Are Coding Bootcamps Worth It in 2023?

Coding bootcamps can teach you in-demand software engineering skills faster than, and for a fraction of the cost of, a traditional degree. But are coding bootcamps worth it? Ultimately, yes, they can be, but it depends on your career goals and you need to be careful about what program you choose.

What Are Bootcamps?

Bootcamps are intensive courses designed to teach a specific set of skills. Since first hitting the scene in 2011, bootcamps have expanded to cover a wide range of topics and coding languages. Even colleges and universities are starting to partner with bootcamp companies to provide intensive tech skill courses. 

The growth of bootcamps makes sense considering how in-demand many tech-focused roles are. For example, employment of software developers is expected to increase 25% from 2022 to 2032, and employment of data scientists is projected to grow 35% in that same timeframe. 

According to a 2023 study by Stack Overflow, nearly 10% of software developers surveyed reported learning to code through bootcamps. So, while they may not be the right option for everyone, coding bootcamps can be an excellent way to learn a coding language and other tech skills.

Types of Bootcamps

Many of the currently available bootcamps focus on areas like: 

• Front-end engineering
• Back-end engineering
• Full-stack engineering
• User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design
• Data science 
• Cybersecurity 
• Marketing and business data analytics 
• Fintech 

Bootcamps can also center around learning a specific coding language, such as JavaScript, Python, R, or SQL.

Pros and Cons of Coding Bootcamps

Bootcamps can be an alternative to college in certain circumstances, but the skills you learn from a coding bootcamp alone may not be enough to land the job you want. 

Pros	Cons
Cheaper than a degree	Can be costly
Faster than a degree	Still a commitment
Accessible	Not standardized
Provides a foundation in coding	Limited in scope

Bootcamps Can Be an Alternative to College

Coding bootcamps cost just under $13,000 on average, according to Career Karma’s 2023 State of the Bootcamp Market report. On the other hand, a traditional degree can easily cost more than $100,000 when taking into account books, fees, and room and board. 

>>MORE: See how much a college degree really costs. 

This isn’t to say that coding bootcamps are cheap, though. If you can’t afford to pay upfront or out of pocket, your options ultimately become debt or deferment. Loans can help cover the costs of tuition and living expenses during the course, but you should always think carefully before taking on debt. 

Some programs offer deferment options, instead, called income share agreements (ISAs). With an ISA, you sign a contract with the company agreeing to repay the cost of tuition, with interest, once you’ve landed a job that pays above a certain salary amount. However, make sure to read the terms of ISAs thoroughly before signing — some ISAs involve paying the company up to 30% of your monthly income each month for several years.

Still, bootcamps are a faster option than most degrees. While a bachelor’s degree typically requires four years to complete, most bootcamps only take six months to a year. Bootcamps can be worthwhile investments for those who can afford to dedicate full-time commitment for several months, but not everyone can afford to go without a job for that period of time. 

So, when the decision is between a college degree and a coding bootcamp, bootcamps can provide an attractive alternative route for those who can’t afford the cost or commitment of college. Bootcamps can be especially good options for students from marginalized communities who may not have the same access to higher education as other students — bootcamps have much lower barriers to entry.

Bootcamp Skills Alone May Not Be Enough

If your goal is to learn to code, bootcamps can do just that — these programs are typically designed to provide a strong foundation in coding and computer science. However, teaching coding or giving a general foundation is about as far as most bootcamps go. 

“Often, the people who did bootcamps will take themselves back to school to learn what they missed in the camp once they have a well-paying job,” says Elisa Pineda, talent acquisition and workforce development specialist at the Colorado Department of Agriculture and former talent acquisition manager at Forage. 

Although coding is a vital skill for many careers in tech, it may not be enough on its own to land a job. You may need a broader set of skills in computer science or a specialized field to get the roles you want. Additionally, you need interpersonal or soft skills that allow you to work effectively in a team and communicate with coworkers and stakeholders. 

“It’s very important to be able to work with your peers in-person, as crazy as that may seem today,” says Justin Haar, app developer and founder of the dating and social app Eden, “but I believe software companies are trying to trickle back into the way life was pre-pandemic, where we were in the office working side-by-side.”

Bootcamps don’t have any standardization, either, so there are some discrepancies between different programs and companies. While colleges have accreditation metrics to ensure certain standards across the board, bootcamps don’t have this type of oversight. While one bootcamp may be thorough enough to land you a great job, a different program may not provide what you need. 

Since new bootcamps keep popping up every day, it’s hard for hiring managers and recruiters to know which programs prepare students best. This lack of standardization across the board leads some hiring managers to “prefer people that have some amount of experience after taking the bootcamp and/or education that backs up the bootcamp, like computer science,” notes Pineda.

How to Determine if Coding Bootcamps Are Worth It

Determining if a coding bootcamp is worth it for you ultimately comes down to weighing different factors and figuring out which programs, if any, fit into your needs and lifestyle best. The factors to consider when considering a coding bootcamp include: 

Online vs. In-Person

Online programs can be great for people who don’t live in areas with many in-person options. Also, online bootcamps can be more flexible, making them easier to complete for those who have children or need to be home during the day. 

However, in-person bootcamps may be better for people who want more direct interaction with peers and instructors. Having an in-person class every day can also keep you more accountable, ensuring you stay focused. Additionally, the networking that comes from in-person bootcamps can be invaluable.

Self-Taught vs. Instructor Led

Self-taught courses, where you follow along a tutorial or guide but have no instructor leading you live, are good for people with a computer science foundation or some coding experience already. These courses are also typically self-paced, making them a flexible option for those who can’t commit to a full-time bootcamp. 

Keep in mind, though, that taking a self-taught program can be very difficult for those with no experience or who want the ability to ask for help easily. 

“I figured that I’d need more of a hands-on approach because I did not have any coding or computer science experience prior,” says Haar, “and because there really isn’t anything that can compare to having classroom experience and having instructors at your disposal to ask questions.”

Program Length

Shorter programs that take only a few weeks to finish can be a good choice for those with some coding experience who are looking to expand or brush up their skills. In addition, a shorter bootcamp can give you insights into programming skills, helping you determine if it’s something you enjoy and want to pursue before committing more time or money. 

If your goal is to make a career change and you’re relying on a bootcamp to provide a complete education, shorter programs may not be the best idea since they often aren’t very in-depth. 

“The longer bootcamps that take months are likely the ones we will consider the most,” says Pineda.

Weekly Time Commitment 

Although full-time programs (requiring 40+ hours per week) can provide in-depth instruction, they may not fit everyone’s schedule. Part-time programs (requiring less than 30 hours per week) are a better option for those who need to maintain a job while studying or have other obligations to family or friends. But less time commitment during the week often means the program will take longer to complete, especially for high-quality and thorough courses.

Coding Language

The language a program teaches is a crucial factor to consider. While JavaScript is the most commonly used programming language, other languages have their benefits and demand in certain careers. For example, data scientists need to know SQL (Structured Query Language), and back-end developers need a solid understanding of C#. The language you prioritize should depend on your ultimate career goals.

Eligibility

Some bootcamps may have prerequisites or require passing various technical tests before admittance. Additionally, not every program is built for beginners, so check that the bootcamp you want is designed for your skill level. 

In-person and free coding bootcamps may have even stricter requirements, too. For example, some free programs only accept students from specific socioeconomic backgrounds and some in-person bootcamps are only available to particular zip codes and residents.

Reviews 

Before signing up for a bootcamp, look through some reviews. Places like Reddit and LinkedIn can be great resources for finding people who have gone through the bootcamp already and can give a thorough review. You can also talk to friends or family members who have taken bootcamps or work in tech jobs to better understand what options may be best for you. 

Price

The cost of a coding bootcamp is one of the most important factors to consider. If you’re just curious about coding and want to see if it’s the career for you, investing thousands into a program probably isn’t worth it. 

On the other hand, if you want to make a big career change, spending more on a high-quality coding bootcamp can provide a good return on investment. For example, software developers have an average salary of $132,930, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. So, if the salary you make after taking a program is significantly more than the investment you make into it, it may be a good option. Remember that taking out loans or using ISAs for coding bootcamps typically includes paying interest, though.

Your End Goal 

Determining what you want to get from a bootcamp is the primary way to determine if it’s worth it for you. Different bootcamps offer varying levels of training and come with a range of price points and time commitments. While one program may be perfect for someone wanting to go into data science, another would be better suited for someone who wants to try making mobile apps for fun. 

>>MORE: Figure out which tech job is right for you with this free quiz! .

Bottom Line: Are They Worth It?

Yes, coding bootcamps can be worth it. 

However, it’s important to remember that “coding bootcamps will NOT give you a golden ticket to getting a high paying software engineering job,” says Haar. “It took me about 6-12 months to land a full-time role and that was because I continued to code and build apps after I graduated from the bootcamp.”

If your goal is to transition into a software engineer role or a coding career, you may need more than just a bootcamp. 

“It’s one thing to take and graduate from a bootcamp, but it is another to demonstrate that you are passionate about it and continue to want to learn and build new things,” says Haar.

Coding bootcamps can teach you to code, but you’ll need to pair that with soft and interpersonal skills to show employers you are a well-rounded employee. On the other hand, if your goal is to learn new skills for the fun of it, you likely don’t need a full-time, expensive bootcamp to do that.

We asked students who got hired at JPMorgan, Bank of America, Wayfair, and Walmart to share their top tips on what actually works to get a finance or software engineering internship: