Coding bootcamps are among the best ways to break into an exciting and fulfilling career in tech. However, many aspiring coders are concerned about the cost of coding bootcamps. While there’s typically no form of FAFSA for coding bootcamps, you can pay for your education with loans for coding bootcamps and other aid programs.
This comprehensive guide will give you all the information you need to make a smart decision about how to pay for a coding bootcamp. We’ll teach you about the different financing options, including coding bootcamp scholarships, private loans, monthly payment plans, government funding, and personal funding. Read below to learn more about paying for an online coding bootcamp.
Key Takeaways
- Coding bootcamps can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional computer science education, with an average total cost of around $14,000.
- Various financing options are available to pay a bootcamp tuition, including upfront payment, scholarships, income share agreements (ISAs), loans, employer sponsorships, and more.
- There are many coding bootcamp scholarships available. Some target specific groups and underrepresented communities.
- Deferred tuition programs and ISAs allow students to start paying tuition once they graduate and land an in-field job, though you’ll often end up owing more in tuition.
- Coding bootcamp loans can be obtained from bootcamps or partnered loan providers, even with no or bad credit, though they typically include an interest rate and credit check.
- Some coding bootcamps offer job guarantees, providing a full or partial tuition refund if a student is unable to find a job within a specified period of time.
How Much Does Coding Bootcamp Cost?
In 2025, the average cost of a coding bootcamp is roughly $14,000—much lower than annual tuition at a college—providing a means for people to accelerate their knowledge of various technical concepts without investing too much money.1 However, the cost of specific training programs actually varies widely, with some costing a couple thousand dollars and others more than twenty thousand. Because of this, the cost of education can still be a steep barrier for many aspiring coders, so most programs provide a variety of alternative payment options to help clear the entryway for learners.
It’s important to choose a method of financing that’s both flexible and manageable compared to how much you can expect to earn as a graduate. By investing some time upfront evaluating your financing options, you’re more likely to get the most out of your coding bootcamp education. With so many available, you’re sure to find a method that works for you.
College vs Coding Bootcamp Cost
While bootcamps in 2025 cost about $14,000 on average, college tuition at a 4-year in-state university is $9,750 per year, and $28,386 per year at a 4-year out-of-state university.2 This figure corresponds to private institutions, but even other types of schools have very high fees. This is because when you pay for college, you pay for access to its campus and student services. The average cost is even higher if you live in a dorm.
As we have shown you, coding bootcamps are much more affordable than traditional computer science education. Add to this the fact that bootcamps can be completed in a fraction of the time that it takes to earn a degree, and you can see why these programs are such attractive options for people looking to pursue lucrative careers in tech.
How to Pay for Coding Bootcamp
Coding bootcamps are known for their flexibility when it comes to payment. Whether you have excellent credit or have been struggling financially, there’s a coding bootcamp financing option for you. These are the top payment methods to finance a coding bootcamp:
- Upfront Payment
- Coding Bootcamp Scholarships
- Monthly Payment Plans
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
- Deferred Tuition
- Income Share Agreements
- Coding Bootcamp Loans
- GI Bill
- Employer Sponsorships
Coding Bootcamp Financing: A Closer Look
Upfront Payment
Upfront tuition payment is the lowest-risk option. Paying your school fees right away ensures that your learning is as stress-free as possible as you avoid the hassle of multiple payments or accrued interest. In addition, many schools—such as General Assembly, Fullstack Academy, and more—offer tuition discounts to those that do a one-time, lump-sum payment.
Coding Bootcamp Scholarships
For those who can’t pay the full amount upfront, the next step is to explore available scholarships.
Bootcamp scholarships typically have a specific type of student they aim to fund, often a group that’s underrepresented in tech. Some bootcamp scholarships are partial, which means they discount a large part of tuition but not the whole cost, while others cover the entire cost of tuition. Bootcamps such as General Assembly, Flatiron School, Coding Dojo, and Hack Reactor offer scholarships to their students, but there’s also a wealth of third-party scholarship opportunities you could apply to your school. Check out online resources and speak to your school’s admissions team to learn more about what’s available.
Monthly Payment Plans
In many cases, a coding bootcamp may also offer payment plan options to help break up tuition into more manageable payments. This has the benefit of easing the burden of having to make a large upfront payment, without worrying about any interest rates or credit checks. However, monthly payments are often larger than they would be with a loan or income share agreement.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
Through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, government funds are available to help students access eligible vocational and career training education benefits. In order to learn if your school qualifies, reach out to your admissions team and get more info on how to apply.
Deferred Tuition
Deferred tuition programs are now a common coding bootcamp financing option. Through these contracts, students will only pay the tuition cost after they graduate and get a job earning over a certain amount. Under a typical deferred tuition scheme, students pay a small deposit at the beginning of the course, although this is not always the case.
One thing to keep in mind is that with this option, you’ll typically end up paying more in tuition that you would if you pay upfront or though an installment plan. It’s also important to read all the terms carefully so that you can fully understand what you’re signing up for—such as what criteria are met for payments to begin, whether they stay at a fixed amount or may increase, if there are any caps on monthly amounts or length of time, etc.
Income Share Agreements
A common form of deferred tuition is a coding bootcamp income share agreement (ISA). ISAs allow students to attend a coding bootcamp with no tuition paid upfront in exchange for a percentage of their future income. Students make payments as a percentage of their income once they graduate and start earning over a certain salary.
Similar to above, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll most likely end up paying more than the original tuition, and pay close attention to all the terms and stipulations that go along with any agreement you sign.
Coding Bootcamp Loans
Many bootcamps have their own loan programs or partner with third-party private loan providers to help students get their education, so even people with no credit or bad credit can find a loan that works for them in order to attend a bootcamp. Before taking out a loan to finance your education, you should check if the bootcamp has a partnership with any lenders. If you take out a loan with a bootcamp partner, you’re less likely to experience communication breakdowns and more likely to have a positive experience.
Most coding bootcamps are not eligible for federal financial aid, and private loan terms will vary by lender. Some include immediate repayment, while others come with an initial deferral period where students make reduced or $0 payments before full repayment kicks in. Some may also offer living expenses to eligible applicants. Other things to keep in mind are that most include an interest rate so that, like deferred tuition plans and ISAs, you’ll most likely end up paying more than the tuition amount. Loans also typically include a credit check, which could have an impact on your credit report.
GI Bill for Coding Bootcamp
The GI Bill was passed in 1944 after World War II, designed to help veterans reacclimate to civilian life. It gives them the capital they need for education, buying a home, or starting a business. In recent years, the money given to veterans for further education is now available to students who enroll in a short-term coding bootcamp.Be sure to check out the full list of bootcamps eligible for GI Bill funds. Some of the coding bootcamps that accept the GI Bill are General Assembly, Code Platoon, Tech Elevator, and more. The GI Bill can be the answer if you are concerned about how to pay for coding bootcamp. Some of the benefits are offered even if you have served for less time.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement
You can always ask your employer if they would be willing to sponsor some or all of your tuition. Some companies sponsor skill development courses for their workers, including coding bootcamps. Through a bootcamp employer sponsorship model, these employers pay for all or some of an employee’s tuition. Some schools may even partner with businesses to reimburse the cost, as long as that student agrees to work for the company for a certain period of time. Be sure to read any terms carefully, though, as some agreements stipulate that if you leave before the requisite amount of time, you’re once again liable for the tuition.Bootcamp employer sponsorship is a great option if you already work in the tech field, as it allows you to attend coding bootcamp while working. In addition, companies that offer student loan repayment benefits may also be willing to help workers by paying off their loans.
Can I Get Federal Financial Aid for Coding Bootcamp?
Unfortunately, there is no Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for coding bootcamps. In fact, government grants for coding bootcamps are hard to obtain. Since most coding bootcamps are not accredited, federal funding options typically do not apply to these educational institutions.However, there are still a couple of federally-funded grants that are open to students at applicable bootcamps—the GI Bill for those eligible for veteran benefits, as well as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, to increase funding and access for vocational training programs.
What Is a Coding Bootcamp Job Guarantee?
In addition to more standard career services such as resume workshops, mock interviews, networking events, career coaching, and more, many programs also come with a “job guarantee.” A coding bootcamp job guarantee often comes in the form of a full or partial tuition refund if the student is unable to land a job after graduation. Usually, students will get their money back if they can’t find a relevant job in six months.
There are also coding bootcamps that guarantee the student a job or internship within the bootcamp itself or with its parent company. Revature, for example, guarantees its students employment with one of its clients. Check (and verify) the job placement rates at your preferred bootcamp to see how students fare in the job hunt.
It’s also incredibly important to pay close attention to the fine print of any agreement you sign onto, and be sure to ask several questions including:
- How does the school define job placement? Does it only include actually getting hired, or does it also include job offers? And does it only apply to in-field, full-time positions, or also part-time, contract, in-house, or roles that aren’t relevant to the subject of the bootcamp?
- Are there any pre-requisites you must meet in order to be eligible, for example an age or location restriction?
- Are there any other requirements you must meet, such as proof of minimum number of job applications submitted or regular check-ins with admin?
- What is the school’s timeline of the job search process?
Can I Get Paid to Learn Coding?
Yes, you can get paid to learn coding by attending a coding apprenticeship. Additionally, there are a few coding bootcamps that offer stipends to cover living expenses. Coding bootcamp stipends are meant to alleviate the financial burden of your education so you can focus fully on your studies.
A stipend is usually paid monthly, although some coding schools may operate on a different schedule. Some coding bootcamps don’t offer a stipend but will instead provide free housing. Other schools offer stipends that come in the form of a scholarship.
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What’s the Best Way to Pay for Bootcamp in 2025?
The best way to pay for your coding bootcamp will always depend on your specific situation. From scholarships to loans to deferred tuition, there are many ways to pay for coding bootcamp. Before you settle on one, do proper research on the different coding bootcamp financing options available and coding bootcamp prices.
Coding bootcamps continue to be a great alternative to traditional computer science education in 2025, with the most reputable programs providing high-quality education imparted by industry experts. For many, the biggest issue is figuring out how to finance them. We hope this article helps clarify your financing options so that the impact on your pocket is minimal and you can start your program with complete peace of mind.
How to Pay for Coding Bootcamp FAQ
There are many coding bootcamp scholarships for women. Reach out to your school’s admissions team, and also check online for any third-party scholarships geared toward women.
No, in most cases, you cannot use a 529 plan to pay for a coding bootcamp. You can only use a 529 account if you’re paying tuition to an eligible institution such as a university. Most bootcamps, in contrast, are offered by private companies, which means that using a 529 account is not an option.
Finding the best online coding bootcamp for you will take into account a variety of factors. When comparing options, look at their reputations and read what alumni and review sites have said about them, check out their curricula to make sure it aligns with current industry trends, and learn more about the format, schedule, teaching style, and cost to ensure you choose a school that fits your learning style, time commitments, and budget.
A coding bootcamp can be worth it for many aspiring tech workers. The key is doing thorough research to choose a program with high-quality curriculum, robust career support, and a format that matches your own learning style. By enrolling in the right bootcamp for you, you can learn from industry experts and get job-ready in just a few weeks.
Sources
1https://www.learningrevolution.net/bootcamp-market-statistics/
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.
