All the technology that surrounds us—from the website you’re browsing right now, to the GPS you use on the way to the gym, to the medical equipment in hospitals—runs on software that engineers design, test, and maintain.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for people in the space is expected to vastly outpace other tech roles. The demand for software developers—a subsection of software engineering—for instance, is projected to grow by 25% by 2032.
Fortune Education’s ranking of the best software engineering bootcamps aims to assist you in navigating this ever-changing and ever-growing career path.
The best software engineering bootcamps of 2024
| Bootcamp | Cost | Program length | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall: TripleTen | $9,700–$12,000 | 10 months | See details |
| Most affordable: TrueCoders | $688–$8,500 | 9 weeks | See details |
| Best for AI training: App Academy | $20,000–$36,000 | 24–48 weeks | See details |
| Best for brand recognition: General Assembly | $16,450 | 12–32 weeks | See details |
| Best for career development: Springboard | $10,900–$19,648 | 9 months | See details |
| Best for diverse learning opportunities: Fullstack Academy | $14,995–$19,910 | 12 weeks | See details |
| Best for scholarships and discounts: BrainStation | $16,500–$17,928 | 3–7 months | See details |
| Best for express-track learning: DigitalCrafts | $9,500 | 15–30 weeks | See details |
| Best for synchronous learning: Hackbright Academy | $12,900 | 3–7 months | See details |
| Best for Spanish speakers: 4Geeks Academy | $4,900–$8,099 | 18 weeks | See details |
| Best software engineering bootcamps for 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall: TripleTen | See details | ||
| $9,700–$12,000 | |||
| 10 months | |||
| Most affordable: TrueCoders | See details | ||
| $688–$8,500 | |||
| 9 weeks | |||
| Best for AI training: App Academy | See details | ||
| $20,000–$36,000 | |||
| 24–48 weeks | |||
| Best for brand recognition: General Assembly | See details | ||
| $16,450 | |||
| 12–32 weeks | |||
| Best for career development: Springboard | See details | ||
| $10,900–$19,648 | |||
| 9 months | |||
| Best for diverse learning opportunities: Fullstack Academy | See details | ||
| $14,995–$19,910 | |||
| 12 weeks | |||
| Best for scholarships and discounts: BrainStation | See details | ||
| $16,500–$17,928 | |||
| 3–7 months | |||
| Best for express-track learning: DigitalCrafts | See details | ||
| $9,500 | |||
| 15–30 weeks | |||
| Best for synchronous learning: Hackbright Academy | See details | ||
| $12,900 | |||
| 3–7 months | |||
| Best for Spanish speakers: 4Geeks Academy | See details | ||
| $4,900–$8,099 | |||
| 18 weeks | |||
Best overall: TripleTen
TripleTen’s software engineering bootcamp aims to teach total beginners the languages and tools needed to become a full-stack developer. Programming languages include HTML5, JavaScript, and React, while tools and resources taught are Babel, Google Cloud, Mingo DB, and more. With 89% of graduates securing tech jobs within six months of completing the program and a median salary of $75,100, this bootcamp offers the foundational knowledge for a career in software engineering.
Why we picked it: The bootcamp strikes the best balance of costs, curriculum, brand prestige, and student experience. The program also merges theoretical study with hands-on, practical application through multiple 2–3 week sprints, while teachers provide line-by-line code reviews, portfolio-building opportunities, daily office hours, and access to experienced mentors. Additionally, all students are required to participate in externships to gain real-world experience and benefit from a job placement guarantee. Lastly, The TripleTen: Tech Coding Academy app is free to download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and is the only program on the list with a dedicated learning app.
Most affordable: TrueCoders
TrueCoders’ software engineering bootcamp offers a live course and a flexible self-paced option. Within either option, the program has instructors available Monday through Friday to help answer coursework-related questions. Throughout the program, students will work on multiple projects like a C#-based Taco Bell locator and a weather predictor app. The program also has an active Discord community with more access to instructors.
Why we picked it: The 9-module program is the lowest-cost option and does not require a deposit. Despite its cost and length, it still teaches major programming languages like HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and SQL.
Best for AI training: App Academy
App Academy’s online software engineering bootcamps are available in full-time and part-time formats. Both programs cover Python, SQL, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML and include weekly assessments. The school also offers resources such as mock interviews, personal pitch development, and salary negotiation training to help students land jobs after graduation. Plus, the self-guided version provides over 500 hours of content for free. HTML and includes weekly assessments.
App Academy
Online Software Engineering Coding Bootcamp
| Price | $20,000–$36,000 |
| Program length | 24–48 weeks |
Why we picked it: The school’s comprehensive approach to artificial intelligence covers everything from basic mechanics and ethical considerations to hands-on project work, enabling students to integrate AI into their portfolios. It also offers job placement protection for students who opt into its deferred tuition plan. Students will be given full tuition forgiveness if they are not placed in a full-time position earning $50,000 or more within 36 months of graduation.
Best for brand recognition: General Assembly
General Assembly’s software engineering bootcamp is designed to transform beginners into junior full-stack developers. The program covers coding languages like Python and JavaScript and skills like using Agile, scrum project management, testing, debugging, version control, and cloud computing. Students also benefit from a dedicated career team that performs mock job interviews with individual feedback. Upon completion, students walk away with a professional-grade portfolio of projects, access to a global network of instructors and peers, and a certificate in hand.
Why we picked it: This program has been well known for more than 13 years, as evidenced by its Instagram digital presence of 178,000 followers. According to the General Assembly’s website, more than 97,000 people have chosen the General Assembly to start their tech careers.
Best for career development: Springboard
Springboard’s software engineering bootcamp includes 800 hours of online project-based content, covering both back- and front-end development, teaching languages like CSS3, JavaScript, HTML5, Python, SQL, and React. The program also features a recently-added AI prompt engineering unit. According to the company’s website, graduates previously landed jobs at top companies like Amazon, Google, IBM, Disney, and Apple, with an average salary increase of $25,000 post-graduation.
Why we picked it: This bootcamp provides extensive career support and promises a job guarantee or your money back. With a project-based curriculum, 1-on-1 support from a mentor, career coach, and student advisor, as well as access to a community of peers, it’s an excellent option for advancing your career.
Best for diverse learning opportunities: Fullstack Academy
Fullstack Academy’s software engineering bootcamp is full-time, aiming to give students a mix of live instruction, coding exercises, and projects. Instructors perform thorough code reviews, demos, and workshop sessions. Graduates walk away with multiple front-end, back-end, and full-stack projects on their GitHub profiles. The school teaches programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, and SQL. It also employs the buddy system when students work on team projects to help solve challenges, bounce ideas around, and double-check each other’s work.
Fullstack Academy
Full-Time Software Engineering Immersive
| Price | $14,995–$19,910 |
| Program length | 12 weeks |
Why we picked it: Students in the program have previously created an augmented reality Beyoncé experience, a machine learning program for Pacman, an augmented reality adventure game, and an app for virtual city exploration as Capstone projects.
Best for scholarships and discounts: BrainStation
BrainStation’s online software engineering bootcamp has both full-time and part-time formats. The full-time program follows a structured daily schedule, including pre-class prep, labs, and project work, while the part-time program meets three days a week. The five-unit curriculum covers JavaScript, React, Node, and MySQL, among other programming languages and tools. Students get to work with industry partners like MasterCard, Adidas, and Google and then showcase their projects on “Demo Day.” The event is attended by peers, alumni, and hiring partners.
Why we picked it: The school offers a range of scholarships that aim to help people from different walks of life pursue professional growth and transform their careers. These scholarships include the Women in Technology Scholarship, the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship, the University and College Scholarship, the Not-For-Profit Scholarship, the Veterans Scholarship, and the Entrepreneurship Scholarship.
Best for express-track learning: DigitalCrafts
The DigitalCrafts’ online software engineering bootcamp experience provides a wide-ranging curriculum starting with an introduction to full-stack web development. The program then covers HTML, CSS, Node, Express, JavaScript, and resources such as Flexbox, AJAX, and JSON data. This flexible learning path is ideal for busy people who want to set their own study schedule, have close interaction with their instructor, and make their current job their main priority.
Why we picked it: This program is on the shorter end of the bootcamps we looked at but can be made even shorter because it’s self-paced. Still, it delivers hands-on practice and project-based learning with zero experience needed to enroll. The program is also offered on a monthly basis which is great for people looking to start learning as fast as possible.
Best for synchronous learning: Hackbright Academy
Hackbright Academy offers both part-time and full-time options for its software engineering bootcamp, with multiple enrollment dates throughout the year. The school prefers that prospective students understand key computer science concepts like control flow, booleans, and conditional logic. The program covers the core programming skills like logistics and algorithms, then concludes with a demo week presentation and opportunities to meet with hiring partners.
Why we picked it: While the course is conducted remotely, its lectures unfold in real-time. The full-time program starts at 10 a.m. PST with “Lightning Talks,” featuring engaging lectures and instructor-led meetings. Then, the program transitions into independent project work sessions. The full-time program runs Monday through Friday, while the part-time program only runs three days a week. Hackbright Academy also emphasizes inclusivity and diversity, helping give gender-diverse people and women with divergent backgrounds the skills to be successful in the tech industry.
Best for Spanish speakers: 4Geeks Academy
4Geeks Academy offers a six-module software engineering bootcamp for professionals with at least one year of full-stack development experience. The immersive covers advanced front-end architecture tools like Redux and Flux, as well as quality assurance and making code “bulletproof.” Each section includes projects, with the final project consisting of a pitch, build-out, and live demonstration. The program boasts an 84% employment rate within 100 days of graduation and offers a job guarantee, with access to over 5,000 hiring partners.
Why we picked it: 4Geeks Academy’s program is taught in English and Spanish and in person in Madrid and Miami.
Our methodology
Software engineering bootcamps offer accelerated and more budget-friendly routes than traditional tech degrees. According to Verified Market Research, the global coding bootcamp market was valued at $399.91 million in 2021 and is projected to reach $889.37 million by 2030. This means choosing the right program may become much more challenging as the number of software-related bootcamps grows.
In creating our methodology, we sought some of the biggest and most relevant programs for the Fortune Recommends audience, analyzing more than 100 software engineering bootcamps and narrowing in on the top 10. The below data points were used to determine each persona and judge the top programs on the market.
- Price (40%): We considered various factors, including minimum and maximum costs, deposit amounts, financing and lending options, deferred payment plans, scholarships, and military discounts.
- Reputation (18%) We looked for programs with large social media followings, plus whether the program was well-established or brand new. Then, we took into account real student reviews from Course Report. Lastly, we averaged the amount of annual Google searches for that particular bootcamp. All of this helps measure public perception and interest in a school.
- Mobile app access and usability (16%): We found that if a bootcamp teaches students how to program and code software and websites, their site should then work without a hitch or bug. In our math, we also rewarded programs with downloadable apps.
- Student experience (14%): This calculation evaluated student offerings, including part-time options, live learning, mentorship, career support, job placement guarantees, networking opportunities, and language options.
- Curriculum (12%): We examined whether the bootcamp’s workload focused on creating projects to enhance portfolios. We also rewarded programs for teaching about AI and having other unique learning aspects.
Our expert panel
For the creation of our ranking, we sought out those with thorough expertise in the software engineering world:
- Timothy Bates: Professor of practice at The University of Michigan—Flint; former Chief Technology Officer at Lenovo.
- Anaïs Lawson: Software engineer for Microsoft’s XBOX team; board member at Rewriting the Code, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps and empowers college, graduate, and early career women in tech, mentorship, work experience, and educational resources, to land jobs as software engineers and tech leaders.
We discussed the difference between the curriculum taught in traditional academia and what’s taught in software engineering bootcamps. We also spoke about the skills needed to be successful in the field.
By doing so, we hope to help readers pick the right program and take their first steps to join the tech industry. Neither of our expert panelists was directly involved in the ranking of any programs.
Hands-on learning vs. theoretical knowledge
Each of the programs we listed centers its curriculum around projects and portfolios. That’s because, according to our experts, the best way to be useful to an organization and the fastest way to learn programming is to jump straight into projects.
Bates, who was a black hat hacker in the 1980s, turned U.S. Marshal, and decorated Desert Storm Marine, says some colleges today are still teaching antiquated theoretical knowledge rather than giving students the ability to add real-world applications to their portfolios.
“One of my biggest pet peeves when hiring people out of school was when they weren’t trained or taught by somebody with real-world experience. This just sets them backward,” Bates tells Fortune. “Even here at the University of Michigan, some of the professors agree that we need to update what we’re teaching because, in most cases, theory alone does not work in the real world.”
With experience as an executive at Lenovo and as a technical fellow at General Motors, he explains that whichever route students opt into—college, bootcamp, or independently online—they need to make sure they are going deeper than just learning surface-level computer science.
He says to look for one major green flag. Be on the lookout for a program that employs intensive projects like Capstones. “That’s where I would start,” Bates says. “[When hiring], I would always look for people that actually did a Capstone project. It shows me that they were part of a team.”
Capstone projects are a good way of simulating real-life software engineering situations. When comparing Harvard’s Capstone to Fullstack Academy’s, you see a lot of similarities. Both involve using teamwork to develop, plan, design, code, and test portfolio-worthy projects to demonstrate technical, practical, and creative skills to future employers.
Software engineering skills that don’t go out of style
The skill of collaborating with others is crucial in the world of software engineering. It enables people to exchange ideas and knowledge, leading to the development of more sophisticated and effective solutions.
According to Lawson, in the past, software engineering involved working independently at a computer, completing tasks, and then leaving. However, she emphasizes that she now relies on her team to accomplish her work, acknowledging that she doesn’t have all the answers.
In today’s context, especially in large companies like Microsoft, effective communication and teamwork are essential. It’s important to communicate the problems you are trying to solve by collaborating with team members to ensure that previously written legacy code and system architecture remain intact.
“You also want to always be eager to learn. Half of what was taught ten years ago is not taught today,” she explains. The basis of a software engineer’s role is knowing multiple programming languages. These languages are continuously changing, growing, or being swapped out for newer or more efficient ones. Take HTML5, for instance. The “5” represents its fifth iteration, and it works slightly differently than it did when it was created in 1990.
The final soft skill she mentioned was patience. “Let’s say you’re building a website, and the code doesn’t work; you don’t know how long it’s going to take to find the bug and create a solution.” She points out that software engineers work on estimations and iterations, oftentimes tediously swinging back and forth between learning, implementing, using guesswork, and going back to the drawing board.
Software engineers also need to master certain hard skills to be successful. Lawson pointed out two major ones: understanding AI and learning the most common programming languages.
When it comes to learning about AI, practical application and hands-on experience are crucial. Utilizing tools like Copilot and ChatGPT can aid in code validation and project verification. However, it’s equally important to learn how to integrate AI into your existing projects. “Leverage what AI can do for you. It will seriously make your learning journey and experience as a software engineer more efficient.”
In regards to coding, she says to start with understanding the foundational languages. “The most common ones are Java, Python, C++, C, and JavaScript. They all have different various like applications, but if you can learn one or two, then you’ll be able to learn pretty much all of them to some capacity,” she says.
How long does it take to become a software engineer?
Becoming a software engineer can take different amounts of time for different people. Some may get started in just a few months through self-learning or bootcamps, while others may take several years by attending a 4-year university or pursuing a master’s program. Regardless of the path taken, it takes time and dedication to truly master the skills required for this dynamic and evolving industry. The journey to becoming an expert software engineer varies based on individual approaches and the level of commitment to learning.
How hard is it to pass a software engineering bootcamp?
Mastering a new language can be challenging, and learning multiple programming languages with different levels of syntax complexity can be even more daunting. While coding concepts may come naturally to some, grasping the critical thinking and logic required can be demanding, especially within a limited timeframe. That’s why it’s important to stick to a regular study routine and dedicate time to building projects and getting familiar with languages and tools.
What is the disadvantage of attending a coding bootcamp?
Software engineering bootcamps can vary significantly in their level of preparation. This can leave students unprepared for the demands of the real world. To address this issue, some programs put project-based learning and collaboration, as well as providing robust career services, at the forefront of their curriculum.
Is 40 too old for software engineering bootcamp?
No, it’s never too late to learn software engineering. Whether you’re dealing with an unexpected layoff, seeking a career change, or simply looking to pick up a new hobby, software engineering is a promising career path. If you’re still on the fence, consider this: In 2019, as per AARP, roughly a quarter of Rice University’s coding-specific bootcamp students were 40 years old or older.
Frequently asked questions
Are bootcamps worth it for software engineering?
Depending on what you want to learn, software engineering bootcamps can be worth it for early learners and career switches. Bootcamps usually take a project-based approach, which is good for building your portfolio and showcasing your skills to companies. They also tend to be cheaper and more fast-paced than typical degrees.
Do companies hire software engineers from bootcamps?
Yes, companies hire software engineers straight from bootcamps. Springboard says that over 50% of the Fortune 100 have hired its graduates.
What is a software engineering bootcamp?
A software engineering bootcamp is an intensive sprint of project-based learning that aims to prepare students to enter the tech world, usually as junior-level engineers. Many listed companies also have robust career services and offer 1-on-1 mentorship.
What’s the difference between a coding bootcamp and a software engineering bootcamp?
Taking a coding bootcamp is a smart way to quickly learn how to type programming languages, but they are typically not enough to land you a job as an engineer. The listed programs teach real-world software engineering skills like building operating systems, APIs, computer systems, and architecture while helping you navigate the career path and get hired.
Can you become a software engineer with just a bootcamp?
Mastering the art of software engineering can be a lengthy process, but enrolling in a bootcamp can kickstart your journey to success in the field. Out of the 100+ software engineering bootcamps we researched, a select few offer a job guarantee as an entry-level software engineer within a few months of completing the program or your money back.
Sources
References
https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/softwareengineersworking-e1717096728492.jpg?resize=1200,600
Source link
Brad Haft, Preston Fore
