Looking to enroll in a coding bootcamp but not sure which one to choose? This article compares five top-rated bootcamps and breaks down their pros, cons, delivery format, tuition, and hiring partners. Whether you're looking for a full-time, part-time, online, or in-person program, this article will help you make an informed decision.
There are alternative pathways to pursuing a career in software or web development that don't require earning a bachelor's degree in computer science. One such option is attending a coding bootcamp, which can provide a condensed and accelerated way to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the field of information technology. With many bootcamps available online, individuals can study at their own convenience and from anywhere in the world.
If you're considering pursuing a coding career in this way, continue reading for our list of the top five coding bootcamps for fast-tracking your learning.
To identify the top online coding bootcamps, we evaluated 47 providers offering online programs in the U.S. using 17 data points across four categories: affordability, student experience, credibility, and course requirements. The providers that scored 7.65/10 or higher were chosen as the top five.
Within each category, we considered specific characteristics, such as the cost of each bootcamp, scholarship opportunities, the availability of prep courses, self-paced study options, job placement assistance, and major hiring partners. Our evaluation criteria placed the most weight on affordability, followed by student experience, credibility, and course requirements.
The highest-ranking bootcamp providers offered multiple payment plans and scholarship options, as well as full or part-time enrollment with self-paced study options. They also provided access to live instructor chat outside of class time and had established relationships with major hiring partners.
The Best Coding Bootcamps
Thinkful
Fullstack Academy
Coding Dojo
Career Foundry
General Assembly
Thinkful Software Engineering Bootcamp
The delivery format of the Thinkful Software Engineering Bootcamp is online, and the tuition costs $9,500 for part-time enrollment and $16,000 for full-time enrollment. The bootcamp boasts an impressive list of hiring partners, including Google, WebFlow, IBM, Amazon, Twitter, and Walmart Labs.
Our selection of the Thinkful Software Engineering Bootcamp is based on several factors. The program offers both part-time and full-time online options, with the part-time option providing flexibility for independent study, requiring 20 to 30 hours per week and taking six months to complete. Full-time students study in a cohort and complete the program in five months with an accelerated pace of 50 hours per week.
Thinkful offers various payment plans, including upfront, monthly, and deferred tuition based on employment, for both part-time and full-time students. Graduates who do not secure relevant full-time positions may be eligible for Thinkful's tuition refund program. Additionally, scholarships are available for women and veterans.
One of the key reasons we selected Thinkful is its membership in the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR), which validates the accuracy of program outcomes such as graduation rates, job placements, and projected salaries.
This program offers several benefits, such as a job guarantee, flexible payment plans, and job placement services. However, there are some downsides to consider, including the fact that it does not accept the GI Bill and does not have any in-person options available.
Fullstack Academy Live Online Coding Bootcamps
This program is delivered in an online format and has a tuition cost ranging from $17,480 to $18,910. The program boasts a range of impressive hiring partners, including Google, Spotify, Andium, Etsy, Simon, Wayfair, BlackRock, Datadog, and Amazon.
Our selection of Fullstack Academy's online coding bootcamps is based on several factors. The program offers options for both beginner and intermediate coders, with the beginner web development bootcamp designed for full-time students and priced at $18,910. The software engineering immersive program is available in both full-time and part-time options, priced at $18,910 and $17,480, respectively.
The beginner web development immersive program lasts for 19 weeks, while the full-time software engineering immersive program takes 17 weeks, and the part-time program takes 28 weeks to complete. Fullstack Academy's bootcamps are structured into three phases: a foundations course to prepare students for the core curriculum, followed by junior and senior phases involving live online instruction.
Another reason we picked Fullstack Academy is that it is a member of the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR) and is licensed by the New York State Education Department, adding to its credibility.
Pros of this program include a variety of scholarship options, acceptance of GI Bill benefits, and a free introductory course available for students. However, a potential downside is that the program requires upfront payment and does not offer a job guarantee.
Coding Dojo Full-Time Online Software Development Bootcamp
This coding bootcamp is delivered entirely online. The program offers both full-time and part-time options, with tuition costs of $16,495 and $9,745, respectively. Graduates have access to job opportunities through various hiring partners, including Microsoft, IBM, and Amazon, as well as organizations such as Merit America, Children's Hospital LA, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, WTIA, Tombolo Institute, and UCLA.
Coding Dojo offers both full-time and part-time software development bootcamps with flexible self-paced options for part-time students. The full-time program can be completed in just 14 weeks, while the part-time program can take between 16 to 32 weeks depending on the number of stacks chosen. Graduates have a high employment rate, with 83.8% finding relevant jobs within the first six months after graduation, and 91.1% within a year. Coding Dojo also provides multiple $1,000 scholarships for underrepresented groups, military service members, and experienced professionals seeking career changes. Furthermore, veterans and service members can utilize their GI Bills.
Pros of this program include the availability of two free introductory courses, an income share agreement option, and acceptance of the GI Bill. However, there is no job guarantee, and the program is not a CIRR reporting member.
Career Foundry Full-Stack Web Development Program
Career Foundry's Full-Stack Web Development Program is delivered online and offers tuition options ranging from $7,650 to $8,500. This program has partnerships with reputable companies such as Google, Apple, PayPal, Mercedes-Benz, eBay, Facebook, Visa, Booking.com, Bank of America, and Netflix.
CareerFoundry’s full-stack web development program was selected for its flexibility and self-paced learning style. Learners have the option to complete the program part-time (10-20 hours/week) in under 10 months or full-time (30-40 hours/week) in as little as 5 months, with a commitment of around 420 hours. The bootcamp employs a dual mentorship model, with students receiving guidance from both a senior mentor and an expert tutor. A free web development short course is also available for those who want to learn more before committing. CareerFoundry offers a 10% discount for upfront payment and monthly payment plans, along with deferred payment plans, and education loans through Ascent or Climb.
Pros of this program include a job guarantee, the availability of instructor live chat outside of class, and a flexible study schedule. However, it does not accept the GI Bill, and there are no scholarships available.
General Assembly Software Engineering Immersive Courses
This program is offered both online and in-person, with a tuition of $15,950. The bootcamp has a strong network of hiring partners, including Chase, Adobe, Google, Facebook, IBM, and Microsoft, among others.
General Assembly's full-time software engineering immersive program can be completed in 12 weeks in person or online, while the part-time option lasts 24 weeks and is online-only. The program has received our recognition for its comprehensive curriculum and multiple financing options, including tuition deferral through an income-sharing agreement and installment plans. Students may also be eligible for tuition discounts.
Pros of this program include a variety of enrollment options, acceptance of GI Bill, and multiple financing options. However, there is no job guarantee, and it is not a CIRR reporting member.