Are Coding Bootcamps Worth It? Employers Seem to Think So

With the tech industry experiencing significant growth over recent years, coding bootcamps have become more popular as a means of pursuing a career in software engineering. The effectiveness of these programs has sometimes been a topic of debate with some asking, “Are coding bootcamps legitimate?” and questioning if they’re worth the commitment.

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits coding bootcamps can offer, some considerations to keep in mind, and some of the data that shows how bootcamp grads stack up to the competition.

How to Determine if a Coding Bootcamp is Worth It

Coding bootcamps are just one of the ways that prospective software engineers can get their food in the door. But just like a traditional degree program or a fully self-taught approach, they may not be the solution for everyone. If you’re considering a bootcamp, it’s a good idea to have some tools ready to determine if it’s a good choice for you.

Learn More: Coding Bootcamp vs. Computer Science Degree

Look at the Benefits of Completing a Coding Bootcamp

Attending a coding bootcamp can be a cost-effective and flexible way to learn the skills necessary to launch a career in technology, especially if you don’t want to or can’t commit the time and resources for a degree program, or if you’re looking for more structure and feedback.

Here are a few key benefits bootcamps have to offer.

Expert Instructors

Coding bootcamps are typically led by experienced professionals who are experts in their field and are able to provide valuable insights and personalized guidance on how to succeed in the tech industry.

Organized Lessons

Coding bootcamps offer structured, organized lessons that make it easy to learn and retain the material. This can be especially helpful for those who are new to coding or have minimal experience with the subject matter.

Job Placement Services

Many coding bootcamps offer job placement services that help graduates find work after completing the program.  They can be a great means of getting your foot in the door and laying the foundation for a new career in tech.

Reviews & Feedback

A quality coding bootcamp will provide detailed feedback and project reviews from instructors and peers, which can be helpful for identifying areas for improvement and staying motivated throughout the program.

Projects & Portfolio Building

Coding bootcamps include hands-on projects and tasks that will help you build a portfolio of work. These serve as valuable opportunities to showcase your skills and practical experience to potential employers.

Examine the Coding Bootcamp Costs

The average cost of a four-year, in-state college education sits at around $102,828, which has some reconsidering the necessity of formal education and how that money may be put toward other avenues of learning.

In comparison, then, is coding bootcamp worth it? Coding bootcamps do tend to be more cost effective and accessible, and many programs offer a variety of payment plan options that help reduce the financial barrier for students.

Some bootcamps, including App Academy, offer an Income Share Agreement (ISA) that enables students to pay nothing on their tuition until they’ve been hired at a job with a salary of at least $50,000.

App Academy also offers deferred tuition, hybrid tuition, and upfront tuition options to help accommodate students’ various financial needs and abilities. Not all of our tuition options are available for all of our programs, but you can always check our Tuition page for the most up-to-date information.

So, in terms of cost, are online coding bootcamps worth it? The short answer is yes. If you’re willing to put in the effort to make the most of the opportunities they provide, a quality bootcamp can give you similar experiences, knowledge, and job outcomes as a formal degree program for a fraction of the cost.

Consider Job Placement Options

Spend some time thinking about the career avenues enrolling in a bootcamp will open up for you and whether those options are something you would be interested in. Bootcamps can be a great opportunity to kickstart a pivot or a shift in your career, but you want to make sure it’s a change in the right direction.

Most quality bootcamps, such as App Academy, incorporate career services and education surrounding the job search process into their curriculum. This is something to keep in mind, because it might be difficult to know how to navigate the job search without guidance in a field you’re unfamiliar with.

For the most part, bootcamp grads will get hired. Data collected by the Council on Integrity in Results found that 71.4% of graduates from the top 24 coding bootcamps across the country were able to find employment within six months of completing their program.

Ask Yourself if You’re Ready for This & Consider the Factors Most Important to You

While data can be helpful in visualizing the big picture, how you feel about pursuing a coding education is just as important. Software engineering isn’t for everyone, and being successful in this competitive field requires discipline, motivation, and plenty of hard work.

You have to ask yourself, is coding bootcamp worth it, in your particular case? Before you make such a big decision, it may be worthwhile to do some basic return-on-investment calculations to help you weigh the costs and time commitment of the program against your expected salary in your new position.

Don’t ignore the more personal factors, though. The length of the program, your daily availability, and your future career goals can all impact your choice and play a role in the odds of your success.

How Employers View Bootcamp Grads

How do employers view bootcamp grads? That’s a critical question for anyone looking to break into software engineering through bootcamp training.

The good news is that bootcamps are highly competitive with traditional degree programs in terms of job outcomes. In fact, a survey of the Big Five tech companies’ employees found almost identical rates of bootcamp and college alumni.

Plus, according to a recent report from HackerRank, one in three hiring managers in the tech industry has hired a developer that acquired their skills through a bootcamp. On top of that, a survey conducted by Indeed found that 84% of employers thought bootcamp grads were equally or even better prepared to perform at a high level, compared to degree holders.

If you’re asking yourself, “Is coding bootcamp worth it?” because you’re worried how future employers might view you, you can see there isn’t much to worry about. The most important factor is your ability to demonstrate practical skills, your willingness to learn, and your passion for the work.

App Academy Can Help You Kickstart Your Career

With expert instructors, highly structured lessons, and comprehensive assistance from our career services, App Academy can give you the skills, knowledge, and support you need to launch a successful and rewarding career as a software engineer.

Explore our programs or our career services, or get in touch with an Admissions Specialist today to learn more!

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