Data Science Bootcamps in Chicago

Chicago offers excellent training programs for students interested in data science careers. Explore some of the best data science bootcamps in Chicago.
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Liz Simmons is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience. She specializes in higher education, history, and culture. Liz holds a BA in anthropology from the University of Colorado and master's degrees in urban studies and library and infor...
Updated on October 5, 2023
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Cassie Muniz is an associate editor for BestColleges, specializing in alternative education in the tech field. She previously worked in education as a technical editor, where she edited curriculum materials for digital skills bootcamps. She is passio...
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Completing a Chicago-based data science bootcamp can prepare you for various well-paying, in-demand roles in the tech industry. In recent years, the Windy City has cemented itself as a major U.S. tech hub, boasting more than 100,000 direct tech jobs and a $73.8 billion economic output, according to a 2022 Chicago Chamber of Commerce report.

Chicago offers many job opportunities for workers with data science skills. Depending on your previous education, experience, and specialization area, you might qualify for in-demand roles like data scientist, data analyst, or database administrator and architect.

If you graduate from a data science bootcamp in Chicago, you can expect to find many potential job opportunities in the city. In this guide, we highlight some of the best data science bootcamps in Chicago. We also provide detailed information about the job outlook for bootcamp graduates who want to work in the city.

Top Data Science Bootcamps in Chicago

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.

BrainStation

  • Program Cost: $16,500
  • Learning Format: Online
  • Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
  • Briefcase
    Career Services
  • Calendar
    Evening & Weekend Options

Bootcamp participants in Chicago can join BrainStation's live online data science bootcamp. The immersive program offers full-time and part-time options.

The curriculum explores topics like data analysis and visualization, analysis for data science, and artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. It also includes a capstone. Students can develop data modeling, statistical analysis, generative AI, and big data analysis skills.

The bootcamp also includes professional development and a career accelerator program. BrainStation's Demo Day celebrates student learning and includes opportunities to meet future employers.

Visit BrainStation Bootcamp . External link

General Assembly

  • Program Cost: $16,450 (full time), $4,500 (part time)
  • Learning Format: Online
  • Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
  • Briefcase
    Career Services
  • Calendar
    Evening & Weekend Options
  • Cash
    Start For Free

General Assembly's immersive data science bootcamp features one-on-one job coaching and industry connections. The curriculum requires a capstone project and covers exploratory data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling.

For professionals already working in the field, General Assembly also offers a 10-week part-time data science bootcamp.

Among General Assembly graduates in 2020, 74.4% who participated in the school's career services program found a job within six months of graduation.

Visit General Assembly Bootcamp . External link

Northeastern Illinois University

  • Program Cost: $7,900 (immersive), $5,100 (flex)
  • Learning Format: Online
  • Time Commitment: Part Time
  • Briefcase
    Career Services
  • Calendar
    Evening & Weekend Options

Northeastern Illinois University partners with QuickStart to offer an online data science and analytics bootcamp. The part-time program lasts 28 weeks, with options to take two sessions a week in the immersive bootcamp or one session a week in the flex bootcamp. The curriculum covers data analysis fundamentals, statistics, machine learning, and data visualization.

Students create a portfolio, complete a capstone project, and get access to mentoring sessions. Career support includes mock job interviews, resume assistance, and counseling.

Visit Northeastern Illinois University Bootcamp . External link

Northwestern University

  • Program Cost: $12,995
  • Learning Format: Online
  • Time Commitment: Part Time
  • Briefcase
    Career Services
  • Calendar
    Evening & Weekend Options

Northwestern University offers a fully online data science and visualization bootcamp in partnership with edX, which uses the same curriculum for all its partners. The 24-week program teaches students to solve real-world problems using data science techniques and theories. Students attend part-time evening courses remotely.

The hands-on curriculum explores Python programming, statistics, business intelligence software, and databases. One-on-one career services include job referrals, networking opportunities, and personalized coaching. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED certificate.

Visit Northwestern University Bootcamp . External link

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.

More Popular Data Science Bootcamps to Consider

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Job Outlook for Bootcamp Grads in Chicago

If you graduate from a data science bootcamp, Chicago is a promising place to start your career in this industry. The Chicago tech industry is growing quickly, welcoming the presence of big companies like Google and Uber, while also serving as a launching pad for new tech startups.

The Chicago Chamber of Commerce reports that the city's tech industry grew 18% between 2011 and 2021. As a result, you can find many potential opportunities for data science careers in Chicago.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the Chicago metropolitan area employed 5,100 data scientists in 2021, which ranked as the fifth-largest employment level of data scientists in the U.S. Data scientists in the city earned an average annual salary of $110,800 in May 2022.

According to Projections Central, the demand for data scientists and mathematical science occupations should be significant in Illinois, with a projected 28.8% growth rate between 2020 and 2030.

The job outlook is also good for database administrators — another type of data science professional — in Chicago. The BLS reports that the Chicago metro area ranks fourth in the U.S. for employment of database administrators.

Frequently Asked Questions About Data Science Bootcamps in Chicago

Is a data science bootcamp worth it?

Completing a data science bootcamp can prepare you for an in-demand, well-paying career in the tech industry. Data scientists make an average annual salary of $99,270 (August 2023), according to PayScale. However, only you can decide if the time and money it takes to finish a data science bootcamp are worth it to you.

Can I go to a bootcamp in Chicago if I live somewhere else?

Yes, you can attend a data science bootcamp in Chicago even if you don't live in the city. Many schools offer online options open to students no matter where they live. You can also consider enrolling in an in-person Chicago bootcamp and traveling to the city for any in-person requirements.

Are data science bootcamps in Chicago expensive?

The cost of a data science bootcamp in Chicago varies by school, ranging from around $5,000 to over $16,000. Factors that may impact price include the bootcamp provider, program length, and types of student support available. Bootcamps may offer various financing options, including loans, payment plans, and income share agreements.

How much does a data science job pay in Chicago?

Salaries for data science jobs in Chicago vary depending on your specific role, employer, and previous education and experience. However, the BLS reports that in May 2022, data scientists in the Chicago metro area earned an average salary of $110,800.


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.