Page Text: "My experience with Altcademy was amazing. I did a lot of research before signing up and consulted friends who are software engineers. We all came to the conclusion that Altcademy's fullstack program is the best amongst its peers."
- Susana, 3/1/2021
Overview of Coding Bootcamps
What Is a Coding Bootcamp?
A coding bootcamp is an intensive program that teaches people technical computer skills in a short amount of time, including coding in a variety of languages, web design, and cybersecurity. A bootcamp can be a more affordable alternative to a computer science degree, and it can help build practical and professional knowledge through real-world experience so students can either pivot careers or improve their marketability in their current field.
According to the nonprofit research organization RTI International , about 70% of bootcamp offerings are full time. The average program length is three to six months, with full-time programs taking less time because students take more classes each week. More than 60% of bootcamp enrollees study web development, with data science next in line at 10%. Typical web design programs might have immersive courses in full-stack development of webpages and web applications using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or another language, and data science instructors might discuss database design, Python language, machine learning, and iOS app development.
A coding bootcamp is an intensive program that teaches people technical computer skills in a short amount of time, including coding in a variety of languages, web design, and cybersecurity.
Coding and digital technology may seem like natural subjects for online course delivery, but only 15% of bootcamps offered fully online programs in 2019. It's possible that the COVID-19 pandemic will shift that balance — early data showed increased interest in online programs during 2020. Many online coding bootcamps are designed for asynchronous learning, so students can sign in at their convenience to complete coursework.
But Are Coding Bootcamps Suitable for Beginners?
RTI International found that 59% of bootcamps have some admissions criteria, but these mainly include general aptitude tests rather than specific technical skills. Online and part-time programs tend to have fewer coding skill requirements for admission.
However, prospective applicants may want to get a taste of what coding is like before committing. A number of services provide free introductory coding courses in which students can learn some of the basic terminology and functions of computer code. Coding carries a stigma of being extremely difficult, but most people can learn to code if they make the effort and take the time.
Choosing and Applying to a Bootcamp
How Do You Choose a Coding Bootcamp?
Prospective students need to consider several factors when researching their coding bootcamp options. We've listed a few of these factors below, but it's up to each individual to decide how heavily to weigh them when making a decision.
Where do I want to work, and what do I want to do?
Do you have a passion for startups, or do you dream of working for one of the international powerhouses in the tech industry? Develop a list of target employers and ideal jobs, then look for those terms as you read through SwitchUp's student reviews of bootcamps. Some bootcamps may feed more graduates to positions at particular companies, and some may not offer a program that teaches the particular job functions you want to perform. You can also read reports from the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR), which publishes completion and employment data for select bootcamps.
How do I want to study?
You may have the resources to pursue an intensive, full-time program for three months, or you may need to work during the day and reserve nights and weekends to gain coding experience. Research part-time versus full-time options, along with online versus in-person programs. Keep in mind that if you prefer to study on a campus, you're limited to bootcamps near your home.
Will the bootcamp help me once I graduate?
It may not be possible to immediately land a job with your top employer, but a good bootcamp should help you pursue opportunities elsewhere. Read through student reviews and note each institution's Job Support score for whether reviewers found the bootcamp's career coaching helpful. Also note any examples of extra care that career services personnel gave to individual students.
In addition to the above, we've put together a guide to choosing a bootcamp that provides more information, and you may also find it helpful to use our Get Matched tool . This tool was designed to give you a place to begin. Based on the information you provide, we match you with a highly-rated bootcamp, and that bootcamp will reach out to you to answer any questions you have and see if they can meet your needs.
I've Chosen a Bootcamp and Am Ready to Apply - What's Next?
Once you've decided where you want to attend, it's time to apply. Most applications begin by filling out an online form that's unique to each bootcamp. More selective bootcamps also require at least one interview, a coding assessment or demonstration, and preparatory coursework.
The interview usually covers a candidate's prior experience, future career goals, and enthusiasm for learning technical skills. Interviewers also try to determine how well an applicant will fit into the bootcamp's culture.
The assessment gives each candidate a chance to demonstrate their technical knowledge by solving problems or creating applications in a given coding language. Tests are usually done live in the presence of a proctor, though an admissions officer may also ask a candidate to prepare coding samples in advance.
A bootcamp's preparatory coursework introduces candidates to the program's teaching style, learning outcomes, and technical requirements. Because bootcamps pack a lot of material into a short period of time, instructors need to make sure that students have a base level of understanding.
Admissions counselors genuinely want every bootcamp graduate to succeed, so they only accept those candidates who appear to have the desire and stamina to complete their course of study. You may be interested in our 6 Tips for Getting into a Top Coding Bootcamp for more valuable ideas.
How Much Do Coding Bootcamps Cost?
In general, coding bootcamps cost about 10% of what students would pay for a traditional four-year degree. Most bootcamps are full time, which means that students won't be able to work a full-time job while studying, so they may need to budget carefully.
In general, coding bootcamps cost about 10% of what students would pay for a traditional four-year degree.
In addition, bootcamp students don't qualify for federal or state financial aid, but they can pursue limited scholarships through their institution . Some bootcamps also offer income share agreements , which is a form of loan directly from the school whereby enrollees pay an initial deposit and then agree to a fixed monthly payment plan once they secure work. The virtue of this arrangement is that alumni don't pay interest on the deferred tuition payments.
Are Coding Bootcamps Worth It?
Yes, investing in a coding bootcamp is usually worth the cost.
SwitchUp's recent research found that a similar overall percentage of bootcamp alumni found jobs with the Big Five tech companies — Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft — as graduates of technical degree programs at traditional colleges.
Crucially, employers beyond the Big Five also hire bootcamp graduates . Not every bootcamp reports post-graduation employment data to CIRR, but those that do generally demonstrate positive findings. An Indeed report from 2017 also showed good numbers for bootcamp alumni. Perhaps the best news from this survey was that nearly 100% of hiring managers who had hired a bootcamp graduate said they would continue to do so.
However, there are potential downsides to attending a coding bootcamp.
For one, bootcamps lack the broad scope provided by a four-year degree where students take general education courses to encourage a well-rounded development, and where they can often add a second major or a minor to their main course of study. The intense focus of bootcamps leaves little to no time to explore other avenues that may teach or reinforce important soft skills such as critical thinking and effective writing.
Another potential drawback is employment outlook:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes a very positive 11% job growth projection through 2029 for the broad category of computer and information technology professionals, but not all of these occupations are growing. In fact, computer programmers are facing a job loss of 9% in coming years largely due to outsourcing. Prospective bootcamp students should research hiring trends in the job market to make sure their desired skill set matches what employers are seeking.