Computer Science Training Cost

Are you looking to learn computer science? Training costs for computer science basics vary, but you can master the fundamentals without investing years of time and effort. Some computer science tools are freely available for download, and you can also find helpful videos and articles without spending anything but time.

Beyond these, you’ll want to consider formal training. Many computer science beginners learn through intensive bootcamps or certificate programs. Costs for these range from around $3,500 to $8,000, and you can complete them in a few months or even weeks.

Read on to find out more about how much you can expect to spend on learning computer science.

What is Computer Science?

Computer science is an immense field that encompasses the study of information systems, computation, and automation. Hardware and software design, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization fall under the computer science purview.

On the theoretical side, computer science includes information theory, algorithms, and computational theory. The practical side of computer science covers hardware and software design and implementation. While data science has emerged as a discrete discipline in recent years, many computer science pros still consider it a subcategory of the larger computer science field. 

Read more about what computer science is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Computer Science?

Computer science classes cover a wide range of subjects, encompassing anything from web development and software engineering to data science. Tools like Python and Java are popular among numerous career paths in this growing field, and as far as computer science applications go, the sky’s the limit.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Computer and Information Research Scientist job outlook is especially bright: they estimate a 21% growth rate between 2021-2031, well above the average growth rate of five percent. Top positions for computer science professionals include Software Developers, IT Security Analysts, Data Scientists, and Product Managers.

Areas of specialization for computer science professionals include programming languages like Java, the development and application of robotics, and the development of new systems, tools, and programming languages. In our ever-more connected digital world, computer science generalists and specialists can thrive both now and in the future.

In-Depth Review of the Training Cost

Training costs for computer science depend on multiple factors. Your level of experience, the sector within the field (like finance or IT), and company-specific requirements can all affect the cost of training.

Consider the following training options from the most to the least expensive:

• Four-year university or college degree - Some companies, particularly in specific industries, will require employees to have a degree for a particular role. Check out online postings on job search engines and boards like Glassdoor, Indeed, or LinkedIn to get more information on what types of requirements employers have in different fields.

• Bootcamps and certificate programs - Typically a much less expensive option than college, the bootcamp training model has become increasingly popular in recent years. Many employers report that practical, hands-on experience gained in bootcamps prepares their new hires to hit the ground running. While a degree can take four years and cost tens of thousands of dollars, you can graduate from a bootcamp or certificate program in a few months.

• Self-paced or on-demand classes may be less expensive, but they don’t typically come with the same benefits as live instruction. While these offer a certain level of convenience, the lower engagement of on-demand video training may not be worth the cost savings. A few of these courses are free, though most require either a paid platform subscription or their providers charge a nominal enrollment fee.

• Free online resources - These can include anything from the news feeds of major tech companies to video seminars hosted by course providers. The most popular free resources are:

• Online seminars (webinars)
• Tutorials
• Articles
• Blog posts
• News items

Most computer science students ultimately need formal training in an immersive environment. In-person or live online bootcamps and certificates provide engagement comparable to college courses without a lengthy time commitment. You may want to begin with free online resources like those listed below to help you start learning. But once you know more about what you want to do with the knowledge you gain, your next step will likely be a bootcamp.

Free Introductory Computer Science Course Online 

Are you considering a career in computer science but not ready to dive into a full-length course? If you’re looking for a simple computer science overview or cannot commit to a full-length bootcamp or certificate program, check out the many online resources you can use to start learning computer science for free.

Say you want to study to be a JavaScript Developer or Full Stack Developer. Consider beginning with the Intro to Full Stack JavaScript seminar on Noble Desktop’s YouTube Channel. In this free introductory course, you’ll learn about topics like React and the JavaScript MERN stack development, among others.

Want to learn data science as part of a broader computer science curriculum? Your education can begin with Noble’s data science video tutorials. These include Get Started in Data Science, Intro to Python Fundamentals, and Exchanging Excel for Python.

Additional free online courses include:

• Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) from the University of Michigan
• Google’s IT Support Professional Certificate program
• Neural Networks and Deep Learning from DeepLearning.AI
• HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for Web Developers from Johns Hopkins University
• The Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization program from Duke University.

Read about more free computer science videos and online tutorials.

Learn Computer Science with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

If you want comprehensive computer science training in an interactive environment, check out the Full Stack Web Development Certificate from Noble Desktop. This in-depth program gives participants all the tools they need to build webpages and apps, plus training in hosting, server, and network environments. Featured topics include HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and MongoDB, to name a few.

Is software engineering your main goal? Consider enrolling in Noble’s Software Engineering Certificate program. Here you’ll learn front end development with JavaScript and React along with back end development using Django (Python), all taught by instructors with expertise in the field. Small class sizes and 1-on-1 mentoring mean you always get individual attention and gain essential skills in Flexbox, Grid, and Bootstrap.

If you focus your computer science training on the subcategory of data science, Noble Desktop’s Data Science Certificate gives you the skills you need for an entry-level position. This immersive program provides training in essential tools from Python programming to machine learning fundamentals. It’s a great way to prepare to work as a Data Scientist, Data Analyst, or Machine Learning Engineer.

High school students preparing for the AP Computer Science exam can benefit from Noble’s live online computer science NextGen Bootcamps. These summer classes offer an ideal way to learn disciplines like web development, Python programming, or data science in a beginner-friendly environment.