Coding Bootcamp vs. Associate Degree

Associate programs in computer science tend to take a general approach, teaching students the fundamentals of a few different programming and markup languages, such as JavaScript, HTML, and C++. Students may also take related courses in software engineering and web development. During their two years of study, they may also enroll in general education courses in areas like writing and communication.

Bootcamps, on the other hand, usually focus on one specific area. For instance, students may develop skills in front-end development, data science, or UX/UI design. This hyper-focused learning appeals to individuals who know their specific career goals.

Many students believe bootcamps provide a good return on investment. They believe they will finish their program quickly, and find a well-paying job soon after graduation.

However, the reality is a bit more complicated. Salary potential for coding bootcamp grads depends on many factors, including previous experience, location, employer, specialization, and education level.

For instance, an entry-level web developer earns an average salary of $50,690, according to PayScale data from August 2021. In contrast, a late-career web developer makes an average annual income of $81,680.

Even though a bootcamp may prepare students to jump into the industry, a college degree may help them negotiate higher salaries. That is one reason why students might consider an associate degree as a better return on investment.

Bootcamp costs vary but typically range between $10,000-$15,000. Some bootcamps can cost as little as a few thousand dollars, while the most expensive options charge over $20,000. Using data from 620 bootcamps, BestColleges found that the median bootcamp tuition in 2020 was $13,500.

When considering tuition, fees, and room and board for full-time students, the average cost of an associate degree surpasses bootcamp costs. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, that average annual cost amounted to over $11,000 in 2018-2019. That is over $22,000 over the course of two years.

Keep in mind that many community colleges offer scholarships, federal financial aid, and other forms of financial assistance to help lower these costs. Some states offer programs that allow high-achieving high school students to attend community college at a lower price or for free.

There are scholarships for bootcamps, but they are harder to find. Bootcamps also do not qualify for federal financial aid programs.

Many students decide to take out bootcamp loans from private lenders or enter an income share agreement (ISA). These ISAs allow students to enroll without paying full tuition. After they graduate and find a job, they pay a portion of their salary for a set period of time.

One of the main distinctions between coding bootcamps and associate degrees is the time commitment.

Associate degrees traditionally take two years for full-time students. Learners who enroll part time generally take longer to graduate. Students who choose associate degrees usually attend class for only a few hours a day, completing homework assignments and projects on their own time.

Bootcamps follow a much shorter time frame, which appeals to many students who choose this path. Bootcamps often last 12 weeks, although timelines can range from a few weeks to six months.

The shorter time frame and more intensive nature of bootcamps mean that students remain in classes and work on projects every day, often for several hours per day. Therefore, this faster timeline usually requires a more significant commitment in students’ day-to-day schedules.