Data Science Bootcamps in Chicago
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Completing a Chicago-based data science bootcamp can prepare you for various well-paying, in-demand roles in the tech industry. In recent years, the Windy City has cemented itself as a major U.S. tech hub, boasting more than 100,000 direct tech jobs and a $73.8 billion economic output, according to a 2022 Chicago Chamber of Commerce report.
Chicago offers many job opportunities for workers with data science skills. Depending on your previous education, experience, and specialization area, you might qualify for in-demand roles like data scientist, data analyst, or database administrator and architect.
If you graduate from a data science bootcamp in Chicago, you can expect to find many potential job opportunities in the city. In this guide, we highlight some of the best data science bootcamps in Chicago. We also provide detailed information about the job outlook for bootcamp graduates who want to work in the city.
Top Data Science Bootcamps in Chicago
Methodology
Bootcamp Ranking Guidelines
At BestColleges, we believe the best bootcamp is the one that fits your schedule, your learning needs, and your career aspirations. That's why we often present our recommendations in alphabetical order -- because the real best bootcamp is the bootcamp that's best for you.
BrainStation
- Program Cost: $16,500
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
- Career Services
- Evening & Weekend Options
Bootcamp participants in Chicago can join BrainStation’s live online data science bootcamp. The immersive program offers full-time and part-time options.
The curriculum explores topics like data analysis and visualization, analysis for data science, and artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. It also includes a capstone. Students can develop data modeling, statistical analysis, generative AI, and big data analysis skills.
The bootcamp also includes professional development and a career accelerator program. BrainStation’s Demo Day celebrates student learning and includes opportunities to meet future employers.
General Assembly
- Program Cost: $16,450 (full time), $4,500 (part time)
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
- Career Services
- Evening & Weekend Options
- Start For Free
General Assembly’s immersive data science bootcamp features one-on-one job coaching and industry connections. The curriculum requires a capstone project and covers exploratory data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling.
For professionals already working in the field, General Assembly also offers a 10-week part-time data science bootcamp.
Among General Assembly graduates in 2020, 74.4% who participated in the school’s career services program found a job within six months of graduation.
Northeastern Illinois University
- Program Cost: $7,900 (immersive), $5,100 (flex)
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Part Time
- Career Services
- Evening & Weekend Options
Northeastern Illinois University partners with QuickStart to offer an online data science and analytics bootcamp. The part-time program lasts 28 weeks, with options to take two sessions a week in the immersive bootcamp or one session a week in the flex bootcamp. The curriculum covers data analysis fundamentals, statistics, machine learning, and data visualization.
Students create a portfolio, complete a capstone project, and get access to mentoring sessions. Career support includes mock job interviews, resume assistance, and counseling.
Northwestern University
- Program Cost: $12,995
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Part Time
- Career Services
- Evening & Weekend Options
Northwestern University offers a fully online data science and visualization bootcamp in partnership with edX, which uses the same curriculum for all its partners. The 24-week program teaches students to solve real-world problems using data science techniques and theories. Students attend part-time evening courses remotely.
The hands-on curriculum explores Python programming, statistics, business intelligence software, and databases. One-on-one career services include job referrals, networking opportunities, and personalized coaching. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED certificate.
More Popular Data Science Bootcamps to Consider
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Explore Related Bootcamps
Job Outlook for Bootcamp Grads in Chicago
If you graduate from a data science bootcamp, Chicago is a promising place to start your career in this industry. The Chicago tech industry is growing quickly, welcoming the presence of big companies like Google and Uber, while also serving as a launching pad for new tech startups.
The Chicago Chamber of Commerce reports that the city’s tech industry grew 18% between 2011 and 2021. As a result, you can find many potential opportunities for data science careers in Chicago.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the Chicago metropolitan area employed 5,100 data scientists in 2021, which ranked as the fifth-largest employment level of data scientists in the U.S. Data scientists in the city earned an average annual salary of $110,800 in May 2022.
According to Projections Central, the demand for data scientists and mathematical science occupations should be significant in Illinois, with a projected 28.8% growth rate between 2020 and 2030.
The job outlook is also good for database administrators — another type of data science professional — in Chicago. The BLS reports that the Chicago metro area ranks fourth in the U.S. for employment of database administrators.
Frequently Asked Questions About Data Science Bootcamps in Chicago
Is a data science bootcamp worth it?
Completing a data science bootcamp can prepare you for an in-demand, well-paying career in the tech industry. Data scientists make an average annual salary of $99,270 (August 2023), according to PayScale. However, only you can decide if the time and money it takes to finish a data science bootcamp are worth it to you.
Can I go to a bootcamp in Chicago if I live somewhere else?
Yes, you can attend a data science bootcamp in Chicago even if you don’t live in the city. Many schools offer online options open to students no matter where they live. You can also consider enrolling in an in-person Chicago bootcamp and traveling to the city for any in-person requirements.
Are data science bootcamps in Chicago expensive?
The cost of a data science bootcamp in Chicago varies by school, ranging from around $5,000 to over $16,000. Factors that may impact price include the bootcamp provider, program length, and types of student support available. Bootcamps may offer various financing options, including loans, payment plans, and income share agreements.
How much does a data science job pay in Chicago?
Salaries for data science jobs in Chicago vary depending on your specific role, employer, and previous education and experience. However, the BLS reports that in May 2022, data scientists in the Chicago metro area earned an average salary of $110,800.
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