If you’re interested in pursuing a career in web development, you might be wondering which path to take: a coding bootcamp or a traditional degree program?

In recent years, coding bootcamps have exploded in popularity, promising to train students in web development in a matter of weeks, rather than years. While some have raised eyebrows at these claims, coding bootcamps have become a legitimate option for those looking to break into the tech industry.

Unlike traditional degree programs, coding bootcamps offer a fast-paced, immersive learning experience that focuses specifically on the skills needed for web development. They’re often taught by industry professionals and can provide students with practical, hands-on experience.

On the other hand, traditional degree programs offer a more comprehensive education that covers a range of subjects beyond just web development. They also typically take longer to complete and can be more expensive.

Despite these differences, both coding bootcamps and degree programs can provide a pathway to a career in web development. The key is to evaluate your own goals, learning style, and budget to determine which option is right for you.

How to Choose Between a Coding Bootcamp or a Traditional Computer Science Degree

As the popularity of coding bootcamps continues to grow and established tech companies increasingly hire bootcamp graduates, the question of how bootcamps compare to traditional four-year computer science programs becomes more relevant. As someone who has pursued a career in development and worked alongside both bootcamp and computer science graduates, I am often asked to compare the two.

While there are countless differences between these two options, I will focus on the five most significant ones in order to provide a brief overview. It’s important to note that if you’re interested in pursuing a career in programming specifically, as opposed to computer science in general, the differences between bootcamps and computer science degrees may be particularly important for you to consider.

So, if you’re weighing your options and trying to decide between a coding bootcamp and a computer science degree, here are some of the key factors to keep in mind.

1. Considerations of Cost, Time, and Potential Opportunities

When comparing the cost of a coding bootcamp vs. a degree, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, there’s the amount of time spent in training. A coding bootcamp typically takes around 18 weeks to complete, while a Bachelor’s degree in a tech major can take four to five years. From a time perspective, bootcamps can be a much faster route to entering the tech industry.

In terms of dollar cost, the average bootcamp will set you back around $14,000, while a degree can cost at least $9,650 per year, or up to $172,000 for a computer science degree. Clearly, bootcamps are a more cost-effective option for those looking to enter the tech industry quickly.

However, it’s also important to consider the opportunity cost of each option. Bootcamp graduates typically take six months to find a job after completing their program, while college students are still in school or just about to graduate. This means that a bootcamp student could potentially be earning an average salary of $65,000 per year for three years before a college graduate even enters the job market. This opportunity cost can amount to over $150,000, making the choice between bootcamps and degrees a complex decision.

2. Career Paths and Prospects’?

When comparing entry-level job markets and opportunities for developers, it’s important to consider the differences between bootcamp and computer science degree programs.

For graduates seeking entry-level developer jobs, both bootcamp and computer science degree programs offer lucrative opportunities with comparable average salaries of around $65,000 per year worldwide. However, in high-cost tech markets like Silicon Valley or Seattle, average salaries can increase to around $75,000 per year.

Research shows that computer science graduates often pursue software applications developer, computer systems analyst, and web developer positions, while bootcamp graduates tend to secure roles as software engineers, web developers, and front-end web developers. These job titles and compensation are similar for both types of graduates.

One of the major selling points for bootcamps is their job placement numbers, which many openly advertise to the public. Successful bootcamps boast over 90% placement rates within six months at companies of all sizes, from large corporations like Google and Apple to local tech startups.

On the other hand, computer science programs do not typically advertise their job placement rates, making it difficult to compare to bootcamps in terms of job placement. However, computer science degrees offer an advantage for highly specialized and senior-level roles, where recruiters often require an undergraduate or graduate degree in computer science or equivalent academic credentials in an engineering field.

If you lack this background and are applying for such roles from outside the company, your chances may be lower, but not impossible. However, if you have connections within the company or are applying for a role internally, your chances are much higher.

3. Admission Rates and Requirements

Computer science programs are highly competitive and difficult to get into, often making it the hardest major on campus. The admissions requirements for computer science programs at top universities typically include a high GPA ranging from 3.6 to 4.0, math-focused prerequisites, and a list of extracurricular activities. These stringent requirements often deter many interested students from even applying.

Even if you do meet the rigorous criteria of a computer science program, the acceptance rates can be daunting, with many programs accepting only 30% or less of their applicants. This makes it all the more important to be on your A-game from the moment you enter college. A 3.6 GPA is the equivalent of an A in high school, and a 3.2 GPA is a B+. While some students thrive under this pressure, it may not be the best fit for everyone.

On the other hand, acceptance rates for coding bootcamps can vary widely, from 100% to single digits. Each bootcamp has different criteria for accepting students, some relying solely on test results during the admissions process, while others conduct interviews and personality tests. Some bootcamps even have gender or ethnic prerequisites.

Compared to traditional computer science programs, coding bootcamps are often less standardized, which allows for a wider range of backgrounds and personality types among students. Bootcamps tend to attract people looking for a quick career change and a faster path to employment, as they typically offer accelerated programs that can be completed in just a few months.

In summary, while computer science programs are highly regarded and offer an excellent foundation for a career in technology, they are competitive and difficult to get into. Bootcamps, on the other hand, offer a more accessible and flexible alternative for those looking to quickly gain coding skills and break into the tech industry.

4. Educational Objectives

Coding bootcamps and computer science programs have different goals and approaches when it comes to their curriculum. Coding bootcamps are designed to teach students how to code and prepare them for a career as a developer in a relatively short amount of time. The curriculum is focused on practical skills and covers topics such as different programming languages, building practical applications like Twitter and Facebook, and frameworks or tools that make coding larger scale projects easier. Additionally, some bootcamps may specialize in teaching data science or go more in-depth into algorithms and basic computer education.

In contrast, computer science programs are focused on a broader educational experience that specializes in the theory of computer science and engineering. The curriculum is more extensive and covers topics such as computer logic, data structures, data management, bit manipulation, and hardware workings. Students learn about the intricacies of these topics from top to bottom and develop a deep understanding of computer systems. Computer science programs are often part of the engineering school at universities, and as such, have similar prerequisites such as upper-level calculus courses and technical writing.

While coding bootcamps focus on practical skills that will enable students to land a job as a developer, computer science programs aim to turn students into computer scientists or engineers who have a deep understanding of how computers work. The knowledge and skills gained through a computer science program open up many career paths in the tech industry beyond just software development. However, students typically graduate without a well-rounded portfolio, which is why many graduates spend a few months teaching themselves how to program and building a small portfolio on the side to show potential employers.

5. Diversity & Student Body

Diversity and inclusivity are important factors to consider when choosing between a traditional computer science program and a coding bootcamp. Despite ongoing efforts to increase diversity in the tech industry, computer science programs still tend to be male-dominated, with only 15 percent of classes consisting of women and almost 60 percent of students being white. The remaining demographics are mostly students of Asian descent, with few Latino and African-American students.

On the other hand, bootcamps tend to have a more diverse student body. In fact, many bootcamp cohorts have a higher percentage of women and ethnic minorities than traditional computer science programs. Bootcamps are also known for attracting older students with several years of work experience, who are looking to pivot their careers or upgrade their skills.

Moreover, some bootcamps are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity through specialized programs, such as women-only or minority-only bootcamps, and scholarships for underrepresented groups. By choosing a bootcamp with a diverse student body and inclusive culture, you can expand your network and learn from peers with unique perspectives and experiences.

Conclusion: Choosing Between Coding Bootcamp And Degree

The goals of these two paths are fundamentally different. A comparison can be drawn between learning Adobe Photoshop and attending design school – both can lead to a career in graphic design, but design school provides a deeper understanding of the field. Similarly, a computer science degree covers more ground than a bootcamp, which is designed to teach specific job skills.

That being said, many computer science students also attend bootcamps to gain practical programming skills, and some bootcamp graduates choose to take computer science courses to gain a deeper understanding of the field.

Ultimately, the decision between a bootcamp and a college degree depends on individual circumstances. It’s important to keep in mind that not all institutions are created equal, and neither a degree nor a bootcamp is sufficient for staying relevant as a developer without continuously improving and honing your skills.