With the demand for software developers continuing to grow rapidly, coding bootcamps have emerged as an alternative to traditional four-year computer science degrees. Bootcamps promise to teach beginners how to code in as little as 12 weeks. But are these intensive training programs worth the investment?
What are coding bootcamps?
Coding bootcamps are accelerated learning programs that teach beginners programming skills and frameworks. The typical bootcamp length is 9-12 weeks full-time or 24 weeks part-time, requiring 40+ hours of study per week. The curriculum focuses on in-demand technologies like JavaScript, Python, and React. Rather than classes and lectures, bootcamps emphasize hands-on learning through building real-world applications and working collaboratively.
While bootcamps don’t go into as much theory or computer science fundamentals as a four-year degree, they provide plenty of practical experience. This career-focused approach aims to equip students with the skills they need to become junior developers as quickly as possible. According to Course Report’s 2020 market research, 67% of bootcamp graduates get full-time roles within 180 days of finishing.
Bootcamp costs and financing
Coding bootcamps range in cost from $9,900 to $21,000, with an average price tag of $13,584 according to Course Report. Options for financing include:
- Upfront payment
- Installment plans
- Loans
- Scholarships
- Employer sponsorships
- GI Bill (for qualifying veterans)
Some bootcamps also offer income share agreements, where instead of paying tuition upfront you agree to pay a percentage of your salary after graduating. This allows the cost to align with the program’s success in finding you a job.
The bootcamp learning experience
Here’s an overview of what the bootcamp learning experience typically involves:
- Full-time or part-time – Full-time bootcamps meet 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, while part-time bootcamps meet evenings and weekends to accommodate working students.
- Cohort model – Most bootcamps organize students into cohorts who take all classes together and collaborate on projects.
- Coding challenges – Expect to spend 10-20+ hours/week on coding homework and projects outside of class time.
- Pair programming – Many assignments involve working in pairs to code features and fixes.
- Standups – Daily standup meetings have students report accomplishments, plans, and blockers.
- Demo days – Bootcamps end with a graduation showcase of capstone projects.
This immersive environment pushes students to learn quickly and achieve a lot in a short period of time. However, the intense pace also brings challenges…
Pros of attending a coding bootcamp
Here are some of the key benefits bootcamp graduates report from accelerated training programs:
Faster path to a developer job
A coding bootcamp takes just 3-6 months instead of the 4+ years required for a computer science degree. The focused job preparation can shave years off before you start earning a developer salary.
Less tuition than a 4-year degree
The average bootcamp tuition is $13,584 compared to $28,123/year for an in-state public college. Significant cost savings.
Learn job-ready coding skills
The project-based curriculum covers in-demand technical skills like JavaScript, SQL, React, and Node.js that employers want.
Networking and hiring support
Bootcamp career services assist with resumes, LinkedIn profiles, interview prep, portfolio building, and connections to partner companies.
Potential for higher starting salary
Developers with 0-2 years of experience earn an average salary of $76,526 according to PayScale. Bootcamp grads may start higher than those without career experience.
Cons of attending a coding bootcamp
Bootcamps also come with the following challenges and downsides:
Intense pace
Learning 40+ hours/week is draining. Students report high stress levels and little free time during the program from heavy workloads.
Less computer science depth
You won’t gain as much depth in computer science theory, systems architecture, algorithms, and math compared to a 4-year degree.
Upfront time and tuition cost
Bootcamps require 3-6 months of full-time study, forcing students to take a break from work. The average $13,584 tuition is expensive.
No credential
Bootcamps don’t provide academic credentials like degrees, though some offer certificates of completion.
Inconsistent quality
The industry is still maturing, leading to variability in instructor quality, support levels, and careers services across bootcamps.
Not a magic bullet
Success ultimately depends on the effort students put in. Bootcamps don’t guarantee a high-paying job – you still have to pass interviews.
Bootcamp job placement rates
A major appeal of bootcamps is their career impact. Here are job placement rates reported by successful bootcamps:
| Bootcamp | Placement Rate |
|---|---|
| App Academy | 98% |
| Flatiron School | 97% |
| Thinkful | 93% |
| General Assembly | 87% |
These impressive numbers indicate that graduates have a high chance of landing developer roles. However, bootcamps self-report these statistics, so take them with a grain of salt.
Factors impacting job placement
Your odds of getting a job after a bootcamp depend on:
- Technical skill level upon graduation
- Non-technical abilities like communication, teamwork, etc
- Economic conditions and job market
- Interview performance
- Participation in campus career support
- Existing work experience and professional network
Not all bootcamp graduates will find jobs quickly. But for students who put in the work, there’s a strong chance of launching a new developer career.
Bootcamp graduate salaries
Here are the reported average salaries of bootcamp graduates 3+ months after completion:
| Bootcamp | Average Graduate Salary |
|---|---|
| Hack Reactor | $104,000 |
| Codesmith | $95,000 |
| Fullstack Academy | $81,000 |
| Thinkful | $71,000 |
These high starting salaries are on par with many traditional CS degree new grads. Bootcamps can clearly unlock well-paying developer roles for those who passionately work towards career change.
Factors impacting graduate salaries
Salaries after graduation vary based on:
- Local job market
- Prior experience and skills
- Type of role and company
- Negotiation ability
- Programming languages and tech stack
With the right preparation and effort, six-figure starting salaries are possible for bootcamp grads who land jobs at high-paying companies.
Should you attend a coding bootcamp?
Here are some key questions to consider when deciding if a coding bootcamp is right for you:
Are you willing to study long hours?
To succeed at a bootcamp’s rapid pace requires immense motivation. Expect 40-60 hour study weeks.
Do you like learning by doing?
Bootcamps focus on hands-on coding rather than lectures. You must enjoy learning through building projects.
Can you afford the tuition?
The average $13,584 bootcamp tuition is expensive. Make sure you can cover costs through savings, loans, etc.
Do you want to switch careers quickly?
Fast-track timeline to a new programmer job in 3-6 months.
Is your learning style self-driven?
You must be highly self-motivated to absorb so much information in a short period.
Are technical skills your strength?
Bootcamps require logical thinking and persistence in solving coding problems.
Conclusion
For motivated learners who want to break into software engineering quickly, coding bootcamps provide impactful career acceleration. The intensive hands-on curriculum teaches in-demand technical skills and helps graduates land well-paying developer jobs.
However, bootcamps require deep commitment to handle the demanding workload and fast pace. The experience is certainly not for everyone. Make sure to carefully weigh the pros and cons before deciding if a bootcamp is the right educational path for your goals.