The vast majority of bootcamp participants share a common goal: to learn to code so they can land a job and start on a new career path. With the software engineering and software development job market predicted to grow by 25% over the next ten years and most coding professionals currently earning in excess of $100,000, this should come as no surprise.
Coding Bootcamps & Job Placement
It should also come as no surprise that coding bootcamps proudly advertise their job placement rates in order to attract prospective students. A high job placement rate, after all, gives crucial proof of concept to individuals considering enrolling in a bootcamp to make a career change, peace of mind that their investment in tuition (and the associated opportunity costs of devoting time and money to a coding bootcamp) will see return.
Emphasizing job placement also makes sense because career-readiness is at the core of most bootcamps’ missions: they aim to provide the necessary skills and expertise needed to land an entry-level job in a specific field. To this end, they’ll also provide helpful career services like technical interview prep, resume and portfolio review, assisted job search or placement services, and networking advice. (For more on how you should approach the job search after completing a coding bootcamp, see this personal account.)
In the long term a bootcamp’s interests are aligned with the interests of its students — ensuring successful job placements means ensuring the bootcamp’s longevity — but it’s essential to note that job placement rates are also an opportunity for less scrupulous providers to artificially inflate their numbers in the hopes of attracting more participants and improving the short-term bottom line.
As the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR) notes, bootcamps “often use complicated methods that exclude many students” to boost their job placement rate, such as only counting the responses of those students who have completed a regimented job-search process or relying on voluntary self-reporting when, let’s face it, nobody wants to admit they’re out of work.
Another way bootcamps can inflate job placement numbers is, instead of reducing the amount of student respondents, expanding what counts as a “placement” to include jobs outside the field, part-time opportunities, contract work, and internships. While such opportunities can certainly be way-points on the path to a new career, they are hardly the transformational opportunities (with the transformational salaries) often prominently advertised on bootcamp homepages.
How to avoid being fooled by this tricky accounting? When considering job placement data, always try to access the underlying methodology so that you can see exactly what’s going into the calculations. You might also ask the bootcamp’s admissions counselor directly the following questions about job placements suggested by the CIRR:
- How many placements are part-time?
- How do graduates’ salaries compare to the industry averages?
- How many are in another field or otherwise unrelated to the kind of coding advertised (e.g. web developer placements when the bootcamp is geared towards software development)?
- How many placements are in-house at the bootcamp? (More on this later…)
- What is the time-frame for a successful placement?
What’s a Job Placement Guarantee?
Many coding bootcamps offer job placement guarantees — either in tandem with advertising high job placement rates or by themselves — to further incentivize prospective students to enroll. In essence, a job placement guarantee is just what it sounds like: students who complete the boot camp are guaranteed to find employment. If you don’t find a job within a specified time-frame, you become eligible for a full or partial refund. As with job placement rates, in the long-term job guarantees make sense for both parties: the more successfully-employed alumni there are, the higher the perceived value of a bootcamp’s education, and on the other side, prospective students looking into coding bootcamps to make a career change may consider a bootcamp with a job guarantee to be a sounder investment. Backed by a firm job guarantee, in other words, you can pursue a bootcamp and navigate your career change with nothing to lose.
In practice, however, job guarantees can be more complicated — and potentially less appealing. In fact, many of concerns you should have about job guarantees are reminiscent of the questions about job placement rates we presented above:
How is “Job” Defined?
Job is a very broad term. When you consider a job guarantee as a value-add to a bootcamp’s offer, make sure you understand what they mean by job: is it (as it should be) a full-time, salaried position with benefits, or does a contract role, part-time position, or internship count as a job and thus release the provider from the guarantee. Does the job have to be a coding position (such as a software developer or software engineer position) or can it be any job?
Is There a Minimum Salary Associated with the Job Guarantee?
A job guarantee appeals to prospective students because of its impact on the calculations of a bootcamp’s potential return on investment. A guarantee ensures that, in theory at least, you won’t lose money on your investment. But students also pursue coding bootcamps because the return (in the form of a coding salary) is generally substantial enough to offer a short payback period on the investment in education. Landing a $100k/year job as a software developer, for example, means that you could recoup the ~$12k average investment in a bootcamp in less than two months on the job. If you are only able to receive a job offer for a $20k/yr contract position, however, and receiving this offer makes you ineligible for a money-back guarantee, the financial calculus becomes drastically different — and potentially unfavorable.
How Long are You Required to Search for a Job Before Getting Your Money Back?
In addition to the minimum salary, you should also take into account the minimum required search period. Eventually everyone finds a job, but if you have to search for years before becoming eligible for a bootcamp’s money-back guarantee, again, the guarantee begins to lose its upside for you. Best practice is to ensure that a job guarantee kicks in within a reasonable — say, six months after graduation — amount of time.
What are the Requirements to be Eligible for the Job Guarantee?
Job guarantees are never as easy as simply informing the bootcamp you’ve unsuccessfully completed a job search and then getting a check for your tuition. Often, there are myriad requirements you must fulfill to remain eligible, including ensuring perfect or near-perfect attendance in class — a fair requirement, in our minds — and working through a defined set of job search procedures provided by the bootcamp. If a job guarantee is a factor in your decision to enroll in a bootcamp, before entering into any agreement make sure you understand these requirements and that they are realistic.
Do “In-house” Jobs Fulfill the Job Guarantee?
While this could very well go under the first question, we’ve separated it out to emphasize it. In some cases, bootcamps offer those students in danger of not finding a job the option to teach or work in an administrative capacity at the bootcamp. On the one hand, this is quite generous and does provide gainful employment and a “home base” as they continue their search. At the same time, however, this probably isn’t exactly what was envisioned when enrolling in a bootcamp with a job guarantee. It could also potentially be a red flag if it’s used to juice job placement rates.
What About ISAs?
In the conversation about job placement and financial investment in bootcamps, you’ll also often encounter income-share agreements (ISAs), a kind of deferred tuition plan. As with job guarantees, these are financial incentives to enroll in a coding bootcamp that are directly tied to what job you can secure once you graduate.
In an ISA, the bootcamp agrees to allow you to attend the boot camp for no up-front cost if you agree to pay a percentage of your income back to them once you land a job. Often, the amount you end up paying will be higher than the advertised tuition, meaning that ISAs are in essence a form of loan, and one the federal government is increasingly ensuring is advertised as such.
Because these ISAs can capture a significant percent of your monthly income, the students in the best position to utilize them are those who don’t have the cash to pay for a bootcamp up front and plan on working in a city with a lower cost of living that will make it easier to make payments down the road. As with job guarantees, it’s absolutely essential to read all the fine print and understand all stipulations before entering into an ISA.
Coding Bootcamps with Good Placement Rates or Job Placement Guarantees: How to Choose the Right One for You
When researching coding bootcamps with job placement guarantees, you should attempt to optimize for success on two fronts: 1) in-bootcamp emphasis on job placement demonstrated through curriculum and career services and 2) post-bootcamp job placement success demonstrated through job placement rate and job guarantee.
In-bootcamp: Curriculum
A coding bootcamp emphasizing job placement will do so through a curriculum that provides job-ready training, real-world use cases, and opportunities to pursue portfolio-ready projects.
As you review and compare curriculums from different bootcamps, focus on how many lessons and units are included that could be immediately utilized in a professional setting, and whether the bootcamp helps you connect the dots from training to utilization through glimpses of how a real software developer, software engineer, or web developer uses the skills you are learning. Better yet: look for programs that give you facetime with practicing coders.
But you don’t just want to learn how your skills could be applied, you also want to apply them yourself. This is essential not only to gain experience in real-world situations, but to produce projects that you can include in your portfolio and show off to potential employers.
Crucially, you also want to find a bootcamp that will teach you skills relevant to your desired career path. Are you interested in front-end or back-end development? Would you prefer a full-stack bootcamp? Software engineering? Or are you more interested in a more specialized bootcamp covering UX design or the Python programming language? As coding bootcamps continue to grow in popularity and the tech workforce becomes more specialized, there are bespoke educational options that can get you wherever you want to go and there’s only upside to taking advantage of this.
In-bootcamp: Career services
In addition to their curriculum, coding bootcamps that emphasize job placement will have robust career service offerings. Writing a good resume can be as difficult as writing in Python, Java, or C++, and if you’re getting trained in those with an eye on a coding career, it makes sense to get trained in resume writing.
Networking is another learned skill that, with the explosion of online job boards, has never been more important. An expert can quickly help you get up to speed with best practices to make your networking efficient and effective.
Of course, networking and your resume both work in service of landing an interview, but interviewing is yet another learned skill that you don’t want to start practicing when you are in the room for your first chat with a prospective employer. A coding bootcamp emphasizing job placement will thus provide low-risk opportunities for you to practice interviewing and receive expert feedback on how to improve.
Post-bootcamp: Job Placement Rate
As we noted above, a high job placement rate suggests that a bootcamp successfully helps individuals embark on a coding career path. When researching programs, however, keep in mind the watch-outs we mentioned: make sure to dive as deep into the data and methodology as you can to ensure the job placement rate a bootcamp advertises is an accurate representation of the efficacy of their program.
Post-bootcamp: Job Placement Guarantee
A job placement guarantee can be a good indicator that a bootcamp is confident in the quality of the education attendees receive, and it can also present what seems like a no-risk opportunity to try to break into software engineering, software development, or web development. That said, remember the caveats we mentioned above: some job guarantees can be difficult to qualify for, or become void even if you only get an offer for a low-paying internship. Others consider a job in any industry or capacity to be sufficient — including internal positions that bootcamps might offer to avoid paying back tuition. When researching, always look deeply at the structure and stipulations of the guarantee to ensure it adequately protects you.
Our Picks for Best Coding Bootcamps with Good Job Placement Rates or Job Placement Guarantees
With so many bootcamps out there and so much to pay attention to, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But you’re not alone in your research. In our picks for best coding bootcamps with job placement guarantees or good placement rates, we’ve followed our own advice and taken into account both how well a bootcamp’s curriculum and career services prepare students to get a great job placement and how well (and transparently) they demonstrate this through job placement rate and job placement guarantees.
1. Awesome Inc: Web Development Bootcamp
Awesome Inc’s 16-week Web Development Bootcamp provides students with over 500 hours of hands-on instruction in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Github, and Agile. Over the course of the 16 weeks, students complete over 10 projects that can help them put what they’re learning into practice. Better yet, Awesome Inc structures the entire bootcamp experience to simulate the first 3 months on the job, including daily standup calls. Crucially Awesome Inc offers a job guarantee, with students only paying tuition once they’ve landed a job making $40,000 or more.
Summary of Verified Student Reviews:
Reviews analyzed from 2021 through 2023 indicate that students have overwhelmingly positive experiences attending Awesome Inc bootcamps, with numerous advantages over other bootcamps referenced.
Pros: The curriculum is praised for its intensity and the amount of knowledge imparted during the program. Students appreciate the comprehensive learning experience, which not only covers coding but also includes design, agile development, and insights into the job market. Lunch and learn sessions with web developers and interaction with fellow students are highlighted as valuable sources of information and networking opportunities. The instructors receive praise for their knowledge and guidance, encouraging self-reliance and pushing students to go beyond their comfort zones.
The bootcamp is seen as more than just a coding program. It is described as a life-changing experience that teaches students how to learn, reach their full potential, and become part of the larger Awesome Inc network. The value of the program extends beyond coding skills, offering a change for the better and providing a foundation for a career in tech. The curriculum is viewed as well-designed and collaborative, focusing on building modern web applications and offering hands-on training with various languages and frameworks. Students appreciate the real-world scenarios and teamwork emphasized during the bootcamp, as well as the guidance provided for job placement.
While there are some mentions of the rigorous nature of the bootcamp and the need for self-motivation and dedication, the overall sentiment is highly positive. Students express satisfaction with the investment they made and the results they achieved after completing the program. The success of graduates in obtaining employment in the tech industry is frequently mentioned, with some individuals securing jobs immediately after the bootcamp and others experiencing ongoing freelance opportunities. The reputation and engagement of Awesome Inc as a company are also commended, with a strong focus on ensuring the success of their students.
Summary: Attending Awesome Inc is described by students as a life-changing and exceptional experience. The bootcamp offers a comprehensive curriculum, intense training, and valuable connections in the tech industry. It provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in web development, while also teaching them how to learn and grow in their careers. The supportive instructors, real-world scenarios, and emphasis on self-reliance contribute to a positive student experience. The bootcamp is highly recommended by students for those looking to pursue a career in tech and seeking a transformative learning experience.
Location: Remote and in-person
Learning Format: Online (first months), in-person (three months)
Program Length: 3 months (full-time) or 6 months (part-time)
Graduation Rate: 90%
Job Placement Rate: 86%
Number of Alumni: 140+
Average Starting Salary: $47,000
Hiring Companies: Apax Software, Infosys, Big Ass Fans, lightwell
Program Cost: $13,500
Financing Offers: Income share agreement
Job Guarantee: Yes
Mailing Address: 348 E Main St., Lexington, KY
Contact Information: (859) 960-4600 info@awesomeinc.org
2. Bloom Institute of Technology: Full Stack Web Development
Bloom Institute of Technology’s Full Stack Web Development course provides a host of experiences to get students job ready, from hands-on assignments, to team activities, to opportunities to code alongside industry pros. Better yet, it provides extreme flexibility so that students can fit working on their futures into their busy lives. The Full Stack Web Development course comprises 960 hours of study structured into 24 sprints. While all learning takes place live online, classes are offered 7 days a week and available in prerecorded versions as well. In addition to this instruction, students enjoy on-on-one career coaching, interview prep, and proprietary tools to support networking. Bloom Institute also offers a whopping 110% tuition refund guarantee if students don’t land a job paying $50,000 within a year of graduating.
Summary of Verified Student Reviews:
Overall, the sentiment from the student reviews we analyzed for Bloom Institute of Technology (formerly known as Lambda School) submitted between 2021 and 2023 is mixed, with both positive and negative aspects of the school highlighted below.
Pros: On the positive side, Bloom Institute of Technology receives praise for its teaching methods, community engagement, and curriculum. Students appreciate the in-depth learning experience, the support from instructors, and the emphasis on building real-world projects. Bloom Institute of Technology’s career services department is highly commended for its assistance in job placement, providing networking opportunities, and offering support in technical interviews. The school's ISA (Income Sharing Agreement) model, which allows students to defer tuition payments until after they secure a job, is seen as a significant advantage.
Cons: However, there are some concerns raised by Bloom Institute of Technology students. One recurring criticism is related to changes in Bloom Institute of Technology structure and direction. Some students mention a decline in the sense of community, reduced support from teaching assistants, and changes to the curriculum that impacted their overall experience. There are also mentions of high attrition rates, indicating that not all students were able to complete the Bloom Institute of Technology programs. Additionally, there are concerns about the financial burden of the ISA, with some students feeling that the repayment terms are unfavorable and not reflective of the cost of living in their respective areas.
Summary: Attending Bloom Institute of Technology offers both positive and negative aspects. The school is praised for its teaching methods, curriculum, and career services, with students experiencing success in job placement and acquiring valuable skills. The ISA model provides financial flexibility for students. However, changes in the school's structure and concerns about the ISA repayment terms have impacted some students' experiences. It is important for prospective students to consider these factors and evaluate their personal goals and circumstances before making a decision.
Location: Remote
Learning Format: Online
Program Length: 960 hours (self-paced)
Graduation Rate: Not available
Job Placement Rate: 90%
Number of Alumni: 4000+
Average Starting Salary: Not available
Hiring Companies: Nike, Microsoft, Target, oracle, Verizon, American Express
Program Cost: $21,950
Financing Offers: Deferred tuition
Job Guarantee: Yes
Mailing Address: Not available
Contact Information: support@bloomtech.com
3. CareerFoundry: Full-Stack Web Development Program
CareerFoundry’s fully online Full-Stack Web Development Program provides a comprehensive curriculum in web development, which students progress through alongside dedicated one-on-one expert mentors and tutors. Upon completing the program, students will have a portfolio of projects that they can leverage to land a job offer with the help of the Career Services team. And if a graduate doesn’t land a job offer within 180 days of graduating, they are eligible for a money-back guarantee.
Summary of Verified Student Reviews:
The sentiment from student reviews submitted in 2023 which we analyzed for CareerFoundry’s Full Stack Web Development Program is varied, with both positive and negative aspects mentioned.
Pros: On the positive side, the school receives praise for its structured learning approach, providing in-depth topics and resources. Students appreciate the availability and responsiveness of tutors, mentors, and student advisors who offer guidance and support throughout the course. The curriculum is described as clear and informative, with a variety of learning materials, including text, graphics, code examples, videos, and practice projects. The flexibility of the classes and the absence of exams are also seen as positive attributes. The career services and job assistance, when available, receive positive feedback, with some students mentioning the support they received from career specialists.
Cons: However, there are some concerns raised by students. Some students mention difficulties with the course material, such as an overemphasis on reading and a lack of video or live sessions, which may not suit all learning preferences. There are also mentions of challenges with mentors and tutors, including delayed responses and instances of receiving inadequate help. The job placement and career services are seen as areas for improvement, with limited job opportunities mentioned, particularly outside of Europe. Some students express frustration with the job hunt process and the lack of direct connections to employers.
Summary: Attending CareerFoundry offers both positive and negative aspects. CareerFoundry provides a structured learning environment with supportive tutors and mentors, and the curriculum is generally appreciated for its depth and resources. The flexibility of classes and the absence of exams are seen as advantages. However, there are concerns about the full-stack development course material, mentor/tutor responsiveness, and the job placement services. Prospective students should consider their own learning preferences and career goals before making a decision, and it may be beneficial to seek further information regarding job placement opportunities.
Location: Remote
Learning Format: Online
Program Length: 5 months (30-40 hours/week) or 10 months (15-20 hours/week)
Graduation Rate: Not available
Job Placement Rate: 96%
Number of Alumni: 1300+
Average Starting Salary: Not available
Hiring Companies: Facebook, Netflix, ebay, PayPal, Credit Suisse
Program Cost: $7,650
Financing Offers: Deferred tuition, monthly payments, personal loan with Ascent or Climb
Job Guarantee: Yes
Mailing Address: Not available
Contact Information: Arrange a call
4. Coding Temple: Software Engineering Bootcamp
Coding Temple’s Software Engineering Bootcamp offers a full-stack curriculum that gives students a functional understanding of web development, programming, database management, frameworks and APIs, and front- and back-end development. Attendees have the option of full-time, part-time, and self-paced study — whatever option they choose, they can take advantage of Coding Temple’s knowledgeable career services team.
Summary of Verified Student Reviews:
The sentiment from the student reviews submitted for Coding Temple in 2023 are generally positive, with several students expressing satisfaction with their experience and praising the instructors and staff for their support.
Pros: The curriculum is often described as challenging but rewarding, with a strong emphasis on learning and practical coding experience. The instructors are commended for their knowledge, patience, and availability, and the smaller student-to-teacher ratio is seen as a positive aspect of the program. The sense of camaraderie and the support provided by classmates and alumni is also highlighted by some students.
Cons: However, there are some concerns raised by students. Job placement assistance is mentioned as an area for improvement, with some students expressing disappointment in the lack of meaningful support after graduation, such as the absence of job placement staff. There are also mentions of the fast-paced nature of the program, with some students feeling overwhelmed and desiring a deeper understanding of certain topics. The cost of the program is mentioned by a few students as a potential drawback, although this is acknowledged as a common factor among bootcamps.
Summary: Attending Coding Temple offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for students looking to break into the software development industry. The curriculum is comprehensive, and the instructors are praised for their expertise and support. The program fosters a sense of community and provides opportunities for practical coding experience. However, students should be prepared for a fast-paced learning environment and may need to supplement their learning outside of the program. Additionally, the job placement assistance could be improved. Prospective students should carefully consider their commitment to coding and their financial circumstances before enrolling.
Location: Remote
Learning Format: Online
Program Length: 9 months (20-25 hours/week)
Graduation Rate: 86%
Job Placement Rate: 97%
Number of Alumni: 500+
Average Starting Salary: $81,000
Hiring Companies: salesforce, Dell, Cisco, wayfair
Program Cost: $15,995 (full-time), $12,495 (part-time), $7,000 (self-paced)
Financing Offers: Deferred tuition, installment plan
Job Guarantee: Yes
Mailing Address: Not available
Contact Information: (773) 328-8471 info@codingtemple.com
5. Thinkful: Software Engineering Bootcamp
Thinkful’s Software Engineering Bootcamp provides coding instruction aimed at helping students land jobs as an application developer, web developer, securing engineer, game developer, or DevOps Engineer. Students learn online in either a full-time or part-time capacity. Students also get access to a dedicated mentor who can provide tips for how to approach the job search, unlimited calls to technical mentors, and career services such as Linkedin and resume writing support, a private job board, and technical interview practice. Students who meet requirements and don’t find a job after graduating are eligible for a tuition refund.
Summary of Verified Student Reviews:
After reviewing verified student reviews submitted between 2021 and 2023, in terms of the positives, some students found Thinkful to be a solid foundation and starting point for their software development journey.
Pros: Students appreciated the supportive and helpful community, including instructors, mentors, and career services staff. The Thinkful online programs were seen as a legitimate alternative to college for the tech industry, and the support received from Thinkful was highly praised. The post-graduate support, including job search assistance and career coaching, was considered a valuable resource. Additionally, some students mentioned landing dream jobs or receiving job offers after completing the program, indicating the potential for successful outcomes.
Cons: However, there were several negative aspects highlighted by the students. Many students expressed dissatisfaction with various aspects of the curriculum. They found the teaching and instructions to be subpar, outdated, or confusing, with some material not being relevant to current software engineering practices. The exams and grading system, particularly the mock interviews, were criticized for being flawed and acting as gatekeeping devices. Some students felt that the program did not provide enough structure in lectures and relied heavily on self-study. The cost of the program was also mentioned as a concern, especially considering the lack of a campus experience.
There were complaints about the mentorship system, with issues such as mentors canceling or not showing up for meetings, lack of screening for mentors' qualifications, and rudeness or dismissiveness from some mentors. Communication with the ASM (Academic Success Manager) was described as problematic, with delayed responses and canned replies. The outsourcing of admissions and interactions with outsourced representatives were also mentioned as negative experiences.
Other concerns included the perceived gaslighting and miscommunication from Thinkful staff, the requirement to meet specific criteria to qualify for the tuition refund guarantee, and inconsistent grading practices. Some students questioned the value of the Thinkful certificate in the job market and recommended considering other self-taught programs or alternatives.
Summary: Overall, while Thinkful had some positive aspects such as a supportive community and potential career opportunities, there were notable drawbacks related to curriculum quality, mentorship, communication, and the cost of the program. Prospective students should carefully evaluate their learning preferences and expectations before deciding to enroll in Thinkful.
Location: Remote
Learning Format: Online
Program Length: 5 months (50 hours/week) or 6 months (20-30 hours/week)
Graduation Rate: Not available
Job Placement Rate: 91%
Number of Alumni: 1600+
Average Starting Salary: $66,000
Hiring Companies: IBM, Walmart, amazon, Google
Program Cost: $16,000
Financing Offers: Monthly payments, deferred tuition, personal loans
Job Guarantee: Yes
Mailing Address: Not available
Contact Information: Contact an admissions representative
- Springboard: Coding Bootcamp
Springboard's Software Engineer Career Track Bootcamp was developed in partnership with Colt Steele, one of Udemy’s top-rated software engineering instructors, and has won “Best Online Bootcamp” from Course Report for three years in a row. The bootcamp focuses on JavaScript and Python development for front-end and back-end, respectively. Students also become acquainted with APIs, databases, data structures, and algorithms. Upon graduation, students have a portfolio all their own that they can use for their job search. Along the way, they have access to a personal mentor along with unlimited access to coding mentors. If for some reason graduates don’t land a job within six months, they get a full refund.
Summary of Verified Student Reviews:
We reviewed and analyzed verified student reviews submitted in 2023 and the majority of these reviews express positive sentiment towards Springboard, highlighting various strengths of the program.
Pros: Students appreciate the challenging nature of the Springboard coursework, finding it fulfilling and rewarding. The support received from mentors, coaches, and teaching assistants is highly valued, as these individuals help students overcome roadblocks and provide assistance throughout the Springboard’s Online Coding Bootcamp program. The self-paced learning structure is praised, allowing students to progress at their own speed. The mentorship program is regarded as a valuable resource for gaining practical knowledge and understanding the industry. The curriculum designed in partnership with Colt Steele is considered informative and comprehensive, with well-structured lessons and projects that build a strong foundation in software engineering. The capstone projects receive special mention for enabling students to showcase their skills and create unique portfolios. Springboard’s career services, while helpful in terms of guidance and portfolio development, receive mixed feedback regarding job search support.
Cons: However, there are also areas where improvement is suggested. Some Springboard students feel that the program could be more beginner-friendly, particularly in the videos, which assume prior knowledge and can be confusing for those without programming experience. The course videos are also criticized for not adequately preparing students for projects and tests, which are sometimes unrelated to the corresponding units. While the teaching assistants (TAs) are generally helpful, there are instances where their responses are vague or do not address the questions effectively, especially through email communication. Additionally, a few students express concerns about the program's support for mental health conditions, feeling that more understanding and accommodation should be offered to students who may need extra time due to legitimate health issues.
Summary: Attending Springboard's Online Coding Bootcamp is generally seen as a positive experience. The program provides a challenging and fulfilling learning environment, with a comprehensive curriculum and self-paced structure. The mentorship program and support from mentors, coaches, and teaching assistants are highly valued. The capstone projects are regarded as a valuable opportunity to showcase skills. However, there are areas that could be improved, such as making the program more beginner-friendly and enhancing support for mental health conditions. The job search support also receives mixed feedback, with some students feeling that they had to rely more on their own efforts in securing employment. Overall, Springboard is seen as a good option for those looking to transition into a software engineering career, offering valuable resources and support despite some areas for improvement.
Location: Remote
Learning Format: Online
Program Length: 9 months (20-25 hours/week)
Graduation Rate: Not available
Job Placement Rate: 100%
Number of Alumni: 2,300+
Average Starting Salary: Not available
Hiring Companies: Google, Linkedin, Pandora, Zoom
Program Cost: $9,900
Financing Offers: Deferred tuition, monthly payments, personal loan
Job Guarantee: Yes
Mailing Address: Not available
Contact Information: (415) 966-2533
7. Codesmith: Software Engineering Immersive
Codesmith’s Software Engineering Immersive allows students to learn full-stack JavaScript on a full-time or part-time basis to prepare for mid-level and senior software engineering jobs. Students are able to take advantage of lectures, group-study, and numerous practical, portfolio-ready projects. They can also take advantage of dedicated software engineering mentors.
Summary of Verified Student Reviews:
As of reviews posted so far in 2023, Codesmith receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from students, highlighting several advantages of the program.
Pros: The curriculum is highly regarded for its rigor and thoughtfulness, offering extensive coursework that goes beyond simply teaching technology skills. Students appreciate that it emphasizes learning how to think like an engineer, develop problem-solving abilities, and acquire a solid foundation in core technologies. The curriculum also focuses on staying up-to-date with industry demands, providing valuable exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
The sense of community at Codesmith is consistently praised by students. From interview preparation to post-graduation, the support and camaraderie among students, instructors, and staff members create a nurturing environment. Students describe the community as incredible and emphasize the lifelong friendships they develop throughout the program. The instructors are highly regarded for their passion, empathy, and dedication to student success. They are seen as mentors who push students to go the extra mile and provide individual support when needed.
Codesmith's hiring program is often cited as a major strength. Students appreciate the comprehensive job assistance provided, including resume writing, navigating the job market, and interview preparation. The program is viewed as strategic and empowering, offering valuable insights into industry practices and teaching effective communication and negotiation skills. The support extends beyond graduation, with alumni reporting continued assistance in their job search and career advancement.
The transformative experience of attending Codesmith is frequently mentioned by students. Many express that it was a life-changing decision, leading to personal growth, increased confidence, and a successful career transition. The program demands dedication and hard work, but students believe the effort is well worth it. The opportunity to work with like-minded individuals and build a strong network is highly valued.
Cons: There are a few areas where students express some concerns or cons about attending Codesmith. The program's rigorous and intense nature may not be suitable for everyone. The workload and fast-paced curriculum require a high level of commitment and may not be ideal for individuals who prefer a more guided or less demanding learning experience. Some students also mention that major projects lack code reviews from staff, which could be seen as a limitation in receiving detailed feedback.
In summary: Codesmith receives overwhelmingly positive sentiment from students who highly recommend the program. The combination of a challenging curriculum, supportive community, and effective job assistance makes Codesmith a top choice for individuals looking to transition into a software engineering career. Prospective students should be prepared for the demanding nature of the program and evaluate their own readiness and commitment before enrolling.
Location: Remote or New York City
Learning Format: Online or in-person
Program Length: 13 weeks (full-time) or 38 weeks (part-time)
Graduation Rate: Not available
Job Placement Rate: 87%
Number of Alumni: Not available
Average Starting Salary: $120,000
Hiring Companies: Amazon, Google, Disney, LinkedIn, Discovery, IBM, Snap
Program Cost: $20,925
Financing Offers: Payment plans, personal loans from Ascent, scholarships
Job Guarantee: No
Mailing Address: 3415 S Sepulveda Blvd, 1100 Los Angeles, CA 09934
Contact Information: (323) 431-9794 hello@codesmith.io
8. Parsity: Online Coding School
Parsity’s Online Coding School approaches the transition into a software engineering career as requiring two distinct skill sets, one for software engineering and one for career development. Students build out these skill sets in parallel tracks, aligned around a central focus of coding real software. To support them along the way, students receive 1-on-1 mentors working as software engineers at companies like IBM, Citrix, and RevOps. Additionally, Parsity is committed to transparency, foregoing ISAs and — when possible — regularly reporting student outcomes to CIRR.
Summary of Verified Student Reviews:
From reviews analyzed in 2022, students have generally positive experiences attending Parsity, with several key advantages of the program.
Pros: The curriculum is praised for its structure and emphasis on practical learning. Students appreciate the hands-on activities, group projects, and the opportunity to apply the principles they learn. The progression of concepts is viewed as natural and well-structured, with a focus on both front-end and back-end development. Collaborative opportunities, such as paired programming hackathons and group projects, are seen as valuable experiences that facilitate growth and provide real-world application of skills. The small class sizes and one-on-one mentoring are highlighted as positive aspects of the program, offering personalized attention and feedback on coursework.
Parsity is also commended for its affordability and value compared to other bootcamps. The flexible remote learning environment allows students to work at their own pace and offers the choice of full-time or part-time enrollment. The continual mentorship and support provided by the staff, both during and after the program, are highly regarded. Students mention the dedicated time spent on career development, including resume refinement, LinkedIn profile optimization, cover letter writing, networking, and interview preparation. The job assistance and support received from career services are considered valuable resources that greatly aid in the job search process.
Cons: There are a few areas where students express some critiques or cons about attending Parsity. Some students question the necessity of covering the history of web development in a short curriculum, suggesting that this time could be better spent on more relevant topics. Additionally, students mention that further efforts could be made to link students with employers, indicating potential areas for improvement in terms of job placement assistance.
Summary: Attending Parsity is regarded by recent students as a great way to launch a new career or make a career change. The program is seen as rigorous, providing individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as software engineers. The hands-on practical activities and experiences, coupled with the supportive learning environment and career development resources, contribute to a positive student experience. Students appreciate the value and affordability of the program, making it an attractive option for those looking to shift their career trajectory.
Location: Remote
Learning Format: Online
Program Length: 3 months (full-time) or 6 months (part-time)
Graduation Rate: 62%
Job Placement Rate: 92%
Number of Alumni: 21+
Average Starting Salary: $68,000
Hiring Companies: IBM, Credit Suisse, Fidelity, Relias, FeedStation
Program Cost: $7,900
Financing Offers: Payment plans, personal loans from Ascent
Job Guarantee: No
Mailing Address: Not available
Contact Information: Schedule a talk with admissions
The Upshot: Finding the Right Coding Bootcamp for You
Above, we’ve detailed the ins and outs of what you can expect from coding bootcamps advertising job placement and offering job guarantees — including how to be smart about the kinds of data and offers these bootcamps are providing prospective students — along with what should go into your decision-making process as you research. We’ve also provided some great ideas to get your research started: coding bootcamps with high job placement rates or job placement guarantees. As always, you should verify any claims a bootcamp makes either through their website or, ideally, through a conversation with an admissions representative.
Even if we’ve provided you valuable information and a head-start in your research, we understand how confusing the different options can be. And let’s face it, enrolling in a coding bootcamp is a big decision, both in terms of your future and in terms of your wallet. If you want some more direction in this process, get matched to find the right bootcamp for you. You can also find some useful research tips in our article on how to read student reviews.
If you want to learn more about the kinds of opportunities a coding bootcamp can provide before you start the matching process, see our articles on the kind of salary you can expect after a coding bootcamp and the 6 key tips you need to land a coding job.