The Best University Coding Bootcamps

University coding bootcamps offer leading curricula and world-class instructors. Discover the best university bootcamps and what makes them special.
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Updated on April 21, 2023
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The term 'university coding bootcamp' may sound like an oxymoron, but coding bootcamps have evolved into many forms to meet the needs of the growing tech industry. So now, some universities offer their own bootcamp programs to students outside of their school.

Some of the world's top universities have created bootcamps in subjects such as data analytics, coding, web development, UX/UI design, and cybersecurity to meet the rise in demand for professionals with technical skills. These bootcamps come with expert instruction from household names like Columbia University, Georgia Tech, Rutgers, and the University of California, Berkeley.

What Is a University Coding Bootcamp Like?

University coding bootcamps offer many of the same benefits as other coding bootcamps. The concentrated structure allows learners to strengthen coding and technical skills in a short time. Universities offer coding bootcamps in flexible formats that appeal to different learners, including part-time, full-time, online, hybrid, or on-campus students.

Students enrolled in a university bootcamp often gain access to services like student services and career support services. These may include portfolio reviews, technical interview training, one-on-one coaching, and group projects.

Keep in mind that you do not have to be a student of that specific university to enroll in its bootcamp. This means that you may not have access to the same financial aid, scholarships, or resources as traditional students.

Some good news is that most university bootcamps are offered in partnership with the online course provider edX. edX has a community of over 45 million learners worldwide. As of 2021, over 6,700 companies have hired edX graduates, including more than 62% of Fortune 100 companies.

University Bootcamp Partners

Trilogy Education Services:

Trilogy partners with several University of California schools and well-known private universities. With full-time and part-time programs, Trilogy focuses on core areas such as web development, cybersecurity, UX/UI design, and data analytics. The company reports that over 3,000 companies have hired graduates from Trilogy-powered programs.

Stack Education:

Stack Education partners with universities like the University of Vermont and Saint Joseph's University. Their programs emphasize STEM skill development with a focus on professional acceleration. Stack Education relies on industry practitioners to design coding and data science bootcamps.

QuickStart:

QuickStart specializes in IT bootcamps, with programs in cybersecurity, web development, cloud computing, and data science. The organization offers online programs designed for a variety of schedules and learning styles. Its partner universities include James Madison University, Colorado State University, and Florida Atlantic University.

University Bootcamp Fast Facts

University coding bootcamps differ from private coding bootcamp providers in several ways. Because of this, students may have specific questions about how these university programs work.

Below are the "fast facts'' to answer the most common questions about university bootcamps.

FAFSA

Unfortunately, FAFSA does not cover university bootcamp tuition. FAFSA only covers degree-seeking students at accredited colleges. Students can still apply for financial aid through individual university coding bootcamps. Financial aid for bootcamps can include scholarships, loans, tuition support, payment plans, loan deferment, or income share agreements.

In our bootcamp scholarships directory, prospective students can find scholarships of various amounts, from $1,000 to full-ride scholarships. There are also specialized scholarships for minorities, women, veterans, and low-income students.

Accreditation

University bootcamps aren't usually accredited because they are categorized as 'continuing education' or 'professional development,' which prevents them from falling under the university's accreditation.

There are just two accredited bootcamps: Turing School of Software & Design in Denver and NYC Data Science Academy in New York. They are accredited bootcamps through the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). All other coding bootcamps are not accredited.

Prospective students can check a bootcamp's graduation rate and employment rate through the Council of Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR) or with the bootcamp directly.

School Credit

Most do not offer school credit for bootcamps. In a few cases, universities offer the option of earning credit towards a bachelor's degree for completing the university's bootcamp. These credits are usually not transferable to other colleges.

University coding bootcamps usually offer a certificate of completion. Bootcamps certifications include areas such as UX/UI design, full-stack development, web development, or specific programming languages. In some cases, bootcamp students may be able to earn retroactive credit for projects or apps created in a bootcamp.

Methodology

Bootcamp Ranking Guidelines

At BestColleges, we believe the best bootcamp is the one that fits your schedule, your learning needs, and your career aspirations. That's why we often present our recommendations in alphabetical order -- because the real best bootcamp is the bootcamp that's best for you.

Our Methodology

The Bootcamp Team at BestColleges has collected data for over 150 bootcamps to help you find the best bootcamp.

At BestColleges, we believe the best bootcamp is the one that fits your schedule, your learning needs, and your career aspirations. That's why we often present our recommendations in alphabetical order -- because the real best bootcamp is the bootcamp that's best for you.

At this time, our recommendation round-ups feature only immersive bootcamps designed to prepare students for job placement upon graduation.

To be included on our lists, bootcamps must meet the following criteria:

  • Must offer at least one bootcamp in the United States.
  • Must offer at least one bootcamp that is a minimum of 4 weeks long.
  • Must require at least 15 hours of work per week if the bootcamp is part time.
  • Must encourage at least 10 hours of work per week if the bootcamp is self-paced.

Pricing disclosure: The prices listed were collected from product websites in 2022. However, given the dynamic, fast-paced nature of the tech space, prices are subject to change throughout the year. To get the most up-to-date information about pricing, contact providers directly.

Methodology for Recommending Cheap Bootcamps:

  • The bootcamp must meet all of the general criteria listed above.
  • The bootcamp must cost less than $8,000 if it is offered full time, and less than $5,000 if it is offered part time. These numbers were chosen based on data collected by BestColleges in 2020 that determined the average cost of a coding bootcamp is $13,580.

Best University Bootcamps

Case Western Reserve University

  • Location: Remote, Cleveland
  • Programs Starting At: $11,995
  • Technical Disciplines: Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Full-Stack Web Development
  • Learning Format: In-Person, Online
  • Time Commitment: Part-Time

Career Services
Evening & Weekend Options

CWRU's bootcamps are structured as 24-week part-time programs, enabling students to continue working while completing a bootcamp. The programs emphasize developing a portfolio of applications in coding and data analytics programs.

Students learn the latest market skills and graduate with a certificate of completion from Case Western Reserve University to showcase to potential employers. Career support services include portfolio reviews, resume assistance, technical interview training, and experiential learning opportunities.


Columbia University in the City of New York

  • Location: Remote, New York City
  • Programs Starting At: $14,495
  • Technical Disciplines: Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, FinTech, Product Management, UI/UX Design, Web Development
  • Learning Format: In-Person, Online
  • Time Commitment: Full-Time, Part-Time

Career Services
Evening & Weekend Options

Columbia University's bootcamps offer strategically engineered curricula and face-to-face interaction with instructors. The curriculum emphasizes portfolio development and experiential learning opportunities. Career services help students position themselves for success after completion of the bootcamp.

Graduates can continue to access one-on-one career coaching with a career director. Upon course completion, students earn an award of completion from Columbia Engineering that they can show future employers.


Georgia Institute of Technology

  • Location: Remote, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Savannah
  • Programs Starting At: $10,000
  • Technical Disciplines: Cybersecurity, Data Science, Digital Marketing, Product Management, UI/UX Design, Web Development
  • Learning Format: In-Person, Online
  • Time Commitment: Full-Time, Part-Time

Career Services
Evening & Weekend Options

Georgia Tech prepares learners for success in six specialized bootcamps that include cutting-edge curricula and the most in-demand market skills. Each curriculum aims to equip learners for the digital era through powerful learning experiences.

Graduates develop a robust portfolio and receive a Certificate of Completion from Georgia Tech Professional Education to show to future employers. Professional development services include mock interviews, portfolio and homework reviews, resume support, and soft-skills training.


Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

  • Location: Remote, Somerset, Jersey City
  • Programs Starting At: $11,995
  • Technical Disciplines: Data Science, FinTech, Web Development
  • Learning Format: In-Person, Online
  • Time Commitment: Full-Time, Part-Time

Career Services
CIRR Member

Rutgers bootcamps offer live, interactive virtual classes led by skilled instructors. The curriculum includes fundamental skills essential to be competitive in tech. Students have opportunities to participate in experiential learning to gain access to potential employment opportunities.

Career-readiness services include resume and portfolio reviews, interview training, and one-on-one coaching. Graduates earn a certificate of completion from Rutgers University.


The George Washington University

  • Location: Remote, Arlington, Washington D.C.
  • Programs Starting At: $12,245
  • Technical Disciplines: Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, FinTech, Product Management, UI/UX Design, Web Development
  • Learning Format: In-Person, Online
  • Time Commitment: Part-Time

Career Services
Evening & Weekend Options

The George Washington University offers skills-based bootcamps in seven competitive fields. All bootcamps are on a part-time schedule for working professionals. The curriculum is regularly updated to emphasize the most current fundamental skills to be competitive in the tech industry.

Graduates are prepared with first-hand experience and a comprehensive portfolio of projects or homework reviews to exhibit real-world proficiency. At completion, students earn a professional certificate from the George Washington University College of Professional Studies.


University of California, Berkeley

  • Location: Remote, San Francisco, Berkeley, Belmont
  • Programs Starting At: $13,495
  • Technical Disciplines: Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, FinTech, Full-Stack Web Development, Project Management, UI/UX Design
  • Learning Format: In-Person, Online
  • Time Commitment: Full-Time, Part-Time

Career Services
Evening & Weekend Options

The University of California, Berkeley's seven bootcamps emphasize experiential learning. They help students build a strong portfolio of applications and projects to display proficiency to employers. The part-time course schedule includes strategically engineered curricula with face-to-face interaction with instructors.

Students are able to tap into extensive career services and student support. Graduates earn a certificate of completion from Berkeley Extension.


University of California, Davis

  • Location: Remote, Sacramento
  • Programs Starting At: $11,495
  • Technical Disciplines: Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, UI/UX Design, Web Development
  • Learning Format: In-Person, Online
  • Time Commitment: Part-Time

Career Services
Evening & Weekend Options

UC Davis's five bootcamps focus on in-demand skills necessary to advance or start a career in tech. The curriculum combines a virtual classroom experience with the latest market skills. The part-time program allows professionals to continue working while building a wide-ranging portfolio of projects and applications.

Students gain access to UC Davis bootcamp career services to support career transition. Graduates gain both hard and soft skills to enter the tech market, along with a notice of completion from UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education.


University of California, Irvine

  • Location: Remote, Irvine
  • Programs Starting At: $13,495
  • Technical Disciplines: Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, UI/UX Design, Web Development
  • Learning Format: In-Person, Online
  • Time Commitment: Full-Time, Part-Time

Career Services
Evening & Weekend Options

UC Irvine's five bootcamps equip students with essential soft and hard skills for success. The curriculum emphasizes building working knowledge, face-to-face interaction, and portfolio development to showcase skills.

Students can access career services, including mock interviews, portfolio reviews, one-on-one coaching, and soft-skills training for success in the job search. Graduates earn a certificate of completion from UC Irvine Continuing Education.


University of California, Los Angeles

  • Location: Remote, Los Angeles
  • Programs Starting At: $12,245
  • Technical Disciplines: Cybersecurity, Product Management, Web Development
  • Learning Format: In-Person, Online
  • Time Commitment: Full-Time, Part-Time

Career Services
Evening & Weekend Options

UCLA's three bootcamps prepare professionals with the most in-demand skills through first-hand experience. The curriculum emphasizes direct interaction with knowledgeable instructors along with project development, community interaction, and networking. It also includes the opportunity to participate in networking events with local professionals to showcase their work, called Project Demo Day.

Students also get access to extensive career support services that include mock interviews, portfolio reviews, recruiting, and soft skills training. Graduates receive an award of completion from UCLA Extension.


University of Texas at Austin

  • Location: Remote, Austin
  • Programs Starting At: $12,495
  • Technical Disciplines: Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, Product Management, UI/UX Design, Web Development
  • Learning Format: In-Person, Online
  • Time Commitment: Full-Time, Part-Time

Career Services
Evening & Weekend Options

In UT Austin bootcamps, students learn from experienced instructors at one of the biggest research universities in the country. Flexible options include a full-time web development program to acquire skills faster. The curriculum emphasizes in-demand market skills and portfolio development to showcase projects and skills.

Students have access to comprehensive career-planning assistance and gain industry insights through quarterly online panels with local industry professionals. Graduates earn a certificate from UT Austin and can showcase their final projects to local professionals at a networking event.

Get the Qualities You Want in a Bootcamp

We use icons to make browsing bootcamps easy for you. Use this breakdown to quickly identify program qualities you are looking for.

Accepts GI Bill®

Accepts the GI Bill® as funding for tuition.

Also Available In Person

This online bootcamp also offers in-person options.

Career Services

Offers career services to help you land your dream job after graduation.

CIRR Member

This bootcamp is a current member of the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting. Learn more at cirr.org.

Evening & Weekend Options

Bootcamps are offered during convenient evening and weekend hours.

Job Guarantee

Employment is guaranteed as soon as you finish your bootcamp.

Money-Back Guarantee

Tuition is refunded if you don't land a job within a given time frame after graduation. Visit the bootcamp website for terms and conditions.

Start for Free

No deposit is required to get started. Begin your bootcamp for $0.

Other Notable University Bootcamps

What Jobs Can You Get After a Coding Bootcamp?

Software Developer

Median salary: $109,020

Software developers design and build programs, software, and applications for computers, smartphones, and tablets to meet users' needs. Software developers perform maintenance and upgrade existing programs and systems.

Responsibilities include writing the code and documenting every aspect of an application or system for future reference.


Data Scientist

Median salary: $100,910

Data scientists extract meaningful insights from data using analytical tools and techniques.

Responsibilities include collecting, categorizing, and analyzing data, as well as creating, validating, and testing algorithms and models. Data scientists create data visualization software to present findings and guide business decisions with recommendations to key stakeholders.


Information Security Analyst

Median salary: $102,600

Information security analysts monitor an organization's network and investigate any security breaches to protect an organization's computer networks and systems.

Responsibilities include checking for vulnerabilities, implementing preventative measures, and maintaining software, firewalls, and encryption programs. These professionals also develop security standards, recommend enhancements, and create reports on organizational security performance.


UI/UX Designer

Median salary: $79,890

UX/UI designers develop user interfaces and guide the user experience on websites, programs, or applications. These professionals design and test layouts, functionality, and navigation menus.

Responsibilities include testing for compatibility across browsers, devices, and operating systems. UX/UI designers may also use metrics to optimize websites for search engine ranking or marketability.

Frequently Asked Questions About University Bootcamps

Are university coding bootcamps worth it?

If you want to work in tech and don't have the time or money for a traditional degree, it is. A university coding bootcamp can be a fast track to a new career in tech. At university coding bootcamps, students get to learn from professionals at top universities and get support to secure a job after graduation.

Some careers in tech are projected to grow up to 25%, according to BLS. Median salaries range from $79,890 for UX design to $109,020 for software developers.

What is the difference between private bootcamps and university bootcamps?

The primary difference between them is that university bootcamps are continuing education or professional development programs from a university. Students get rigorous training in job-specific skills. In most cases, they have a comparable curriculum to other bootcamps and can also be coding camps for college students.

While results vary by bootcamp, both private and university coding bootcamps offer career services, job placement, or income share agreements to help graduates secure a job.

Should I do a coding bootcamp or computer science degree?

Completing either a coding bootcamp at college or a computer science degree can help graduates secure entry-level tech jobs. Professionals can earn either a bootcamp certificate or a degree, but many professionals benefit from both.

For faster advancement, some professionals may benefit from earning a bachelor's degree in addition to completing a bootcamp.


GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/index.asp.


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