Codecademy Review
Updated September 12, 2022
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Codecademy helps people from all backgrounds develop tech skills through interactive, flexible courses. Established in 2011 by two Columbia University students, Codeacademy is headquartered in New York City. The company offers free basic coding courses and a paid version called Codecademy Pro.
Our Codecademy review covers course offerings, tuition, plus program lengths and career options for graduates. This page can help students decide if Codecademy aligns with their education and professional goals.
What Does Codecademy Offer?
Codecademy offers courses in web development, data science, machine learning, and computer science. Students can learn 14 computer programming languages, like Python, Ruby, and JavaScript. Other Codecademy languages include C++, Kotlin, SQL, and PHP.
Codecademy designed its coursework for students from all backgrounds, including beginners. Its curriculum can even suit children learning to code. Most Codecadmy participants start their educational journey with no prior coding experience. Codecademy has taught more than 50 million people to code since its launch in 2011.
Codecademy Basic offers free courses to help beginners develop coding skills. Codecademy Pro includes advanced content and features to help students refine and apply their coding skills. Pro course enrollees receive step-by-step guides and complete real-world projects. Graduates receive certificates of completion.
Codecademy basic courses are free and open to all learners. Pro courses require tuition, but eligible college students can receive a 35% discount.
Codecademy's paid tier offers Career Paths, a structured curriculum option that guides students through multiple courses and prepares them for careers like front-end engineer (350 hours), back-end engineer (350 hours), and data analyst (200 hours).
The school does not provide job placement assistance. Students can collaborate with other enrollees, receive support, and even teach others through their local Codecademy chapter.
Codecademy is working to bring more people of color into tech. In July 2021, the company partnered with Black and Brilliant to create an artificial intelligence (AI) accelerator program to encourage the next generation of AI professionals.
- Fourteen Programming Languages
- Some bootcamps only cover a few programming languages. However, Codecademy languages span 14 options, including Python, Ruby, JavaScript, and HTML. Students can also learn R, Go, C++, and SQL.
- Choice of Free Basic or Paid Pro Courses
- Codecademy participants can pursue free or paid options. Free coding courses typically cover foundational content, while the paid pro version includes extra content and features.
- Codecademy Chapters
- Program participants can connect with other Codecademy learners through local chapters. Codecademy chapters meet at least once a month to offer opportunities for support and collaboration.
Codecademy Snapshot
- Cost: $39.99/month or $19.99/month (billed yearly) for Codecademy Pro; $149.99/yearly for current students
- Payment Options: Monthly or yearly; scholarships may be available for eligible applicants
- Learning Options: Students can complete flexible Codecademy programs at their own pace. Career Path programs take 5-350 hours to complete, depending on the subject.
- Locations: Online
Read more:
- Learn More About Coding Bootcamp Programs
- How Long Are Most Coding Bootcamps?
- Explore Scholarship and Financial Aid Options
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Codecademy Career Paths
Codecademy Pro's Career Path options include front-end engineer, back-end engineer, and full-stack engineer. The school also offers tracks for learning full-stack engineering or data analysis for businesses. Other pathways include data science and computer science.
Most Codecademy courses suit beginners and do not require previous coding experience. Enrollees can pursue Career Path classes through Codecademy Pro. This version requires monthly or yearly tuition and includes more in-depth coursework. Codecademy Basic offers free courses that teach coding skills and other subjects, including HTML, JavaScript, and cybersecurity.
Back-End Engineer
This four-month course prepares students for careers as back-end engineers. Enrollees explore application architecture, build APIs, and prepare for job interviews.
Students develop experience in designing databases, program servers, and client-side interfaces. Coursework includes projects based on real-world scenarios, allowing learners to create professional portfolios to present to prospective employers.
The beginner-friendly curriculum covers Node.JS, SQL, Express.JS, and PostgreSQL. Forty-eight lessons cover back-end portfolio projects, complex data structures, algorithms, and server security. Each graduate earns a certificate of completion.
Cost: $39.99/month or $19.99/month (billed yearly) for Codecademy Pro. $149.99/yearly for current students
Front-End Engineer
Students learn to make efficient and user-friendly websites during this 350-hour program. The beginner-friendly curriculum covers HTML, CSS, Redux, and JavaScript. The class also explores accessibility, UI and UX design, and web apps. Learners also add animations to websites and create responsive design in CSS.
Each participant creates a project portfolio. Graduates can take advantage of job interview preparation opportunities and receive certificates of completion.
Cost: $39.99/month or $19.99/month (billed yearly) for Codecademy Pro. $149.99/yearly for current students
Full-Stack Engineer
Codecademy's six-month full-stack engineer program covers front-end and back-end engineering. Students learn to build and design interactive websites and communicate with web developers. Each enrollee crafts a portfolio of projects to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
This beginner course develops skills using JavaScript, SQL, Express.JS, and Node.JS. Learners also receive exposure to TDD and React. The course comprises lessons in interview skills, linear data structures, Git and GitHub, and improved styling with CSS.
Graduates receive certificates of completion and can pursue employment as full-stack engineers.
Cost: $39.99/month or $19.99/month (billed yearly) for Codecademy Pro. $149.99/yearly for current students
Data Analyst
Codecademy's 28-week data analyst course prepares students to pursue entry-level data analyst positions. Enrollees learn to create data visualizations, manipulate databases, and analyze data sets. Participants develop experience with Python, Pandas, SQL, and SciPy.
The curriculum comprises 17 lessons, including hypothesis testing, data wrangling and tidying, getting started with data analytics, and communicating data analysis findings. The program also teaches learners to create portfolios and prepare for interviews. Each enrollee earns a certificate of completion at the end of the program.
Cost: $39.99/month or $19.99/month (billed yearly) for Codecademy Pro. $149.99/yearly for current students
Data Scientist
Codecademy's data scientist pathway prepares students to pursue employment as data scientists or data analysts. The curriculum focuses on data analysis, data communication, and data predictions. Learners use Python for statistical analysis and SQL to manipulate data. Coursework also explores ways to use artificial intelligence for pattern recognition.
The 35-week course covers 21 lessons, including a machine learning portfolio project, foundations of deep learning, and data manipulation with Pandas. Students learn to use Python 3, SQL, NumPy, and scikit-learn.
Each participant receives a certificate of completion at the end of the program.
Cost: $39.99/month or $19.99/month (billed yearly) for Codecademy Pro. $149.99/yearly for current students
Is Codecademy Worth It?
Attending Codecademy can help participants develop the skills they need to pursue in-demand, entry-level tech jobs. Graduates can spend a fraction of the time and money compared to individuals pursuing traditional four-year degrees.
However, a computer science bachelor's degree may be the better option for those interested in advancing to management positions within the field.
Self-directed online learning works best for students with excellent time management and self motivation. Some learners prefer the more structured, in-person settings of a traditional classroom.
Review our list of the best coding bootcamps to continue your search.
Additional Bootcamp Resources
How Much Do Bootcamps Cost?
This page explains how much coding bootcamps typically cost. We explain cost differences by bootcamp type, break down tuition fees, and provide ways to pay for your education.
Types of Coding Bootcamps
This guide compares different types of coding bootcamps. We explore online vs. in-person delivery, full-time vs. part-time enrollment, and university-affiliated vs. independent bootcamps.
Getting Into Coding Bootcamps
Learn how to get into a coding bootcamp. This guide covers typical admission requirements, how to find the right bootcamp, and whether to consider a traditional degree.
How to Pay for Coding Bootcamps
This page explores resources for paying for coding bootcamps. We discuss typical costs, financing methods, and budgeting options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Codecademy
How much does Codecademy cost?
Codecademy costs vary. Students can take Codecademy Basic courses for free. Codecademy Pro costs $39.99 monthly or $239.88 yearly. Students can receive a discount to pay $149.99 yearly. The total cost depends on program length and the plan you choose.
Is Codecademy good for beginners?
Yes. Codecademy helps people with no previous experience gain the tech skills to pursue new careers. Codecademy invites beginners to enroll in most of its courses, but some start at the intermediate level.
What programming languages does Codecademy teach?
Codecademy languages include HTML, CSS, Python, and JavaScript. Other options include SQL, Bash/Shell, Ruby, and Java. Students can also learn C++, R, C#, and PHP. The school offers Go, Swift, and Kotlin coursework, as well.
Can Codecademy get you a job?
Codecademy offers program tracks to prepare graduates to pursue employment as back-end, front-end, and full-stack developers. The school does not offer job placement assistance.
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