Best Online Web Development Bootcamps Of 2024 – Forbes Advisor
There are many ways to pay for a bootcamp, including personal or private loans, scholarships, grants, veterans benefits and employer sponsorship. Read on to learn about the options available to you.
How Much Does an Online Web Development Bootcamp Cost?
Among the five best online web development bootcamps, upfront total tuition averages around $10,800. Some providers, like Devmountain, offer discounts for in-person students.
Upfront Payment
Most bootcamp providers let you pay tuition in an upfront lump sum once accepted into the program. This method is often the least expensive option in the long run, since installment plans and loans tend to incur fees or interest.
Pay in Installments
An installment plan often requires a deposit to begin the course and lets you pay a set installment amount at predetermined intervals throughout the program. Depending on the terms provided, you could end up paying more with an installment plan than you would with an upfront payment. Still, this option can make the cost of a bootcamp more manageable for many students.
Income Share Agreement
Income share agreements (ISAs) allow you to defer the cost of tuition until after graduation. You’ll then pay a percentage of your income based on a minimum salary agreement defined in the ISA until your account is paid.
Be cautious of ISAs, and read the terms of the agreement carefully. ISAs function like loans, and they can incur significant fees and fines. Plus, you’ll have less disposable income while you pay off the amount you owe.
Job Guarantee
Some web development bootcamps offer job guarantees, which refund your tuition if you don’t land a qualifying job within a specific time frame after graduation. It’s essential to read the fine print of a job guarantee, however. For example, you may be required to live within a set geographic area or apply for a certain number of jobs per week to qualify for a refund.
Also, make sure you understand how your bootcamp defines “job.” Does this definition include part-time or contract work? Does the job need to be directly related to the training you received? Answer these questions before committing to a job guarantee.
Loans, Scholarships and Other Aid
Bootcamps aren’t accredited like colleges and universities, making enrollees ineligible for federal student aid. Since you can’t apply for a federal student loan as a bootcamp student, many providers partner with private lending agencies, like Sallie Mae, to provide financial support.
Some web development bootcamp providers offer merit- or need-based scholarships. For instance, Code Fellows provides a scholarship for students changing careers and individuals from underrepresented groups in the tech industry.
If you’re a veteran, you could qualify for funding made available by the GI Bill® and initiatives like the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) program. Check with the program’s administration office to determine your eligibility.
