- Instalment Plans
- GI Bill Benefits
- Coding Bootcamp Scholarships
- Coding Bootcamp Loans
Upfront Payment Plan
Upfront payment plans are the more traditional options for coding bootcamps, and you’re probably going to find a financial option at your school of choice that allows you to get all of the expenses out of the way before you get started. If you have a nice chunk of savings and can afford to pay upfront, you should consider doing so, as this option is generally less expensive in the long run.
This bootcamp payment option doesn’t incur any interest making it cheaper when compared to other financial arrangements. Plus, many schools offer discounts to students who pay upfront. Coding Dojo gives any student who can afford the full stack software development coding bootcamp cost $1,500 off of the total tuition.
Deferred Payment Plan
With a deferred payment plan, the coding bootcamp has to be dedicated to connecting you to future employers. If you don’t get hired, the school doesn’t get any money for educating you. For App Academy’s deferred tuition plan, you only need to place a refundable $3,000 deposit before you begin class. Once you graduate and find a job, you will make regular payments until you’ve covered the cost of the coding bootcamp.
Thinkful has a deferred payment plan that also covers living expenses while you’re enrolled in one of its coding bootcamp programs. In addition to the traditional deferred payment plan, you’ll get $1,500 per month to help pay for rent and groceries. You pay nothing upfront with this plan, and after you begin making over $40,000 a year, you make regular payments to pay back the tuition and living expense loans.
Income Share Agreement
Income share agreements (ISAs) are a form of deferred payment plan, but they differ in their terms and conditions. ISAs have started popping up in more bootcamp payment options and have opened up a variety of opportunities for students who couldn’t have previously afforded the upfront costs.
Income share agreements are signed as an enrollment agreement when a student is admitted to a coding bootcamp. Students don’t have to pay any money upfront. Instead, they agree to pay a certain percentage of their average salaries to the bootcamp after they find a job with average starting salaries between $50,000 and $90,000 per year.
Instalment Plans
Instalment plans are one of the easiest ways to spread out a coding bootcamp’s cost, as these are often interest-free plans offered by bootcamps. An instalment plan will let you break up the price of your coding bootcamp between several payments. Depending on the program, this may include a monthly payment or three to five payments made over the course of your program.
In addition, some bootcamp providers also offer instalment plans via private lenders. Though the basic principles of the payment plan still apply, instalment plans from private lenders will typically carry an interest rate. So while you can split up tuition payments during the duration of your program, you will end up paying a bit more than the base tuition rate.
GI Bill Benefits
If you have served in the military, you can take advantage of benefits offered by the US Department of Veterans Affairs to cover the cost of a coding bootcamp. These benefits will cover education and job training programs for individuals that served in the military and their family members, though you will need to join a program that accepts the GI Bill.
On top of covering your coding bootcamp costs, the GI Bill may also provide a living stipend for the duration of your program. However, the amount that is offered will vary from region to region. If you want to use these benefits to pay for a coding bootcamp, you will need to apply for the GI Bill.
Coding Bootcamp Scholarships
Most bootcamps offer scholarships to students. These scholarships may cover a part of the coding bootcamp price or the full amount. Coding bootcamps provide these scholarships to help bridge the gap in the tech industry. Scholarships usually target underrepresented groups in tech, including women, non-binary people, LGBTQ+ students, veterans, and people of color.
One of the best coding bootcamp scholarships is Flatiron School’s Women Take Tech Initiative, which covers 50 percent of the coding bootcamp cost for women who want to start a tech career. Code Platoon is a great bootcamp if you’re a veteran, and it offers two scholarships that cover the full cost of tuition for female veterans, transgender veterans, and military spouses.
Coding Bootcamp Loans
Coding bootcamps also partner with loan providers to help students finance their education. You will find common names like Ascent Funding and Climb Credit on most coding bootcamp websites. These loan providers offer low-interest loans to bootcamp students who need help covering their coding bootcamp’s cost. Some loan providers even offer interest-free payment plans.
What Is the Best Way to Cover Coding Bootcamp Costs?
The best way to cover coding bootcamp costs is to pay upfront because you won’t incur any debt. However, this may not be a viable payment option for everyone. If you can’t afford an upfront payment, you should consider a deferred payment plan, such as an ISA. These types of payments allow you to attend a bootcamp program with no upfront cost, and you don’t have to pay back your bootcamp tuition until you start earning a good salary.
Ultimately, the best payment plan for coding bootcamps depends on your financial situation. One of the advantages coding bootcamps offer is they are flexible. Students can find a part-time program that suits them or enroll in a program that allows them to learn at their own pace. This means you can earn money alongside your education to help you cover coding bootcamp costs.
Are Coding Bootcamps Worth the Cost?
Yes, coding bootcamp costs are worth the cost. The tech industry offers high-growth career opportunities. An intensive program at a coding bootcamp will provide technical workshops, unlimited feedback, portfolio reviews, and hands-on training in in-demand technologies for career changers whose current career path isn’t leading them toward their dream job. Furthermore, you’ll be taught by skilled instructors and gain real-world experience.
Programming bootcamps are worth the cost because you’ll quickly become a competitive industry professional with plenty of hands-on experience. This will impress any potential employer. The financing options offered by coding bootcamps have made education extremely accessible. Start your coding journey today with any of the coding bootcamp financing options listed above and start earning a high salary as soon as possible.
How Much Does Coding Bootcamp Cost? FAQ
Yes, online coding bootcamps are cheaper than other learning programs, such as an in-person bootcamp or a traditional degree. Furthermore, coding bootcamp prices are not only low but they can be offset with flexible payment plans. There are also plenty of free online coding bootcamps to choose from.
Coding bootcamp are a significant investment but whether or not they are expensive depends on how you look at the costs. For example, coding bootcamps are expensive if you only look at the upfront cost. In truth, coding bootcamps offer a wide variety of financing options, including loans, employer scholarships, and monthly payment plans. Plus, the average tuition of a coding bootcamp is cheaper than a college degree.
Most coding bootcamps are not free. However, some coding bootcamps do provide free education. Ada Developers Academy is a Seattle-based coding bootcamp that provides tech education to women and non-binary individuals. Coding bootcamps like Fullstack Academy provide free introductory bootcamp courses. These are a great option to learn coding basics if you have no previous experience or are looking for supplemental self-study topics.
Yes, a coding bootcamp will get you a job. Coding bootcamps are dedicated to their graduates finding lucrative jobs in the tech industry after graduation. They help you achieve this by connecting you with industry professionals, providing you with a dedicated career coach, offering in-depth interview practice sessions, and helping with your job search. However, the average starting salary of bootcamp graduates may be lower than degree holders.
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