15 Best Value Online Coding Bootcamps
Updated September 8, 2022
Credit: Creative DJ / E+ / Getty Images
Coding bootcamps provide short, intensive, and affordable training. Graduates can qualify for in-demand positions in software development and engineering, computer programming, and data science.
Coding bootcamps often attract people looking to change careers or advance in their current jobs. Bootcamps also help students considering a computer science degree gain experience in the field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 13% job growth (faster than average) for computer and IT occupations from 2020-2030.
Completing a coding bootcamp can be a good career move. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 13% job growth (faster than average) for computer and IT occupations from 2020-2030. Professionals in this field make lucrative salaries, with median annual earnings of $91,250 as of 2020.
This roundup of cheap coding bootcamps can help jumpstart your search for the right program. Read on to learn more about these programs and explore our budget bootcamp reviews.
What Is an Online Bootcamp?
Online coding bootcamps provide a foundation in web development and computer programming. These programs often cover languages like JavaScript, Python, HTML, and CSS. Students may also master database management, UX/UI design, and cybersecurity basics.
Online bootcamps offer self-paced, full-time, and part-time learning formats.
Coding bootcamps can take less time and money than a traditional associate or bachelor's degree. These compact programs focus on coding and computer science. Unlike degree programs, they do not include general education courses. Bootcamps prepare students to pursue entry-level coding jobs upon graduation.
Online bootcamps offer self-paced, full-time, and part-time learning formats. Students can choose from in-person, fully online, and hybrid options. Some coding bootcamps for low-income learners are university-affiliated, while others are independent.
Program length varies, but full-time students can usually complete an online coding bootcamp in about 12-24 weeks. In comparison, a typical bachelor's degree in computer science requires four years of study.
- Discover other bootcamp programs
- compare types of coding bootcamps
- Learn how to get into a coding bootcamp
Skills Learned in Bootcamp Bootcamps
Cheap coding bootcamps help students develop career-relevant skills through a project-based, hands-on curriculum. Learners study programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These programs also develop soft skills in teamwork and problem-solving.
Below, we describe common skills that most coding bootcamps for low-income students cover.
- HTML and CSS: Students use HTML and CSS to create effective, attractive websites. HTML helps create a web page's layout and structure. Developers use CSS to add stylistic attributes. HTML and CSS provide the foundation for all web pages. Many tech jobs require basic knowledge of these languages.
- JavaScript: Coding bootcamp participants often learn JavaScript. This object-oriented programming language lets programmers create interactive web pages, applications, games, and web servers. JavaScript knowledge can help graduates qualify for programmer, web developer, and software developer positions.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Online coding bootcamps can help students learn to work effectively in teams. Bootcamp participants often collaborate on group projects. This experience translates well to the tech industry, where teams of people work together to create an application or website.
- Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting: Coding bootcamps often emphasize problem-solving, another important soft skill. Successful coding requires repeated troubleshooting, debugging, and simplification. Students spend a lot of time perfecting their coding projects.
What Will an Online Bootcamp Cost?
Coding and data science bootcamp costs vary by school. According to an RTI Press study, comprehensive career preparation bootcamps charged a median tuition of $11,900 as of 2019.
Cheap coding bootcamps provide different payment options, including income share agreements (ISAs), loans, and payment plans. ISAs usually do not require tuition payment up front. Instead, students pay a percentage of their income after they land a coding job.
Some coding bootcamps for low-income students offer job guarantees. Programs may take no money upfront or just a small deposit until a student finds work. Some bootcamps offer a tuition refund if graduates do not find a job within a certain time frame. Affordable data science bootcamps sometimes offer scholarships or accept the GI Bill®.
Coding bootcamp costs may include software or other necessary materials. Students may also need to pay application and/or prep course fees.
- Get more details about bootcamp costs
- Learn how to pay for a coding bootcamp
- Explore financial aid and scholarship options
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
What Jobs Can I Get After an Online Bootcamp?
Coding bootcamp graduates can pursue many entry-level tech jobs with competitive salaries. Potential careers include software developer or engineer, computer programmer, and web developer. Other options include data scientist and video game developer. Typical salaries start around $66,000 and can reach over $110,000.
Follow the link below to learn more about computer science careers.
Computer Programmer
Computer programmers write code that helps software programs and computer applications work. These professionals code new programs, often using code libraries. Programmers also update and test existing code. Coding bootcamps can prepare participants for computer programming positions by teaching languages like Python, JavaScript, Java, and C#.
Median Annual Salary: $89,190
Job Outlook (2020-30): -10%
Web Developer
Web developers build the technical parts of websites. Developers can specialize in front-end, back-end, or full-stack web development. Some employers require a bachelor's degree for developer positions. However, a web development bootcamp prepares students to pursue many entry-level jobs in the field.
Median Annual Salary: $77,200
Job Outlook (2020-30): +13%
Data Scientist
Data scientists analyze data to find patterns, make meaning, and solve real-world problems. Affordable data science bootcamps provide intensive training in data science theories and skills. Data scientists may need a bachelor's degree or higher to qualify for some positions.
Average Annual Salary: $98,230
Video Game Developer
Video game developers create video game plots, rules, and settings. These professionals need creativity, tech skills, and attention to detail. Education requirements for this career vary by employer. Coding bootcamps can help participants develop the technical skills needed for many video game developer positions.
Average Annual Salary: $66,740
Software Developer
Software developers design, test, and maintain programs that fulfill various user needs. These professionals also create models and diagrams to show programmers how to code an application. Software developers usually need a bachelor's degree. Coding bootcamps can help aspiring developers build programming language skills.
Median Annual Salary: $110,140
Job Outlook (2020-30): +22%
Match me with a bootcamp.
Find programs with your skills, schedule, and goals in mind.
MATCH ME TO A BOOTCAMPOther Computer Science Education Options
Some students might want to pursue a computer science degree instead of or in addition to a coding bootcamp. Schools offer computer science associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. A college degree can increase the number of jobs graduates can access, particularly at the management level.
Associate Degree in Computer Science
An associate degree in computer science prepares students to pursue jobs like web developer, programmer, and computer support specialist. Graduates often transfer to a bachelor's in computer science program.
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
Students with a bachelor's degree in computer science can qualify for many tech jobs. Career options may include software developer, software engineer, and computer network architect. Graduates can also apply to master's or doctoral programs in computer science.
Master's Degree in Computer Science
Master's degrees in computer science focus on advanced theories of computing. Graduates can pursue high-paying careers. For example, computer and information research scientists earned a median annual salary of $126,830 as of 2020.
Ph.D. in Computer Science
The terminal degree in the field, a Ph.D. in computer science allows students to conduct specialized research. Graduates can teach at the university level or take part in high-level research and development.
Explore Other Coding Bootcamps
Students can also enroll in other coding bootcamps with different emphases and specializations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bootcamps
Are online coding bootcamps worth it?
Affordable data science bootcamps can prepare students for high-paying, in-demand careers. To decide if a bootcamp makes sense, consider the tuition costs, potential salary after graduation, projected job growth in your field, and available financing options.
How hard is it to get a job after a coding bootcamp?
Coding programs often provide job placement assistance or career services. Some coding bootcamps for low-income students offer job guarantees. These guarantees let learners defer tuition payments until they find a well-paying tech job.
What companies hire coding bootcamp graduates?
Some tech positions require a college degree, but many companies hire coding bootcamp graduates. Some cheap coding bootcamps partner with companies that hire students.
Best Online Bootcamps
Nucamp Coding Bootcamp - Baton Rouge, LA
Nucamp began in 2016 with a mission to make coding education more accessible and affordable. The school boasts a 75% graduation rate and an 83% graduate employment rate.
Front-end and Full-stack Web and Mobile Development Bootcamp
Nucamp's programs include front-end development and full-stack development for web and mobile applications. These bootcamps take 17 and 22 weeks to complete, respectively.
Created for individuals with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript experience, these programs teach advanced web development skills. Beginners can prepare with four- and 16-week foundational programs. Students complete courses online during the week and attend video-assisted or on-campus courses on the weekends.
Courses Offered
- Web Development Fundamentals
- Back-End, SQL, and DevOps with Python
- Front-End Web and Mobile Development
- Full-Stack Web and Mobile Development
Starting Cost: $1,480
CIRR Member: No
DevMountain - Lehi, UT
Founded in 2013, Devmountain operates several campuses. The school also offers fully online programs. Most of Devmountain's full-time programs take 16 weeks to complete.
Web Development
Devmountain's web development program features in-person and online immersive formats. Learners can enroll full time or part time. The curriculum emphasizes popular programming languages like HTML, JavaScript, and React. Students gain skills to pursue junior-level front-end developer positions.
DevMountain's Job Placement Assistance
Devmountain's career support team helps graduates hone their resumes, portfolios, and interview skills. Students also enjoy access to hiring events and networking opportunities.
Courses Offered
- Web Development
- Java Software Engineering
- Python Software Engineering
- Data Analytics
- IOS Development
- Software QA
- UX Design
- Cybersecurity
- Coding Basics
Starting Cost: $7,900
CIRR Member: No
Launch School - San Francisco, CA
Launch School's programs teach fundamental computer science career skills. The bootcamp embraces a slow, deliberate educational method. Its two courses take up to 16+ months to complete, longer than most other bootcamps.
Software Engineering: Core Curriculum
This comprehensive fundamentals program requires 1,200-1,800 hours of study. The core curriculum begins with preparatory work, then moves on to programming and back-end development. The program's final phase delves into front-end development.
Launch School recommends that applicants hold some programming experience. The school also suggests that enrollees prepare for at least 12 months of intensive study.
Courses Offered
- Software Engineering: Core Curriculum
- Software Engineering: Capstone Program
Starting Cost: $199/month
CIRR Member: No
Thinkful - Brooklyn, NY
Founded in 2012, Thinkful offers several fully online bootcamps. The school's 296 mentors provide one-on-one learner support. Thinkful's full-time and part-time courses take 3-6 months to complete.
Software Engineering
Full-time students can complete Thinkful's full-time software engineering course in five months. Learners need to study for about 50 hours per week. The part-time option takes six months and requires 20-30 study hours per week.
Thinkful's software engineering curriculum builds skills in front- and back-end development. Learners develop proficiency in languages like Node, React, and JavaScript.
Thinkful's Job Placement Assistance
Thinkful students can take advantage of unlimited mock interview sessions. Career services staff help graduates polish their resumes and LinkedIn profiles. The school also offers workshops on diverse job search topics.
Courses Offered
- Software Engineering
- Data Science
- Data Analytics
- UX/UI Design
- Technical Product Management
- Digital Marketing
Starting Cost: $16,000
CIRR Member: No
LearningFuze - Los Angeles, CA
LearningFuze offers a lower student-to-teacher ratio than many other programs. Learners can study at the bootcamp's Irvine, California, classroom or online.
Web Development
This 14-week, full-immersion web development course begins with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Git/GitHub. Students also learn front-end development, PHP, React, and Node. The program culminates in a final project.
Remote learners attend live daily lectures and interact with classmates online. Applicants without prior programming experience can enroll in LearningFuze's prep class.
LearningFuze's Job Placement Assistance
LearningFuze maintains an extensive alumni and employer network focused on the Orange County area. Graduates can also access free or low-cost continuing education modules.
Courses Offered
- Web Development
- Web Development Prep
- Data Science Prep
- Data Science
- UI/UX
Starting Cost: $14,995
CIRR Member: No
Techtonica Academy - San Francisco, CA
This nontraditional coding bootcamp provides free training, laptops, and stipends to women and nonbinary individuals. After a six-month apprenticeship, Techtonica helps graduates find tech positions in the Bay Area.
Software Engineering
Techtonica's full-time software engineering program provides local learners with the introductory skills needed to break into the tech field. During the apprenticeship, students learn full-stack web development through JavaScript. The school enrolls two cohorts annually.
Techtonica accepts applications from low-income students who identify as female or nonbinary. Applicants must meet income requirements and be willing to accept job placement in the Bay Area.
Techtonica's Job Placement Assistance
Techtonica provides free education by partnering with sponsor companies. After completing the program, students connect with hiring partners to find long-term positions.
Courses Offered
- Software Engineering
Starting Cost: $0
CIRR Member: No
Cook Systems FastTrack - Memphis, TN
Cook Systems began as an IT services business and eventually grew to include a coding bootcamp. A majority of 95% of FastTrack graduates find work in IT.
FastTrack
Cook Systems' FastTrack program teaches full-stack programming skills. This full-time, eight-week program covers languages like Java, JavaScript, React, and CSS. The curriculum also explores databases and software testing.
Prospective learners must complete a behavioral quiz, a coding assessment, and an interview. Cook Systems accepts less than 10% of applicants into the program's 8- to 12-student cohorts.
Courses Offered
- FastTrack
- InsideTrack
Starting Cost: $3,000
CIRR Member: No
Jax Code Academy - Jacksonville, FL
Jax Code Academy offers bootcamp programs at its Jacksonville, Florida, campus. Learners can also study online via livestream.
Coding Bootcamp
This full-stack web development course features several annual start dates. The 12-week intensive program covers multiple programming languages, including HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, and JavaScript. The curriculum also features cybersecurity coursework. Learners seeking more cybersecurity content can bundle the coding bootcamp with a full cybersecurity program for no additional cost.
Jax Code Academy's Job Placement Assistance
Jax Code Academy staff help students polish their resumes and prepare for job interviews.
Courses Offered
- Coding Bootcamp
- Coding Bootcamp Primer
- Coding and Cyber Bootcamp Bundle
Starting Cost: $2,500
CIRR Member: No
The Tech Academy - Portland, OR
Based in Portland, Oregon, The Tech Academy offers fully online, hybrid, and in-person programs. Graduates can pursue jobs as junior full-stack developers.
Software Developer
The Tech Academy's software developer bootcamp comes in a 22-week full-time format and a 40-week part-time format. The full-time option costs less. Learners study seven popular coding languages, including C#, Python, and JavaScript. Two live projects provide hands-on experience.Enrollees can complete the self-paced program on their own schedule, with instructors available daily. The school recommends that students use a Windows PC.
The Tech Academy's Job Placement Assistance
Each Tech Academy bootcamp culminates with a job placement course that covers topics like interviewing and resume-writing. Job placement staff can help students find tech industry positions.
Courses Offered
- Software Developer
- Game Developer
- Mobile App Developer
- JavaScript Developer
- Java and Android Developer
- C# and .Net Framework
- Python Developer
- Data Science
- UI/UX Designer
- Cybersecurity
- Front-End Web Developer
Starting Cost: $11,660
CIRR Member: Yes
Juno College of Technology - Toronto, Ontario
Founded in 2012, Juno focuses on underrepresented groups in the tech industry. This Canadian school designs its programs for learners with little or no programming experience but a passion for tech.
Web Development
Juno's web development bootcamp teaches foundational HTML, CSS, and JavaScript skills over a 9-week period. Students also gain proficiency in paired programming, responsive design, and technical communication. Coursework exploring job search tools, resume creation, and personal branding helps participants prepare for the job market.
Students who complete Juno's introductory courses or demonstrate basic programming skills may apply for this bootcamp.
Courses Offered
- Web Development
- Data Analytics
- UX Design
- JavaScript
Starting Cost: $12,995 CAD
CIRR Member: Yes
Deep Dive Coding - Albuquerque, NM
Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Deep Dive Coding offers comprehensive coding bootcamps in partnership with Central New Mexico Community College (CNM). CNM students may receive prior learning credit for Deep Dive programs.
Full-Stack Web Development
This 10-week full-stack web development course teaches foundational skills for building websites, apps, and software. Graduates often find positions as software developers in the Albuquerque area.
Languages covered include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Node.js. Learners must complete pre-bootcamp work before the first lesson. The bootcamp culminates with a team capstone project and a mock job interview. Students also create a personal website project.
Deep Dive Coding's Job Placement Assistance
Deep Dive's career coaches can help graduates look for jobs or start their own businesses. The school also hosts guest speakers and employer demo days.
Courses Offered
- Full Stack Web Development
- Java and Android
- Digital Media
- Data Science
- Internet of Things
- Blockchain
- Data Science for Business Leaders
- IT Professional
- UX/UI Design
- Cybersecurity
- Salesforce Administrator
Starting Cost: $7,495
CIRR Member: No
Cleveland Codes - Cleveland, OH
This nonprofit bootcamp offers comprehensive coding education to address the growing demand for skilled computer programmers.
Tri-C Software Developers Academy
The Tri-C Software Developers Academy teaches coding languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery. The school's software development bootcamp also focuses on career development skills. This full-time program immerses students in web application and development. At the end of the program, students can take four Microsoft certification exams.
Cleveland Codes offers courses on campus five days a week. Students attend class eight hours a day.
Cleveland Codes' Job Placement Assistance
Curriculum content addresses career development and technical interviewing. Cleveland Codes can help students find internships and job placements.
Courses Offered
- Tri-C Software Developers Academy
Starting Cost: $4,500
CIRR Member: No
Byte Academy - New York, NY
This online academy teaches career-focused coding skills. Byte's flipped classroom format includes both interactive live sessions and recorded lectures.
Python Bootcamp
Byte's Python bootcamp introduces object-oriented programming theory and design. This full-stack development program teaches students to code in Python, JavaScript, and SQL. Learners also study React, HTML, and CSS. Byte offers this bootcamp in full-time and part-time formats.
Byte accepts students of all skill levels. Enrollees without previous Python experience can complete a prerequisite introductory course.
Byte Academy's Job Placement Assistance
Byte offers career support services and connections with major companies. Graduates may qualify for internships with SpryteLabs.
Courses Offered
- Python Bootcamp
- Data Science Bootcamp
- Intro to Python
- Software Development
- Intro to Data Science
Starting Cost: $14,950
CIRR Member: No
Coding Dojo - Seattle, WA
Coding Dojo teaches three full stacks to maximize job opportunities. Graduates enjoy career services access for life.
Software Development Bootcamp
Coding Dojo's software development course features in-person and online formats. The 14-week full-time program requires 70-90 study hours each week. Students can also enroll in accelerated or flexible part-time formats.
Learners graduate with knowledge of three full stacks: Python, MERN, and Java. The curriculum also covers HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Students gain hundreds of hours of hands-on experience.
Courses Offered
- Software Development
- Data Science
- Cybersecurity
- UX/UI Design
Starting Cost: $8,745
CIRR Member: No
Code Fellows - Seattle, WA
The first coding academy in the tech hub of Seattle, Washington, Code Fellows opened in 2013 with a class of 20 students. Since then, the school has graduated over 1,500 coders. Code Fellows graduates went on to join over 800 companies worldwide.
Advanced Software Development
Code Fellows' advanced-level software development bootcamps take 10 weeks of full-time study to complete. These bootcamps cover how to build websites, develop tools, and create applications. Students can choose from five tracks, including JavaScript, Python, and ASP.NET Core.
These programs cater to applicants with previous programming experience. New coders can prepare with Code Fellows' beginner- and intermediate-level courses.
Code Fellows' Job Placement Assistance
Career coaches help Code Fellows students at all levels master professional etiquette, target their job searches, and craft strong resumes. Graduates enjoy access to an exclusive talent portal.
Courses Offered
- Software Development
- Ops and Cybersecurity
Starting Cost: $12,000
CIRR Member: No
Recommended Reading
Take the next step toward your future.
Discover programs you’re interested in and take charge of your education.