Coding bootcamps offer intensive, fast-track training to become a software developer in 3-9 months. This guide compares the best coding bootcamps for 2025, covering costs, job outcomes, financing options, and how to choose the right program.
Coding Bootcamp Quick Facts 2025
- Average cost: $10,000 - $20,000
- Duration: 12-26 weeks (full-time)
- Job placement rate: 70-90% (top bootcamps)
- Average starting salary: $60,000 - $90,000
- Financing: ISAs, loans, pay-upfront discounts
Top Coding Bootcamps 2025
| Bootcamp | Cost | Duration | Format | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| App Academy | $17,000 (ISA available) | 16-24 weeks | Online/In-person | |
| Flatiron School | $16,900 | 15 weeks | Online/In-person | |
| General Assembly | $15,950 | 12-24 weeks | Online/In-person | |
| Hack Reactor | $17,980 | 12-36 weeks | Online/In-person | |
| Springboard | $16,500 | 6-9 months | Online | |
| Thinkful | $16,000 | 5-6 months | Online |
Detailed Bootcamp Reviews
BEST JOB OUTCOMES
App Academy
- Cost: $17,000 upfront or ISA (no upfront cost)
- Duration: 16 weeks (full-time), 24 weeks (part-time)
- Technologies: JavaScript, React, Ruby, Python, SQL
- Job placement: 90%+ within 6 months
- Average salary: $100,000+ (claimed)
- Pros: Rigorous curriculum, ISA option, strong outcomes
- Cons: Very competitive admission, intense pace
BEST CAREER SUPPORT
Flatiron School
- Cost: $16,900
- Duration: 15 weeks (full-time), 40 weeks (part-time)
- Technologies: JavaScript, React, Ruby, Python
- Tracks: Software Engineering, Data Science, Cybersecurity
- Career services: 180-day money-back guarantee
- Pros: Excellent career support, job guarantee
- Cons: Higher cost, requires full commitment
MOST FLEXIBLE
Springboard
- Cost: $16,500 (ISA available)
- Duration: 6-9 months self-paced
- Technologies: Varies by track (React, Python, etc.)
- Tracks: Software Engineering, Data Science, UX, Cybersecurity
- Mentorship: 1-on-1 industry mentor included
- Pros: Self-paced, mentor support, job guarantee
- Cons: Requires self-discipline, less structured
Bootcamp Specializations
| Specialization | Technologies | Avg Salary | Best Bootcamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Stack Web Dev | JavaScript, React, Node | $75,000 | App Academy, Hack Reactor |
| Front-End Development | HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React | $70,000 | General Assembly |
| Back-End Development | Python, Java, Node, SQL | $80,000 | Flatiron School |
| Data Science | Python, SQL, ML, Statistics | $95,000 | Springboard, Flatiron |
| UX/UI Design | Figma, User Research, Design | $65,000 | General Assembly |
| Cybersecurity | Networks, Security Tools | $85,000 | Flatiron, Springboard |
Financing Options
Income Share Agreements (ISAs)
- How it works: Pay nothing upfront, pay percentage of salary after job
- Typical terms: 10-17% of income for 24-48 months
- Salary threshold: Only pay when earning $50,000+
- Payment cap: Usually 1.5-2x tuition maximum
- Best for: Those without savings, confident in job success
Other Financing
- Upfront payment: Often 5-20% discount
- Payment plans: Split into monthly installments
- Private loans: Climb, Ascent, Skills Fund
- GI Bill: Some bootcamps accept VA benefits
- Scholarships: Women, minorities, veterans programs
What to Look for in a Bootcamp
- Job outcomes: Placement rate, average salary, time to job
- Curriculum: Technologies in demand by employers
- Format: Full-time vs part-time, in-person vs online
- Career services: Resume help, interview prep, job guarantee
- Reviews: Course Report, SwitchUp, Reddit
- Alumni network: Connections for job referrals
- CIRR reporting: Standardized outcomes data
Bootcamp vs College Degree
| Factor | Coding Bootcamp | CS Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3-9 months | 4 years |
| Cost | $10,000-$20,000 | $40,000-$200,000 |
| Depth | Practical, job-focused | Theoretical + practical |
| Job Eligibility | Some restrictions | All tech jobs |
| FAANG Hiring | Possible but harder | Preferred |
| Career Change | Ideal | Major commitment |
Preparing for Bootcamp
- Learn basics first: HTML, CSS, JavaScript fundamentals
- Free resources: freeCodeCamp, Codecademy, The Odin Project
- Practice daily: 1-2 hours minimum before starting
- Complete prep work: Most bootcamps have required pre-work
- Prepare financially: Living expenses + tuition
- Clear schedule: Full-time bootcamps are 60+ hours/week
FAQ
Can I get a job without a CS degree?
Yes. Many companies, including some tech giants, have dropped degree requirements. Bootcamp graduates are hired at startups, agencies, and increasingly at larger companies. Your portfolio and skills matter most.
Are bootcamps worth it in 2025?
For career changers, yes. The tech job market is competitive but still growing. Top bootcamps have 70-90% placement rates. ROI is typically positive within 1-2 years if you land a job.
How do I choose between bootcamps?
Prioritize job outcomes data (look for CIRR reporting), curriculum relevance, and format that fits your life. Read recent reviews and talk to alumni if possible.