What is an Online Coding Bootcamp?
An online coding bootcamp is a short term training program that develops technical skill sets in computer programming and web development. You could expect to learn programming languages such as JavaScript, CSS, Python, HTML and Ruby as well as full stack web development. You typically may not need prior knowledge of these languages when you start.
The top coding bootcamps focus on specific job skills vs general education coursework. So, they tend to be faster and more affordable than a traditional four year college degree. According to Career Karma, over 42% of bootcamps’ tuition are between $10,000 and $15,000.
If enrolling sounds like a practical option, you aren’t alone. Career Karma reports that 20.59% of all bootcamp graduates in 2019 were online students. That’s about 6,995 bootcamp grads and the number is on the rise.
How Do You Choose the Perfect Online Bootcamp?
The best online coding bootcamp for you could be based on your schedule, learning needs and career goals. Here are several things to consider and compare when searching for online coding bootcamps.
Curriculum
Bootcamps tend to be intense and structured with courses that fit different levels of experience. As a rule, they cover computer science concepts but the content varies in each program. One may highlight user experience, another marketing or game design.
Mentors and Instructors
Some programs feature lectures taught by instructors as well as mentor guided learning. You could also find an online classroom experience where you team up with other students. Make sure the crew is reputable and that the class size allows for the attention you require.
Cost and Return on Investment
Bootcamps may offer scholarships or monthly payment plans. But if you don’t have a job you’ll want to assess cost vs potential salary for your chosen career path.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers earned a median annual wage of $110,140 in May 2020. Web developers earned a median annual wage of $77,200 in May 2020. According to Career Karma, the average tuition for online coding bootcamps is around $14,623 while more expensive options were around $20,000.
Bottom line, try to build in demand skills to have the potential for a pay off. You could also check where bootcamp graduates work and see if that’s what you’re aiming for.
Type of Online Bootcamp
A few types of online bootcamp formats exist. Self paced bootcamps are where you log in on your own time. Live streaming sessions that take place in real time and tend to be interactive. Hybrid courses blend time on campus with remote learning. Look for one that delivers the lessons in a style that could keep you motivated.
Job Assistance and Placement
Some bootcamps may offer a personal guide, career coach and academic success manager. This support could help you with a job search but not necessarily job placement. If you want to pursue a new career, you may seek a program that offers lots of support with resume help and job assistance.
Program Length
Shorter full time programs may take at least 8 weeks and could require about 20 hours of study time per week. A part time online coding bootcamp may take longer but might entail fewer hours of study time per week.
Bootcamp Credentials
Some coding schools with bootcamps are CIRR verified. CIRR is the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting. Member schools are up front with outcomes and standards.
Selective Application Process
Coding bootcamps may interview prospective applicants to see how prepared and motivated you are. They may also suggest you take a prep course (the App Academy has one) to bring your coding skills up to speed.
30 Best Online Coding Bootcamps of 2022
To help you find the best coding bootcamp for you, we curated a list of 30 online coding bootcamps that are available in 2022. Many schools have several program options so see which one sounds the most appealing. You could also read peer reviews to gain another point of view.
Compare the various online coding programs. They range widely. Some teach full stack web development. Others are very concentrated. Many provide job placement options. Some are more immersive in their online courses than others are. The perfect coding programs create a strong skill set. They may also offer a capstone or portfolio development opportunity. Classroom experience matters to many students as well.
When choosing them, select those that offer the computer science concepts best suited for long term career growth. More advanced technical skills and training programs may yield better salary outcomes. Data science bootcamp and cybersecurity courses exist in programs.
1. App Academy
App Academy is a coding school that offers online and in person programs. They have a live online program that focuses on developing full-stack web developer skills in 16 weeks.
Each week covers a new topic and you spend time starting and finishing a project for practical experience. The day begins with a lecture from a technical instructor who also does a Q&A. After a lunch break, you pair up with a classmate to problem solve. Then have a group review later in the afternoon to solidify learning and build relationships.
Length: 16 weeks
Type of Support: Daily support from teaching assistants who’ve graduated from the program. You also meet 1:1 with a career coach to help you prepare for a job search.
Curriculum: JavaScript, Ruby on Rails, SQL, HTML, CSS, Data Structures, Algorithms
Career Prep / Certification: Certificate of Completion
2022 Cost: $995-$3,795
Location: Online, New York City, San Francisco
Bootcamp Courses Offered:
- Software Development
- Data Science
- Full Stack Web Development
- Full Stack Web Development
- Catalyst Software Development
- Post Graduate Program in Full Stack Web Development
- Software Engineering
- Data Science
- Cyber Security Engineering or Analytics
- Software Engineering Program with Amazon Technical Academy
- UX Design
- Full Stack Web Development
- Data Science
- Free Mini Code Bootcamp
- Back End Development
- Professional Development Courses
- Remote Live Online Data Science
- Development
- Project Management
- Marketing and Communication
- Business
- Data
- Human Resources
- Design
- Create web projects with JavaScript
- Use React, a popular JavaScript library
- Write backend Ruby code
- Web applications development
- Create Ruby on Rails applications
- Integrate React with Ruby on Rails
- Query a database that uses and stores information
- Intro to Web Development
- Java
- Digital Coding Badges
- Cyber Security
- Mobile App Developer
- Software Developer
- Game Developer
- Java Script Developer
- Java and Android Developer
- C# and .Net Framework
- Python Developer
- Data Science
- UI /UX Designer
- Front End Web Developer
- Software engineering
- Data Science
- Data Analytics
- UX / UI Design
- Digital Marketing
- Product Management
- Technical Project Management
- Back End Web Development
- Full Stack Web Development
- Front End Web Development
- 16 Week Software Engineering Immersive
- 24 Week Software Engineering Immersive
- Bootcamp Prep Live or Self Paced
- App Academy Open (free courses)