2024 Best Online Coding
Bootcamps

What Is an Online Bootcamp?

An online bootcamp is an immersive training platform that equips students with the technical and soft skills needed in today’s job market. Online bootcamps provide students with a virtual classroom experience, in addition to a wide range of online learning resources to help them succeed. Just like at an in-person bootcamp, students have access to a market-led and fast-paced curriculum without needing to be physically present.

The top online bootcamps offer full-time and part-time courses ranging from software engineering, full stack web development, cyber security, data science, UX/UI design, and digital marketing. Online bootcamp online classes can span from a single week to 12 months in duration, although the average runtime is three or four months for a full-time program and six or nine months for a part-time program.

Coding bootcamps in general are experiencing a boom in popularity. According to Career Karma’s latest State of the Bootcamp Market report, 58,756 coding bootcamp students graduated in 2022, a 21 percent year-on-year increase. The industry as a whole is moving toward online learning, with remote coding bootcamps slowly but surely becoming the norm. Case in point, in 2020 online bootcamps in the US recorded 7,301 graduates, a 133.4 percent increase since 2017, as reported by Statista.

Why Choose an Online Coding Bootcamp?

Online bootcamps are ideal alternatives to in-person bootcamps. If you’re keen on boosting your technical skills in areas such as web development, digital marketing, product management, or data science, but don’t want to change your physical location, attending an online coding bootcamp is the best move you can make. These platforms offer a wide range of online courses to equip students with the tech skills needed for their careers in the tech industry.

The best bootcamps for online learning come with a wide variety of benefits, some of which often include a dedicated mentor, extensive career services, flexible payment options, job placement assistance, flexible scheduling, emphasis on hands-on experience, networking events, and a certificate of completion. You can also prepare for professional certifications given by companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Cisco, and IBM through bootcamps.

Top Reasons to Join Online Bootcamps

• Boost your employability. Bootcamps are a great way to improve your professional experience or supplement your college degree to become more employable. They are an increasingly popular option for people looking to upskill to access higher salaries or reskill to change careers.
• Get a cost-effective education. Bootcamps, in general, are worth it because they cost only a fraction of what you would pay to complete a college degree. Yet evidence shows that they are just as effective as universities, if not more, at preparing students for careers in tech.
• Benefit from professional career guidance. What makes coding bootcamps stand out in the world of education is their emphasis on job placement and professional development. Bootcamp students enjoy a wide range of career services, from resume and interview workshops to access to large employer networks.
• Attain a higher salary. The best online coding bootcamps report significant salary bumps among their grads. Thinkful students see an average salary increase of $17,000 after their program, while, according to a report certified by the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR) over 30 percent of students that graduated from Codemsith full-time remote program in 2022 are now earning over $140,000 a year.
• Enjoy flexible payment options. Coding bootcamps seek to make a tech education accessible to as many people as possible. To attain this, they offer a slew of financing options, including coding bootcamp scholarships targeting minorities, loans, and deferred payment plans.

Will an Online Bootcamp Help Me Get a Job?

Yes, an online bootcamp will help you get a job. Online bootcamps are designed to get you job-ready through their intensive curricula, hands-on training, expert instructors, and career services. The best online bootcamps offer more than just exceptional curricula. They offer prospective students incentives such as job placement assistance, job guarantees, career coaching, interview skills training, and personal branding guidance.

Because of this emphasis on getting students hired, most of the online coding bootcamps highlighted in this ranking have very high job placement rates. For example, 90 percent of Flatiron School remote students landed a job within the reporting period, according to the school’s latest report. Likewise, in a report verified by CIRR, 80.1 percent of Codesmith online students secured a job within 180 days of graduation.

Most bootcamp graduates are given access to networking opportunities to enable them secure jobs with leading companies in the United States. Based on the 2020 research report on top bootcamp employers in the United States by Statista, your future employer could be Amazon, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, JP Morgan Chase, Accenture, IBM, or Apple.

What Are the Best Online Coding Bootcamps for Job Placement?

All the coding bootcamps included in our ranking have high job placement rates since this is one of the main criteria we used in our ranking. However, we have selected three coding bootcamps with above-average job placement rates based on their in-house reports as well as CIRR data:

• General Assembly: An impressive 92.2 percent of General Assembly students enrolled in the Data Science Immersive program landed a job within 180 days, according to General Assembly’s 2019 report. The report does not specify if these were online students, but this program is now fully remote so there is a high chance that they were.
• Flatiron School: Ninety percent of Flatiron School remote students eventually succeeded in getting a job in tech after graduating, according to its 2022 Jobs Report.
• App Academy: This popular coding school has not disclosed placement figures for its online programs. However, its New York and San Francisco on-site bootcamps boast placement figures of 95 percent and 93 percent, respectively. It is fair to assume that its online bootcamps are also very effective at helping students secure tech jobs.

Top Tech Jobs for Online Bootcamp Grads

Graduates of the top online coding bootcamps may take on a range of roles in a wide variety of industries. Below, we bring you five common positions for recent grads of online coding bootcamps, together with the average salary for the job and main responsibilities.

• Web developer ($78,300 average salary): Web developers are responsible for building and maintaining websites. They work with programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create user-friendly and visually appealing websites.
• Software engineer ($109,020 average salary): Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with programming languages and frameworks to build scalable and efficient software solutions.
• Data analyst ($100,910 average salary): Data analysts work with large sets of data to extract meaningful insights. They use tools and programming languages like Python, SQL, and R to collect, clean, analyze, and visualize data. Their responsibilities include gathering and interpreting data and providing recommendations based on that data.
• UX/UI designer ($77,845 average salary): UX/UI designers focus on enhancing the user's experience and interaction with digital products. They work on designing intuitive and visually appealing interfaces for websites and applications.
• Information security analyst ($102,600 average salary): Information security analysts play a crucial role in safeguarding an organization's computer networks and systems from potential threats and breaches.

How Long Are the Best Online Bootcamps?

The length of online bootcamps ranges from one week to one year. However, the exact length depends on the intensity of the entire program and your preferred learning format. Full-time programs usually span 12 to 16 weeks, on average. Part-time bootcamps, usually span for 16 to 36 weeks, on average. The advantage of taking a bootcamp online, especially part-time, is that they usually come with more flexibility in terms of the class schedule.

Many bootcamps are project-based, meaning students are also required to devote hours to assignments outside of in-class time. These take-home assignments, on average, demand around 20 hours per week. These assignments range from simple to complex tasks and usually require students to solve real-world problems.

What Are the Best Part-Time Online Coding Bootcamps?

The majority of online coding bootcamps have one or several part-time programs. Part-time programs are designed for people who have commitments outside their studies and cannot dedicate their entire days to training.

Springboard is a coding bootcamp renowned for its part-time options, whose core programs are all offered exclusively part-time. Springboard’s Software Engineering Bootcamp, for example, is a fully remote, self-paced course that can be completed in nine months by working 20 to 25 hours a week. Other great bootcamps with strong part-time offerings include Flatiron School and Thinkful.

What Skills Can You Learn at an Online Bootcamp?

When it comes to online coding bootcamps, there is a wide range of skills you can learn to enhance your career prospects. These bootcamps offer immersive and intensive programs designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills needed for success in the tech industry. Here are some of the key areas where online bootcamps can help you build expertise:

Web Development

Web development bootcamps provide comprehensive training in web development, covering front end and backend technologies. You'll learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as frameworks like React and Angular. The best online web development bootcamps update their curricula regularly to keep up with developments in web development.

Software Engineering

Online programming bootcamps offer rigorous training in software engineering principles and practices. You'll gain proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++, and learn how to design, build, and maintain software systems. Among the best online software engineering bootcamps, you’ll find schools like Coding Temple, Nucamp, and Thinkful.

Data Science

Data science bootcamps provide a deep dive into the world of data analysis and machine learning. You'll learn how to manipulate and analyze data using tools like Python or R, apply statistical techniques, and build predictive models. The best data science bootcamps also cover data visualization and storytelling techniques to effectively communicate insights drawn from data.

Cyber Security

With the increasing importance of cyber security, bootcamps focusing on this field are gaining popularity. You'll learn about network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, and risk assessment. Top cyber security bootcamps equip you with the skills to identify vulnerabilities, protect systems from threats, and develop strategies to ensure data privacy and security.

UX/UI Design

Online bootcamps catering to UX/UI design offer training in user research, information architecture, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing. You'll learn how to create visually appealing and intuitive interfaces that enhance the user experience across various digital platforms. Great UX/UI design bootcamps will connect the student with agencies in their network during the job search process.

How Much Does an Online Bootcamp Cost?

An online bootcamp costs between $500 and $20,000. According to our latest State of the Bootcamp report, the average price of a bootcamp is $12,593. However, online coding bootcamps tend to cost less than the in-person counterpart. You can expect your online program to be anywhere from a few hundred to a thousand dollars cheaper than the on-site option.

The exact cost of your online bootcamp will depend on the type of program, school, location, and perks included. Keep in mind that most bootcamp providers offer payment options such as scholarships, income share agreements, loans, payment plans, and discounts.

Can I Work and Go to an Online Bootcamp?

Yes, you can work and go to an online bootcamp at the same time if you attend a part-time program. Part-time programs offer more flexibility in their class schedules. Many companies have sent their employees to online bootcamps for working professionals to upskill their workforce. These programs aren’t as intense as full-time programs but still offer personalized mentorship.

How Can I Pay for an Online Bootcamp?

Although bootcamp students don’t have access to federal loans or other government-subsidized financial aid programs, online bootcamp students can access a wide range of financial options to make their bootcamp more affordable. Once you’re enrolled in an online program, you’ll be guided through different payment options by the school’s admissions team so that you can pick the right one for you. Common payment options offered by coding bootcamps include:

1. Upfront payment
2. Payment plans
3. Scholarships
4. Loans
5. Deferred tuition
6. Income share agreements
7. Employer sponsorship
8. GI Bill funding

Can Anyone Learn Online?

Yes, anyone can learn online as long as they have access to a computer and an Internet connection and are motivated. Many people choose to learn online, even if they live near a well-known coding bootcamp. However, an online education does require more discipline and motivation, so it is an alternative best suited for self-starters.

The online education industry is booming, with Statista projecting annual growth of 9.48 percent. Online bootcamps play a big part in this rapid expansion, bringing the benefits of a tech education to everyone, regardless of location or how busy they are. For example, many working professionals seeking to upskill to get a promotion or to retrain to change careers join an online coding bootcamp to achieve their goals.

How Do Online Bootcamps Compare to Online MOOCs?

MOOCs, an acronym for massive open online courses, are very affordable self-paced online courses offered by universities. MOOCs, which are usually single, one-off courses, provide a flexible means of acquiring new skills and industry knowledge in both beginner and advanced topics. They are open to all students, regardless of their educational qualifications.

However, MOOCs don’t provide the same kind of immersive experience or education as online bootcamps. For example, MOOCs don’t offer personal mentorship or support. While most online coding bootcamps boast expert instructors, MOOCs are usually self-taught. Additionally, online bootcamps provide access to professional career services, which is something you rarely see with MOOCs.

Are Online Coding Bootcamps Accredited?

Online coding bootcamps can vary in terms of accreditation. While some online bootcamps may be accredited by recognized accrediting bodies, many coding bootcamps operate independently without official accreditation. The reason many bootcamps aren’t accredited is because they prioritize practical skills and results over traditional academic accreditation.

That being said, a few coding bootcamps do have accreditation. Kenzie Academy is part of Southern New Hampshire University and is thus accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Likewise, Codeup is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Last, we have Turing School of Software & Design and NYC Data Science Academy. These are both excellent coding schools that have received accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET).

What Do Online Coding Bootcamp Reviews Say?

Reviews for the top online coding bootcamps are mostly positive. Many reviewers highlight the lifetime access to a sophisticated alumni network. Many also had a great experience with the career services team, which was eager to help them with their job search post-graduation.

An online coding bootcamp review representative of the overall mood is that of Kalika Curry, who graduated from Thinkful. In her review, which she left at Career Karma, she explains that she enrolled after she had been let go from her previous job as a result of the pandemic. She explains that she was assigned a mentor and that the career servicing teams worked with her to build a resume and polish her LinkedIn profile.

“With Thinkful, I was given the extra oomph, the person to hold me accountable, to growing a network of professionals that could help me with acquiring a position. I learned a lot from this team and had a bit of fun doing it, too,” she says in her review.

Is an Online Bootcamp Worth It?

Yes, an online bootcamp is worth it if you’re interested in building a complex set of in-demand skills for the tech industry, particularly in popular programming languages, without needing to leave the comfort of your home. Online coding programs offer prospective students full-time tech-based courses, with most also offering a part-time option. These courses equip them with the key skills they need to succeed in their chosen career path, including tools in high market demand.

However, what most online bootcamp reviews highlight about these programs is their focus on career services. Online programming bootcamps pair students with experienced career counselors to help them achieve their career goals. In addition, students enjoy services like interview preparation, personal branding workshops, and access to the school’s partner network. As a result, most bootcamp students are able to land an in-field job after graduation and earn a good salary. In fact, according to a ZipRecruiter survey, the average salary for a coding bootcamp graduate is $65,818.

In short, online bootcamp is an ideal choice for you if you prefer learning from a distance. Students in the best online bootcamps have access to flexible scheduling, high-quality online instructors, guidance during assignments, learning support, capstone projects, and hands-on projects to help them achieve their goal of building a career in technolog