Online Software Engineering Bootcamps
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Software engineering has become a popular career path for those looking to enter the tech industry. The field offers great job prospects; in fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the software developer profession to grow by 22% between 2019 and 2029. Software developers often earn six-figure salaries, with these professionals making a median annual income of $107,510 according to the BLS.
For many, going into computer science -- especially for career switchers -- can seem daunting. Investing four years and tens of thousands of dollars into a college education is a considerable commitment. That is one reason why coding bootcamps are becoming an increasingly popular way to enter the tech industry.
Bootcamps often come with a lower price tag, and many allow students to complete their training in 3-4 months. Participating in a software engineering bootcampz online also provides students with a certain amount of flexibility. When enrolled in an online bootcamp, students do not need to travel to attend class, and they can often continue to work while studying.
If a remote bootcamp appeals to you, explore our list of the best online software engineering bootcamps below.
Online Software Engineering Bootcamps
Note: 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for more information on current program availability and future program formats once health and safety precautions are no longer in effect.
4Geeks Academy
- Cost: $9,499
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
Founded in 2016 and based in Miami, 4Geeks Academy offers bootcamps in the U.S., as well as Spanish-language programs in countries like Spain and Costa Rica. The software engineering track lasts 15 weeks, including a four-week final project. The curriculum assumes that incoming students have some foundational knowledge in programming.
The bootcamp offers lifelong career support, a 1-to-5 teacher-to-student ratio, unlimited mentoring, and interview prep. Over 85% of students find jobs within 100 days of graduating, according to 4Geeks Academy data. Alumni have gone on to work at places like Facebook, Microsoft, and National Geographic.
Software Engineering Bootcamps for You
Claim Academy
- Cost: $13,998
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
Based in St. Louis, Claim Academy offers several online software engineering bootcamps lasting 12-20 weeks. Students can choose between software engineering bootcamps that focus on full-stack Java development, full-stack C# and .NET development, or front-end JavaScript development. Regardless of which focus you choose, the curriculum will cover topics like object-oriented and functional programming, software engineering best practices, and technical project management and communication.
Claim Academy students can participate in mock interviews to help them prepare for their job search. Women and veterans automatically receive $500 scholarships to go toward their tuition, and students can apply for additional scholarships as well.
Code Fellows
- Cost: $5,000 (Part Time); $12,000 (Full Time)
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
Code Fellows, based in Seattle, facilitates an online software engineering bootcamp that consists of four main courses. The courses teach students about beginning and advanced topics, including advanced frameworks and libraries. Learners can also take advantage of tutoring services. The curriculum incorporates 40 hours of career coaching, which helps students build their personal brand and practice their networking skills.
Code Fellows offers several financing plans, and students can also apply for scholarships. The scholarship fund is need-based, covering up to 70% of expenses for recipients.
Codesmith
- Cost: $18,800
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
Codesmith's online software engineering bootcamp covers front-end and back-end development, and the curriculum features machine learning, Python, and data science libraries. Students build open-source projects during the bootcamp, which they can present to potential employers.
Codesmith's career services include a mock interview day, a networking day, and postgraduate support. Graduates of the program have gone on to work at Google, Amazon, and LinkedIn. The bootcamp grants several scholarships to women, minorities in tech, LGBTQ+ students, and veterans, in addition to other opportunities for which all students can apply.
Coding Dojo
- Cost: $6,995 (Part Time); $14,995 (Full Time)
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
At Coding Dojo, students can enroll in software development programs lasting 14-16 weeks -- either online or on campus. Bootcamp participants do not need to have previous programming experience; the curriculum covers foundational computer science in addition to JavaScript, jQuery, Flask, and many other languages and tools.
Coding Dojo offers an income share agreement and partial scholarships, and it partners with Skills Fund to provide student loans. The bootcamp reports that 89% of its graduates find employment within six months, and these professionals make an average starting salary of $76,500.
devCodeCamp
- Cost: $15,800
- Time Commitment: Full Time
The online software development bootcamp at devCodeCamp lasts 13 weeks and teaches students through live remote instruction. Students meet virtually from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST every week day, listening to lectures, conducting group discussions, and participating in one-on-one review sessions. Learners also create real-world projects to practice their programming skills, wireframing, and prototyping.
In addition, devCodeCamp instructors help students craft their resumes, prepare for interviews, and connect with potential employers. About 86% of engineers who graduated from 2016-2018 found employment in a technology field, with a median starting income of $52,000, according to an independent audit.
Flatiron School
- Cost: $17,000
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time, Self-Paced
Flatiron School runs its software engineering bootcamp in several major cities across the U.S., as well as online. The full program lasts 15 weeks, taking students through programming fundamentals, web frameworks, JavaScript, and front-end frameworks. Students work on group projects throughout the program and then spend three weeks on solo projects before they graduate.
Learners receive individual career coaching, and they can take advantage of Flatiron School's employer network. About 84% of online software engineering graduates found employment within 180 days of graduating, according to Flatiron's 2019 jobs report. Graduates of the online program earned an average full-time salary of around $71,000.
Galvanize
- Cost: $17,980
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
Galvanize offers its software engineering program with Hack Reactor, another well-known bootcamp that Galvanize acquired in 2018.
Students have the option of following either a full-time or part-time schedule. The part-time option lasts 36 weeks and occurs online, while the full-time option follows a 12-week schedule and usually happens on campus. However, Galvanize has moved its on-campus programs online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students learn about computer science fundamentals, full-stack JavaScript, and application design and development.
Galvanize also incorporates career coaching and a job search within its curriculum, and graduates of the program have gone on to work at organizations like LinkedIn, Microsoft, and NASA. Students can take advantage of the bootcamp's income share agreement, or they can apply for a full-tuition scholarship.
Hack Reactor
- Cost: $17,980
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
Offered in collaboration with Galvanize, Hack Reactor's online software engineering bootcamp can be taken as a full-time or part-time program. Beginners without any programming experience can start with a preparation course that takes 5-7 weeks, while those with a background in coding can jump straight into the 12-week immersive bootcamp that covers full-stack JavaScript. Students dedicate their final week of the program to career services.
According to data verified by the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting, about 73% of graduates from Hack Reactor's 2019 full-time online software engineering bootcamp gained employment within 180 days of completing the program, and these professionals reported a median starting salary of $80,000. For graduates of the 2019 part-time online program, about 64% found jobs within that time period, and these professionals earned a median starting salary of $87,950.
Kenzie Academy
- Cost: $20,000
- Time Commitment: Full Time
Kenzie Academy runs an intensive, full-time software engineering bootcamp lasting nine months. Students spend six months on front-end development and three months on back-end development. Students gain familiarity with tools and languages like JavaScript, HTML, MongoDB, and Django, and they also receive instruction in resume building and job interviewing.
Programs launch four times throughout the year, and students can join live online program sessions or attend class in person at the bootcamp's Indianapolis campus. Upon completing the program, graduates obtain a dual certificate from Kenzie Academy and Butler University. They may also receive credits from Western Governors University if they wish to turn their bootcamp experience into university transfer credits.
Microverse
- Cost: $15,000
- Time Commitment: Full Time
The full-time online software engineering bootcamp at Microverse lasts 12 months. Microverse pairs new students with more experienced student mentors.
As a part of the curriculum, students receive over 900 hours of technical instruction covering areas like HTML, Ruby, and JavaScript. They also spend 150 hours on algorithms and data structures, 80 hours developing professional skills, and 65 hours on interview prep.
Microverse reports that 97% of its graduates find a job within six months of completing the program.
Momentum
- Cost: $18,200
- Time Commitment: Full Time
Momentum's 16-week online software engineering bootcamp equips students with skills in front-end, back-end, and agile development. The bootcamp facilitates a mentorship program, and offers one-on-one career support for its learners.
Momentum reports that 90% of its graduates receive a job offer, and alumni earn an average annual starting salary of $65,700. Momentum graduates have found employment at Credit Suisse, Duke University, and IBM. If graduates do not receive a job offer within nine months, Momentum promises to refund tuition costs.
Noble Desktop
- Cost: $9,995
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
Based in New York City, Noble Desktop offers several bootcamps and certificate programs in various specializations. The software engineering certificate involves 282 hours of instruction, and it prepares students to become software engineers or full-stack developers. Students learn how to use front-end languages and tools such as JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and React, as well as back-end languages and tools like Python, Django, and Node.js.
The full-time program features instruction from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, and students can attend class in person or online. Graduates may also retake the course for free within one year.
Springboard
- Cost: $6,900
- Time Commitment: Self-Paced
Springboard runs multiple bootcamps, including a nine-month software engineering program. Students need a basic understanding of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS before beginning the bootcamp. Students complete two full-stack capstone projects, which they can feature in their professional portfolio.
The final module of the program focuses on career coaching, which includes networking advice and mock interviews. Students also work with a professional mentor throughout the program. Graduates have gone one to work at Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Springboard offers refunds for graduates who do not find a job within six months.
Thinkful
- Cost: $9,500 (Part Time); $16,000 (Full Time)
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
Software engineering students at Thinkful can follow two different pathways. The engineering immersive option requires intensive, full-time study, with students dedicating 50-60 hours per week to their learning. This track lasts five months.
Alternatively, students can enroll in the engineering flex option, which allows for a more flexible, part-time schedule and lasts six months. Thinkful pairs learners with mentors for one-on-one guidance, and students can also work with career coaches.
According to data verified by the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting, about 86% of graduates from Thinkful's 2019 online engineering immersion bootcamp and 84% of graduates from that year's online engineering flex bootcamp gained employment within 180 days of completing their program. Alumni of both programs reported a median starting salary of $60,000.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Software Engineering Bootcamps
Are there in-person software engineering bootcamps?
Yes. Many bootcamp providers offer in-person software engineering bootcamps. These bootcamps are usually found in medium-sized and large cities, so you may need to travel to class if you live in a small town. However, keep in mind that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many of these in-person bootcamps to move to online formats until it is safe to meet in large groups once again.
Are software engineering bootcamps worth it?
Although online software engineering bootcamps are not for everyone, they are worth the cost and time commitment for many aspiring programmers. Some students prefer the accelerated pace of bootcamps to the slower pace of a traditional four-year computer science or engineering degree program. This short but intense timeframe can be especially appealing for those hoping to switch careers.
Additionally, the majority of employers find bootcamp graduates just as prepared as college degree-holders, according to a 2017 Indeed survey. Many bootcamps collect data about their graduates' employment rates and salaries, and the Council for Integrity in Results Reporting also provides audited student outcomes for its member bootcamps. Look into these statistics before enrolling in a bootcamp to make an informed decision about whether a bootcamp is worth it for you.
Is coding hard?
This depends on who you ask. It also depends on your previous experience and your technical aptitude. If you enjoy working with numbers and problem-solving, you probably won't find learning to code too difficult.
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: Luis Alvarez / DigitalVision / Getty Images
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