Best In-Person Coding Bootcamps in 2023

If you’re looking to kickstart your tech career but still want a chance to connect face-to-face with teachers and fellow students, an in-person coding bootcamp can be a great option. Unlike fully online bootcamps where everything takes place remotely, an in-person bootcamp will give you the chance to learn directly from instructors, connect with peers, and follow along a structured program to help you stay on track.

In this guide, we will discuss the best onsite coding bootcamp options you should consider if you want to break into tech but still enjoy all the benefits of in-person coding classes. These programs are best suited to students looking for more accountability and networking opportunities while they cultivate in-demand skills to help them land their dream tech job. 

What Is an In-Person Coding Bootcamp?

An in-person coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term program designed to help students acquire the skills needed to become coders. An onsite coding bootcamp typically lasts several weeks or months, focuses on teaching in-demand skills, and provides students with hands-on experience. Classes are held in person, rather than online, and typically run on full-time schedules.

In-Person Coding Classes

In-person coding classes offer students the chance to learn directly from instructors and side by side with their peers. This type of class usually includes a combination of lectures, hands-on exercises, and project work. This class format provides students with a solid foundation in coding concepts, as well as the opportunity to practice and apply their skills in a classroom setting.

Onsite or Off-Campus Living Environment

Coding bootcamps that offer housing are not common. Bootcamp housing options tend to be available in the form of support for finding housing through partner organizations, or support for covering living expenses through deferred tuition payment plans, such as the one offered by Thinkful.

On-Campus Career Services

On-campus career services are offered by bootcamps to help students succeed in their learning journey. These services typically include help creating resumes and portfolios, guidance for job seeking, and interview preparation. In addition, on-campus students can benefit from networking opportunities with teachers, peers, and mentors, as well as the added accountability of an onsite experience.

In-Person Networking Opportunities

A major benefit of an in-person coding bootcamp is that students have more chances to establish real-life connections with instructors and peers. Graduating from a bootcamp with a strong network of software engineers, mentors, and teachers can give you an advantage, as you can reach out to them for support and get recommended for career opportunities.

Where Are There In-Person Coding Bootcamps?

In-person coding bootcamps are available at all major tech hubs throughout the US. Keep reading to see our list of common dev bootcamp locations so you can start planning your bootcamp experience.

• New York City. This city is well known for being a hub for creativity and entrepreneurship, making it an ideal spot for onsite training. New York is home to some of the most popular coding bootcamps, including Flatiron School, App Academy, and Fullstack Academy. It is also where the largest number of US bootcamp graduates reside, according to Career Karma’s 2023 Bootcamp Market Report.
• Silicon Valley. This region in northern California is a long-established hub of tech development, and it’s the perfect place for startups and for networking. Silicon Valley is home to many of the world’s largest tech corporations and Fortune 100 companies.
• Los Angeles. This city has earned the moniker Silicon Beach, as more and more tech companies and startups are selecting it as an alternative to the highly competitive Silicon Valley area. Studying in this city, you will enjoy surf and sand in addition to multiple networking opportunities.
• Seattle. This fast-growing tech hub continues to grow and attract some of the major tech companies in the country. Both Microsoft and Amazon chose this city in the Pacific Northwest for their headquarters, helping attract even more organizations to this corner of the US.
• Chicago. Chicago has established itself as a major tech hub in the Midwest. Some of the largest tech companies, including Google, Salesforce, and LinkedIn, have offices here. It remains an affordable option when compared to other major tech hubs, and also houses world-class universities and an active cultural scene.

The Best In-Person Coding Bootcamps 

Below you’ll see our picks for the top in-person coding bootcamp options you should consider. Onsite coding bootcamps are becoming harder to find, as many schools have transitioned into fully online formats, but the options below can still give you an offline bootcamp experience while providing you with industry-relevant training.

App Academy

• In-Person Coding Program: Campus Software Engineering Program
• Locations: New York, San Francisco
• Length: 16 weeks
• Cost: $17,000 – $36,000 depending on payment method
• Payment Methods: Upfront Tuition, ISA, Deferred Tuition, Hybrid Tuition

App Academy’s Software Engineering Program is designed to turn you into a full stack web developer. The curriculum is centered around JavaScript and Ruby on Rails, and classes also cover SQL, HTML, CSS, ReactJS, and Redux. You can enjoy the onsite App Academy experience either in New York or San Francisco.

The App Academy application process starts with submitting an application. You will have to pass a non-technical assessment which will test your logical reasoning and typing skills. If you succeed, you will have to pass a 60-minute coding challenge, a technical interview, and a non-technical discussion before being accepted into the program.

Code Fellows

• In-Person Coding Program: Software Development
• Locations: Seattle
• Length: 18 weeks
• Cost: $22,000
• Payment Methods: Early-Bird Pricing, Scholarships, GI Bill, Loans, Payment Plans

Code Fellows offers an in-person bootcamp for aspiring software developers that’s split into three modules. The first one covers HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The intermediate module involves the design of web apps using MVC patterns and React. The advanced module focuses on building full stack applications with more advanced tools. Students can choose to take each module individually or all of them as a single program.

Aspiring students must first submit an application and then complete a phone interview. Next, they must complete the prework and entrance test steps, after which they need to complete a final interview to determine their eligibility for their chosen program.

Code Platoon

• In-Person Coding Program: Full-Stack Software Engineer: Immersive
• Locations: Chicago
• Length: 15 weeks
• Cost: $18,000
• Payment Methods: GI Bill, Scholarships

Code Platoon offers programs to veterans, active duty service members, and military spouses looking to transition into the civilian workforce. Their immersive software engineering bootcamp trains full stack developers in HTML, CSS, Javascript, React.js, Python, and SQL.

Students learn through a combination of lectures, presentations, and hands-on coding time.

The Code Platoon application process is divided into two stages. The first one involves submitting an application with details about your service background and coding experience. The second stage involves a coding challenge and the submission of an application essay and video.

Codesmith

• In-Person Coding Program: Software Engineering Immersive
• Locations: New York
• Length: 13 weeks
• Cost: $20,925
• Payment Methods: Payment Plans, Loans, Scholarships.

The Codesmith onsite bootcamp offers students an immersive training experience to become full stack developers. The curriculum includes elements of computer science and machine learning, and focuses on JavaScript, React, and Node. The program offers a combination of lectures, pair programming, project work, and workshops.

The Codesmith application process is pretty straightforward. Students must submit an application and then go through a non-technical and a technical interview to determine if they are a good fit for the program. After this process, successful applicants will be contacted for the next steps.

Codeup 

• In-Person Coding Program: Full Stack Web Development
• Locations: San Antonio
• Length: 20 weeks
• Cost: $27,500
• Payment Methods: Loans, VA Benefits, Grants, Scholarships

The Codeup on-campus coding bootcamp helps train students to become developers able to create web applications, games, e-commerce sites, and more. The curriculum covers HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Git, TDD, Java, MySQL, and more. Students receive career support and must complete a capstone project.

Codeup has a rolling admissions process and accepts applicants on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are successful in your application, you will need to complete pre-work assignments, which can take up to two weeks, so keep that in mind as you decide the date on which you will submit your application.

Flatiron School

• In-Person Coding Program: Software Engineering
• Locations: New York, Denver
• Length: 15 weeks
• Cost: $17,900
• Payment Methods: Upfront, Loan, 12 Monthly Installments

Students can take the Software Engineering Coding Bootcamp at two Flatiron School locations, New York and Denver. The program lasts 15 weeks and prepares students to become front end, backend, or full stack developers. The first module covers coding fundamentals. Then there are two modules covering front end coding and two modules covering backend coding. The last module focuses on a capstone project.

To apply, you must start by submitting an application. You’ll be notified whether you’re moving forward in the process after two days. The next step is a video call with an admissions representative who will help determine whether you’re a good fit for the program. Depending on the program, you might also be required to complete a technical interview.

Fullstack Academy

• In-Person Coding Program: Future Code
• Locations: New York
• Length: 31 weeks
• Cost: No-cost training
• Payment Methods: N/A

This is a unique program offered at the Fullstack Academy New York location. It was created to provide no-cost tech training to New York residents from underrepresented communities without any coding background. Over 31 weeks, students will gain the skills to become developers, as well as multiple opportunities to network and take advantage of Fullstack Academy’s career services.

Because this is a no-cost program, it is also highly competitive. Applicants must pass a logical reasoning assessment, go through an interview, and complete a pseudo-coding assessment, after which they will receive a tentative acceptance. Only after successfully completing the introductory course and passing a final assessment will candidates be officially admitted to the program.

General Assembly

• In-Person Coding Program: Software Engineering Immersive
• Locations: New York
• Length: 12 weeks
• Cost: $16,450
• Payment Methods: ISA, Loans, Installment Plans, Tuition Discounts, GI Bill

You can take the General Assembly in-person software engineering bootcamp at their New York location. The program was designed to train full stack developers with industry-relevant skills. The curriculum includes JavaScript, Python, Django, React, and Git, and learn Agile development for improved project workflow. Students receive career coaching in addition to instruction from experienced professionals.

This program was designed for complete beginners, but students may benefit from pursuing training on their own before starting the program. Applicants will first connect with an admissions representative who will determine whether they’re a good fit. For the immersive, students must also complete a series of assessments before being officially accepted.

Tech Elevator

• In-Person Coding Program: Full-Time Coding Bootcamp
• Locations: Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dallas, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Wilmington
• Length: 14 weeks
• Cost: $16,500
• Payment Methods: Monthly Installments, ISA, Scholarships, Grants

Tech Elevator offers their onsite coding bootcamp in various locations throughout the country. Students get a choice between a Java or a C# track depending on the type of projects they want to work on after graduation. They also learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and SQL as they move through a curriculum designed to help them become successful full stack developers.

"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

Find Your Bootcamp Match

To apply for a Tech Elevator bootcamp, you must first complete a quick aptitude test. Then, students must submit an application with details about their career goals. If successful, applicants will be interviewed, after which they will receive a final decision about their admission to their chosen program.

We Can Code It

• In-Person Coding Program: Full Stack Coding Bootcamp
• Locations: Cleveland, Columbus
• Length: 14 weeks
• Cost: $14,900
• Payment Methods: Loans, Installment Plans, GI BIll

We Can Code It offers students a full stack, onsite coding bootcamp with either a C# or a Java specialization track. The curriculum for this program covers HTML, CSS, object-oriented programming, APIs, and REST, in addition to a heavy emphasis on either C# or Java depending on the selected track.

Prospective students must submit an application, after which they will have a chat with an admissions representative. Applicants must then complete an assessment that includes a coding lesson and a small test project, after which they will receive news of their admission to their selected program.

Other Types of In-Person Bootcamps

Onsite bootcamps for other tech disciplines are also available, although they have been slowly replaced by online programs for the most part. Keep reading to learn about some of the options available to you for in-person bootcamps in various tech fields besides coding.

In-Person Data Science Bootcamps

An in-person data science bootcamp gives you the chance to train among experienced professionals as you learn how to use data to support organizations in reaching their business goals. Flatiron Schoon offers a data science bootcamp on their New York campus, while Codeup offers an option in San Antonio.

In-Person Cyber Security Bootcamps

An in-person cyber security bootcamp allows you to master the ins and out of keeping data safe. You’ll learn from experienced professionals in an interactive environment. Many cyber security bootcamps have transitioned into fully online formats, but some in-person options can still be found. Such is the case of Ironhack, which offers onsite cyber security training in various locations in Europe in addition to its fully online program.

In-Person UX/UI Design Bootcamps

Attending a UX/UI bootcamp in person gives you the chance to learn all about how users interact with sites, apps, and other tech products and services, all while networking with peers and experienced professionals. BrainStation offers a UX Design Bootcamp on location in Miami and New York.

Online vs In-Person Coding Bootcamps: Which Is Better?

If you need help deciding whether an online coding bootcamp vs an in-person bootcamp is the right choice, we’ve compiled a quick list of the benefits of each modality. Keep reading to learn some of the key advantages each option offers.

Benefits of In-Person Coding Bootcamps

• Structured learning. A key benefit of an in-person coding bootcamp is that it provides a more immersive and tightly-structured program to students. This means you will have a clearly laid out map you can follow as you move through your bootcamp journey.
• Increased accountability. Having to show up to a particular place and relate with the same group of students and teachers over the course of your program can help you stay motivated and on track.
• In-person support. When you have questions or need support, nothing beats being able to ask an expert and get instant feedback. In-person support can help you quickly overcome obstacles and learn in a faster and more effective way.
• Peer collaboration. Another key benefit of studying in person is that you will get to meet and befriend your peers over the course of your program. You will have a chance to collaborate with other students and build solid relationships with them.
• Networking opportunities. One final benefit of onsite bootcamps is that they allow you to network. The relationships that you build with peers and instructors can be greatly beneficial as you graduate and move into the job market.

Benefits of Online Coding Bootcamps

• Schedule flexibility. If you are on a tight schedule or have many other responsibilities, online bootcamps might be a better alternative, as they provide you with the flexibility to schedule in time for studying whenever it is convenient for you.
• No commuting. Commuting can be expensive, exhausting, and time-consuming, and you can completely avoid it by enrolling in a fully online bootcamp.
• Location independence. Online bootcamps can be taken from anywhere. This means you won’t have to relocate in order to start studying. In fact, you can usually take classes from anywhere in the world, so they are a perfect choice for people who have opted for a location-independent work life.
• Cultivates self-discipline. Because you are the only one responsible for following along in your studies, online coding bootcamps can also be an excellent chance to cultivate self-discipline. This will help you greatly if you also want to secure a remote job after graduation.
• More programs to choose from. A key benefit of online coding bootcamps is that you have a much wider list of options to choose from. Many major bootcamps have transitioned into fully online teaching, giving you a wider variety of schools and programs to match your needs and career goals.

Is an In-Person Coding Bootcamp Right for Me?

Yes, an in-person coding bootcamp is right for you if you’re looking for greater accountability, in-person support, and the chance to network with peers and industry professionals. A traditional classroom environment allows for greater collaboration and the chance to form lifelong relationships while you learn valuable tech skills.

Onsite coding bootcamps are not the right fit for everyone. If you value flexibility, have a full-time job, or have to tend to other responsibilities, it may not be possible for you to attend an in-person bootcamp. Luckily, many online coding bootcamps exist to cater to all sorts of students with different personal and professional goals.

In-Person Coding Bootcamps FAQ 

How did the landscape for in-person coding bootcamps change during COVID?

The biggest change to coding bootcamps during COVID was that they were forced to transition into fully online modalities. Since then, many bootcamps have discontinued their in-person programs in favor of the convenience of online studies. Many others, however, continue to offer in-person programs for students who prefer this modality.

Are there any free in-person coding bootcamps?

Yes, there are free in-person coding bootcamp options. An example is the Future Code program offered by Fullstack Academy. This highly competitive program was designed to provide students from underrepresented communities in New York the chance to receive the training they need to break into tech.

Is a coding bootcamp cheaper online or in person?

A coding bootcamp is typically cheaper online than in person. This is because a fully online modality allows schools to cut back on expenses such as campus upkeep. In addition, in-person coding bootcamps have added expenses such as commuting or relocation.

Do you learn more at an in-person bootcamp?

Whether you learn more at an in-person bootcamp depends on each student. Some students benefit from the added accountability, increased structure, and chances to interact with teachers and peers offered by onsite bootcamps. Others may learn better by studying remotely and having greater control over their learning environment and schedule. It is ultimately a matter of personal preference and learning style.