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According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for software developers is going to increase by 17% from 2023 to 2033. This represents a significantly higher projected growth than the average for all occupations. Median annual pay for software developers was $131,450 as of May 2023 (the most recent government statistic available.)
According to CourseReport, the average cost of code school is $13,584. Not all students have enough cash on hand to cover the cost. Fortunately, there are ways to make coding bootcamp more affordable. Read on for a closer look at how these programs work, including average costs and payment options.
Key Points
• Coding bootcamps offer comprehensive training in multiple programming languages and skills.
• The average cost is $13,584, with financing options like loans and deferred tuition.
• Free bootcamps typically support specific demographics and underrepresented groups.
• Graduates can secure jobs as software engineers, data scientists, and mobile developers.
• Median starting salary for bootcamp graduates is $70K, increasing to $99K by the third job.
What Do Students Learn in Coding Bootcamp?
Students will learn a variety of programming languages, rather than focusing on just one, to be equipped for a dynamic job market. When students graduate, they may have a portfolio, a website, profiles on programming websites, as well as interviewing and job hunting skills.
These programs teach frameworks and programming languages like JavaScript, CSS, HTML, Ruby on Rails, Python on Django, and PHP. According to a Course Report study, 79% of bootcamp graduates find jobs as programmers.
Coding bootcamps are intensive programs that teach skills like data science, cybersecurity, full-stack web development, and technical sales, among others. Typically, the average bootcamp is around 14 weeks long but can range anywhere from one week to a year or two. Courses are offered online or in-person and at dedicated coding bootcamp facilities or at universities a bootcamp program might partner with.
How Much Does Coding Bootcamp Cost?
The coding bootcamp cost varies depending on the program. While the average full-time coding bootcamp in the US costs $13,584, but there’s a wide range to bootcamp tuition. It’s a good idea to ask about costs for the programs you are interested in so you’ll have adequate information to compare programs. The cost of coding bootcamp might seem high, but paying for a college degree can be a much costlier investment.
If the cost seems out of reach, looking into free coding bootcamps might be an alternative. Some free programs are open to anyone, while others require passing one or more tests. There are also free coding programs targeted to women, girls, and residents of underserved neighborhoods. Some of the free programs offer just basic instruction in coding, while others are more comprehensive.
Recommended: Are Coding Bootcamps Worth the Money?
Paying for Coding Bootcamp
There are a variety of options to pay for coding bootcamp.
Loans
One option might be taking out a coding bootcamp loan. Some coding bootcamps partner with lenders that offer various terms and interest rates depending on a variety of the student’s financial factors. Bootcamps might also offer their own financing, or students might choose to apply for a loan through a bank or credit union. It’s important, however, to read the fine print of any loan agreement to be sure you’re aware of any fees, such as an origination fee or early repayment fee, that could add to the cost of the financing.
Another popular option is a personal loan. This is typically an unsecured loan available from banks, credit unions, and online lenders. The interest rate is usually less than what your credit card charges, and the repayment term is often between one and seven years.
Alternative Ways to Pay Tuition
Coding bootcamps may also offer an income sharing agreement (ISA) or deferred tuition. Students who choose an ISA agree to pay a percentage of their income to the school for a certain period of time after they graduate and find a job. With deferred tuition, students will either pay no upfront tuition or they’ll pay a small deposit, and then begin paying tuition once they graduate and secure a job.
The terms of each ISA or deferred tuition program differ by program. Some courses may not require students to pay tuition if they don’t secure a job within a certain timeframe of graduating at a certain salary, so read the fine print to learn details.
Recommended: Ways to Pay for Your Child’s Tuition
Employer Funding
If students are already working, they might consider asking their employer to fund part of or all of their boot camp education. By demonstrating to their employer that by increasing their skill set they’ll be able to contribute more to the company and boost their productivity, their employer might be willing to pay for some of the program cost.
Recommended: How Does Tuition Reimbursement Work?
Military Benefits
US military veterans may be able to pay for approved coding bootcamps using their GI Bill benefits.
Paying Out-of-Pocket
Using personal savings to pay for a coding bootcamp program is an option some students might have. While it may be difficult to part with the money, the return might be worth it. The median starting salary for a coding bootcamp grad is around $70K for their first job, rising to $99K by their third job as of mid-2025.
Recommended: Jobs that Pay for Your College Degree
Coding Bootcamp Scholarships
Students seeking scholarship funds won’t have far to look. Like scholarships for any other education program, these are available to students who meet a variety of qualifications, for instance, residence in certain geographic locations, students of diverse genders and cultural backgrounds, veterans, and military spouses, among many others.
Some scholarships might be need-based, while others will be based on merit. The amount of tuition and other costs that are covered will vary by scholarship. An internet search should reveal multiple scholarship options.
Types of Jobs for Coders
After graduating from coding bootcamp, students will be qualified to work in a variety of jobs, including:
• Software engineer: working with Ruby, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Data scientist: discovering insights from massive amounts of data.
• Back-end web developer: using PHP, Sql, Ruby, Python, or Java.
• Front-end web developer: utilizing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to design websites.
• Full-stack developer: troubleshooting website design on the front and back end.
• Mobile developer: building mobile apps.
There are many options, and students can look for a job that best suits their skills.
The Takeaway
If you want to be a part of the growing technology field, a coding bootcamp might be a route you can take to learn programming skills. While the average cost of $13K can be a deterrent, there are a number of ways to make the tuition more manageable, including scholarships, deferred tuition programs, tuition financing, and/or personal loans.
Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.
FAQ
How can you afford coding bootcamps?
Many students afford the average $13K cost of coding bootcamps by applying for scholarships and/or loans. Using savings or employer funding are other options.
How much does coding bootcamp cost?
As of mid-2025, the average cost of coding bootcamp is $13,584.
How can I get a loan for a computer bootcamp?
You can explore what the business offering the bootcamp may provide in terms of financing options or see what personal loans are available from banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Compare rates and terms to find the best fit.
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