The Best Online Coding Bootcamps of 2023: A Complete Guide
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Online coding programs continue to surge in popularity for those looking to become tech professionals. Students with little-to-no experience can enroll in a coding bootcamp online to learn the technical and soft skills they need to pursue an in-demand tech career. The best coding bootcamps offer specializations like cybersecurity and UX/UI design and emphasize job placement services.
Students debating whether to attend college or a coding bootcamp should consider the benefits of an online coding program: accelerated completion times, lower tuition than some college programs, and a career-focused curriculum. Many coding bootcamps try to keep up with the latest industry trends to meet the requirements for web and software developer jobs.
Nearly every job sector requires skilled computer and IT professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 15% increase in computer and IT occupations from 2021-2031, faster than the average for all occupations (8%). These professionals also earned a median annual wage of $97,430 in 2021, which is more than twice as much as the national median salary across all jobs.
What Are Online Coding Programs?
Coding bootcamps offer accelerated, intensive technical training in computer programming and other technical skills. They include special career training designed to make students job-ready upon graduation. They typically offer a variety of scheduling options through full-time, part-time, or self-paced study. Bootcamps may also offer financial support like deferred tuition or income share agreements.
Online coding programs may deliver courses synchronously (live) or incorporate some asynchronous (pre-recorded) course content. Many online bootcamps follow a cohort model. While the online format cannot replicate in-person learning completely, online coding bootcamps still emphasize project-based learning, collaborative work, and field experience.
Coding bootcamps usually prepare students for web and software developer jobs. Students learn to use the most popular programming languages like Java, JavaScript, and Python. Online coding programs incorporate hands-on projects, real-world experience, and professional portfolio development. They also focus on career skills, especially problem-solving and communication.
Are Coding Programs Worth It?
Understandably, you may want to know if coding programs are worth the hype. How much a coding bootcamp costs is always a top concern. You may be debating if you should attend college or coding bootcamp. And, perhaps most importantly, you may be wondering — can a coding bootcamp get me a job?
Exploring the pros and cons can help.
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Popular Online Coding Bootcamps
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 Online Coding Bootcamps
App Academy
- Programs Starting At: $17,000
- Technical Disciplines: Software Engineering
- Learning Formats: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time, Self-Paced
App Academy specializes in providing bootcamps for aspiring professionals with no previous coding experience. Students can learn full-stack development in 16 or 24 weeks or through a self-paced program. App Academy admits only 5% of applicants through a highly selective enrollment process. Alumni are employed at companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.
BrainStation
- Programs Starting At: $15,000
- Technical Disciplines: Data Science, UX Design, Web Development
- Learning Formats: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
BrainStation bootcamps emphasize a project-based curriculum and encompass 400 hours of technical training. Students with no prior coding experience can learn popular languages like Python, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS through an immersive BrainStation program. BrainStation boasts that their graduates are hired by more than 6,500 companies, including Slack, Twitter, and Samsung.
Coding Dojo
- Programs Starting At: $9,745
- Technical Disciplines: Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Development
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time, Self-Paced
Coding Dojo claims that they train in more front- and back-end languages than any other full-stack bootcamp. The immersive curriculum emphasizes Python, MERN, Java, and .NET/C#, culminating in a professional portfolio. Students enjoy comprehensive career services for the duration of their bootcamp experience and for life.
Flatiron School
- Programs Starting At: $16,900
- Technical Disciplines: Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Engineering, UX/UI Design
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Self-Paced
Established in 2012, Flatiron School ranks among the most renowned forerunners of bootcamp-based education. Students can choose from highly flexible 15-, 20-, 40-, or 60-week online completion options. Flatiron School also offers a variety of synchronous and asynchronous learning options. Alumni are employed at high-profile tech companies including Intel, Amazon, and Microsoft.
General Assembly
- Programs Starting At: $3,950
- Technical Disciplines: Data Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, UX/UI Design, Web Development
- Learning Formats: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time, Self-Paced
General Assembly launched one of the first bootcamps in 2011. Today, students enjoy a wide variety of technical disciplines and exhaustive career services, including career coaching, mentorship opportunities, and hiring partnerships with employers like Salesforce, PayPal, and Bloomberg. General Assembly offers completion options over 12 or 24 weeks or through a self-paced schedule.
Hack Reactor
- Programs Starting At: $17,980
- Technical Disciplines: Software Engineering
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
Hack Reactor delivers an immersive coding curriculum over 12, 19, or 36 weeks. Students learn full-stack development using popular languages like Python and JavaScript. Hack Reactor bootcamps feature hands-on experience and emphasize career skills for coveted technology jobs. Hiring partners include Microsoft, Amazon, and LinkedIn.
Kenzie Academy
- Programs Starting At: $17,000
- Technical Disciplines: Software Engineering, UX/UI Design
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
Kenzie Academy offers immersive bootcamps that combine technical and soft skills. Students benefit from working with instructors with years of high-level engineering and design experience. Learners also receive career services and professional mentorship opportunities. Kenzie Academy also emphasizes portfolio development and project-based learning.
Springboard
- Programs Starting At: $7,000
- Technical Disciplines: Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Data Science, Software Engineering, Tech Sales, UX/UI Design
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Self-Paced
Springboard's bootcamps emphasize personal mentorship opportunities and career coaching services. The bootcamp format is highly project-based, with 65% of student time devoted to hands-on learning. Hiring partners include Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Students enjoy a wide variety of flexible tuition payment options.
- Programs Starting At: $5,300
- Technical Disciplines: Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Data Science, Software Engineering, UX/UI Design
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
The Tech Academy focuses on the most in-demand coding languages in tech today. Students can learn up to seven coding languages through full-stack development training and partake in live coding projects.
According to data reported to the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting, 61% of graduates from The Tech Academy's 2020 online software development bootcamp were employed within 180 days of completing the bootcamp. These professionals reported a median salary of $60,000.
Thinkful
- Programs Starting At: $4,900
- Technical Disciplines: Data Analytics, Data Science, Software Engineering, UX/UI Design
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
Thinkful boasts extensive career coaching and one-on-one mentorship. Students can complete a Thinkful bootcamp over four or six months. The curriculum emphasizes languages, including Node, React, and JavaScript, alongside soft skills for tech careers.
According to data reported to the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting, 73% of graduates from Thinkful's 2018 online data science bootcamp were employed within 180 days of completing the bootcamp. These professionals reported a median salary of $77,500.
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 Online Coding Schools
- Actualize — starting at $14,900
- Bloom Institute of Technology — starting at $21,950
- CareerFoundry — starting at $7,505
- Codesmith — starting at $19,950
- Devmountain — starting at $4,900
- Fullstack Academy — starting at $17,910
- Galvanize — starting at $17,980
- Nucamp — starting at $349
Do Coding Bootcamps Get You Jobs?
Online coding bootcamps emphasize career services for program participants and graduates. Many bootcamps tout high employment rates for graduates at top tech companies, though you should be wary of trusting self-reported bootcamp outcomes at face value. You can review some bootcamps' independently audited student career outcomes at the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR) website.
Your ability to find a job after a coding bootcamp will depend on many factors, including your previous experience, the job market, and your location. Below are several of the most common roles that bootcamp graduates pursue after they finish their program.
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Software Engineer
Software engineers design and direct the development of a piece of software or a software system. They must practice project management in order to manage the scope of each phase of the project. Software engineers often oversee the activities of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and software testers. Employers often look for a bachelor-level education, though some prefer candidates with a master's degree and some may hire bootcamp graduates.
Median Annual Salary: $120,730 (BLS, May 2021)
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Full-Stack Developer
Full-stack developers write and test code for websites, software, and other applications. They develop all aspects of a website or application, including the internal technical structure, functionality, navigation, and layout. Full-stack developers typically master several programming languages. Education requirements vary from a high school diploma to a bootcamp to a bachelor's degree.
Median Annual Salary: $77,030 (BLS, May 2021)
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Data Scientist
Data scientists track, manage, and analyze data to gain useful business insights and improve product performance. They use algorithms, models, and predictive analysis to conduct their research. They may create data visualizations or improve on data storage and maintenance processes. Employers generally prefer a bachelor's or master's degree, though some may accept bootcamp training.
Median Annual Salary: $131,490 (BLS, May 2021)
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Data Analyst
Data analysts collect, organize, and analyze data. They work in government, finance, business, science, and medicine fields. They may create visualizations and manage data storage. They must also understand how to securely work with data. Employers typically prefer candidates with a bachelor's or bootcamp education.
Median Annual Salary: $102,600 (BLS, May 2021)
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UX/UI Designer
UX/UI designers are responsible for the look and feel of a website, with a particular focus on the user experience. UX designers consider the interactivity of the site's modules, while UI designers create the user interface layout. Entry-level jobs may accept bootcamp graduates.
Median Annual Salary: $79,890 (BLS, May 2021)
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Is an Online Coding Program Right for Me?
Coding bootcamps typically require minimal academic or technical prerequisites. However, they do favor a particular type of student. What bootcamp candidates lack in experience, they can make up for with motivation, determination, and the capability to handle an intense technical curriculum. Coding programs expect students to be focused and engaged.
You can find flexible online coding bootcamps if you are trying to balance work and family obligations with a bootcamp experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Coding Bootcamps
Which coding bootcamp is best for beginners?
Some of the best coding bootcamps for beginners are free and online. Examples of free online bootcamps are Ada Developers Academy, Careers in Code, freeCodeCamp, Pursuit, and Skillcrush. These programs are a great place to start for those who have never coded before or who are unsure if they want to pursue a full-time bootcamp.
To see the extensive list of the best free coding bootcamps, check out this page.
Is a coding bootcamp enough to get a job?
Yes, several large tech companies hire coding bootcamp graduates, including Amazon, Google, and Slack. Most of the online coding bootcamps listed above provide career services for their students that help with interviews, resumes, and networking.
Some jobs that coding bootcamp graduates found post-graduation are Software Engineer, Data Scientist, and Information Security Analyst.
Are coding bootcamps accredited?
For the most part, no. Coding bootcamps are not usually accredited. Colleges and universities must undergo the process of accreditation to meet the standards set by the Education Department and its affiliated national and regional accreditation agencies. Bootcamp providers do not adhere to the same accreditation standards as colleges and universities.
Some coding programs participate in the CIRR, the most widely recognized source for independently audited student outcome reports for coding bootcamps. Students should reach out to bootcamp providers to verify self-reported outcomes data.
What is a self-paced bootcamp?
Self-paced bootcamps offer flexible, asynchronous learning options for students to complete the program at their own pace. Self-paced bootcamps may set a time limit for you to complete the program but allow you to work according to your own pace within that window of time. Other programs may allow you to take as long as you need to finish the program.
You may not get as many opportunities to work with other learners or engage in real-time discussion with course instructors, but some self-paced bootcamps do include these components.
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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