What to Look for in a Coding Bootcamp in 2023: The Ultimate Guide

Coding bootcamps have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional computer science degrees. These intensive, short-term training programs are designed to equip students with the in-demand programming skills employers are looking for. But with so many bootcamps to choose from, how do you decide which one is right for you?

As you research potential coding bootcamps, it‘s important to look beyond the marketing claims and carefully evaluate several key factors. To help guide your decision, we‘ve put together this list of the top 10 things to look for as you explore coding bootcamps in 2023.

1. Curriculum and Technology Stack

One of the first and most important things to assess is the bootcamp‘s curriculum. What programming languages and technologies will you learn? How in-depth and hands-on is the training? Look for an up-to-date curriculum that covers the most in-demand and employable skills.

The specific languages and tools you focus on will depend on your goals and the type of roles you‘re interested in. For example:

Web Development

• Front-end: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Angular
• Back-end: Node.js, Python, Ruby on Rails, PHP, databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB
• Other tools: Git, command line, APIs, web hosting services like AWS and Heroku

Software Engineering

• Object-oriented programming in Java, C++, C#
• Algorithms, data structures, system design
• Databases, APIs, version control

Data Science

• Python, R, SQL
• Machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn
• Statistics, data visualization, big data tools

Beyond just listing topics covered, dig into the details of how the material is taught. Is there a good balance of lectures, discussions, and hands-on projects? How much time is spent pair programming or collaborating in groups? Are there opportunities to learn supplemental tools and technologies to become a more well-rounded engineer?

The best coding bootcamps have comprehensive, thoughtfully-designed curricula to prepare you for real-world roles. Avoid bootcamps that only scratch the surface or teach outdated technology.

2. Experienced Instructors

Learning to code is challenging, so the quality of instruction makes a huge difference. Not only should bootcamp instructors be experienced programmers, they should also be great communicators and teachers.

When evaluating bootcamps, look into the background and experience level of the instructional team. Read their bios – where have they worked as programmers? How long have they been teaching?

The student-to-teacher ratio is also an important factor. Smaller class sizes mean you‘ll be able to get more one-on-one support. Some bootcamps also have teaching assistants and tutors available to provide extra help when you need it.

The best coding bootcamps employ passionate, knowledgeable instructors who go above and beyond to help students succeed. They don‘t just teach syntax, but help you think and problem-solve like a real developer.

3. Proven Job Outcomes

For most students, the ultimate goal of attending a coding bootcamp is to land a well-paying job as a programmer. Therefore, it‘s crucial to look at alumni outcomes when choosing a bootcamp.

Find out what percentage of graduates find jobs, what companies they work for, their job titles, and average starting salaries. The bootcamp should be fully transparent about this data and able to provide a detailed outcomes report.

Keep in mind that outcomes can vary quite a bit by program and location. For example, a full-time software engineering bootcamp in a major tech hub will likely have higher placement rates and salaries than a part-time program.

Some specific outcomes to look for:

• Job placement rate of 85% or higher within 180 days
• Average salary increase of 50% or more
• Alumni working as software engineers, web developers, data scientists, etc.
• Graduates working for a variety of companies, from startups to bigger tech companies
• Salaries on par with industry standards for junior developers

Be wary of bootcamps that make inflated claims or aren‘t transparent about their student outcomes. A high-quality program will have a strong track record of helping students achieve their career goals.

4. Robust Career Support

Landing a programming job after bootcamp requires both technical and job search skills. The best bootcamps provide a variety of career development resources to help you succeed in the job market.

Valuable career services to look for include:

• One-on-one career coaching
• Resume and portfolio development
• Technical interview prep and mock interviews
• Job search strategies and resources
• Access to a network of hiring partners
• Employer meet-and-greets and career fairs
• Dedicated career services team to support you during the job search

Some bootcamps have specific employer partners that hire many graduates. Others provide stipends or other support for graduates still looking for work.

When in doubt, ask the school for specifics on how they‘ll help you get hired. A strong career support program can make all the difference in achieving your goals after bootcamp.

5. Schedule and Learning Format

Coding bootcamps range from short part-time courses to intensive full-time programs. As you explore options, think about what schedule and learning format would work best for you.

Full-time immersive bootcamps are typically 12-14 weeks long and require 40-80 hours per week of coursework and coding. Students usually have to quit their jobs to attend. The upside is you‘ll gain skills quickly and may be able to start applying for developer jobs sooner. However, these programs are very intensive and you‘ll need to fully commit to get the most out of them.

Part-time bootcamps take longer to complete (usually 6-9 months) but allow for a more flexible schedule, with classes on nights and weekends. Part-time can be a great option if you need to keep working while skilling up. However, you‘ll need to be disciplined to balance the bootcamp with other responsibilities.

Bootcamps may be delivered in person, online, or in a hybrid format. Consider whether you prefer the immersion and collaborative environment of in-person learning, or the convenience and flexibility of learning online.

In-person and hybrid programs offer more face time with instructors and classmates, which some find beneficial. Online bootcamps enable you to learn from anywhere, often with self-paced or flexible scheduling options.

There is no one-size-fits all, so think about what environment you learn best in and what will set you up for success. The right schedule and format for you depends on your learning style, availability, location, and other preferences and constraints.

6. Accreditation and Reputation

With so many bootcamps out there, it‘s important to do your due diligence on the school‘s reputation and credibility. Here are a few things to look into:

Accreditation – Is the bootcamp accredited by a recognized accrediting agency? While bootcamps don‘t need to be accredited like universities, some do seek out accreditation to demonstrate their legitimacy and educational standards.

Nonprofit vs for-profit – Is the bootcamp a nonprofit or for-profit entity? Nonprofits may be more mission-driven, while for-profits tend to focus on growth. However, there are high-quality programs of both types.

Affiliations and partnerships – Some bootcamps are affiliated with or backed by major universities or tech companies, which can be a positive sign. Others have robust employer networks.

Time in operation – How long has the bootcamp been running? Bootcamps that have operated successfully for several years tend to be more stable.

Online reviews – What are alumni saying about the program on sites like Course Report and SwitchUp? Take the time to read reviews and get an inside perspective.

News coverage – Has the bootcamp been featured in major news outlets or industry publications? Be wary of bootcamps involved in scandals or lawsuits.

While not a perfect indicator, a bootcamp‘s reputation can give you a sense of program quality, student experience, and industry connections. Do your research and don‘t be afraid to ask admissions reps detailed questions about the program.

7. Preparation for Real-World Roles

Ultimately, you want a bootcamp that will prepare you for the actual work you‘ll be doing as a programmer. The curriculum should teach you how to think and problem-solve like a developer, not just how to write code.

Some key things to look for:

• Hands-on, project-based learning
• Assignments and projects that mirror real-world applications
• Practice collaborating with other developers using industry tools like Git and Github
• Emphasis on clean, readable, maintainable code
• Exposure to the software development lifecycle – design, implementation, testing, deployment
• Discussion of best practices around topics like code reviews, debugging, and documentation
• Opportunities to build and deploy web applications using modern frameworks

Find out if you‘ll complete a capstone project that you can add to your professional portfolio. Many employers look for candidates who can demonstrate the ability to architect and build functional applications, not just complete coding exercises.

The more a bootcamp simulates a real development environment, the better prepared you‘ll be to contribute as a professional programmer. So make sure project work and practical skill development are core to the curriculum.

8. Diversity and Inclusion

The tech industry has a well-documented diversity problem. Unfortunately, many coding bootcamps struggle with diversity as well. As you research programs, pay attention to the bootcamp‘s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Some positive signs include:

• A student body and instructional team that includes women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other underrepresented groups in tech
• Scholarships, affinity groups, and other resources specifically for students from marginalized backgrounds
• A mission statement and core values that emphasize inclusion
• A code of conduct that all students must abide by to create a welcoming environment
• Partnerships with organizations that support aspiring programmers from underrepresented groups

A commitment to diversity is not only the right thing to do, but leads to a better learning environment for all students. Seek out bootcamps that foster an inclusive community and support students from all backgrounds.

9. Cost and Financing Options

There‘s no way around it – coding bootcamps are a significant financial investment, with tuition ranging from $10,000 to over $20,000. However, most offer a variety of payment and financing options to make the cost more manageable.

When calculating the total cost of a bootcamp, be sure to factor in expenses beyond tuition, such as:

• Prep courses or required pre-work
• Laptop and other tech equipment
• Housing and transportation if you need to relocate
• Living expenses during the program if you won‘t be working
• Potential lost wages from time off work

Fortunately, many bootcamps provide a variety of ways to finance your education:

• Scholarships and grants, especially for women and other underrepresented groups
• Private student loans through lenders like Skills Fund and Climb Credit
• Income share agreements, in which you pay a portion of your salary after getting hired
• Monthly payment plans
• GI Bill benefits for veterans
• Employer sponsorship or tuition reimbursement if you‘re upskilling in your current job

Some bootcamps also offer job guarantees – if you don‘t find a job within a certain timeframe, you get a refund. Others have partnerships with employers who may subsidize the cost of training.

Make sure you understand all the costs and financing options so you can make an informed decision. Don‘t let cost be the only factor, but do consider the return on investment based on job outcomes for the program.

10. Personal Fit and Goals

Finally, it‘s important to choose a bootcamp that aligns with your personal goals, interests, and learning style. Reflect on questions like:

• What are your motivations for learning to code?
• What kind of programming job do you want to land after bootcamp?
• Are you more interested in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development?
• Would you prefer to work in a particular industry, like finance, healthcare, e-commerce?
• Do you want to be a generalist or specialize in a particular language or technology?
• How much time and energy can you realistically dedicate to the bootcamp?
• What kind of learner are you and what educational environment helps you thrive?

Take the time to reflect on your objectives and preferences. Make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves in a coding bootcamp. Reach out to alumni and staff to get your questions answered. Trust your gut on what feels like the right fit.

Remember, a coding bootcamp is a major personal and professional investment. It‘s worth putting in the time and effort to find a high-quality program that will set you up for career success.

Next Steps for Choosing a Coding Bootcamp

We‘ve covered 10 of the most important factors to consider as you evaluate coding bootcamps. However, it‘s up to you to determine which ones matter most based on your unique situation and goals.

As a next step, we recommend reaching out to bootcamps you‘re interested in to request more information and an admissions consultation. Come prepared with specific questions about the curriculum, instructors, career services, and outcomes.

Other helpful research tactics:

• Read online reviews and search for mentions of the bootcamp in industry publications
• Attend info sessions, workshops, and other admissions events
• Connect with alumni on LinkedIn and ask about their experience and outcomes
• Compare the curricula of several bootcamps side by side
• Find out if you can sit in on a class or meet with an instructor
• Look for independent, third-party verified student outcomes reports

With the right research and reflection, you‘ll be well-equipped to choose a coding bootcamp that will help you achieve your goals. Remember, landing a great programming job is absolutely possible with hard work and the right educational investment. We wish you the best of luck in your search and future tech career!