Bootcamps With Money-Back Guarantees
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People eyeing a career change to a technical field may find that coding bootcamps provide a quick path to a new, lucrative career. These immersive programs help people learn skills in coding, web development, and UX design in a matter of months.
Bootcamps look to fill a critical need in the tech industry. Researchers with CompTIA estimated that about 700,000 jobs in information technology went unfilled in the U.S. in 2019. Bootcamps can tailor their curricula to cover in-demand skills and quickly pivot to meet industry needs.
However, many coding bootcamps come with a fairly steep price tag. According to data collected by BestColleges in 2020 from over 620 bootcamp programs offered by about 130 bootcamp providers, the average bootcamp cost $13,598.
Many full-time programs also require a significant investment of time each week, which can make it impossible to work full time while enrolled. Prospective bootcamp students may ask themselves if the investment is worth the potential reward.
Several providers have launched money-back guarantee bootcamps to help reassure students of the value of these programs. Bootcamps with money-back guarantees (sometimes called "job guarantees") promise to return your tuition if you do not find a job in your field within a specific time frame after graduation.
Bootcamps with money-back guarantees (sometimes called “job guarantees”) promise to return your tuition if you do not find a job in your field within a specific time frame after graduation.
Remember to check each program's guarantee requirements carefully. Many guarantee programs require you to apply to a set number of positions each week or live within a specific geographic area. Also, be sure how the bootcamp defines "job." Does the bootcamp consider contract or part-time work a job under the guarantee? Does the bootcamp specify that the job needs to be related to your training?
Below, you can read more about bootcamps with money-back guarantees and find answers to commonly asked questions about bootcamps with this kind of program.
Bootcamps With Money-Back Guarantees
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.
Awesome Inc
- Location: Lexington
- Programs Starting At: $11,500
- Technical Disciplines: Web Development
- Learning Format: Hybrid
- Time Commitment: Full Time
Awesome Inc offers coding education for youth and adults, providing more than 13,000 hours of classroom instruction in 2019. Its web development bootcamp focuses on full-stack development, emphasizing real-world projects and technical skills development. Its money-back guarantee provides a refund if you uphold certain job search requirements but do not receive a job offer within six months of graduation.
Codeup
- Location: Remote, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio
- Programs Starting At: $27,500
- Technical Disciplines: Data Science, Web Development
- Learning Format: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time
Codeup's 22-week coding bootcamps cover full-stack web development and data science. While Codeup launched in 2013 with in-person intensive learning sessions, students can now complete the programs 100% online. The online learning format includes synchronous instruction and provides interaction with instructors and classmates.
Developer Day, which serves as graduation day, allows students to showcase their work to their instructors and potential employers. Career coaches work with students, helping them craft resumes and build profiles.
According to data verified by the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting, about 89% of Codeup's 2019 San Antonio graduates found work within 180 days of graduation. Additionally, about 64% of graduates were employed full time, and these workers reported a median pay of around $44,500.
Coding Bootcamps for You
Coding Temple
- Location: Remote, Chicago, Dallas
- Programs Starting At: $9,500
- Technical Disciplines: Data Science, Web Development
- Learning Format: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
Coding Temple provides training in web development and data science in just 10 weeks. Instructors bring industry experience to small classes and use hands-on projects to teach industry-focused skills.
This money-back guarantee bootcamp features dedicated career counseling with weekly check-ins. Even after graduates land their first job, the career team stays in touch with alumni, letting them know about job opportunities that could help them take the next step forward professionally.
Designlab
- Location: Remote
- Programs Starting At: $6,249
- Technical Disciplines: UX/UI Design
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
Designlab's user experience design curriculum consists of an eight-week foundations course, a 15-week UX academy, and six months of career services. Students complete real-world projects and learn to use industry-standard software. They also put together a design portfolio and participate in interview prep sessions. Additionally, participants benefit from one-on-one calls with a design mentor. To qualify for this bootcamp's money-back guarantee, students must live within commuting distance of an eligible city.
The Grace Hopper Program
- Location: Chicago, New York City
- Programs Starting At: $17,910
- Technical Disciplines: Web Development
- Learning Format: Hybrid
- Time Commitment: Full Time
In cooperation with Fullstack Academy, the Grace Hopper Program offers an immersive coding education for women. A four-week preparation course builds foundational coding skills before students begin attending on-campus classes in New York or Chicago.
Students spend the next 13 weeks completing projects, attending lectures, and working with mentors. Career support services include networking opportunities, interview preparation assistance, and tips on negotiating salary.
According to data verified by the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting, about 84% of Grace Hopper's 2019 New York City graduates found employment in their field within 180 days of graduation. These alumni reported a median salary of $90,000.
Launch School
- Location: Remote
- Programs Starting At: $199/month
- Technical Disciplines: Software Engineering
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Self-Paced
Launch School focuses on teaching software development fundamentals. Founded by experienced software engineers, the program uses a mastery-based learning system that requires students to master specific skills before moving forward. The program also includes a capstone project. Launch School offers a deferred payment program. After graduation, students who cannot get a job making at least $60,000 will pay nothing.
Momentum
- Location: Remote
- Programs Starting At: $17,500
- Technical Disciplines: Software Engineering
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time
Momentum instructors developed the 16-week software engineering bootcamp with career placement in mind. The curriculum is broken into four-week sections covering the basics of web development, back-end development, advanced front-end and back-end development, and Agile development practices. Graduates work one-on-one with career services to find tech jobs. The bootcamp also maintains relationships with tech companies in and around Durham, North Carolina.
Springboard
- Location: Remote
- Programs Starting At: $6,900
- Technical Disciplines: Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Data Science, Software Engineering, UX/UI Design
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Self-Paced
Springboard offers part-time tech bootcamps that can help graduates begin a new career in 6-9 months. The online format offers flexible, self-paced learning with a project-based curriculum. Students work with an advisor, mentor, and career coach throughout their bootcamp. In addition to providing a money-back guarantee, Springboard also offers a deferred tuition program that allows students to pay a flat tuition fee only after landing a new job.
Thinkful
- Location: Remote
- Programs Starting At: $7,990
- Technical Disciplines: Data Analytics, Data Science, Software Engineering, UX/UI Design
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
Thinkful combines hands-on learning and career mentorship in its money-back guarantee bootcamps. Immersion programs require 50-60 hours of study each week, with students completing their course in 4-5 months. Flex programs offer six-month courses and require a commitment of 25-30 hours each week. Student support includes a dedicated career coach, academic success manager, and peer network.
According to data reviewed by the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting, about 84% of Thinkful's 2019 engineering flex graduates found work in their field within 180 days of completion. These graduates reported a median 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 Money-Back Guarantee Bootcamps
How much do coding bootcamps cost?
Data collected by BestColleges showed that coding bootcamps charged a median tuition of $13,500 in 2020, though some charged $20,000 or more. Part-time programs typically charged less, with a median tuition of about $12,000.
But tuition only makes up a portion of the overall cost of attending a coding bootcamp. You also need a computer and possibly other equipment. Additionally, full-time programs often require 50 or more hours of study each week, so you need to think about how you're going to cover your living expenses during your program. If you need to relocate for an in-person program, consider those costs, as well.
Can you get financial aid for coding bootcamps?
Most coding bootcamps do not hold regional or national accreditation, making these programs ineligible for federal financial aid programs. However, some programs do qualify for GI Bill funding.
Bootcamp providers understand the cost of a coding bootcamp can pose a barrier to students. Many offer additional payment options, such as scholarships, deferred tuition plans, and income share agreements. Several companies also offer private loans specifically for bootcamp students.
Are coding bootcamps worth it?
Many employers need people with the skills you can gain in a coding bootcamp. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for computer and information technology professionals will grow by 11% from 2019-2029, which is much higher than the average projected growth across all occupations (4%). Some tech jobs have an even higher projected growth rate during that time frame, such as software developers (22%).
However, the bootcamp space remains a largely unregulated industry. You should carefully evaluate your potential program's curriculum and talk to program graduates to obtain more information. If the bootcamp belongs to the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting, you can also investigate third-party-verified student outcome data, such as job placement rates and graduates' typical starting salaries.
Additional Resources
Editor's Note: This article contains general information and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a professional advisor before making decisions about financial issues.
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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