A Guide to Affordable Data Analytics Bootcamps

Data analytics bootcamps are popular because they can set you up for a new tech career in just months. But with so many bootcamps to choose from, how can you tell which one is best for you?

First, you need to know your goals. Do you see yourself as a senior data engineer at Apple, or are you just looking to get your feet wet in the field? Second, can you commit to a full-time bootcamp? If not, you’ll want to limit your search to the part-time and self-paced options. Finally, how important to your decision is saving money?

Though bootcamps can be cheaper than four-year degrees, they are still a financial investment, with the most expensive ones costing upwards of $20,000. When it comes to data analytics bootcamps, you can get the training you need to start your career without breaking the bank. Explore the most affordable data analytics bootcamps using the guide below.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

According to BestColleges’ data from 2020, the average coding bootcamp costs $13,580. You may not use Pell grants or federally subsidized student loans to cover these costs.

However, many bootcamp providers offer payment options like loans and income share agreements (ISA) that can reduce the upfront cost of a bootcamp. There are also bootcamps that allow tuition deferment, taking their payment only after you secure a paycheck.

While these financial aid options may let you start for free, they can also result in you paying more in interest and fees over time.

Fortunately, there are ways you can make your data analytics bootcamp more affordable. Explore the possibilities listed below:

Bootcamps sometimes offer discounts for upfront payments or early registration. For instance, LearningFuze’s data science program advertises a $500 discount for students who pay tuition in full up front. The bootcamp also offers an early registration discount of $250.

Scholarships can cover some or all of your tuition costs. Bootcamp providers may offer scholarship options themselves, or you could apply for funds through a third party. Some scholarships are specifically available only to women, veterans, or people of color. Flatiron School, for example, offers merit scholarships and scholarships to women and people from underrepresented communities.

Some employers help cover part or all of their employees’ bootcamp costs. Typically, employers set up parameters to determine who qualifies for help, how much they can receive, and which programs can receive funds.

Employees who are gaining valuable skills, have served the company for several years, and who attend a recognized bootcamp are more likely to receive support. Talk with your talent management team about what your employer may do for you.

Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits like the GI® Bill and VET TEC can cover part of the cost of data analytics bootcamps. The Post-9/11 GI Bill helps veterans who have served after September 11, 2001 to pay for higher education or technical training. VET TEC provides tuition and housing support during training programs for high-tech careers.

Some bootcamps, like CodeUp, accept VA benefits, but not all providers/programs qualify to do so. If you plan to use VA benefits, you should confirm your program’s eligibility before enrolling.

Many providers offer data analytics courses as alternatives to bootcamps. These courses are typically shorter, cheaper, and less intensive than a bootcamp.

Current professionals can enroll in one of these courses to sharpen their skills in a particular area of data analytics. Alternatively, people just getting started in the discipline may want to participate in an introductory course to determine their level of interest or prepare to take a full bootcamp.

Some courses grant students a professional certificate upon completing the course. The education providers below all offer free or low-cost data analytics courses.

According to data collected by BestColleges in 2020, the average data science bootcamp costs $15,078. Some popular bootcamps may charge well above or below this average. For instance, Principle Analytics Prep in New York City charges $18,888 for its full-time data analytics bootcamp, whereas Nashville Software School charges just under $8,000 for its program.

If you want a career in data analytics, a bootcamp can help you get a job. Bootcamp alumni can go on to work for major enterprises, such as Amazon and Google, and hold lucrative job titles like data engineer, data analyst, or machine learning engineer. These are high-paying jobs. As of July 2023, for example, Payscale states that data engineers earn an average salary of $95,000.

Yes, you can teach yourself data analytics for free by borrowing books from the library, enrolling in MOOCs, or participating in online communities. Is it advisable to teach yourself data analytics, though? If you intend to make the discipline your hobby, the answer may be yes. If, however, you aspire to hold a professional job in this field, then a bootcamp or degree usually provides better preparation.

Like any complex skill, data analytics requires time and commitment to master. A data professional must hold advanced knowledge in research, mathematics, information technology, and critical thinking. With the right attitude, background, and talent, however, you can become proficient in data analytics and enjoy the rewards of your work.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/index.asp.