When people think of tech hubs, areas like Silicon Valley or New York City probably come to mind. However, Atlanta has asserted itself as one of the top tech cities of the country. In 2016, Atlanta's net tech employment was 250,317, with another 27,500 jobs projected by 2022 — over 10% projected growth from 2016 to 2022. CompTIA ranks Atlanta as the fourth best city for tech jobs.
Coding and programming bootcamps in Atlanta help prepare local residents for the expanding tech industry. They pack extensive information and hands-on activities into a few months of classes, helping learners launch tech careers.
This article explores some of the top Atlanta coding classes. Keep reading to discover what these programs offer, how much they cost, and what jobs graduates can land.
What Are Bootcamps in Atlanta Like?
With increasing digitization of business and everyday tasks, bootcamps have become increasingly popular as a way for people to learn marketable tech skills. RTI Press reported 28 bootcamp programs in the Atlanta metropolitan area as of 2019 — a number on par with areas ilke Austin, and Boston, which offered 29 and 31 bootcamps respectively.
Similar to bootcamps nationwide, Atlanta coding bootcamps typically last 3-11 months. Length varies by program and learning format. Some bootcamps run part time, while others require enrollees to study full time.
Atlanta coding classes typically occur online, although some bootcamps provide in-person options. Others — like DigitalCrafts — offer hybrid learning formats. Ada Developers Academy also takes a unique approach, offering online classes with in-person internships.
Standout features of Atlanta programming bootcamps include an emphasis on empowering groups historically underrepresented in tech. Specifically, Per Scholars and Ada Developers Academy aim to remove financial barriers for learners, including marginalized student populations. This promotes diversity in the tech industry.
Many Atlanta bootcamps boast positive career outcomes. For example, both Ada Developers Academy and General Assembly report placement rates over 90%. According to Per Scholas, many of their graduates also report salary increases after completing bootcamps.
Atlanta bootcamps — even those with university affiliation — differ from traditional associate or bachelor's degrees. They are composed of shorter, career-focused curricula designed to help students learn specific skills and qualify for entry-level tech jobs.
What Will a Bootcamp in Atlanta Cost?
With the exception of several tuition-free programs, the cost for Atlanta-based bootcamps is similar to prices across the country. Students typically pay $10,000-$16,000 in tuition, though some institutions charge prices above and below this range.
Prospective enrollees should also consider potential costs for materials, such as required hardware or software. Beginner coders can also take preparatory courses to develop their skills before enrolling in a more advanced program. Though some providers charge for these prep classes, other bootcamps offer them for free.
To help students cover tuition, bootcamps offer the following payment options:
- Upfront Payment: Learners pay the entire cost at once, potentially avoiding added interest costs.
- Installment Plans: Some bootcamps allow students to pay tuition in monthly payments for the program's duration.
- Income Share Agreements (ISAs): Enrollees make monthly payments after the bootcamp concludes. Depending on the agreement, repayment may begin after graduates land jobs or earn salaries above a predetermined threshold. Some ISAs require a deposit.
- Personal Loans: Bootcamps may offer financing options through lenders like Climb. Loans typically require repayment with interest.
- Scholarships: Many Atlanta bootcamps provide scholarships, especially for military personnel and members of underrepresented groups in tech. University-affiliated bootcamps may also provide scholarships.
Get more details about bootcamp costs Learn how to pay for a coding bootcamp Explore financial aid and scholarship options Use the GI Bill® to pay for a coding bootcamp
Jobs for Coding Program Graduates in Atlanta
According to a March 2022 report from CompTIA, over 270,000 Atlanta-area residents work in tech as of 2020 — the tenth highest area in the nation for tech employment. Atlanta bootcamp graduates can work as programmers, systems engineers, and network architects. With experience, they can also land jobs as IT project managers or move into emerging tech positions.
Explore several popular tech occupations for Atlanta residents below.
Software Engineers
Software engineering is one of the most popular Atlanta tech occupations. According to CompTIA, 47,839 people in Atlanta work in software, programming, web development, and quality assurance as of 2021. Software engineers help develop system-wide tech solutions. They combine engineering and coding knowledge to develop computer programs. Some of these professionals work primarily with application software, while others focus on system networks.
IT Support Specialists
In Atlanta, 17,954 people work as IT support specialists and repair technicians as of 2021, per CompTIA data. Some professionals work primarily with computer networks, troubleshooting problems and performing maintenance checks. Others work directly with computer users, helping them identify and solve issues. They may also help train company employees on new software or hardware.
Information Security Analysts
According to CompTIA, cybersecurity and systems engineering ranks as the second most popular Atlanta tech occupation, with 18,428 employees as of 2021. As cybersecurity professionals, information security analysts monitor network systems for vulnerabilities and potential security breaches. They install protective software, create new security standards, and suggest security improvements.
Network Engineers
As of 2021, 16,409 Atlanta residents work as networking engineers and architects, per CompTIA data. These professionals build network infrastructures like cloud networks, wireless networks, and wide area networks. They also help maintain these networks by identifying weaknesses, troubleshooting problems, and updating equipment.
Database Administrators
According to CompTIA data, 6,344 people are employed in database and data science positions in Atlanta as of 2021. Specifically, database administrators create and maintain systems to store company data. These professionals' responsibilities may overlap with cybersecurity roles, as databases often contain private information. Database administrators must ensure sensitive data remains confidential.
Other Computer Science Education Options
Bootcamps are just one educational path for people seeking tech careers. The intensive, fast-paced approach may not fit everyone's schedule or learning style. Before choosing the best coding bootcamps for you, consider other education options, including traditional degree programs.
Associate and bachelor's degrees in computer science typically take longer than a standard bootcamp. However, they cover more material and allow students to choose their classes. A college degree may qualify graduates for a wider array of jobs than bootcamps do.
The BLS reports many employers in the information technology industry expect professionals to hold a bachelor's degree. However, some workplaces may value skills and experience more than a college degree.
Learners can also start their professional journey by completing a bootcamp, pursuing a degree later in their career. Workers with degrees in other fields can also complete a bootcamp to enter the tech industry.
Ultimately, the best option depends on each student's needs. Explore these educational opportunities below.
Associate Degree in Computer Science
Similar to a bootcamp, associate degrees help individuals quickly launch a career. However, they last longer than bootcamps, typically taking two years of full-time study. Graduates can often apply coursework from their associate degree toward a bachelor's degree.
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
Many jobs — including those in the tech industry — still expect entry-level candidates to hold a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's in computer science generally takes four years of full-time study and covers a more comprehensive curriculum than a bootcamp or associate degree.
Master's Degree in Computer Science
Master's programs, which typically require 1-2 years of full-time study, can help people land higher-paying positions and more advanced roles. Computer science professionals can complete these graduate-level degrees to specialize their knowledge. Workers with bachelor's degrees can also use a master's degree in computer science to transition into the tech industry.
Ph.D. in Computer Science
A Ph.D. in computer science generally takes 3-5 years of full-time study. Because doctoral degrees are typically research-intensive, they prepare enrollees for advanced academic and research positions.
Explore Other Coding Bootcamps
Coding bootcamps offer many different specializations. In addition to general programs, some bootcamps focus on topics like cybersecurity, UX/UI design, mobile app development, or software engineering. Learners might also consider coding bootcamps in other cities, like the ones listed below.
Top Coding Bootcamps in Atlanta for 2022
As Atlanta grows as a tech hub, more bootcamps continue to emerge in the area. Each bootcamp on this page offers localized support and career guidance for Atlanta residents.
Explore the alphabetical list below of the top five Atlanta coding programs. These bootcamps last 3-11 months, depending on the format. Whether online or on-campus, the following intensive programs can help you launch a tech career.
Ada Developers Academy
Named after mathematician Ada Lovelace, Ada Developers Academy serves women and gender-expansive individuals. The academy promotes inclusion by supporting historically underrepresented groups and low-income applicants.
Ada Core
Before beginning these Atlanta coding classes, all accepted students must complete a six-week precourse. They review Python coding basics, like functions, control flow, and iterations.
Learners spend the next six months learning full-stack web development with their cohort. They develop skills with JavaScript, SQL, HTML, and CSS. The activity-based learning and capstone project prepares students for a five-month paid internship in Atlanta.
Students receive holistic support throughout the program. Ada Developers Academy offers therapy, affinity groups, computers, mentors, and childcare.
- Cost: Free
- Format: Full time; online with in-person internship
- Length: 11 months
- CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by Ada Developers Academy
Ada Build Live Ada Build Accelerate
Ada Developers Academy's Job Placement Assistance
Ada Developers Academy reports a 94% job placement rate for core program graduates. After the internship portion, graduates receive support through career coaching, interview practice, and networking opportunities.
Visit Website Emory University
This Atlanta-based university partners with Fullstack Academy to offer online tech bootcamps. Emory welcomes bootcamp applicants regardless of their enrollment status.
Emory Coding Bootcamp
This beginner-friendly Atlanta coding class includes three phases: web foundations, front-end development, and back-end and full-stack development. Learners dive into a comprehensive JavaScript curriculum.
After learning the basics, they explore topics like DOM, encryption, and single-page applications. Practical, collaborative projects allow students to build their professional portfolios.
Emory offers many opportunities for its remote learners to develop a tech community. It hosts mixers, learning team lunches, and alumni events. The university also provides scheduling flexibility through part-time and full-time delivery options.
- Cost: $12,495
- Format: Online; full time or part time
- Length: 12 weeks (full time); 26 weeks (part time)
- CIRR Member: Yes
Other Courses Offered by Emory University
Emory Cyber Bootcamp Emory DevOps Bootcamp Cybersecurity 101 Intro to Coding
Emory University's Job Placement Assistance
Students receive support from Fullstack Academy's career service team, which helps pair graduates and job openings. Learners can also attend workshops and request interview support.
Visit Website General Assembly
Since its founding in 2011, General Assembly has become a global tech education leader. The organization maintains over 30 locations worldwide, including a campus in Atlanta, Georgia.
Software Engineering Immersive
Although classes currently occur online, Atlanta bootcamp enrollees can join an online Atlanta-based community. They can also connect with the global alumni network.
Collaboration forms a core part of the curriculum. Students use project management tools like Agile and GitHub to complete team assignments and carry projects through the software development life cycle.
The curriculum begins with software engineering fundamentals pre-work, then moves into four main units. Enrollees explore front-end development and frameworks. They also learn APIs and full-stack development.
- Cost: $15,950
- Format: Online; full time
- Length: 12 weeks
- CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by General Assembly
Data Analytics Immersive Data Science Immersive User Experience Design Immersive Digital Marketing Front-End Web Development JavaScript Development Product Management Python Programming React Development Visual Design
General Assembly's Job Placement Assistance
General Assembly reports a 95.7% job placement rate for 2020 immersive bootcamp graduates. Over 74% landed a job within six months. During the bootcamp, students practice interview techniques, build portfolios, and begin networking.
Visit Website Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Tech offers over 600 bootcamps and courses through its global campus, Georgia Tech Professional Education. It has three campuses, including two Atlanta locations and a campus in Savannah. Current in-person bootcamp classes occur at the Curiosity Lab in Peachtree Corners.
Georgia Tech Coding Bootcamp
This coding bootcamp, powered by Trilogy Education Services, prepares enrollees to become full-stack developers. The curriculum includes topics like databases, deployment, quality assurance, and API design.
Students complete three core phases, starting with coding foundations like HTML and CSS. They practice skills like writing Node.js server code, creating single-page applications, and improving app performance.
Upon completion, graduates can continue their education by studying Python, AWS, and C#. They can gain more experience and further develop their portfolios.
- Cost: $10,000
- Format: Online or in person; full time or part time
- Length: 12 weeks (full time); 24 weeks (part time)
- CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech Data Science and Analytics Bootcamp Georgia Tech Cyber and Network Security Bootcamp Georgia Tech UX/UI Bootcamp Georgia Tech Digital Marketing Bootcamp Georgia Tech Product Management Bootcamp
Georgia Tech's Job Placement Assistance
Georgia Tech offers interview preparation, career coaching, and job search advice. Bootcamp graduates can also attend professional workshops and receive specific job referrals.
Visit Website Per Scholas
Per Scholas has provided tuition-free technical training for more than 25 years to support traditionally underrepresented people in the tech industry. The company maintains over 20 campuses nationwide, including a location in Atlanta.
Cybersecurity
Per Scholas' cybersecurity bootcamp prepares learners for the CompTIA CySA+ certification exam. The curriculum starts with fundamentals like network security, Linux basics, and firewall training. Students then spend five weeks focusing on CySA+ exam training before completing a week of practice tests.
Most weeks also include professional development training. Topics cover communication, marketing, and financial skills. The final two weeks include a capstone project and exam prep.
- Cost: Free
- Format: Full time; online
- Length: 15 weeks
- CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by Per Scholas
Software Engineer It Support Full-Stack Java Developer Data Engineer
Per Scholas' Job Placement Assistance
Per Scholas reports a 320% increase in graduates' income. Each program includes professional skills development to prepare students for the workplace and job search process. Per Scholas also provides professional connections for networking.
Visit WebsiteFAQ About Bootcamp Coding Programs in Atlanta
Are coding bootcamps in Atlanta expensive?
The prices for Atlanta-based bootcamps are comparable to those in other U.S. cities. They typically range from $10,000-$16,000, but many offer scholarships and financing options. A few Atlanta bootcamps even provide tuition-free programs.
Are coding programs in Atlanta worth it?
Determine your learning style and goals before enrolling in a bootcamp. Coding programs require commitment because of their fast-paced, intensive curriculum. These bootcamps can help learners land positions in tech with career coaching and marketable skills.
Can I go to a bootcamp in Atlanta if I live somewhere else?
Some bootcamps only accept students in the Atlanta area, especially those that require in-person classes or internships. Others allow people to join online classes from anywhere or have multiple campus locations.
Will coding bootcamps in Atlanta help me find a job?
Most Atlanta bootcamps offer job placement assistance. Students often receive help building portfolios, writing resumes, and preparing for interviews. They may also participate in networking events and career-focused workshops.
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