Should I Attend a Coding Bootcamp After College?

Computer science graduates leave college with comprehensive skills in computer programming, algorithms, and computer engineering. But some computer science students may want to pursue additional training by enrolling in a top coding bootcamp to further enhance their skills and marketability before entering the tech workforce.

Other students may have completed a degree in another field, only to discover later that they want to join the fast-growing tech industry. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 22% growth in employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers from 2019-2029. Coding bootcamps can make it easier for these college grads to change their career path without enrolling in another degree program.

Coding bootcamps offer an intense training program in a specific area of coding. You can find bootcamps for full-stack web development, data science, and cybersecurity. Many coding bootcamps provide job placement services, as well.

But should you consider attending a coding bootcamp after college? The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as why you’re interested in seeking additional training, overall bootcamp costs, the subjects you’d like to study, and the career you want to pursue.

If you did not study computer science or another technical subject in college, a coding bootcamp could help you break into the field without earning a new degree.

If you already have a degree in computer science, you should have a strong foundation in the basics of computer programming. However, a coding bootcamp can strengthen skills in specific areas. Because coding bootcamps align their curriculum with industry needs, they may focus on new tools that were not part of your college studies.

Coding bootcamps also emphasize hands-on projects that help students build a technical portfolio. This collection of work can demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.

Education and training cost money. In 2019, college students who took out student loans graduated with an average student debt of $29,900.

Coding bootcamps cost an average of around $13,580 in 2020. Individuals may struggle to afford a coding bootcamp, especially if they need to juggle student loan payments to pay off their college degree. Also, most coding bootcamps do not qualify for federal student aid programs, so you may be faced with taking on more debt.

Some programs offer deferred tuition payments or income share agreements that do not require payment until you begin working. However, you should carefully consider the total cost of such arrangements and how those payments would impact your other financial obligations.

The average coding bootcamp length is 16.5 weeks, which is much shorter than it’d take to return to college and earn an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree. Additionally, many bootcamp providers offer online coding bootcamps and part-time options.

Coding bootcamps do not have general education courses or provide a comprehensive curriculum. Instead, these programs focus on a specific tech path within computer programming and software development.

Many of the instructors hold professional experience in the tech field. And some bootcamps may use advisory boards composed of tech employers to ensure they focus on the skills graduates need to find a good job.

Most bootcamps also include career development as part of the program. Students may practice technical interviews, polish their resumes, and compile a professional portfolio. Team projects build skills in project management and leadership, as well.

Graduates of coding bootcamps often see a bump in their pay right away, especially if they’re transferring into the field from a nontech role. The coding bootcamp Codesmith reported that around 79% of graduates from its first-half 2020 New York City program found work in their field within 180 days of graduating. These graduates reported a median salary of $120,000. You can explore more career outcomes for select bootcamp providers by visiting the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting’s website.

Several factors can impact the salary potential for coding bootcamp graduates, including a worker’s location, experience, and area of specialization. Coding bootcamps typically prepare you for entry-level positions.