Choosing a Coding Bootcamp? Here Are 5 Helpful Things You Need to Know
Coding bootcamps offer short-term, but intensive training to prepare graduates for a junior-level job in tech. 
With more than 100 bootcamps across the country, finding the program that checks off all of your boxes can be tricky.
A successful program will seamlessly transition students from various backgrounds into thriving careers in tech. As an Admissions Coordinator here at Tech Elevator, I see and understand what students go through as they make the life-changing decision to enroll. Over the years, I have interacted with many incredible students from various backgrounds. Coming from industries such as hospitality, teaching, and retail, these students put faith in themselves and transform their lives with viable tech careers. Here are a few important factors to consider as you conduct your coding bootcamp research.
1. Cost:
While considerably less than a four-year degree, coding bootcamps can range anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the program and location. Before applying, consider what kind of payment options the program has to offer and which ones are attainable for you.
Questions to ask yourself: Do they have grants or scholarships? Are you able to take out a loan?
Many bootcamps will offer financing, self-payments, or the increasingly popular Income Share Agreement (ISA), which offers a low payment upfront and deferred tuition in exchange for a percentage of the student’s income once they have a job.
To cover Tech Elevator’s tuition, we offer a wide range of financing options including scholarships, workforce grants, payment plans, GI Bill loans, and ISAs. You can also attend virtual sessions to learn more about each option.
The ISA tuition plan is currently only available for Tech Elevator’s Full-Time Program. ISA plans are not available for residents of: Alabama, California, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Maine, New York, South Carolina, Washington D.C. or Washington. Read more information on Stride Funding’s Privacy Policy
2. Curriculum:
Take a look at a bootcamps course catalog, time frame, and delivery options. Consider your learning style and whether you can meet the pace of the program.
Questions to ask yourself: What languages do they teach? Are the languages relevant to the job market in your area?
Full-time programs usually require a 40+ hour per week time commitment, while part-time programs are designed for the working student.
Consider the learning environment you will thrive in; for example, in-person bootcamps allow for peer-to-peer interaction and hands-on learning. Programs held in a remote format can be live and still provide interactive lectures and career support.
3. Transparency/Outcomes:
Many bootcamps will advertise a strong, outcome-driven program that results in job placement. During your research, it’s important to dig into those claims and see how these outcomes are measured. Bootcamps can become a member of CIRR, which allows their results to be audited by a third party. Traditional universities and colleges are expected to report accurate outcomes so we feel that a bootcamp should be held to the same standard.
Utilize student reviews on various sites such as Course Report or Career Karma. These will give an honest and first-hand account of the program that you are looking into. If you have any questions about a particular program’s outcomes, reach out to their team directly for answers.
Related read >> Are Coding Bootcamps Misleading You with False Information?
4. Admissions Process:
The admissions process for a bootcamp plays a huge part in the program’s success.
Questions to ask yourself: Is everyone accepted? What kind of requirements must an applicant have prior to applying?
At Tech Elevator, personal check-ins from a local Admissions Coordinator are how we guide applicants through our process. Whether you are looking for detailed info on financing or a breakdown of the career services offered, an individual info session will help you get there.
If you are looking for a complete overview of how we navigate admissions, you can register for an open house to get a full breakdown. These are hosted multiple times per month in both a virtual and in-person format.
5. Career Services:
Students attend a bootcamp because they want to land a new, more fulfilling job in tech. It’s a no-brainer then that the career services offered can (and should) be a defining factor in your decision. Some bootcamps may only offer minimal career services, while others provide an intense career development program that sets its students up for success.
We offer students 33+ career development sessions throughout the cohort, through the nationally recognized Pathway Program. Support includes resume writing, mock interviews, employer interactions, and job placement services for up to six months post-graduation.
Ready to Kickstart Your Own Career Transformation?
The bootcamp industry is only expected to grow in the coming years and choosing the right program will set you up for success—both during the course and after as you embark on your job search. If you’re looking to take the next step in your career and think being a software developer is the path for you, then take our 25-minute mini aptitude test to get started.
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