Software Development Bootcamps
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Software development is a growing and lucrative career in the U.S. Over 1.4 million individuals work as software developers, a number that is projected to grow by 22% between 2019 and 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). BLS data also shows that software developers earn a median salary of $107,510.
With such a bright outlook, many people are turning to software development careers — and an increasing number of aspiring software developers take their first step toward joining the industry by attending a coding bootcamp.
Bootcamps teach students the programming and computer science skills needed to land jobs as software developers through intensive training, typically lasting 2-6 months.
This guide highlights popular software development bootcamps across the country and online. If becoming a software developer piques your interest, you can learn more about these programs below.
Software Development Bootcamps
Note: The bootcamp provider information below lists default locations and learning formats for each program. COVID-19 may have impacted the location and learning format of many bootcamps, with in-person programs moving online. Please contact the bootcamp provider or visit their website for more information on current program availability and future program formats once health and safety precautions are no longer in effect.
Alchemy Code Lab
- Locations: Portland
- Program Cost: $24,000
- Learning Formats: In Person
- Time Commitment: Full Time
Alchemy Code Lab offers a bootcamp designed to prepare beginner programmers for mid-level development roles. The program consists of four courses, starting with programming fundamentals covering HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The bootcamp culminates with an advanced full-stack JavaScript course that trains students to build server-side and client-side applications.
Classes run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for 23 weeks, and include lectures, discussions, and lab practice. The program also requires 15 hours of homework per week. Students learn in cohorts of 25-30 individuals. According to Alchemy Code Lab, graduates earn a mean starting salary of $80,000, and 85% of graduates find an in-field position after completing the program.
Arkansas Coding Academy
- Locations: Conway, Little Rock
- Program Cost: $5,000
- Learning Formats: In Person
- Time Commitment: Part Time
Arkansas Coding Academy offers a few different bootcamps, including a C#/.NET full-stack development program. The program provides a broad overview of full-stack software development but focuses on C# and SQL.
The academy offers several options for financial assistance, including grants and scholarships to cover part of tuition costs. Students can also apply for low-interest loans or take advantage of the bootcamp's in-house payment plan.
Although Arkansas Coding Academy does not formally offer job placement services, bootcampers can participate in a mentorship program that connects them with professionals in the field. They may also participate in Demo Day, during which employers visit the academy's campus to view students' individual projects.
Burlington Code Academy
- Locations: Burlington
- Program Cost: $9,950
- Learning Formats: Hybrid
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
The 12-week bootcamp at Burlington Code Academy teaches students about web design, user experience, and front-end web development with HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, and JavaScript. Students also learn about back-end software development, databases, and APIs. During the last four weeks of the program, participants work on a project for a real client.
Additionally, students can take advantage of career support services like portfolio building, interview and presentation coaching, and biweekly career workshops.
Burlington describes itself as an "outcomes-focused bootcamp," and works with more than 30 hiring partners. Burlington reports that 93% of its 2018 graduates found jobs, and the average starting salary for full-time employees was $78,000. Students can apply for a variety of scholarships targeting BIPOC individuals, LGBTQ+ community members, and women.
Claim Academy
- Locations: Remote, St. Louis
- Program Cost: $13,995
- Learning Formats: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
At Claim Academy, students learn full-stack programming skills in 12 weeks (for the full-time program) or 20 weeks (for the part-time program). Individuals may apply to the bootcamp without any coding experience, since the curriculum begins by discussing the fundamentals of object-oriented and functional programming. The bootcamp covers Java, C#, JavaScript, React, and software engineering best practices.
The program also includes career preparation and a mentorship program. Claim Academy reports that its graduates begin their career with an average salary of $67,000 in St. Louis.
Cleveland Codes
- Locations: Cleveland
- Program Cost: $8,500
- Learning Formats: In Person
- Time Commitment: Full Time
Cleveland Codes offers a 16-week information technology bootcamp that trains students in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, and object-oriented programming. The bootcamp also integrates technical interviewing skills and career development into its curriculum.
Bootcamp students also qualify to take the Microsoft Development Fundamentals Exam in order to receive the Microsoft Technology Associate certification. Students attend classes from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.
Code Fellows
- Locations: Remote, Seattle
- Program Cost: $12,000
- Learning Formats: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
Code Fellows offers a bootcamp concentrating on advanced full-stack software development using JavaScript. The program consists of 400 hours of instruction, and students can either participate in a 10-week daytime track or a 20-week nights and weekends track.
The curriculum consists of lectures, labs, coworking, and collaborative projects. Students learn how to build server-side and client-side applications using languages like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. During a dedicated project week, students work in teams to develop a prototype they can showcase during their job search. Code Fellows also integrates career transition services into its program, including mentorship opportunities and introductions to industry partners.
Cook Systems FastTrack
- Locations: Memphis
- Program Cost: $3,000
- Learning Formats: In Person
- Time Commitment: Full Time
Cook Systems is a company that focuses on labor solutions for IT organizations. Cook Systems offers the FastTrack bootcamp, which trains students in software development through an intensive eight-week curriculum. The bootcamp covers Java, JavaScript, React, Redux, HTML, CSS, and Node.js. The program culminates with a group project that allows students to showcase their skills.
Unlike some other bootcamps, FastTrack only accepts students with previous programming experience. Applicants must participate in an online quiz, a coding assessment, and an admission interview.
DeltaV Code School
- Locations: Cedar Rapids
- Program Cost: $5,000
- Learning Formats: In Person
- Time Commitment: Full Time
The four-week intermediate software development program at the DeltaV Code School covers skills like MVC, object-oriented programming, functional programming, and asynchronous programming. By the end of the program, students can build and launch web applications in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript using advanced frameworks.
DeltaV holds a partnership with Skills Fund to provide low-interest loans to students who need it. Military veterans and recent college graduates receive a 20% discount, and students can also apply for Diversity Tuition Awards.
devCodeCamp
- Locations: Remote
- Program Cost: $15,800
- Learning Formats: Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
The online software development bootcamp at devCodeCamp offers live remote training, allowing students to benefit from real-time virtual interactions with their instructors and classmates. In addition to live lectures, the bootcamp features one-on-one scheduled review sessions and small group meetings each day. Languages covered include C#, Python, JavaScript, SQL, and HTML. Students also create real-world projects as part of the curriculum.
The bootcamp also offers resume help, technical interview prep, and job search advice. Students also have the chance to connect with potential employers. Graduates have found jobs at major companies like JPMorgan Chase, Amazon, and Alaska Airlines.
Eleven Fifty Academy
- Locations: Remote, Indianapolis, Fishers
- Program Cost: $13,500
- Learning Formats: In Person
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
Eleven Fifty Academy's software development bootcamp lasts 12 weeks for full-time students and 26 weeks for part-time students. The bootcamp consists of several modules, starting with web programming fundamentals and then moving on to applied language skills, user experience, and advanced coding.
The bootcamp prioritizes immersive learning and portfolio development. Eleven Fifty Academy partners with local tech companies to connect students with potential employers. Students can take advantage of scholarships, loans, and payment plans to help them with the cost of tuition.
Microverse
- Locations: Remote
- Program Cost: $15,000
- Learning Formats: Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time
Microverse's full-time software development bootcamp lasts nine months, with students in class from 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. The intensive program covers HTML, CSS, Ruby, JavaScript, React, Redux, and data structures. The bootcamp emphasizes collaborative learning, including daily coding challenges with teams and partners.
According to data provided by Microverse, 97% of graduates find a job within six months of graduating. Microverse also reports that alumni make an average of three times their previous salaries.
The Tech Academy
- Locations: Remote, Denver, Portland, Salt Lake City, Seattle
- Program Cost: $18,640 (Full Time); $26,640 (Part Time)
- Learning Formats: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
The software development bootcamp at The Tech Academy lasts 22 weeks for full-time students and 40 weeks for part-time students. The program trains students in the languages of C#, Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and SQL. The curriculum consists of 1,000 hours of training, and includes two projects lasting two weeks each.
According to data reported to the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting, about 68% of graduates from The Tech Academy's 2019 online/remote web development bootcamp gained in-field employment within 180 days of completing the program. Survey respondents reported a median salary of $62,000.
We Can Code IT
- Locations: Remote, Cleveland, Columbus
- Program Cost: $13,900
- Learning Formats: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time
We Can Code IT emphasizes collaborative and project-based training. Students in the software development bootcamp learn languages like Java, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Bootcamp participants can finish the program in either 14 weeks while studying full time or 22 weeks while studying part time.
The program offers career services and helps students build portfolios. About 89% of students who complete the program find jobs within six months of graduation, according to We Can Code IT. The bootcamp also reports that students earn an average starting salary of $56,000.
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.
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.
What Is Software Development?
Software developers may build systems software (like operating systems) or create applications software. Developers often use languages such as JavaScript, Java, Python, and C to build usable and useful apps, websites, and other software.
In addition to building programs, software developers test those programs to make sure they function properly. These professionals also develop software upgrades to improve products that already exist. Some software programmers take on a more administrative role, planning software development products and instructing computer coders who build the product.
The field is similar to software engineering, but it does have some key distinctions. You can learn more about those differences by checking out this resource.
What Will I Learn in a Software Development Bootcamp?
Students in software development bootcamps generally develop their skills in languages like Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and SQL. They learn about database management, object-oriented programming, and working with APIs.
Bootcamps often require students to complete projects, either independently or with their classmates. Participants can add these projects to a professional portfolio and may present them to peers and industry professionals in a project showcase. Many bootcamps integrate job search skills into the curriculum, as well. This means that students learn how to create robust resumes, impress potential employers in tech interviews, and negotiate salaries.
What Jobs Can I Get After a Software Development Bootcamp?
Unsurprisingly, many software development bootcamp alumni aim to find jobs as software developers. These professionals often earn six-figure salaries, and the BLS reports that software developers took home a median salary of $107,510 in 2019.
The two highest-paying industries for software developers are software publishingand manufacturing. In software publishing, developers earned a median salary of $122,110 in 2019, while professionals in manufacturing made a median salary of $116,080.
Job opportunities for software developers continue to grow, as well. The BLS projects that the number of software developers will increase by 22% from 2019 to 2029—much faster than the average profession.
Other software development bootcamp graduates might use their skills to become web developers or computer programmers. According to BLS figures, web developers earned a median salary of $73,760 in 2019, while computer programmers made $86,550.
Frequently Asked Questions About Software Development Bootcamps
How much is a software development bootcamp?
The cost of software development bootcamps varies considerably. Even among programs on this list, the cost ranges from $3,000-$24,000. According to data collected by BestColleges in 2020 from over 620 bootcamp programs offered by about 130 bootcamp providers, the median bootcamp tuition was $13,500.
Some bootcamps publish free resources online. Although these resources can help students develop foundational skills or hone their abilities in a certain programming language, they're not enough to fully train students in software development.
Are software development bootcamps worth it?
The question of whether coding bootcamps are worth it largely depends on an individual's circumstances. One of the main selling points of bootcamps is that they offer career-focused training and support in finding a job after graduation. If you want to make a more informed decision about whether a certain bootcamp is right for you, ask the bootcamp for job placement and salary data for its graduates.
Is software development hard?
Software development bootcamps often feature a challenging curriculum. However, if you study hard, it's certainly a learnable craft. Over 1.4 million people worked as software developers in the U.S. as of 2019, according to the BLS.
Additional Resources
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 website at https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/index.asp.
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