There are many ways to learn to code and find a job in a STEM field. Coding bootcamps are commonly discussed as an easy way to break into the technology industry. But are coding bootcamps worth the investment of your time and money?
In many cases, coding bootcamps are less expensive and time-consuming than other educational routes designed to prepare you for a tech career. When comparing coding bootcamps to alternatives, bootcamps stand out as a proven method of moving from beginner to professional in engineering and coding.
How Much Time Do You Spend in a Coding Bootcamp?
The first thing to consider when deciding whether a coding bootcamp is worth it is knowing how much time they take to complete. Once you start researching bootcamps, it becomes apparent that there is no single answer to this question.
The length of a coding bootcamp will depend on many factors, such as what you are learning and the bootcamp schedule. Coding bootcamps are offered on either a part-time or full-time basis. Some schools run both schedules for added flexibility.
Bootcamps that last a few weeks tend to teach students a specific skill or tool, while bootcamps that last for several months focus on a range of skills to help students transition into a new career. However, the uniting factor is that most bootcamps require less time than other options for learning computer programming and other technical skills.
Time Investment: Coding Bootcamps vs. Certificates vs. Degrees
Most bootcamps are not nearly as time-intensive as certificate programs and degree programs.
Tech certifications or certificate programs comprise multiple bootcamps and workshops. Official certification programs also require students to take an exam after completing a training program. These exams require more time for studying and taking the test and can also require more money if students are expected to pay for the test. In addition, it is possible to go through training for certification and not pass the qualifying exams. This means you have to spend even more time and money studying, taking classes, and retaking the certification test!
A college degree is another standard instructional method used to learn to code. Of all the options for learning to code, college degree programs take the most significant amount of time. Most computer science or engineering degrees require at least two to four years. These schools also require students to take courses outside of their degree program. Some schools even require students to participate in internships and research opportunities outside the classroom.
When comparing coding bootcamps to college degrees, it is apparent that coding bootcamps require less time, a smaller financial investment, and minimal commitment to the extracurricular expectations of a degree program.
Return on Investment for Coding Bootcamps
Breaking down whether or not coding bootcamps are worth your time? Consider the return on investment (ROI) for these bootcamps.
ROI is used to analyze if the amount of time and money invested into something will result in an adequate return. This return could be more money, time, and access to opportunities, jobs, or even social capital. For students that take coding bootcamps, ROI can be measured by thinking about the amount of time and money invested into taking the camp compared to what that investment gets you. Since many of the benefits of coding bootcamps can also come from other methods (like certificate programs and degrees), ROI can also compare the investment that one might put into other means of learning coding skills.
According to CareerKarma’s 2020 Report on the Coding Bootcamp Market, more than half of bootcamps cost less than $15,000, while annual college tuition is generally double this amount. Bootcamp providers are often expected to publicize their outcome data, and the most popular bootcamps offer placement for over 75% of their students. In this sense, coding bootcamps can have a greater return on investment than some other options for learning to code. As a less lengthy time investment, a coding bootcamp makes it easier for students to meet the ever-growing technology industry's needs. Also, many coding bootcamps offer professional development opportunities for students, ensuring that they can find a job after completing the bootcamp.
Some might argue that self-teaching coding is the most financially viable option for students who have a lot of free time but not a lot of extra money. While it is true that self-teaching has the lowest overhead cost, the lack of infrastructure can make it more difficult to find employment opportunities. Students in a bootcamp benefit from learning from an instructor who can lead them through coursework and create projects and a portfolio using a well-tested curriculum. Those who graduate have concrete ways of vouching for their skills to prospective employers, either through references or certification.
Find Top Coding Bootcamps Near You
Are you looking for a coding bootcamp? Noble Desktop offers live online bootcamps for students who enjoy a remote learning environment. You can also look for in-person coding bootcamps to attend in a city near you. Noble Desktop’s coding bootcamps deliver hands-on experience and training in software engineering, data science, and other in-demand skills.