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Picture this: You’re hunkered down on your computer, fully caffeinated and ready for an all-night coding session. Maybe you’re building the next great app, or you’re part of a successful tech startup team. You’re making a solid salary in a stable job. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
If you want to make your tech career dreams a reality, there’s one skill you simply can’t ignore: coding.
A coding bootcamp can prepare you to succeed in tech by teaching you the skills required to be a web developer or computer programmer. Bootcamp students learn to code in a fast-paced, rigorous format—without having to earn a four-year degree.
But are coding bootcamps worth it? This article breaks down whether a coding bootcamp can give you a strong return on investment and help you achieve your goal of learning to code.
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Is a Coding Bootcamp Worth It?
A coding bootcamp may not carry the same weight as a college degree, but it can give you the skills you need to break into tech. Coding bootcamps are intensive programs that take less time to complete than a traditional degree. Many graduates are ready for the job market after just a few months in a coding bootcamp. In fact, a Forbes Advisor survey of coding bootcamp grads found that 88% of respondents felt ready for their next career step after completing a bootcamp.
Besides offering an efficient, skill-focused training method, bootcamps are relatively accessible. Coding bootcamps cost less and require fewer prerequisites than traditional university tracks.
However, because coding bootcamps are an nontraditional higher education path, the usual financial aid resources, like federal student aid, may not apply. Still, data collected by Forbes Advisor found that nearly three-quarters of bootcamp providers allow students to pay in installments. Nearly 15% of bootcamps come with job guarantees, offering tuition refunds to learners who do not secure employment after graduation.
Potential Drawbacks of Coding Bootcamps
Coding bootcamps are shorter and often cheaper than college degree programs, but they may not be for everyone. Here are a few factors to consider as you determine whether coding bootcamps are worth it:
- Narrower curriculums. Bootcamps provide a less comprehensive education by design. Their curriculums are condensed and intensive to train you for a specific job.
- Lack of leadership training. A bootcamp may not prepare you for a leadership role because employers often prefer managers to have traditional degrees.
- Unregulated market. College accreditation ensures the quality and effectiveness of universities and degree programs. However, accreditation is uncommon among bootcamps. It’s up to you to do your research to determine whether a bootcamp is reputable.
- Less financial aid. Traditional financial aid, like aid determined by the FAFSA®, is not available to most coding bootcamp students. You may have to pursue nontraditional payments like income share agreements or installment payment plans.
- Less flexibility. Data collected by Forbes Advisor shows that less than half of bootcamps are available in a part-time format, meaning your program may not provide enough flexibility for you to work full time.
How Much Does a Coding Bootcamp Cost?
The median cost of a coding bootcamp is $9,500, according to Forbes Advisor data. But coding bootcamp costs can vary depending on the length of the program, the material covered and whether you study full or part time. By comparison, tuition and fees at a four-year college cost $17,251 per year on average, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
What Are the Requirements for a Coding Bootcamp?
The prerequisites for enrolling in a coding bootcamp vary, but many bootcamps are beginner-friendly. You can expect the following admission requirements:
- Hold a high school diploma or GED® certificate
- Have excellent English and math skills
- Be highly motivated since most coding bootcamps move at a fast pace
Some bootcamps require students to complete an intro course or have prior education in a particular subject before beginning the program.
What To Consider Before Enrolling in a Coding Bootcamp
Ask yourself about the following factors before committing to a bootcamp.
Think in Terms of ROI
When considering the potential return on investment (ROI) for a coding bootcamp, compare the cost of the bootcamp to the average salary of your prospective career.
Let’s use the median cost of a coding bootcamp ($9,500) as an example. Compare this with the median annual salaries for potential bootcamp graduate careers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Web developer: $80,730
- Software developer: $124,200
- Computer programmer: $97,800
While you’re unlikely to reach your full earning potential right away at an entry-level coding job, these figures give you an idea of what you could earn after completing a bootcamp. The median cost of a coding bootcamp is much less than any of the salaries listed above, indicating a strong ROI for bootcamp grads.
Time Commitment
The time commitment varies among coding bootcamps, and the good news is that bootcamps are typically much shorter than the usual four-year degree. If you study full time, you can expect to finish faster than you would in a part-time program.
Forbes Advisor data shows that the average bootcamp takes around 20 weeks to complete.
Learning Format
You can choose from various in-person and online coding bootcamps to find one that fits your schedule and offers the flexibility you need. Online coding bootcamps may use synchronous or asynchronous course delivery.
- Synchronous learning: Occurs in lock-step with your cohort, where you learn from instructors in a live format and can ask questions as the class is happening; requires set meeting times
- Asynchronous learning: Gives you more flexibility and allows you to progress through coursework at your own pace, making it easier to keep a job while completing your coding bootcamp
Career Goals
You should always consider your career goals as you invest in education and training. Research which coding bootcamps are relevant to your aspirations. Many bootcamps are tailored to a specific job, so it’s important to enroll in a program that will put you on your desired career path.
Typical entry-level coding jobs for bootcamp grads may include:
- Junior developer: Works on software, mobile apps and web projects
- Front-end developer: Works on the parts of a website that users interact with
- Back-end developer: Works on the parts of a website that users do not see, like log-in and security mechanisms
- Full-stack web developers: Works on the front and back end of websites
- Software developer: Helps bring software to life by communicating what the end-user wants and what the programmer can do
- Software engineer: Combines engineering and programming to bring software and apps to life
If Possible, Communicate with Your Employer
Everybody’s work situation is different. Many learners use bootcamps to progress in their current careers rather than to switch careers. In fact, Forbes Advisor’s survey found that over 48% of coding bootcamp graduates advanced in their existing jobs after completing their programs.
If you can, discuss your plans to attend a coding bootcamp with your employer–they may offer tuition reimbursem*nt or other incentives that can support your journey. You won’t know about these opportunities unless you open the line of communication.
How To Include a Coding Bootcamp on Your Résumé
Generally, you can list a bootcamp on your résumé the same way you would list college. But here are some additional tips on how to show off your coding bootcamp on your résumé:
- Tailor your résumé to the job you’re applying to. Put the most relevant experience first, and use terminology that connects your bootcamp experience to the job description.
- Highlight relevant projects. Include a project section, and include which programming language you used for each project in your bootcamp.
- Link a coding portfolio or other relevant experience. It’s always best to show what you can do. Many coding bootcamps help students build their portfolios.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Whether Coding Bootcamps Are Worth It
Are coding bootcamps good for beginners?
Yes, most coding bootcamps are good for beginners—or anyone. In most cases, you only need a high school diploma or GED certificate to attend, and most bootcamps do not require prior experience.
Will a coding bootcamp get you a job?
Yes, a coding bootcamp can get you a job, and some providers even offer job guarantees. A Forbes Advisor survey found that 28% of bootcamp alums found new jobs after graduating, and most secured a job within three months.
Can you fail a coding bootcamp?
Yes. You must successfully complete all assignments and requirements to pass a coding bootcamp.
