TLDR: Not all coding bootcamps are created equal. If you're considering one, ask questions about graduate job placement, affordability, admissions process, curriculum quality, career support, and program format.
Coding bootcamps can offer a fast and affordable way to become a software engineer. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one? Before enrolling, ask yourself these seven questions to pick a program that aligns with your goals.
1. Do Graduates Start Tech Careers?
Most people enroll in coding bootcamps to land a tech job, so graduate employment outcomes are among the most important factors to consider.
- Published Employment Rates: Does the bootcamp provide transparent job placement data? Look for programs that report their outcomes to the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR) for verified employment stats.
- Apprenticeships & Employment Partners: Some bootcamps, like Code Platoon, partner with employers to offer their graduates paid apprenticeships or direct job offers with partner companies.
- Certifications: Coding bootcamps offering industry-recognized certifications like AWS can boost your employability.
- Career Preparation: High-quality programs offer Career Services, such as resume workshops, mock interviews, and LinkedIn coaching.
A quality bootcamp doesn’t just teach you to code but also equips you with the skills and job connections to feel prepared for your future tech career.
2. Is it an Affordable Training Program?
Bootcamps can vary widely, but your actual cost depends on available financial aid. Look for programs that offer:
- Scholarships: Some programs provide need-based or merit-based aid to lower costs.
- GI Bill® and VET TEC: If you're a Veteran or military spouse, check if the program accepts VA education benefits.
- Student loans & financing: Some bootcamps offer deferred tuition, ISAs, or third-party loan options.
Focus on your out-of-pocket cost, not just the tuition price, when comparing the best coding bootcamps.
3. How Selective is the Admissions Process?
A coding bootcamp’s admissions process is a strong indicator of its quality. A structured admissions process leads to more engaged students, stronger peer collaboration, and better outcomes.
At Code Platoon, we admit highly motivated students, creating a student body that encourages each other to succeed. Getting into a new profession can be challenging, and our students must be committed to putting in the time and effort to achieve. We use three short coding exercises and a live technical assessment to build your personalized learning path and determine when you’re ready to join a rigorous coding bootcamp.
4. Does the Curriculum Match Industry Needs?
Your future employer won’t care about your bootcamp certificate; they care about what you can build. A top full-stack software engineering curriculum includes:
- Front-end development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React.js
- Back-end development: Python, SQL, databases
- Agile workflows: Learning how real software teams operate
- Artificial Intelligence: How to use AI tools in modern coding
Outdated or overly theoretical programs will not prepare you for the job market. Make sure the program teaches relevant, job-ready skills that match industry demand.
5. What Do Student Reviews Say?
Student testimonials are among the best ways to evaluate a coding bootcamp’s reputation. Industry review sites provide verified student reviews and ratings. For example, Code Platoon holds a 4.97-star rating on SwitchUp, has been on Course Report's Best Coding Bootcamps list for eight years in a row, and is ranked #1 Best Coding Bootcamp in 2024 by CollegeConsensus.
Strong student reviews and rankings indicate that a bootcamp delivers on its promises. Look for reviews that highlight the curriculum quality, effective career support, and graduates’ success in securing tech jobs.
6. Does the Learning Format Fit Your Life?
Bootcamps come in different formats. Some students prefer immersive, full-time programs, while others need a flexible, part-time coding bootcamp. Choose one that fits your schedule and learning style:
- In-Person: Ideal for hands-on learners who thrive in a classroom setting.
- Live Remote: Offers interactive, instructor-led learning from anywhere.
- Part-Time or Evening & Weekend: Designed for students balancing work or family commitments.
Whichever format works best for you, choose a coding bootcamp that will keep you engaged and accountable.
7. Does the Bootcamp Specialize in a Student Population?
While most coding bootcamps are for-profit and open to anyone, some programs specialize in serving specific student groups.
- Mission-Driven Nonprofits: Some bootcamps, like Code Platoon, don’t have shareholders or earn any profit. Every dollar we take in goes back into improving our programs.
- Tailored Training: Specialized bootcamps may offer additional resources, mentorship, and networking tailored to their student population. At Code Platoon, we help Veterans and military dependents navigate VA benefits, civilian transition challenges, and job placement in Veteran and military-friendly companies.
- Scholarships & Financial Aid: Mission-driven programs often reinvest tuition to improve student affordability. At Code Platoon, 50% of our students receive Veteran or military family scholarships covering 80-100% of tuition costs.
Whether it’s helping you understand your VA education benefits, providing accommodations for Guardsmen or Reservists to drill, or coaching Veterans and Servicemembers on how to describe their military experience in job interviews, at Code Platoon, we understand your challenges and what you need to be successful after our coding bootcamps.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Bootcamp
Choosing a coding bootcamp is a big decision. Our best advice is to research and find a program with the factors that matter most to you.
✔ Strong job placement rates✔ Affordable tuition & financial aid
✔ Industry-aligned curriculum
✔ Career support & networking opportunities
✔ Student reviews & reputation
✔ Learning format that fits your needs
✔ Special resources and understanding of Veteran and military spouse students
The right coding bootcamp can open doors to a rewarding career in tech, so choose wisely and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Get Your Questions Answered
Have questions about whether Code Platoon is the right fit for you? Join one of our Virtual Information Sessions. These live Q&A events are the perfect opportunity to learn about our programs, admissions process, VA benefits, scholarships, and how we help Veterans and military spouses launch tech careers.
