An Ultimate Guide to the Best Data Science Bootcamps
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"While many people think of data science as a profession, it's better to think of data science as a way of thinking, a way to extract insights using the scientific method."
— Bob E. Hayes.
The volume of data generated today has made data science one of the fastest-growing fields across industries. Businesses rely on data scientists and analysts to devise actionable strategies that help gather, interpret, and use data insights. Pursuing a master's degree in computer science is one way to start your career.
However, the best coding bootcamps are becoming a pathway many professionals use to start a career in data science. The best data science bootcamps provide hands-on training from experts in the field. Data science coding bootcamps cover programming and database languages, architectures, and other digital tools of the trade.
Data science bootcamps also often provide career services, including resume assistance, mock interviews, job fairs, and meetings with hiring managers. Some bootcamps even guarantee job placement and offer deferred payment, loan options, and scholarship opportunities. In addition, bootcamps are typically less expensive than pursuing a college degree and take less time to finish.
Continue reading to learn the answer to the question, "What is data science?" Plus, explore popular data science bootcamps and what to expect from them.
Data Science Careers
Data Scientist
Data scientists collect and process data using programming languages, including Python, database languages, such as SQL, and tools like Jupyter Notebook. They implement machine learning and artificial intelligence to automate tasks and create frameworks to collect data. In addition, they create reports and visual presentations to help businesses make informed decisions.
Average Annual Salary (August 2022): $97,680
Data Analyst
Data analysts use data to examine information on specific topics and work with companies to identify opportunities. They interpret the information using tools such as Microsoft Excel, SharePoint, and SQL databases. These professionals establish key point indicators, structure large data sets, and create reports and recommendations based on their findings.
Average Annual Salary (August 2022): $63,440
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine learning engineers are highly skilled in advanced math, such as linear algebra, calculus, and statistics. These IT professionals usually work as part of a team, focusing on building and designing AI systems and machine learning frameworks. They typically use programming languages including C, C++, Java, JavaScript, R, and Python.
Average Annual Salary (August 2022): $112,790
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.
Data Science Bootcamps for You
Best Data Science Bootcamps
BrainStation
- Location: Remote
- Program Cost: $15,000
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
Students develop skills in data analysis, data modeling, and data visualization. They also learn about dashboards, SQL, and Python programming language fundamentals. They explore industry tools to build machine learning models. Additionally, learners gain practical experience with industry projects from companies such as Samsung and Google.
Collaboration with other bootcamps at BrainStation allows students to build essential skills in teamwork, design thinking, and communicating with key stakeholders. BrainStation's Demo Day is an opportunity for students to showcase their final project and meet hiring managers from cutting-edge companies. The bootcamp offers various scholarships, employer sponsorship, and monthly installment payment options.
Coding Dojo
- Location: Remote
- Program Cost: $10,495
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Part Time
Students learn Python and end-to-end data science processes in Coding Dojo's data science bootcamps. They explore Python's strengths and weaknesses and study how to load, clean, and manipulate data using the Python data analysis library. Students also learn how to apply machine learning algorithms to various situations and tasks.
This bootcamp prepares graduates for entry-level data science careers, such as business engineering, data science, and machine learning analysis. Graduates have a portfolio of coding projects showcasing their data science skills. Coding Dojo offers scholarships, grants, loans, and relief funds for qualifying students.
Data Science Dojo
- Location: Remote
- Program Cost: $2,799
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Part Time
This bootcamp covers big data, predictive analytics, storytelling with data, and data mining. Students learn the basics of the R programming language, R data types, R visualization, and recommended R packages. They also learn how to upload, analyze, manipulate, clean, and visualize data using the Azure ML interface.
Students apply data science skills in a Kaggle competition in data pre-processing, feature engineering, model training, and model tuning. Data Science Dojo also offers supplementary topics, including time series forecasting, R Shiny interactive dashboards, and advanced feature engineering. Data Science Dojo provides a flexible payment or loan option.
Flatiron School
- Location: Remote, New York City
- Program Cost: $16,900
- Learning Format: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
Flatiron School data science bootcamps cover topics including data analysis and engineering using Python and SQL. Students learn about scientific computing and quantitative methods using tools in Python, such as NumPy and SciPy. They examine machine learning with linear regression and logistic regression.
After developing foundational skills, students practice advanced machine learning by building complex algorithms to deploy as full-stack web applications. Students complete an independent machine learning capstone project to highlight in their portfolio. Flatiron School offers payment methods, including paying upfront, loans, or installments.
General Assembly
- Location: Remote, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington D.C.
- Program Cost: $15,950
- Learning Format: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time
General Assembly's data science bootcamp allows students to gain hands-on skills in data analysis, Python, and statistical modeling. They explore machine learning with algorithms that increase in complexity, such as natural language processing and neural networks. Students complete five projects for their portfolio, guided by instructors with in-depth data science experience.
General Assembly students get a dedicated career coach who helps them set goals and practice technical interviews. In addition, General Assembly students can connect with hiring managers at hosted events. The bootcamp accepts the GI Bill® and offers other tuition discounts and options, including an income share agreement.
Georgia Institute of Technology
- Location: Remote
- Program Cost: $10,000
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Part Time
Students start with Excel and gain hands-on experience in forecasting, prediction, and pivot tables. The curriculum also covers statistical modeling and VBA scripting. They develop proficiency in Python, MongoDB, MySQL, and SQ. They also become proficient in data analytic tools including Matplotlib and libraries such as BeautifulSoup. Students learn CSS, HTML, and JavaScript to create web-based interactive data visualizations.
During Georgia Tech's bootcamp, students complete a case study combining data from various sources into one database. In their final project, students work as part of a team to create a data visualization application. This bootcamp offers interest-free payment plans.
Le Wagon
- Location: Remote, New York City
- Program Cost: $6,500
- Learning Format: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
Students learn how to use Python and Python libraries like NumPy to analyze big data sets. They develop a working knowledge of Jupyter Notebook. Le Wagon provides hands-on opportunities to collect data from APIs, CSV files, Google Big Query, SQL queries, and web scraping.
This bootcamp's career week allows students to explore careers with panel discussions, workshops, and presentations. Career services help graduates meet with recruiters and get to know hiring partners. Le Wagon accepts the GI Bill, offers deferred tuition or an income share agreement, and guarantees a job after graduation.
Nashville Software School
- Location: Remote
- Program Cost: $12,500
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Part Time
The Nashville Software School provides hands-on training in data analytics and Python and R languages. Students practice math and statistics skills to solve real-world problems in digital marketing, healthcare, financial services, and supply chain.
The curriculum teaches learners to source, clean, and aggregate data with training on big data tools, including Hadoop and Spark. Additionally, students explore cloud-based data management services, such as Amazon Web Services. The Nashville Software School accepts the GI Bill and offers evening and weekend options.
NYC Data Science Academy
- Location: Remote, New York City
- Program Cost: $17,600
- Learning Format: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
NYC Data Science Academy covers big data, machine learning, Python, and R. Students gain the knowledge and skills to use and apply industry tools in applications using real-world datasets. They use libraries and tools, including Keras, NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn, and SpaCy, for advanced natural language processing.
The bootcamp developed its curriculum in collaboration with businesses and data science experts. Students receive lifelong career support, including interview prep, resume reviews, and access to networking opportunities with the academy's hiring partners. NYC Data Science Academy accepts the GI Bill and provides flexible evening and weekend options.
The Data Incubator
- Location: Remote, Berkeley
- Program Cost: $11,000
- Learning Format: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
The Data Incubator instructors come from institutions like MIT and Harvard. In this bootcamp, students develop in-demand data science skills, including git, Jupyter, Python, Spark, and TensorFlow. They develop a capstone project with a clear business objective, real-world data sets, machine learning, and visualizations.
Students work with a career coach to craft their resumes and hone their interview skills. The bootcamp also holds mixer events for students to meet hiring partners and build their data science network. Scholarships include the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship and the Women of Excellence in STEM Scholarship.
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 Data Science Bootcamps
Frequently Asked Questions About Data Science Bootcamps
Can I learn data science online?
Yes. You can learn data science online, whether you want to pursue a college degree, enroll in a bootcamp, or take a couple of courses. You can also continuously build coding skills and study various digital tools online.
For example, you can study the Python programming language and learn how to use Python libraries for data analysis. And learning data science online is an opportunity to work with AI and machine learning algorithms to automate tasks. Additionally, studying data science online is typically more flexible than attending live classes on campus.
Can I learn data science for free?
Yes. You can learn data science fundamentals for free with online tutorials and videos. Kaggle is an example of an online community dedicated to data science and machine learning. The platform covers topics such as Python and SQL fundamentals, introduction to programming, data visualization, data cleaning, and introduction to machine learning.
Open-source data science communities and forums are an excellent way to study data science for free. These platforms offer an opportunity to network with data science professionals and examine various data science topics. For example, the IBM data science community covers data science topics, AI, and machine learning.
Are data science bootcamps worth it?
Yes. Bootcamps offer real-world projects and an opportunity to hone your skills and build your portfolio. The best data science bootcamps are worth it because their providers typically develop them with job placement in mind. However, data science bootcamps are intensive courses that are often challenging for beginners.
Many bootcamps require prep work before students dive into the main coursework. One of the greatest benefits for graduates is the career services bootcamps offer. For example, the bootcamps included in our guide provide career services varying from resume and interview prep to meetings with hiring managers.
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.
Feature Image: Eva-Katalin / E+ / Getty Images
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