How much money does bootcamp cost?

Coding bootcamp costs vary widely, depending on the program, duration, and format. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:

Average Cost of Bootcamps

• Full-Time, In-Person Bootcamps: 10,000 to 20,000
• Part-Time or Online Bootcamps: 5,000 to 15,000
• Self-Paced Programs: 1,000 to 7,000 (often more affordable)

Payment Options

Most bootcamps offer flexible payment plans to help students manage costs:

1. Upfront Payment

• Pay the entire tuition cost before starting.
• Some bootcamps offer discounts for paying upfront.

2. Installment Plans

• Spread payments over several months, often without interest.

3. Income Share Agreements (ISA)

• Pay no upfront tuition.
• After graduation, you pay a percentage of your salary for a set period (e.g., 10-15% of income for 2-4 years).
• Only applies if you secure a job earning above a minimum threshold.

4. Deferred Tuition

• Pay tuition only after getting a job, similar to ISAs but with fixed payments instead of a percentage.

5. Scholarships and Discounts

• Many bootcamps offer scholarships for women, veterans, or underrepresented groups in tech.
• Look for discounts during promotions or holidays.

Additional Costs to Consider

• Living Expenses: If attending an in-person bootcamp, consider housing and food costs.
• Equipment: You may need a reliable laptop and software tools.
• Exam/Certification Fees: Some bootcamps charge extra for industry-recognized certifications.

Free or Low-Cost Alternatives

If cost is a concern, consider these free or affordable options:

• freeCodeCamp: Completely free, self-paced curriculum.
• The Odin Project: Free, project-based learning platform.
• Paid but affordable courses, such as:
  • Grokking the Coding Interview for coding interviews.
  • Grokking Data Structures & Algorithms to master fundamentals.

Conclusion

Bootcamp costs range from a few thousand dollars to upwards of $20,000. While expensive, many bootcamps provide flexible payment options and job placement assistance to offset the upfront investment. Be sure to evaluate the bootcamp’s quality, job placement rates, and available financial aid before committing.