Are you thinking about working as an IT professional or pursuing another job in the wide world of technology? Well, you have to ask yourself this question first: Where should I study? Those starting out in tech careers often choose between a coding bootcamp or a college degree, and admittedly, it’s a tough decision to make.
Here, we’ll try to make your choice easier as we cover the features of both technology education options. First, let's break down the differences between college degrees and coding bootcamps, and then we’ll give you some tips on how to make the right choice for you.
All about college technology degrees
A college degree is a longer journey to a career in tech, usually taking about four years. If you want to become a programmer, you'd pursue a major in something like Computer Science or Information Technology (IT). In college, you'll dive into the "why" of programming, learning the theory and fundamentals along with hands-on skills through in-class projects. You'll also have mentors to guide you, which can be really valuable.
If you go this route, be sure to research your program options to make sure you're getting a good education that's worth your time and money. Universities like The George Washington University, Arizona State University—Polytechnic, and the University of California, Los Angeles even offer coding courses that are open to everyone—you don’t need to be enrolled as a student to participate. These courses can be a great way to explore coding, upskill for a current job, or learn a new skill set without committing to a full college degree in Coding or Programming.
Related: A Helpful Guide to Choosing Your STEM Field and Major
All about coding bootcamps
On the other hand, you could pursue a coding bootcamp. Emerging as a more affordable alternative to traditional programming education, bootcamps are now a go-to solution for those who can't put off starting their careers for years. These fast-track programs can help you gain very specific skills to jump-start your programming career. You'll be expected to study for three to six months (about 20 weeks), and your entire program will focus only on coding skills and information.
There are about 100 companies in the US that currently offer coding bootcamps. Among them is App Academy, which helps its students find jobs at tech companies like Netflix and Google. For mentorship while you study, check out Springboard (particularly good for women in STEM) or Skillcrush. If you're just thinking about starting a career in IT, you could also consider Altcademy, Brainstation, INFOSEC, and many others.
You don't need a college degree to attend a coding bootcamp. However, a high school diploma or GED is often required, and previous experience also matters. Some bootcamps accept candidates with no IT experience, while others require tests in math, technical knowledge, communication skills, and even an interview.
Which education path should you choose?
Let's face it: Software engineering and coding jobs are among the most lucrative STEM careers. But beyond the rewards, there are other factors to consider. When choosing between going to college or attending a coding bootcamp, you should consider the following factors. A coding bootcamp may be the better choice if you:
- Want to get into IT quickly by taking a very specific position;
- Want to study in a real-world environment;
- Have a small education budget;
- Are a creative problem-solver and brave enough to break into the industry; and
- Don't want to wait four years to test the waters first.
A college degree may be the better path if you:
- Don't want to rush into a full-time career;
- Respect and recognize the benefits of higher education;
- Prefer a deep, structured approach to learning rather than superficial knowledge; and
- Want to be able to compete for a high salary in your first job.
But that’s just a quick breakdown; let’s dive into some of these factors more in-depth to help you decide which option is better for you.
Related: From Tech Passion to STEM Career: A Handy Guide for Students
Time and learning flexibility
On average, a college education takes four years or more to complete. It follows a rigorous academic schedule of required classes, research projects, internships, extracurricular activities, and the like. Undergraduate degrees involve a comprehensive educational approach with thorough knowledge, all-round development, and interaction with professors and others whose experience is often invaluable.
Coding bootcamp courses take much less time but are completely focused on career-ready skill development. This is made possible by the power of digital STEM learning. Coding bootcamps offer several learning formats for students, including online and in-person classes, face-to-face team learning, and hybrid options (earning a degree and coding certificate at the same time).
In just three to six months of study, you can learn the basics of programming so deeply that you can create even very complex systems. You’ll be able to create an LMS platform and thus contribute to the promotion of accessible learning. Some bootcamps even offer personalized learning, which means you learn at your own pace and aren’t tied to a specific date for testing or labs.
Related: 4 Specialized Universities With Great STEM Research Opportunities for Students
Cost of tuition
College costs a lot more than bootcamp. At many colleges, you could pay upward of $17,000 a year for tuition as an undergraduate, plus extra for housing, food, and activities. The upside? With a traditional college degree, you’ll likely qualify for scholarships or federal aid to help cover your costs.
Coding bootcamps are cheaper than college since it’s a one-time cost, and they can range anywhere from $1,000–$20,000. Some bootcamps make it easier by offering flexible payment options and let you pay in installments. Some even wait until you land a job, and then you’ll pay for it based on a percentage of your salary.
Career opportunities
With a college degree in Programming and the reputation that comes with it, you can look forward to high-paying positions, employment at top companies, and additional opportunities in related fields or management positions. High-tech companies often pick college graduates if the position is related to scientific activities and requires a deep understanding of algorithms. Colleges also typically help their students find jobs by providing career counseling, organizing networking events, or arranging internships.
As for bootcamps, finding a job is often part of the curriculum. Bootcamps teach you how to build a résumé, conduct mock interviews, and help with employment in any way they can. Note that 76% of bootcamp graduates typically get hired within three months of graduating.
Salary outcomes
You should also consider the salary of your future career. What will earn you more money: a college degree or a bootcamp certificate? Bootcamp graduates typically earn about the average market salary for their first job. If you're already working and do a bootcamp to advance, you might see a salary increase of $10,000–$30,000 a year.
College graduates, on the other hand, often start at slightly higher salaries in their first jobs. In addition, the broad range of skills and solid academic knowledge acquired during college give these professionals more opportunities to move into higher positions, including management.
Related: 5 Jobs and Fields That Can Make You a Lot of Money
Any type of education takes time, effort, and money—that's a given. A coding bootcamp can often get you a job in as little as three months, whereas college typically takes four years. Bootcamps are flexible, so you can learn at your own pace, whereas college has a set schedule, so you'll move at a slower yet thorough pace to graduate.
If you want more scientific knowledge about the world—not just programming—choose a college that equips you with the knowledge you need for a prosperous future. As a result of studying coding through a bootcamp or at a college, you can expect to find a lucrative, rewarding job either way.
Coding is a great skill even if you don’t want it as a full-time job! Learn Why It's Important for Students to Learn How to Code no matter what career you choose to pursue.
