Top 5 Best Coding Bootcamps in Chicago in 2024
Last Updated: December 22nd 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Discover the top 5 coding bootcamps in Chicago for 2024. Fullstack Academy boasts a 4.83 rating and flexible curriculums, while Actualize features intensive 12-week programs with solid support. Coding Temple offers industry connections with tech giants, and Flatiron School provides legendary career services. Explore Python, JavaScript, and more.
Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.
Finding the right coding bootcamp for 2024 is major. We did our research to scope out the best programs by checking out reviews and success stories from alumni, along with insights from industry experts.
We zeroed in on key factors that set students up for a win, like high job placement rates and legit curriculums covering all the hottest tech skills employers want - Python, JavaScript, cloud computing, you name it.
Top-notch instructors from major tech companies who really know their stuff and provide one-on-one guidance were also a must.
As one recent grad put it, "The instructors' real-world expertise and personal mentorship were total game-changers."
We evaluated every angle to identify the coding bootcamps that'll equip you with the skills and support to score an awesome tech job in 2024.
Oh, and be sure to check out Nucamp's insights on the most affordable options in Chicago.
Table of Contents
- Fullstack Academy
- Nucamp Coding Bootcamp
- Actualize
- Coding Temple
- Flatiron School
- Frequently Asked Questions
Check out next:
Find out the steps to enter the IT industry in Chicago and start your tech career.
Fullstack Academy
(Up)Fullstack Academy is the real deal when it comes to coding bootcamps in Chicago. Started by a couple of college buddies in 2012, they've been changing lives through immersive tech education ever since.
Their lineup is stacked - we're talking full-time and part-time programs for everything from software engineering to cybersecurity analytics, data analytics, and even AI/machine learning.
It's like a buffet of cool tech skills.
But here's the real kicker - their reviews are off the charts.
With an average rating of 4.83 out of 5 from hundreds of students, it's clear they're doing something right. Grads have landed gigs at major companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook, and the career support seems to be top-notch.
Plus, they've got that Grace Hopper Program specifically for women and non-binary students, which is a total win for diversity in tech.
The best part? Fullstack Academy is flexible.
They've got online options, so you can study from anywhere, and their curriculums are intense but manageable. Like, the software engineering immersive is 16 weeks full-time or 28 weeks part-time, and you'll be building projects with JavaScript, React, Node.js, and more.
It's hands-on learning that actually prepares you for the real world. So if you're looking to level up your coding skills and get hired, Fullstack Academy should definitely be on your radar.
Nucamp Coding Bootcamp
(Up)Nucamp Coding Bootcamps is the spot if you're looking to level up your coding skills and get into web development.
They offer this Intro to HTML, CSS, & JavaScript workshop where you can get a taste of what a coding bootcamp is all about.
It's totally free and online, so you can join from wherever. You'll learn the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, build a simple webpage, and even discuss how AI might impact web dev careers.
Pretty cool, right?
But Nucamp isn't just about intro workshops. They've got some seriously comprehensive bootcamps too. Like the Back End, SQL, and DevOps with Python program – it's 16 weeks of intense Python training, covering everything from fundamentals to SQL and DevOps.
You'll learn data structures, algorithms, Flask, and even dive into different cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure.
If you're more interested in front-end development, check out their Front End Web and Mobile Development bootcamp.
It's 17 weeks long and covers JavaScript, React, and React Native. Or, if you want the full package, go for the Full Stack Web and Mobile Application Development program, which adds Node.js, Express, and MongoDB to the mix.
What's really cool about Nucamp is that they make their bootcamps super accessible.
The tuition fees are pretty affordable, and they offer payment plans and financing options like student loans. Plus, they've got scholarships for different groups, like women in tech, high school grads, and Native Americans.
So no matter your background, you've got a chance to level up your coding skills without breaking the bank.
Actualize
(Up)Let me break it down for you about Actualize - it's a coding bootcamp that's been making waves since 2014. Their whole deal is hooking you up with the skills to become a software developer, and they're not playing around.
We're talking a full stack of programming languages like Ruby, JavaScript, SQL, and even Python for all you data heads out there.
But here's the real tea - their bootcamp is no joke.
You gotta be ready to grind hard for 12 weeks if you're doing the full-time thing, or 16 weeks part-time. We're talking at least 60-70 hours per week, coding, learning, and building projects like it's your job (because it will be soon, am I right?).
But if you can hang, you'll be walking out of there with the skills to land a sweet gig as a developer.
What really sets Actualize apart though, is the support system they've got going on.
Regular one-on-one mentoring, study groups with your peers, and even a dope alumni network to tap into once you've graduated. One student, Matthew Harris, said,
"The supportive community at Actualize was invaluable. I formed lasting connections with classmates and mentors, who continue to inspire and motivate me in my career."
Sounds like they've really got your back, doesn't it? So if you're serious about breaking into software engineering, Actualize might just be the move.
Coding Temple
(Up)Coding Temple is where it's at for anyone trying to get their code game on point in Chicago. These guys are all about hands-on learning and real-world projects, which is the key to becoming a coding boss.
They've got a sick range of courses covering everything from full-stack web dev with JavaScript, React, and Node.js to data science and machine learning using Python and SQL. Oh, and let's not forget about their cybersecurity program where you can learn to hack ethically and keep those networks secure.
But what really sets Coding Temple apart is their tight connections with tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon.
These collabs give you an inside scoop on the industry and could even land you a sweet gig after graduation. Just ask Lisa Smith, who said the career support and connections were a total game-changer for her job hunt.
And it's no wonder their alumni network - it's massive and spans all kinds of industries.
You'll have a crew of coding wizards to lean on for advice and support as you level up your career. Just peep this quote from Michael Taylor, a Data Scientist at Avant:
"After completing the data science program, I landed my dream job at a leading fintech company. Coding Temple's practical approach truly prepared me for the real world." Sounds like a solid endorsement to me!
Flatiron School
(Up)Flatiron School has been killin' it since 2012, and in 2024, they're still the real deal. These guys got a whole lineup of fire courses coverin' the full spectrum - from full-stack web dev to data science, cybersecurity, and more.
We're talkin' 15-20 weeks of hardcore, project-based learning that'll have you coding like a pro. They mix online resources with hands-on coding sessions and one-on-one mentorship to make sure you're ready to crush it.
But that's not even the best part.
Flatiron School's career services are straight-up legendary. They hook you up with:
- Career Coaching: Industry veterans guide you through the whole nine yards - resumes, networking, interview prep, you name it.
- Employer Partnerships: With over 1,000 tech companies on board, they got connections for days, helping grads land those sweet gigs.
- Hiring Events: Regular coding challenges and hiring fests bring potential employers right to your doorstep.
And if you need any more convincing, check out these success stories:
- Avi Flombaum, co-founder of Flatiron Health, sold his company to Roche for a cool $1.9 billion back in 2018.
- Carly Robinson, a software engineer at Google and a Forbes "30 Under 30" in 2023 - talk about goals!
- Kristi Progri, co-founder of LØRN, an edtech startup that scored $3.5 million in seed funding. Cha-ching!
These guys have the credentials too - named Best Coding Bootcamp by Course Report in 2024 and rockin' a 9.2/10 CIRR rating for student outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What are some of the best coding bootcamps in Chicago for 2024?
Some of the top coding bootcamps in Chicago for 2024 include Fullstack Academy, Nucamp Coding Bootcamp, Actualize, Coding Temple, and Flatiron School.
What programs are offered at Fullstack Academy?
Fullstack Academy offers a variety of programs including software engineering, cybersecurity analytics, data analytics, and AI/machine learning. They also have the Grace Hopper Program specifically for women and non-binary students.
How does Nucamp Coding Bootcamp support diverse groups?
Nucamp Coding Bootcamp offers scholarships for different groups including women in tech, high school graduates, and Native Americans. They also provide affordable tuition fees and payment plans to make their bootcamps accessible to a wider range of students.
What makes Actualize unique among coding bootcamps?
Actualize stands out for its intense curriculum, requiring students to commit 60-70 hours per week for 12 weeks (full-time) or 16 weeks (part-time). They also offer robust support systems including one-on-one mentoring, study groups, and an active alumni network.
What kind of career support does Flatiron School provide?
Flatiron School provides extensive career services including career coaching, employer partnerships with over 1,000 tech companies, and regular hiring events. These resources are aimed at helping graduates land jobs in the tech industry.
You may be interested in the following topics as well:
Increase your chances of job referrals by actively participating in Join Chicago Tech Networking Groups and Meetups.
Explore job opportunities with Chicago's Major Tech Employers to kickstart your career.
Start your journey by understanding the overview of Chicago's tech industry and learn why this city is a hotspot for tech enthusiasts.
Prepare yourself for a remote tech job interview from Chicago with our guide on what to expect and how to ace it.
Meet the Instructors and industry connections that can help jumpstart your tech career.
Explore how the rise of remote work opportunities in cybersecurity is shaping the job market in Chicago.
Find out why ShipBob's logistics innovations place it among the top startups to keep an eye on.
Enhance your skills and experience with the renowned Microsoft University Internship in Chicago.
Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.