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Employers posted over 3.9 million jobs across 50 tech occupations in 2020, according to CompTIA. In the same year, the tech sector had an economic impact of over $1.98 billion. Online coding bootcamps can help address the IT skills shortage by preparing students for tech careers.
Coding bootcamps teach practical, career-related skills quickly. An online bootcamp provides extra versatility for learners with limited local options. Distance learning also offers an ideal setting for tech education.
This roundup of the 15 best online coding bootcamps explores what you can expect from these programs, including skill development, jobs, and cost.
What Is an Online Bootcamp?
A coding bootcamp is a comprehensive educational program that prepares students for tech careers. Bootcamps offer an alternative to traditional college programs by focusing on practical workplace skills, including learning computer languages like Python, Java, and C#. While many independent companies host bootcamps, learners can also pursue college-affiliated bootcamps.
A bootcamp lasts an average of 13 weeks for full-time enrollment or 24 weeks for part-time enrollment. Learners often encounter bootcamps in several formats, including in-person, online, and hybrid versions. An online coding bootcamp allows students to learn from almost anywhere while covering the same curriculum as in-person programs.
Online Programming Bootcamps
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Skills Learned in an Online Coding Bootcamp
Online coding bootcamps cover in-demand skills that tech employers seek in applicants. Completing a programming bootcamp online helps build soft skills, along with computer languages like Python, R, and JavaScript. Coursework typically includes several hands-on projects for students to develop their skills and showcase their work to potential employers.
Python: According to the TIOBE Index, Python surpassed C as the most popular programming language in the world in October of 2021. Programmers use Python for its large open-source community and extensive libraries. The language's easy-to-read syntax makes it popular among budding programmers.
SQL: SQL gained traction as a go-to language for database management. This language streamlines data extraction and organization, making it useful for managing large data sets. SQL can work in tandem with other popular languages like R or Python. Different versions of the language apply to specific scenarios. For example, MySQL handles back-end web development.
JavaScript: Websites and web services use JavaScript to create interactive content. JavaScript integrates well with other computer languages and various browsers. Unlike Java, JavaScript primarily runs on client-side browsers and cannot be used to create standalone apps. Many front-end developers use JavaScript to create dynamic websites.
HTML/CSS: Web developers use HTML and CSS as basic building blocks for individual pages. HTML helps display written content on a page, while CSS dictates the format and presentation of the content. Many programmers lump HTML and CSS together, as using the two languages in tandem creates a basic page interface.
Best Online Coding Bootcamps
Explore Coding Bootcamp Schools Per Subjects
Other types of coding bootcamps allow learners to specialize in and explore different tech fields. Along with different formats, providers offer courses in data science, user experience, and machine learning.
How Much Does an Online Bootcamp Cost?The cost of an online coding bootcamp varies depending on the provider and format. Bootcamp tuition typically ranges from $7,500-$13,950, according to a 2019 report by RTI Press. Many programs also require students to provide a laptop capable of running the course materials.
The report also states that 89% of comprehensive bootcamp providers offer one or more forms of financial aid. Students can apply for scholarships and grants along with traditional loans and payment plans. In some cases, military veterans can apply GI Bill® benefits to select bootcamps.
Providers may offer income-sharing agreements (ISA). These plans allow learners to delay payments until they find jobs after graduation. The terms and conditions of ISAs depend on the bootcamp, but providers may set a minimum income before graduates have to begin payments.
What Jobs Can I Get After an Online Bootcamp for Coding?
An online coding bootcamp can develop the skills necessary for entry-level tech jobs. Coding bootcamps can cover topics in programming, web or software development, and data science.
The following positions reflect potential jobs for bootcamp graduates.
Computer Programmer
These programmers write and update computer software. Some of their tasks may overlap with software developers or engineers. Along with creating programs, these professionals test and fix any issues in the code. Some programmers help design the systems interface and other software.
Median Annual Salary:$89,190Job Outlook (2020-30): -10%
Software Developer
Like computer programmers, software developers use several languages to create programs. These developers design software around client needs. Software developers have a heavy hand in the planning and design stage. Like programmers, they regularly test and update software throughout the development process.
Median Annual Salary:$110,140Job Outlook (2020-30): +22%
Web Developer
A web developer designs and maintains websites and other internet services. They can specialize in front-end or back-end development, but most web development roles require full-stack coding skills. Web developers rely on computer languages such as JavaScript, HTML, and XML. They also help monitor websites and design site layouts.
Median Annual Salary:$77,200Job Outlook (2020-30): +13%
Database Administrator
This role specializes in database management and system architecture. Along with designing and building databases, these administrators back up data and ensure its security. Data scientists understand SQL and oversee database hardware and software.
Median Annual Salary:$98,860Job Outlook (2020-30): +8%
Data Scientist
Data scientists process and analyze raw data to make predictions and discover trends. Many providers offer data science bootcamps. However, coding bootcamps may cover similar topics, like Python and SQL.
Median Annual Salary:$98,230Job Outlook (2020-30): +31%
Other Education Options
Traditional college programs may prioritize computer theory over the practical skills featured in bootcamps. Traditional degrees also provide less career assistance to students than bootcamps. However, many employers still prefer to hire college graduates for many tech jobs.
Candidates may want to pair a bootcamp with degrees and other programs to achieve the best job outcomes. Some degrees in the tech field include:
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bootcamps
Are coding bootcamps worth it?
This depends on each student and their career goals, but online bootcamps can be a worthwhile investment. Bootcamps can help students find lucrative tech jobs, and some providers offer money-back guarantees or other incentives to help with tuition costs.
Are online coding bootcamps for beginners?
Some online coding bootcamps do not require previous coding experience. Schools usually specify the bootcamp's knowledge requirements on the program page or its FAQ.
Are online coding bootcamps worth it?
Online boot camps are just as worthwhile as in-person bootcamps. An online coding bootcamp teaches the same essential skills as an in-person program. Enrollees can receive virtual support in the classroom or through career services.
What companies hire coding bootcamp graduates?
Organizations of all sizes hire graduates from coding bootcamps. Some well-known companies include Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, and Spotify. Bootcamp graduates can also pursue roles with Microsoft, Slack, The Washington Post, and the NBA.
