2024 Best Data Science
Bootcamps

Top data science bootcamps are an alternative educational pathway for prospective data scientists. They tend to be more skill-based and career-focused than traditional degrees, as well as more affordable. While most people attend their data science bootcamp online, you can also find in-person programs in major cities around the country. Part-time data science bootcamp programs are also available for busy working professionals.

What Is a Data Science Bootcamp?

A data science bootcamp is an immersive form of learning that helps students gain career-specific skills. Rather than teaching you everything there is to know about computer science, a data science bootcamp will cover the exact skills you need to excel in your dream tech career. Depending on the school, you can attend a data science bootcamp online or in-person, on a full-time, part-time, or self-paced schedule.

Data science bootcamps also offer career services, which help students learn how to apply their new data science skills to get a job in data science. Career services usually offer help with writing resumes, job interview prep, and reviewing cover letters and portfolios.

Is a Data Science Bootcamp Worth It?

Yes, a data science bootcamp is worth it because the career services and high-quality education they provide have proven to be effective at helping beginners and professionals break into the data science field. Bootcamps offer top data science programs that cover the exact skills you need to get hired.

Another important factor that makes data science bootcamps worth it is the career services. Landing your first job after graduation is a major hurdle, and the best data science bootcamps have vast hiring partnerships to help students secure industry connections.

How Do I Apply for a Data Science Bootcamp?

Although the data science bootcamp application process will differ depending on the school you apply to, there are some common steps. Usually, you will start by filling out a data science application online. Below are the steps for the average data science bootcamp application process:

1. Fill out the data science application online for your bootcamp of choice. This application will include basic information about you, including your educational background and desired program.
2. Interview with a member of the data science bootcamp admissions team. This could be a behavioral interview and/or a technical interview. Behavioral interview questions will be about your career goals and why you chose the data science bootcamp you did. Technical questions cover your programming and data science skills.
3. Take a technical assessment. This is not a requirement for all bootcamps, but many schools use a technical assessment to test the data science skills you already have.
4. Complete any necessary prework and secure your spot in the data science bootcamp of your choice.

How Long Are the Best Data Science Bootcamps?

Most data science bootcamp programs take between three and nine months to complete. However, some programs offer accelerated or self-paced options which allow you to complete the program in a shorter amount of time. Some part-time program options may take up to a year to finish.

Some bootcamps require you to complete a week or two of prep work before classes start. This allows complete beginners to be brought to a similar level as those who may be attending a data science bootcamp to upskill.

If you are attending a data science bootcamp online, you will likely be required to attend live classes led by instructors, just like you would do for an in-person program. The best online data science bootcamp programs come in a range of scheduling options, ensuring all students have access to one that meets their needs. You will also need to account for a certain number of hours per week that will be dedicated to homework outside of class time.

Will a Data Science Bootcamp Help Me Get a Job?

Yes, the best data science bootcamps help students land data science jobs. Most bootcamps offer career services like resume help, interview preparation, and contract negotiation. Access to these services will prepare you for the data science job market. Many of the best data science bootcamps even have corporate partners that recruit from their graduating classes.

It is also becoming increasingly common for data science bootcamps to offer students a job guarantee. This means that if you don’t land a relevant job within six months of graduation, you will be eligible for a tuition refund. Some of the best data science bootcamps with job guarantees available include Springboard and Thinkful.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the data science field has a job outlook of 36 percent, which is significantly higher than usual, even compared to other fields in the tech industry. More and more companies are turning to data science to improve operations, which provides ample career opportunities for recent bootcamp graduates.

Jobs For Data Science Bootcamp Graduates

Top data science bootcamp programs generally prepare students for entry-level careers in the field. Data science is a particularly fast-growing sector right now and data skills are in-demand in a wide range of industries, which means there are many directions you can take your career after graduation. Here are a few top jobs for data science bootcamp graduates.

• Entry-level data scientist | $76,131. As a data scientist, you will use a combination of statistics, mathematics, and computer science skills to identify trends in data and interpret useful takeaways. You’ll also identify new ways to acquire useful data.
• Data analyst | $65,112. Data analysts accumulate, clean, and analyze large data sets. Data analysts often become data scientists as they gain experience and improve their skillsets.
• Machine learning analyst | $106,506. The most important part of a machine learning analyst’s job is finding new ways to improve machine learning models. To do this, you’ll likely need experience using languages like Python and SQL.
• Business analyst | $65,628. Business analysts work with a company, combining their data skills and business acumen to identify new opportunities and strategies to improve performance and make business decisions.
• Marketing analyst | $59,639. Marketing analysts are in charge of gathering and interpreting data regarding a company’s user base and competitors.

How Much Does a Data Science Bootcamp Cost?

Data science bootcamps cost between $7,000 and $30,000. According to Career Karma’s 2023 State of the Bootcamp Report, the average cost across all coding bootcamps is $12,953. There is a wide range in tuition prices, and it is important to keep in mind that the data science bootcamp you want to attend may offer financial aid plans that accommodate you.

Data science bootcamps prioritize accessibility, so many offer scholarships and discounts to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Deferred tuition plans and private student loans are also available to help lower your data science bootcamp cost.

Can I Work and Go to a Data Science Bootcamp?

Yes, you can work and go to a data science bootcamp. Many bootcamp providers have created data science bootcamps specifically for working professionals who need extra time to complete coursework. It won’t be difficult for you to find self-paced or part-time programs that can fit into your schedule.

How Can I Pay for a Data Science Bootcamp?

There are many ways you can pay for a data science bootcamp. Students can sometimes opt for an income share agreement (ISA) and only start paying the tuition once they’re employed. If you can’t afford the upfront cost, many bootcamps allow you to divide the tuition into monthly payments, opt for a bootcamp deferred tuition plan, take out private loans, or use GI Bill benefits.

A large percentage of bootcamp programs aren’t accredited, although these programs may be licensed to offer immersive training. As a result, you can’t use federal loans to fund a bootcamp program. However, there are also many bootcamp scholarship options for women, students of color, and veterans.

Here is a list of common data science bootcamp payment options:

• Bootcamp scholarships
• GI Bill benefits
• Income share agreement (ISA)
• Bootcamp deferred tuition payment plans
• Private loans from common lending partners like Ascent Funding and Climb Credit
• Upfront payment
• Employer sponsorship

Can I Go to a Free Data Science Bootcamp?

Yes, you can go to a free data science bootcamp, but these programs are limited. A few examples include Data Science for All from Correlation One and AI Planet’s Data Science Bootcamp. Many top data science schools offer free prep courses, which are a good option if you want to begin your training before making a financial commitment.

However, if you are serious about starting a data science career, paying for a full bootcamp program might be worth it. Paid data science bootcamps include a larger degree of instructor support and essential career services.

Can Anyone Learn Data Science?

Yes, anyone can learn data science. While more advanced data science topics like deep learning, artificial intelligence, and machine learning might be difficult for beginners to grasp, data science bootcamps are designed for even complete beginners to succeed. You will learn data science fundamentals and advanced skills through hands-on experience at the best data science bootcamps.

How Do Data Science Bootcamps Compare to Data Science MOOCs?

Data science bootcamps are in-depth training programs while massive open online courses (MOOCs) are standalone classes not offered by coding bootcamps. Online data science bootcamps teach a wide variety of data science subjects in a short amount of time. Data science MOOCs are good for learning about a specific data science topic.

If you want to spend a few hours learning about natural language processing or regression analysis, you should take a data science MOOC. If you want to study those things and get up-to-date knowledge on the latest data science tools through hands-on learning, the comprehensive curriculum of a data science bootcamp is the best option.

Learn Data Science: Is a Data Science Bootcamp Right for You?

Yes, a data science bootcamp is right for you if you’re looking for a cost-effective and fast method of launching a data career. In some ways, bootcamps are the best way to learn data science because they emphasize hands-on experience. If you want a career in data science and hope to learn about statistics, predictive models, deep learning, and probability, a data science bootcamp is an excellent option.

One of the best things about data science bootcamps is the career guidance offered. Not only will you learn the technical skills needed for a data science career through a project-based curriculum, but you will also have access to career services like mentorships with industry professionals, access to powerful alumni networks, and mock interviews.

These bootcamps offer various learning styles, financial aid solutions, and extensive career support. Attending one of the best data science bootcamps will help you break into tech and many data science bootcamp graduates have gone on to work for top tech companies.

Best Data Science Bootcamps FAQ

Can a data science bootcamp help me get a job in tech?

Yes! A data science bootcamp can help you land a job in tech. In fact, many bootcamps publish job placement statistics and offer job guarantees.

What programming languages will I learn in a data science bootcamp?

The primary programming languages used by data scientists are SQL and Python, which you’ll learn during bootcamp.

Are there any part-time, flexible, or online data science bootcamps?

Yes, data science bootcamps are available in-person and online. Also, full-time and part-time bootcamps are available.

Are there any data science bootcamps for beginners?

Yes, most data science bootcamps are designed with beginners in mind.