Online coding bootcamps are becoming an incredibly popular alternative to more traditional education paths, such as college degrees. Since there are so many different options available today, choosing an online coding bootcamp can be difficult.
That is why we have prepared this guide, which will detail all of the best online coding bootcamps. In this article, we cover the advantages and disadvantages of these programs, the curriculum of the top programs, what jobs you can get after graduating, and how to apply for a coding bootcamp online.
What Is an Online Coding Bootcamp?
An online coding bootcamp is an intensive training program that students can attend through a virtual classroom. Online coding bootcamps often consist of a mix of live classes, pre-recorded video tutorials, virtual labs, and various breakout sessions. The best online coding bootcamps also offer on-demand support and career services.
Choosing to attend a coding bootcamp online allows you to pursue your education even if you have a busy schedule. In addition, you can choose from programs all over the country instead of just those offered in your area. Plus, these programs are often identical to their in-person counterparts, offering all of the same educational benefits.
Online Coding Bootcamp Pros and Cons
As with any educational program, online coding bootcamps also have pros and cons that you should weigh carefully before enrolling. The sections below outline the benefits of online coding bootcamps as well as the potential downsides to these programs.
Advantages of an Online Coding Bootcamp
- Learn coding from anywhere. The main benefit is that online coding bootcamps allow you to learn from any location you choose. Since you don’t need to go to a physical classroom, you can learn from home or even while you are traveling.
- Keep your full-time job. Many online coding bootcamps offer flexible schedules, and some are even self-paced programs. This means that you don’t need to disrupt your current daily life to learn to code.
- Immerse yourself in a structured program. Even though they are offered remotely, the online classes in coding bootcamps are still designed to offer hands-on experience and help students quickly build coding knowledge and technical skills.
- Learn from mentors, instructors, and peers. Similar to in-person bootcamps, online bootcamps provide access to expert instructors, mentors, and career coaches that help ensure your success in the program and assist you in reaching your career goals.
- Start a new career in a hurry. Coding bootcamps are an ideal way to quickly master the in-demand skills that you need to work in the tech industry.
- Learn to collaborate with others. Even through a virtual classroom, online coding bootcamps create opportunities for students to partake in hands-on learning in groups.
- Build a strong industry network. Bootcamp providers often have a large network within the tech industry that open up to students. The networking opportunities offered through online coding bootcamps can be a useful way to find potential employers.
Disadvantages of an Online Coding Bootcamp
- Requires discipline and hard work. Without the accountability of showing up to a classroom, an online coding bootcamp requires a lot more discipline and dedication than in-person courses.
- Non-traditional classroom environment. Though online learning is a development that has made a wide variety of educational opportunities more accessible, not every student enjoys learning this way. Some students find it more difficult to learn through online courses.
- No in-person support. Though online bootcamp students can access support from instructors and career coaches through chats and online conferencing, this often doesn’t have the same effect as getting support in person.
- A lot of time online. Depending on whether you follow a part-time or full-time program, you may be spending upwards of 40 hours each week online just for class time. This can be both mentally and physically taxing for individuals who are not used to this level of screen time.
- Reliance on technology. Unlike in-person classes, online bootcamps require students to have high-speed internet. Plus, there is a wide range of technical issues that can make online learning a frustrating experience.
Best Online Coding Bootcamps In 2023
| School | Duration | Financing | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| App Academy | Full-time, part-time | Income sharing, deferred tuition | In-person, online |
| Flatiron School | Full-time, part-time, self-paced | Installment plan, loans | In-person, online |
| Thinkful | Full-time, self-paced | Deferred tuition, installments | Online |
| Rithm School | Full-time | Income sharing, loans | Online |
| Le Wagon | Full-time, part-time | Installment plan, loans | In-person, online |
| Springboard | Part-time | Deferred tuition, loans | Online |
| Kenzie Academy | Full-time, part-time | FAFSA | Online |
| General Assembly | Full-time, part-time | Income sharing, installment plan, loans | In-person, online |
| Simplilearn | Part-time, self-paced | Loans | Online |
| Nucamp | Part-time | Installment plan, deferred tuition, loans | Online |
Best Online Coding Bootcamps: A Closer Look
The top online coding bootcamps provide you with hands-on projects, a wide range of technical skills, and help you prepare for your new career path. In this section, we will go into more detail about the best online coding bootcamps and what they offer.
App Academy
Aspiring software engineers can choose between in-person or online programs at App Academy. In addition, the bootcamp offers both part-time and full-time programs with durations ranging from 16 to 48 weeks. In these App Academy courses, students learn a variety of programming languages through the virtual classroom and have the opportunity to develop a portfolio of real-world projects.
Flatiron School
Flatiron School is one of the best online coding bootcamps where students can learn software engineering, data science, cyber security, and product design. Students can choose between in-person or online bootcamps and can follow either full-time, part-time, or self-paced formats. This bootcamp also has a career services team that gives every student 180 days of one-on-one career coaching.
Thinkful
At Thinkful, students can join programs in software engineering, data science, data analytics, UX/UI design, digital marketing, and technical product management. Students can opt for full-time programs, which require 50 to 60 hours per week, or part-time programs, which take 15 to 30 hours, including class time and homework.
Rithm School
As one of the top online coding bootcamps, Rithm School offers a full-time program that is highly selective. The program runs for 16 weeks, and students will learn front end development, full stack web development, and more. They will also build a portfolio of projects and receive support as they enter the job market.
Le Wagon
If you want to study web development, data science, or data analytics, Le Wagon is a solid option. With full-time, part-time, in-person, and online programs, Le Wagon bootcamps are a great way to get in-demand skills to work in the tech industry. The online bootcamps feature lectures, live coding activities, and on-demand tech support.
Springboard
Springboard offers a wide range of courses in the fields of data science, coding, cyber security, UX design, and tech sales. With part-time, self-paced programs, Springboard offers students a flexible learning environment. In addition to a career coach and a student advisor, every student will get paired with a personal mentor that will help them through their bootcamp journey.
Kenzie Academy
Kenzie Academy, run by Southern New Hampshire University, offers bootcamps in software engineering, cyber security, UX design, and full stack web development. All of these courses are fully online and help students gain the technical and soft skills they need for successful careers in the tech field.
General Assembly
At General Assembly, students can choose between an extensive list of full-time and part-time courses that cover topics ranging from software engineering to data analytics to visual design. The full-time programs are fast-paced and designed to get students job-ready for the tech industry in just 12 weeks. Students will also work with a personal career coach as they begin their job search.
Simplilearn
Simplilearn’s courses provide students with training to work as big data engineers, data analysts, cyber security specialists, artificial intelligence engineers, and more. These are rigorous courses that give students a strong foundation in their respective fields. Students will learn from industry experts, work on real coding projects, and have access to around-the-clock support.
Nucamp
Nucamp provides bootcamps covering web development, backend development, and both front end and full stack development courses that also cover mobile development. With flexible schedules, Nucamp is great for busy students. Students of this online coding bootcamp will also have access to comprehensive career services.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Online Coding Bootcamp
There are many things to consider when choosing a coding bootcamp. Knowing that you want to attend an online programming bootcamp rather than one in person is already a great start. However, there is a wide variety of other components that factor into which bootcamp is right for you.
How much a program costs, what the curriculum covers, and how long it will take to complete are all questions to consider before joining a coding bootcamp online. When trying to sift through the best online coding programs, think about the factors below.
Affordability
While it may be hard to find an entirely free online coding bootcamp, there are still many affordable options. Though some bootcamps charge upwards of $10,000 in tuition, there are many bootcamps that allow you to develop programming skills on a feasible budget. Consider the cost of a bootcamp program and how it aligns with your personal finances before enrolling in a program.
Curriculum
The course’s content should be one of your top considerations when weighing different online bootcamp options. Whether you want to learn software engineering or user experience design, prospective students should make sure that the lessons match their education and career goals.
Time Commitment
Whether you intend to enroll in a full-time program or attend an online coding bootcamp part-time, you should look into the hours you will need to commit to the program each week. Some full-time online bootcamps require you to devote upwards of 50 hours each week to the program. Alternatively, a part-time online coding bootcamp may only require you to dedicate 10 to 20 hours per week.
Flexibility
Flexible coding bootcamps teach you to code in a way that meets your needs. Many people enroll in a flexible program because they are either trying to deepen their technical knowledge for work, or they are interested in learning to code but can’t leave their day job.
Flexibility is important if you want a more catered program directed at a very specific technical skillset or if you have other commitments keeping you from enrolling in a more time-structured, traditional program.
Career Services
Many bootcamps have a career services team that helps ensure students are prepared to enter the tech industry. If you are serious about getting a job in tech, then choosing a bootcamp with a supportive career service team can help you connect with potential employers and learn how to impress them. These professionals often offer mock interviews, resume reviews, assistance with job searching, and more.
How to Apply for Online Coding Bootcamps
Once you decide to join a program, you will need to prepare for the coding bootcamp application process. The exact steps to apply for a coding bootcamp vary from program to program. However, below we will detail how to apply to a coding bootcamp based on the most common steps.
- Fill out an inquiry form. The first step is to fill out an inquiry form on the bootcamp’s website. You will need to provide your contact details and choose which bootcamp program you are interested in.
- Talk with the admission teams. Next, an admissions advisor will call you to learn more about your background, your current schedule, and your career goals.
- Complete an assessment test. Many coding bootcamps will ask all prospective students to complete a general assessment test that gauges their logic and critical thinking skills.
- Complete a coding challenge. Some bootcamps that are more competitive will also ask applicants to pass a coding challenge. Depending on the program, this may consist of multiple-choice questions or a live demonstration.
- Choose a payment option. The last step of the application process is to select from a list of bootcamp payment or financing options and, if necessary, pay a deposit to secure your place in the program.
Financing Options for Online Coding Bootcamps
There are many financing options that make coding bootcamps more accessible for students. You can opt for an online coding bootcamp ISA, deferred tuition plan, or even use a private education loan. In addition, some online coding bootcamps offer job guarantees that help relieve students’ financial stress. Learn more about these options and others below.
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- Income share agreement. An ISA helps you put off payments until you get a job earning a certain amount each year. Then, you will pay a portion of your salary each month for a certain number of months, or until you reach the payment cap.
- Deferred tuition. Deferred tuition plans vary between programs, but many only require you to begin making payments once you have graduated.
- Job guarantee. In coding bootcamps that offer job guarantees, students are only responsible for paying tuition if they successfully get a job in their field within a certain number of months after graduating.
- Education loans. Some private lenders also offer education loans for bootcamp students. These loans have varying terms, but they do include interest charges.
- Monthly installments. Students in some bootcamp programs also have the option of paying through monthly installments. In many cases, this payment option does not result in any extra charges and only includes the normal cost of tuition.
Can Attending a Coding Bootcamp Online Land You a Job?
Just like in-person bootcamps, attending a coding bootcamp online can help you get a job in the tech industry. These programs offer hands-on learning opportunities and robust career services that can help you impress potential employers. Below, you can learn more about some of the jobs you can get as a bootcamp graduate as well as how much you can earn in each position.
Software Engineer
After graduating from an online software engineer bootcamp, you can work as a software engineer or developer. In this role, you will work on developing new software programs from scratch, testing and implementing software, and optimizing and debugging existing programs. You will work with clients, stakeholders, and other engineers to develop software that meets everyone’s needs.
Web Developer
If you complete a web development bootcamp online, there are a variety of web development positions you can apply for. Web developers work with various clients and organizations to create web pages and web applications. This position requires strong coding skills and will require you to work with graphic designers and other developers. The best full stack bootcamps can also prepare you to work as a web developer.
Information Security Analyst
A bootcamp’s IT training can help you gain the skills you need to work as an information security analyst. These professionals oversee an organization’s network security. To do this, they monitor security breaches, create and implement security standards, and recommend improvements. With the hands-on experience you gain from an online cyber security or IT training bootcamp, you’ll excel in this role.
User Experience Designer
If you graduate from a UX design bootcamp, you will have all of the key skills to work in the field. This isn’t the most technical role to get after a coding bootcamp, but having some programming skills is still important. UX designers are tasked with ensuring that webpages and other products and services are user-friendly. They are key in the design, testing, and implementation phases of websites.
Data Scientist
Many online coding bootcamps offer data science and data analytics training for students, such as devCodeCamp and CareerFoundry. In this profession, you will compile, organize, and analyze data in order to help organizations make key business decisions. In addition to a solid understanding of statistics, you will also need to master programming languages, like SQL, that are used for managing databases to fulfill this role.
Are Online Coding Bootcamps Right for Me?
Before enrolling in an online coding bootcamp, you may be asking yourself if starting a career in tech is the right path for you. Unfortunately, there is no black-and-white answer. It all depends on your educational needs, your flexibility, and your learning style.
If you are someone who learns better face-to-face and in a traditional classroom environment, then an online coding bootcamp may not be the best option for you. However, if you are a self-starter and are able to ignore distractions, then an online coding bootcamp may be perfect for you.
Online Coding Bootcamps FAQ
A coding bootcamp may last anywhere from several weeks to a number of months. Some full-time programs run for 12 or 24 weeks, while part-time programs can last up to nine months or more. The exact duration will depend on your bootcamp provider and whether you follow a full-time or part-time schedule.
Coding bootcamp graduates can make anywhere from $45,000 to $85,000 in an entry-level role. However, as they gain more professional experience and progress through their careers, bootcamp graduates commonly earn six-figure salaries.
Companies in a variety of industries will hire coding bootcamp graduates. In fact, top tech companies such as Apple, Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are all known to have hired bootcamp graduates. Many bootcamp providers even have hiring partners to help their graduates easily connect with potential employers.
A coding bootcamp should teach you in-demand programming skills. In most online coding bootcamps, you will learn popular programming languages, such as JavaScript and Python. In addition, you will learn how to work with prominent coding software and develop an understanding of how the technology works.
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.
