How much is a coding boot camp?
For those who are interested in learning coding quickly, a boot camp can be one pathway to acquiring new skills. The exact price of a coding boot camp will depend on factors such as the educational provider, course duration, and content.
How much do coding boot camps cost?
Unfortunately, there is no quick answer to this question. Some coding boot camps may cost as low as $1,000, while others may cost significantly more.
What qualifies as an affordable coding boot camp may depend on the other educational options you are considering. Compared to the total cost of a traditional college education, boot camps can be fairly economical options. As you research programs and narrow down your options, check with organizers to see whether they offer payment plans, grants, or scholarships that can make your education more affordable.
Enrolling in a coding boot camp can be helpful for anyone looking to advance their technical skills. While a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or mathematics provides a strong foundation to learn coding, it’s not necessary to start learning.
What factors influence the cost of a coding boot camp?
Duration and intensity
Coding boot camps can range from a few weeks to several months in duration. It is likely that longer, more intense programs will come with a higher price than their introductory counterparts. By considering your own skills gaps and professional goals, you can determine whether you need in-depth training or a quick refresher in coding concepts.
You may notice that coding programs can be completed at varying paces. Some programs offer part-time coding boot camp options that allow learners to study while maintaining prior commitments. A full-time coding boot camp is more rigorous and time-consuming, which may not be conducive for working students.
Location and delivery
Do you prefer to attend classes in-person or online? Are you located in a major city or tech hub? Your answers to these questions can help you narrow down your options and get a clear idea of the costs associated with different coding boot camps.
For instance, boot camps offered in bigger cities may have higher tuition fees due to the higher cost of living and increased demand. In-person classes may demand a higher fee for facility usage, whereas online courses typically have less overhead, which may result in a lower cost. Keep in mind that the most affordable option may not align with your needs or learning style.
Curriculum and course offerings
Some coding boot camps specialize in a particular programming language or set of languages, such as front-end or back-end coding. Others might cover what is called a “full-stack,” which incorporates both the front- and back-end of a website or application.
Boot camps that cover a broad range of programming languages may cost more than coding boot camps with a more focused curriculum. Additionally, boot camps that offer a specialized track or teach advanced topics may come with a higher price tag.
Boot camp payment options
Coding boot camps may provide different payment options or tuition supplements for qualified learners, including:
Interest-free financing
Early registration discounts
Veteran benefits through the VET TEC program and Veteran Readiness and Employment program
529 accounts
Private lending
Financial options will vary by program. It’s also important to consider any financial impacts you may incur as a result of attending a boot camp, such as reduced work hours and additional childcare or transportation costs. However, it is possible to plan for and manage these costs.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of coding boot camps can range. The price you pay will depend on factors such as the boot camp provider, curriculum, program length, and payment plans.
A coding boot camp can be worth the financial investment for individuals looking to gain practical coding skills quickly. Boot camps offer intensive, hands-on training that emphasizes collaboration through real-world projects. If you want to enter the tech industry without going through a traditional four-year university program, a coding boot camp may be worthwhile.
Online coding boot camps can be more cost effective than traditional college education because they focus on specific skills, take less time to complete, and may not require relocation. The National Center for Education Statistics estimated that the average total cost of attendance for first-time, full-time undergraduate students living on campus at 4-year institutions was more than $55,000 at nonprofit institutions and $26,000 at public institutions in academic year 2021–22.
Last updated: December 2023