8 Best Free Coding Bootcamps of 2023

Bootcamps can be expensive, but free or discounted programs exist. Learn about free coding bootcamps and if they’re right for you.
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Updated on June 12, 2023
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Price is important when deciding which coding bootcamp is right for you. Bootcamps are often expensive, ranging from $10,000 to $15,000. According to data collected by Best Colleges, the median bootcamp tuition was $13,500 in 2020. Paying for a bootcamp can be difficult, no matter your financial situation.

Recently, discounted or even free coding bootcamps have popped up. Some bootcamps try to make learning how to code more affordable for all. Other programs aim to increase diversity in the tech field by offering free or heavily discounted education for women and minorities.

What is a Coding Bootcamp?

A coding bootcamp is a compact and intensive training program that teaches students how to code and develop software in a short timeframe, often between a few weeks to several months. While a bootcamp's duration and curriculum vary, most offer mentorship, hands-on training, and career support to help graduates land their first tech job.

Someone might enroll in a bootcamp for various reasons. These quick and efficient programs may be a great option for people who don't want to or can't go through a four-year degree program.

Enrolling in a coding bootcamp might also make it easier to find a job after graduation. Many bootcamps have connections to tech employers and offer career support services, such as mentorship and networking opportunities.

Popular Coding Bootcamps

Why Take a Free Coding Bootcamp?

Pros and Cons of Free Coding Bootcamps

Advantages of a free coding bootcamp are that they can help you save money, allow you to test-run a more demanding bootcamp, and are often self-paced. Disadvantages are that they have fewer career resources, offer less access to course material, and may not offer a certificate of completion.

How to Choose the Best Free Coding Bootcamp for You

There are many factors to consider when choosing a coding bootcamp, including the program's location, curriculum, and length. But for many potential learners, the cost of a coding bootcamp is the top concern.

Free online coding bootcamps relieve the stress of paying for your training with the added convenience of learning from home. Weigh the following factors when searching for the right free coding bootcamp for your needs:

Technical Discipline

Students can choose from various technical disciplines in a coding bootcamp. Most students seek out a free coding bootcamp in their desired career specialization.

Technical disciplines include software engineering, web development, cybersecurity, and UX/UI design. Bootcamps typically include a combination of technical training and career development, with a variety of hands-on projects. Some lead to professional certification.

Language

Most coding bootcamps provide broad training in the most widely used programming languages. Since bootcamps focus on developing career skills, the curriculum often covers a variety of in-demand languages and applications.

Some free coding bootcamps emphasize a particular language, such as Python or JavaScript, although many cover multiple languages.

Format

Students must decide what learning format works best for them. Free coding bootcamps commonly offer greater flexibility than a traditional degree, with options including full- or part-time enrollment and self-paced coursework.

Students may choose a part-time program if they have work or family obligations. Self-paced courses can help learners take as long as they need to learn the material.

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.

8 Best Free Coding Bootcamps

Ada Developers Academy

  • Location: Remote, Atlanta, D.C., Seattle,
  • Program Cost: Free
  • Technical Disciplines: Web Development
  • Learning Format: Online and In Person
  • Time Commitment: Full Time
  • Briefcase
    Career Services
  • Cash
    Start For Free

Ada Developers is a nonprofit coding school for women and non-binary students. The program focuses on social justice and incorporates that ideal in its student selection process and curriculum. Students complete six months of learning, followed by a five-month internship.

Careers in Code

  • Location: Syracuse, NY
  • Program Cost: Free
  • Technical Disciplines: Software Development
  • Learning Format: Combination of Online and In Person
  • Time Commitment: Full Time
  • Briefcase
    Career Services
  • Check Circle
    CIRR Member
  • Calendar
    Evening & Weekend Options
  • Cash
    Start For Free

Careers in Code aims to help reduce poverty in central New York by providing training to women and people of color. The program consists of 24 weeks of instruction, including in-person and online elements. After graduation, students can pursue an internship or entry-level coding job.

Careers in Code also tries to help match graduates with local businesses to further benefit the local community.

Free Code Camp

  • Location: Remote
  • Program Cost: Free
  • Technical Disciplines: Software Development
  • Learning Format: Online
  • Time Commitment: Self-paced
  • Calendar
    Evening & Weekend Options
  • Cash
    Start For Free

FreeCode Camp is a large collection of coding resources and certifications. It offers a long list of videos and other instructional materials that students can choose from. It is more self-directed than other programs, but it could be a great resource for students who know what they want to learn.

Jigsaw Labs

  • Location: Remote
  • Program Cost: $9,500-$13,500 depending on payment options
  • Technical Disciplines: Data Engineering
  • Learning Format: Online
  • Time Commitment: Part Time (nights and weekends)
  • Briefcase
    Career Services
  • Calendar
    Evening & Weekend Options
  • Cash
    Money-Back Guarantee

Jigsaw Labs offers six free data engineering courses with 80 lessons:

  • Python for Data
  • Introduction to Pandas
  • Introduction to Docker
  • Introduction to Spark
  • Introduction to Machine Learning
  • Neural Networks with Pytorch

For their paid data engineering bootcamp, students have two payment options. They get discounted tuition if they pay upfront or pay a bit more over time with the deferred tuition option after paying $1,000 down. Jigsaw Labs also offers a money-back guarantee if graduates don't earn a salary of $70,000+ within the first nine months after graduation.

MasterMnd Academy

  • Location: Remote
  • Program Cost: Pay as you want
  • Technical Disciplines: Software Engineering
  • Learning Format: Online
  • Time Commitment: Self-paced

MasterMnd Academy is a pay-as-you-want program that covers various aspects of coding and web development. It offers programs with different time requirements and technical levels so that students can learn the skills and tools they are interested in.

Students receive free access to all MasterMnd materials, quizzes, projects, and a badge of completion. If you pay either $20 or $50, you get all of the material plus a sticker pack and what are promised to be the world's greatest socks.

Per Scholas

  • Location: Remote, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit, Denver, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Newark, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, St. Louis
  • Program Cost: Free
  • Technical Disciplines: Cybersecurity, Full-stack Engineer, Software Engineer
  • Learning Format: Online, In Person
  • Time Commitment: Full Time
  • Location Marker
    Also Available In Person
  • Briefcase
    Career Services

If you want to join a bootcamp but prefer in-person instruction, Per Scholas is probably one of the best options with a variety of locations. It also offers online classes for those who prefer distance learning. Free courses last between 14-15 weeks with a full-time schedule. Students have access to two years of career services after graduation.

Resilient Coders

  • Location: Boston, Philadelphia
  • Program Cost: Free
  • Technical Disciplines: Software Engineer
  • Learning Format: Online
  • Time Commitment: Full Time
  • Briefcase
    Career Services

This nonprofit is focused on social justice through economic empowerment by offering free education for young people of color from low-income backgrounds. Not only is the education free, but the program also offers a $ 1,000-a-week stipend to students. However, expect a strong commitment as many students put in 12-hour days for the entirety of the 20-week program.

Skillcrush

  • Location: Remote
  • Program Cost: $2,499
  • Technical Disciplines: Frontend Development, UI/UX Design
  • Learning Format: Online
  • Time Commitment: Self-paced
  • Calendar
    Evening & Weekend Options
  • Cash
    Money-Back Guarantee
  • Cash
    Start For Free

Skillcrush is aimed at students who are underrepresented in the tech industry. They offer a free-to-start program with some classes, but it appears as mostly a hook to get students into their Break into Tech program, which costs $2,499.

The self-paced program allows students to find the courses that interest them and progress at their own pace. While it is more expensive than other bootcamps, Skillcrush offers a full refund if you don't get a job in the first 6 months after graduation.

Bootcamps For You

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Free Coding Bootcamps

Are free coding bootcamps any good?

Yes, according to the data that is available. While bootcamps are not accredited, some belong to the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR), a nonprofit developed to help students make informed decisions about enrollment based on a bootcamp's student outcomes. Data voluntarily reported to CIRR lists how many students graduated from a bootcamp and how many obtained employment in their field of study.

According to CIRR, the average percentage of bootcamp graduates employed in the field 180 days after graduation was around 79%, based on data from 46 coding bootcamps between January and June 2019. While these are not necessarily free bootcamps, the overall track record of many coding bootcamps is promising.

Are coding bootcamps worth it?

Depending on your career goals, coding bootcamps can be worth it. Free bootcamps can let you see if coding is right for you without any investment other than your time.

The flexibility of full-time, part-time, and self-paced bootcamp options attracts both aspiring and existing programmers and career-switchers. Most bootcamps offer an online format for convenience.

Employers also recognize the value of completing a free coding bootcamp. Roughly 72% of employers indicated bootcamp graduates were equally or better equipped than other candidates for the same jobs, according to a 2020 HackerRank study.

Where can I learn to code for free?

There are more places to learn how to code for free than ever before. Since many of these bootcamps are run and funded by nonprofits, they often aim to increase diversity in the tech industry. That being said, there are also various programs that are open to all students.

Can I get a job from a free coding bootcamp?

Yes! In fact, developing skills to pursue tech jobs is the primary focus of a free coding bootcamp. CIRR data shows high employment rates for most CIRR-member bootcamps, with an average of 79% of bootcamp graduates from 46 bootcamps securing employment within 180 days from January-June 2019.

Some top companies that hire bootcamp grads include Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Capital One Labs.


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