2021 Best Online Coding Bootcamps

20 Top Schools: Rankings, Reviews, and Courses

Not Sure Where to Apply?

By: The SwitchUp Team
Last Updated: October 15, 2021
2021 best online bootcamps

With the demand for software developers increasing, managers are increasingly relying on coding bootcamp graduates to fill technical roles. According to a 2020 report by HackerRank, a hiring platform for the tech industry, 72% of managers say that bootcamp graduates are just as skilled when compared to applicants with bachelor's degrees.

Online coding bootcamps may be the answer for individuals who want to develop new coding skills quickly and conveniently. They can prepare you for tech roles in approximately six months, and some bootcamp providers even offer job placement assistance.

Since we began ranking online coding bootcamps in 2014, SwitchUp has become a trusted source for people who want to identify the online coding bootcamp options that best meet their needs. Only those online bootcamps that have earned at least 4 out of 5 stars and have been thoroughly reviewed by a minimum of 5 graduates made it onto our latest ranked list below. You can view our full rankings methodology or discover detailed information about online coding bootcamp programs and career paths. Students may also be interested in the best overall coding bootcamps, which are ranked by employment outcomes.

1. Codesmith

/5 (based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
(based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
Locations: Online, NYC
Courses: NYC Onsite Immersive, JavaScript for Beginners, Part-Time Software Engineering Immersive
Subjects: Algorithms, AWS, CSS, Data Structures, Database Design +19 More
Available Online
Verified Outcomes
Flexible Classes
Available Online
Verified Outcomes
Flexible Classes

Codesmith offers a software engineering bootcamp that integrates fundamental and advanced tools and technologies in all areas of coding. Students may choose to complete the course on-campus in New York City or remotely in 12 weeks full-time or remotely in around nine months part-time. The curriculum centers on learning front- and back-end development, including instruction in JavaScript, HTML, CSS,... Read More

2. Practicum: Coding bootcamps

/5 (based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
(based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
Locations: Online
Courses: Software Engineer
Subjects: CSS, Data Analytics, Data Science, Front-End Web Development, HTML +2 More
Available Online
Job Guarantee
Available Online
Job Guarantee

Practicum is an online coding bootcamp aimed at sparking career change. Practicum stands on the quality of the programs; if you don't secure a position within six months of graduating, we'll refund your money — guaranteed. Our graduates have landed dream jobs at places like Tesla, Accenture, Nielsen, and Microsoft.
There are three tracks: Data Science, Data Analysis, and Software Engineering, from 6... Read More

3. Altcademy

/5 (based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
(based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
Locations: Online
Courses: Back-end Web Development, Front-end Web Development, Full-stack Web Development
Subjects: AJAX, Algorithms, AngularJS, API, Bootstrap +20 More
Available Online
Flexible Classes
Available Online
Flexible Classes

Altcademy is an affordable educational institute that provides online coding bootcamps unimpacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Students can complete a full-stack web development course in as little as 25 weeks and be prepared for the tech workforce with knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Ruby, and Ruby on Rails once they graduate. Altcademy’s front-end web development course will teach students... Read More

4. SheCodes

/5 (based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
(based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
Locations: Online
Courses: SheCodes Basics, SheCodes Max, SheCodes Plus, +1 More
Subjects: API, Bootstrap, CSS, Front-End Web Development, Git +6 More
Available Online
Flexible Classes
Available Online
Flexible Classes

SheCodes is a coding school that offers online coding bootcamps for women. SheCodes Basics is a three-week workshop that introduces students to front-end development. Students will spend approximately five hours per week studying with live technical support. SheCodes Plus is an eight-week workshop that teaches everything in Basics along with JavaScript, Bootstrap, Git, GitHub, hosting, APIs, and more.... Read More

5. Hack Reactor

/5 (based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
(based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
Locations: Online
Courses: 12-Week Software Engineering Immersive (Full-Time), 19-Week Software Engineering Online Immersive with JavaScript and Python (Full-Time), 36-Week Software Engineering Immersive (Part-Time)
Subjects: AJAX, Algorithms, AngularJS, Blockchain, CoffeeScript +19 More
Available Online
Verified Outcomes
Flexible Classes
VET TEC Provider
Available Online
Verified Outcomes
Flexible Classes
VET TEC Provider

Hack Reactor offers a software engineering bootcamp that can be completed entirely online. The bootcamp is designed to prepare students for a career in the industry through 800 hours of instruction focusing on computer science and JavaScript. The course can be completed full-time in 12 weeks or part-time in nine months. Remote instruction is live, allowing students the same immersive experience they... Read More

Start Your Career with a Top-Rated Bootcamp

6. Coding Dojo

/5 (based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
(based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
Locations: Online, Los Angeles, San Jose
Courses: Software Development Onsite Full-Time Bootcamp, Software Development Online Full-Time Bootcamp, Software Development Online Part-Time Accelerated Bootcamp, +1 More
Subjects: .NET, AJAX, AngularJS, ASP.NET, ASP.NET MVC +47 More
Available Online
Verified Outcomes
Flexible Classes
Available Online
Verified Outcomes
Flexible Classes

Coding Dojo offers online coding bootcamps, and it has temporarily closed its 10 campus locations in response to COVID-19. Its online full-time coding bootcamp teaches students the skills to become full-stack developers. It starts with web fundamentals and then teaches students three complete web stacks. Developers will learn Python, Java, and the MERN (Mongo, Express, React, and Node.js) stack. Once... Read More

7. The Tech Academy

/5 (based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
(based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
Locations: Online, Portland
Courses: Full-Time C# and .NET Framework Boot Camp, Full-Time Front-End Web Developer Boot Camp, Full-Time Java and Android Developer Boot Camp, +9 More
Subjects: .NET, Agile, Android, App Development, ASP.NET +32 More
Available Online
Verified Outcomes
Flexible Classes
Available Online
Verified Outcomes
Flexible Classes

The Tech Academy offers several online coding bootcamps and individual courses to best meet the career goals and interests of each student. All self-paced bootcamps are available full- and part-time and range in length from eight to 40 weeks. Available bootcamps include those focusing on software development, C# and .NET, Python, and front-end web development. The final course in all Tech Academy bootcamps... Read More

8. School of IT

/5 (based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
(based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
Locations: Online, Amsterdam, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Johannesburg, London
Courses: Full Stack Developer Course, Software Development Course, Software Engineering Course, +1 More
Subjects: C#, C++, CSS, Data Structures, Database Design +16 More
Available Online
Flexible Classes
Available Online
Flexible Classes

The School of IT offers multiple online courses in coding, including a full-stack development bootcamp. Students can choose to take courses in a number of programming and development areas and languages, including Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Ruby, and Angular. Students work one-on-one with a mentor, and classes can be scheduled to work around the student’s availability. Depending on how intensive... Read More

9. Actualize

/5 (based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
(based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
Locations: Online, Chicago
Courses: Actualize Coding Bootcamp: Full-Time, Actualize Coding Bootcamp: Part-Time, Actualize Coding Bootcamp: Online Live
Subjects: CSS, Git, HTML, JavaScript, Ruby +3 More
Available Online
Flexible Classes
Available Online
Flexible Classes

Unimpacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Actualize continues to offer a live online coding bootcamp to prepare students for a job in the tech industry. Instructors are not only skilled programmers but are also accomplished educators. The course starts with four weeks of pre-work that prepares students for the main course. The main course that lasts 12 weeks is taught live and is followed by exercises to... Read More

10. Skillcrush

4.83/5 (based on 6 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
(based on 6 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
Locations: Online
Courses: Break Into Tech + Job Guarantee: Front End Developer Track
Subjects: CSS, Digital Marketing, Front-End Web Development, Git, HTML +7 More
Available Online
Flexible Classes
Job Guarantee
Available Online
Flexible Classes
Job Guarantee

Skillcrush offers students the opportunity to complete an online coding bootcamp designed for flexible scheduling. Students can choose between four bootcamps that offer instruction in specialized areas of coding, including Python for web apps and data, WordPress development, front-end development, and front-end development with ReactJS. All courses and project work are mentor-led, allowing students... Read More

11. React GraphQL Academy

4.94/5 (based on 16 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
(based on 16 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
Locations: Online, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Lisbon, London
Courses: Advanced React Part-Time Training, Complete React Part-time Training, GraphQL API Part-time, +3 More
Subjects: Functional Programming, GraphQL, JavaScript, Mobile, React.js +1 More
Available Online
Flexible Classes
Available Online
Flexible Classes

React GraphQL Academy provides both immersive and part-time coding courses focused on React and GraphQL technology. Immersive courses include React Bootcamp, Advanced React, React Fundamentals, GraphQL API, and workshops. Part-time courses include the React Part-Time Bundle, React Fundamentals PT, and Advanced React PT. These cover similar topics, but in a more relaxed format. Classes are held both... Read More

12. App Academy

/5 (based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
(based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
Locations: Online, NYC, San Francisco
Courses: 16-week Software Engineering Program, 24-week Software Engineering Program (Full Time), App Academy Open
Subjects: Algorithms, CSS, Data Structures, DevOps, Docker +14 More
Available Online
Flexible Classes
Available Online
Flexible Classes

App Academy teaches development with a 24-week online coding bootcamp that is unaffected by COVID-19. Its software engineer track teaches students the skills to be full-stack developers. Students learn front-end development starting with the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They will also write React/Flux code. To gain back-end development skills, students learn Ruby and SQL. Another App Academy... Read More

13. Udacity

/5 (based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
(based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
Locations: Online
Courses: Front End Web Developer, Full Stack Web Developer, Introduction to Programming, +3 More
Subjects: Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Blockchain and Crypto, Business +19 More
Available Online
Flexible Classes
Available Online
Flexible Classes

Udacity is an online educational institution that gives students planning a career in programming the choice of over 30 options for online coding bootcamps — which have not been impacted by COVID-19. These nanodegree programs teach students the knowledge required for entry-level tech jobs. Students will devote 5 to 10 hours a week for at least four months to graduate from one of Udacity's programs,... Read More

14. Code Institute

/5 (based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
(based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
Locations: Online
Courses: Diploma in Full Stack Software Development & Specializations, Free 5 Day Coding Challenge
Subjects: AngularJS, Career Coaching, CSS, Database Management, Django +7 More
Available Online
Flexible Classes
Available Online
Flexible Classes

Code Institute offers a full-stack software development bootcamp accessible to those with no previous coding experience. Students work a minimum of 12 hours a week on the remote course through Code Institute’s dedicated virtual learning platform and have access to student support and tutoring 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday. The institute also offers its students and graduates career support,... Read More

15. HyperionDev

/5 (based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
(based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
Locations: Online, Cape Town, Johannesburg
Courses: Software Engineering Bootcamp, Full Stack Web Developer Bootcamp, The University of Edinburgh in partnership with HyperionDev Full Stack web developer bootcamp
Subjects: Android, C#, C++, Coding, CSS +19 More
Available Online
Flexible Classes
Available Online
Flexible Classes

Hyperion Development offers part-time and full-time online coding bootcamps that have not been impacted by COVID-19. Students work in a 1:1 mentorship with instructors and spend about 10 to 20 hours per week learning in the part-time program or 40 hours per week in the full-time program. The full-stack web development and software engineer course is a six-month full-time course that teaches HTML, CSS,... Read More

16. Woz U

5.0/5 (based on 1 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
(based on 1 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
Locations: Online
Courses: Full Stack Web Development Program
Subjects: .NET, AngularJS, C#, CSS, Cyber Security +13 More
Available Online
Flexible Classes
Available Online
Flexible Classes

Woz U’s software development bootcamp allows students to choose to focus their studies in front-end, back-end, or full-stack web development. The curriculum of the three-month front-end program provides instruction in the fundamentals of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, while that of the four-month back-end course delves further into server-side programming languages and applications. The eight-month full... Read More

17. Nucamp

4.52/5 (based on 33 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
(based on 33 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
Locations: Online, Albuquerque, Athens, Atlanta, Aurora, Austin +87 More
Courses: Back End, SQL, DevOps w/Python Bootcamp, Front End Web and Mobile Development, Full Stack Web and Mobile App Development, +1 More
Subjects: Angular, Bootstrap, CSS, Express.js, HTML +9 More
Available Online
Flexible Classes
Available Online
Flexible Classes

Nucamp’s coding bootcamp offerings vary by skill levels — from a beginning course in the fundamentals of web development to advanced programs in front-end or full-stack web development plus mobile development. Course lectures and exercises are completed primarily online, and students meet once per week for Saturday coding workshops. All of Nucamp’s bootcamps are part-time, requiring between eight and... Read More

18. Flatiron School

/5 (based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
(based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
Locations: Online, Denver, NYC
Courses: Software Engineering, Online Software Engineering
Subjects: AngularJS, API, Cryptography, CSS, Cyber Security +17 More
Available Online
Verified Outcomes
Flexible Classes
Available Online
Verified Outcomes
Flexible Classes

Students can enroll in Flatiron School’s online software engineering bootcamp on a full-time, part-time, or self-paced schedule. The full-time bootcamp requires a ten-month commitment of 45 to 50 hours per week of learning, while the part-time course requires five months of 20 to 25 hours per week. The self-paced option offers the most flexibility, allowing students up to 15 months to complete coursework... Read More

19. BloomTech

/5 (based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
(based on 0 reviews of Online Coding Programs)
Locations: Online
Courses: Full Time Backend Development, Full Time Full Stack Web Development
Subjects: Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Back-End Web Development, Computer Science Fundamentals, CSS +14 More
Available Online
Available Online

Lambda School offers students the opportunity to complete a full-stack web development bootcamp in nine months (full-time) or 18 months (part-time). Students receive instruction in all areas of coding and web development, including JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Node, React, Python, Redux, and SQL. Classes are entirely online, live, and interactive, and can be adapted to work in the time zone of the student.... Read More

2021 Best Online Coding Bootcamps received an average 4.71 of 5 based on 8059 reviews.


What is an Online Coding Bootcamp?

A coding bootcamp is a short class that teaches technological skills in areas such as cybersecurity, user experience, and web development. There are fully online bootcamp options. Like in-person ones, these aim to quickly equip students with the skills needed to get a job in tech.



According to research firm Statista, the number of individuals graduating from online coding bootcamps increased by roughly 142% between 2015 and 2020.

Online bootcamps can be suitable for anyone looking to learn new technological skills, including recent graduates with bachelor's degrees, mid-level professionals weighing a career change, software engineers interested in further honing their abilities, or individuals looking for opportunities beyond a high school diploma or GED. While some prior familiarity with technology or coding is useful, many bootcamps are designed to train students with little to no prior experience in web development. However, coding bootcamps are by no means easy, and can be a challenging experience for some. To determine whether a bootcamp will be a good fit, prospective students should explore providers' websites and read about others' experiences to gauge how difficult a particular online bootcamp can be.

Day-To-Day Experience of an Online Bootcamp

Though no two days are the same, online students can expect to spend their day viewing lectures, attending lunches virtually with peers, or working on projects independently. In most programs, students receive support via dedicated communication apps and shared folders, regular feedback on coding assignments, and weekly check-in meetings with instructors.

The typical online coding bootcamp lasts 24 weeks for a full-time program. However, bootcamps can range from 12 to 36 weeks as well. Many programs also have a part-time option or a flex program, both of which are designed to fit into a busier lifestyle. Full-time students typically commit 40 hours a week and are encouraged to complete as many coding tasks as they can during this time.

Is an Online Bootcamp Different From an In-Person Bootcamp?

While online bootcamps can offer many of the same benefits as in-person ones — such as instructor feedback, peer mentorship via communication apps, and applied learning — they may require more self-direction. This is especially the case if the bootcamp allows you to complete courses at your own pace.


Applying to an Online Coding Bootcamp

Once you've chosen a bootcamp you'd like to attend, gaining admission involves filling out an application and, in some cases, passing an interview and successfully completing an at-home skills test. Depending on the program, you may then be invited to complete a coding task, non-technical interview, technical interview, or some combination of the three.

Because in-person bootcamps involve collaboration and collective problem-solving, they tend to have certain prerequisites for admission that make the admission process competitive. By contrast, some online coding bootcamps may be less competitive to get into because they allow students to learn at their own pace with a mentor who can work with them at their skill level. It's important to note, however, that online programs may expect applicants to take admission prep courses or require students to complete pre-work that covers basic coding skills as part of the admissions process.

How Can You Prepare for an Online Coding Bootcamp?

If you are brand new to coding, taking a prep course can be beneficial. Prep courses are designed to help you get familiar with programming languages and the basics of coding. They also give you a feel for a bootcamp's intense pace. Bootcamps will often list whether they offer a prep course. If they don't, you can take an online coding course before enrolling in a bootcamp to see if it's something you're ready to invest your time, money, and energy into.


How Much Do Online Coding Bootcamps Cost?

Online coding bootcamps vary widely in terms of cost, with tuition ranging anywhere from $1,500 to $30,000. Prices vary based on the type of bootcamp, whether it is full-time or part-time, and whether the program includes additional aspects such as job placement support. Some providers also offer individual prep courses which typically cost less than $1,000. Online coding programs are not always more cost-effective than in-person ones, even though both are significantly cheaper than a four-year computer science degree.

There are some free online coding bootcamps available, but they often don't include mentorship, instructor support, or help with job placement. Free coding bootcamps may still be a good option for beginners as they offer self-paced courses and projects which help you learn the basics. They can also be a cost-effective way to determine whether taking a full online coding bootcamp is a worthwhile investment for you.

Financial Support

Although students who attend programs offered by private institutions likely do not qualify for federal financial aid, it is possible to find financial support to attend an online bootcamp, usually through scholarships or programs offered by bootcamps. Veterans can also use the GI Bill to pay for bootcamps approved by the Veterans Administration.

We have compiled a list of more than 80 bootcamp scholarships that are based on merit or need. You can also take advantage of bootcamps' own payment plans which allow you to pay your tuition fees in monthly installments, though these may include interest. Some programs offer income share agreements, where, rather than paying upfront, students agree to give the provider a percentage of their future income for a specific number of years and up to an agreed amount.


Careers for Coding Bootcamp Graduates

A coding bootcamp can help you land a job in tech because they are geared toward teaching students real-world, applied technical skills in areas such as web development, data management, cybersecurity, or software engineering. Some bootcamps, including online ones, also include career services teams and job placement support as part of their program. Students may find support in terms of job market portfolio development, technical interview training, and alumni networking. Some bootcamps may also teach students soft skills such as communication and teamwork.



Some bootcamps, including online ones, also include career services teams and job placement support as part of their program.

Companies such as Codesmith and Hack Reactor claim hiring rates for their graduates, which includes those that attend online and in-person bootcamps, at 80%-86% and 98% respectively. Nevertheless, attending a bootcamp doesn't guarantee a job with a tech company. In addition to coding experience, students will need interview skills and will likely have to consider factors such as relocation in their job hunt. In some cases, online bootcamp graduates may have to spend up to six months on the job market before landing a suitable tech position.

While attending a bootcamp isn't guaranteed to get you a lucrative and rewarding job, it may open new career opportunities that were previously unavailable to you. For more information, we've put together a guide that outlines career options for bootcamp graduates.


Is an Online Coding Bootcamp Worth It?

Coding bootcamps are a relatively cheap and fast way to find out if the tech industry is the right career path for you. However, while employment in the tech industry is expected to increase rapidly through 2030, this work may not be for everyone.

Online coding bootcamps can have advantages over in-person ones.

If you have limited to no prior experience in coding, an online program can help you learn at your own pace. Online programs are also great for people who work full or part-time, have travel constraints, or cannot relocate. Finally, the online format is well-suited to learning how to code if you're comfortable working independently.

However, there are some drawbacks to online bootcamps.

In-person bootcamps provide a real-time, responsive, peer-collaboration environment that online camps may not be able to fully replicate. This can make the learning experience both difficult and isolating, especially if you need immediate help.

Because attending a bootcamp is a personal choice, you should also evaluate your personal and financial circumstances before deciding to enroll. For students who are still unsure about whether this is the right choice for them, we've put together additional information about whether coding bootcamps are worth it.


SwitchUp Rankings Methodology

SwitchUp's rankings are based on over 20,000 reviews from verified students and alumni, across over 500 bootcamps in operation. Because student and alumni feedback and ratings are indicative of bootcamp quality, rankings are ordered by review score. If bootcamps have the same review score, bootcamps with more reviews are ranked higher to break the tie. The order of the ranking is based on data at the time of publishing, but the ratings and review counts will change as more reviews come in.

To be considered for the 2021 rankings, bootcamps must help students land jobs in tech through excellent instructor support, curriculum, and career resources; each review left on SwitchUp evaluates the bootcamp on all of these aspects.

All bootcamps considered for the best online coding ranking were required to meet the following criteria at the time of publication:

  • Offer an immersive or part-time coding program that is completely online
  • Have at least 5 verified reviews of online coding programs
  • For those online coding program reviews, average at least 4/5 stars

Please see our full ranking methodology to see requirements for other rankings.

Bootcamp Highlights

Looking for a school with specific qualities? We've awarded merit badges to schools in several key areas:

Available Online

Offer either part-time or immersive courses that are available online. This includes courses that are offered temporarily online due to COVID-19.

Verified Outcomes

Offer a job outcomes report that was independently verified by a third-party auditor.

Flexible Classes

Offer self-paced, part-time, or evening classes.

Job Guarantee

Offer guaranteed job placement after graduation, or the student's tuition is refunded. Visit the official school site for related terms and conditions.

GI Bill

Approved to accept GI Bill funds according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

VET TEC Provider

Approved as a VET TEC Provider according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

References

  1. Are Coding Bootcamps Worth It? What Employers Really Think. [online] Indeed.com. Available at: https://www.indeed.com/lead/what-employers-think-about-coding-bootcamp [Accessed 10 September 2020].
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