The Cost of Coding Bootcamps: Tuition, Time, and ROI

Do you want to learn to code, but are concerned about the costs of coding bootcamps?

Cost is one of many factors to consider when researching coding bootcamps.

Return on Investment (ROI) should be a key consideration as well.

Afterall, if that program doesn’t teach you the technical skills needed to get a job, then it was time and money wasted.

It’s not just about how much a coding bootcamp costs - time commitment and post-graduation job outcomes are equally important.

See specific [tuition costs for various coding bootcamps](https://www.nucamp.co/blog/coding-bootcamp-cost).

But first, let’s review the different coding bootcamp options, then compare tuition costs.

Cost-Comparison: In-person vs. Online Coding Bootcamps

The average cost of coding bootcamps can vary depending based on the type of program and curriculum it includes.

Programs that are fully in-person are typically based out of major cities and often require a full-time commitment.

A half-year program like this can cost students more than $20,000.

This is due to the overhead of running the class with full-time instructors in a permanent, brick-and-mortar location.

Online coding bootcamps, however, offer a unique solution - quality coding education at a fraction of the cost of in-person bootcamps.

How is this possible?

The difference is in how online programs develop and implement their courses and curriculum.

Online coding bootcamps are taught online with well-respected, open-source content by instructors that are often full-time web developers themselves.

Online coursework is then paired with a once-a-week live workshop with a dedicated instructor.

There’s no rent, utilities, etc.

And since instructors are part-time, we save there, too.

That cost-savings is passed on to students, making tuition very affordable.

Coding bootcamps such as Nucamp offer Web Development Fundamentals for as low as $458, and a Full Stack Coding bootcamp for $2,604.

Tuition isn’t the only cost for coding bootcamps.

In addition to tuition costs, however, also consider the logistical costs of an in-person versus online program.

Because many in-person bootcamps are full-time, they require students to quit their current job to get started.

They also require commuting to the bootcamp location, which can be a challenge if you do not live in or near a large city.

Online coding bootcamps, however, take place remotely, and can be completed right at home. Weekly live workshops with a dedicated instructor are held for 4 hours over the weekend.

Many of these programs are also available on a part-time basis so that you can continue to work another job while you are completing your education.

Return on Investment of Coding Bootcamps

Now that we’ve highlighted the cost-effectiveness, let’s look at the actual return on investment.

Key components for calculating the return on investment include both time as well as the outcomes post-graduation from bootcamp, such as job placement.

Coding bootcamps in general have a high ROI in comparison to traditional computer science programs at universities because coders are typically able to secure employment quickly following bootcamp, at a fraction of the time and cost required for a 4-year CS degree.

It’s worth noting, however, that there are key curriculum differences between bootcamps and colleges that should be considered as well.

Online coding bootcamps in particular have a high ROI because they offer high-quality coding coursework in a short amount of time but are also typically more cost-effective than in-person bootcamps.

In Summary, what to consider when comparing tuition costs.

1. ROI and Logistics: As we’ve highlighted above, it’s important to consider the cost, time, and job outcomes you’re expecting with coding bootcamps. Also consider other costs outside of tuition, such as commuting and ability to earn income during your program.
2. Curriculum: There key differences in the approach that traditional university computer science programs take to web development versus coding bootcamps. But bootcamps themselves have different curriculum structures as well. Ensure that the coursework is in-line with your career goals.
3. Program Completion Rates: Ensure that the program you select has proven graduation rates, focusing particularly on job placement rates in the months following graduation.
4. Job Opportunities and Networking Post-Graduation: Many coding bootcamps offer networking opportunities as a part of the program experience - in fact, Nucamp offers complimentary LinkedIn Premium access to Nucamp graduates to jumpstart their job search and networking. Nucamp also has a nationwide job board, and a very active alumnus.

Nucamp’s mission is to keep coding education affordable and accessible to everyone.

Register in your community