Are coding bootcamps worth it?

Coding Bootcamps are learning in a condensed, rigorous format. I’ve personally known co-workers who graduated from a Coding Bootcamp with a starting salary of $80,000. I’ve always wondered, are coding bootcamps worth it?

That’s as much if not more than a Junior Developer who recently graduated from a 4-year University with a CS degree. Since software development field in general is a high paying field, most graduates enjoy a higher salary compared to their previous jobs.

The short answer is yes, coding bootcamps are worth it, but comes with a lot of time invested.

Coding bootcamp costs around $15,000. Average college tuition the United States is $10,740 per year according to research done by CollegeBoard. Some students come from all different types of backgrounds, ranging from computer science graduates to no degree at all! So, are coding bootcamps worth it?

Pros

Affordability

Coding Bootcamps can range anywhere from $10,000 up to $30,000. That’s almost half as much as the average college tuition in America. The downside here is that there aren’t a lot loan options for coding bootcamp, but you’ll still pay less overall than a college degree.

Learn more in a short amount of time

Worth it for those who want to learn how to code more quickly, typically around 3 months. 3 months of an intense coding bootcamp will keep you on your toes. You’ll be able to learn more by completely immersing yourself into the course. On the other hand, in a 4 year program it might be difficult to maintain the same level of intensity.

More practical skills

Coding bootcamp focuses on teaching skills that are immediately useful in real world situations. Coding Bootcamp focuses less on computer science theory and more towards modern technology that companies use today. If I were to start all over again, I would work on my degree towards Computer Science after I have years of experience as a Software Developer.

Cons

Full-Time commitment

While most coding bootcamps will work with you to allow for a part-time job, I would advise against it. You’ll gain the most benefit if you’re able to FULLY commit to the bootcamp for 3 months. Which means all time that you would have spent on a part-time job should be dedicated to you learning how to code.

That means not just attending the coding bootcamp, but learning on your own time as well. While your situation may be different, if you are able to, do not work during the coding bootcamp.

Not nationally accredited

Accreditation is a way to measure the quality of education. While some universities offer coding bootcamps, these courses are categorized as continuing education.

But does it matter? You are there to learn the skills that are immediately effective in the real world.

That’s not to say accreditation is not important at all. There are as many good bootcamps as there are bad ones. Read the reviews and if you can, talk to the coding bootcamp graduates directly to see what they think. It’s your responsibility to research the program.

Focuses only on one area of Computer Science

Coding bootcamps typically only teach Web Development, but what if you wanted to do Data Science or Game development? While coding bootcamps are expanding to other areas of computer science, your choice is pretty much limited to web development.

So, are coding bootcamps worth it?

In the past I would always choose self-taught over a coding bootcamp. However learning by yourself requires a lot of dedication and mental focus. That may not work for everyone and that’s okay! Learning with other students them and you stay engage. This gives you a chance to make connections with other students as well. Who knows, if they land a job, they can be a referral for hiring you as well.

Coding bootcamps are an excellent resource for learning practical skills in a short amount of time. Bootcamps give you a very immersive experience that traditional universities do not offer. As long as you take full advantage of the bootcamp by engaging with other students, making connections and learning on your own on top of the assignments, you’re well on your way to getting your first software engineering position!

Coding Bootcamps can provide you the tools, but it is up to you to use them.

-Bao