Best University Coding Bootcamps of 2023

If you want to learn tech skills from a university but don’t want to pay for a bachelor’s degree, university coding bootcamps might work for you. The best university coding bootcamps can take you from a beginner to a professional programmer in just a few weeks or months. You can find a coding bootcamp university program for coding, data science, cyber security, and more.

In this article, read a comprehensive list of the best university coding bootcamps in the United States and beyond. See what immersive programs they have to offer and at what cost. Then, commit to a university bootcamp to launch your tech career.

A university coding bootcamp is a program offered by a university as a cost-effective alternative to a four-year degree program. It teaches students career-oriented skills and industry knowledge to help them navigate the tech industry confidently. University bootcamps can help students get hands-on experience and build a portfolio of projects to use to apply for tech jobs.

Just like in non-university coding bootcamps, prospective students come from all walks of life. This means that you don’t need prior knowledge or experience in programming to qualify for a seat. You also don’t have to be a full-time student at a particular university to enroll in its bootcamp. 

Before you choose a university coding bootcamp, you should familiarize yourself with university bootcamp partners. These are organizations that help a university host bootcamp programs. edX and QuickStart are the two you’ll see most often. Read below to learn more about these coding bootcamp university partners.

edX (Previously Trilogy Coding Bootcamps)

If your university offers a bootcamp program, it will probably be an edX bootcamp. This was previously known as Trilogy Education Services, but rebranded in 2022. You can find edX coding bootcamps at universities like Georgia Tech, UC Berkeley, and Columbia University. If you want one of these schools on your resume, a bootcamp is a good choice.

In general, Trilogy Education Services bootcamp reviews are positive. However, some students criticize the programs because they are not run by the university, which makes them lower quality. Before you sign up for a Trilogy bootcamp program, do your research and read the fine print to make sure it’s the right fit for you.

QuickStart Bootcamps

Similar to edX, QuickStart Bootcamps partners with many universities, including Colorado State University, Northeastern Illinois University, and UC Santa Barbara. QuickStart also has official certifications that you can get independently, which can help you prove your skills and land a job in tech.

There aren’t as many QuickStart bootcamp reviews out there, but most of them are positive. Past students appreciated their experiences with instructors and labs and said the curriculum wasn’t as strong. Some said the career services were weaker than they expected.

Some of the top universities in the United States offer students learning opportunities through coding bootcamps. Below is a list of the best university coding bootcamps, with details on what to expect. These top university coding bootcamps will help you meet your career goals with hands-on training from respected universities.

Berkeley Coding Boot Camp Camp

• Cost: $13,495

• Locations: San Francisco Bay Area, CA

• Partner organization: edX

• Available formats: Full-time online, part-time online

• Other bootcamps offered: Data analytics, UX/UI design, cyber security, digital marketing, fintech, tech project management

If you want to learn vital programming skills to help you build progressive web applications, you should consider a UC Berkeley bootcamp. The program will teach you computer science fundamentals with a focus on JavaScript. UC Berkeley coding bootcamp reviews are generally positive, which makes this bootcamp a good choice.

You can expect to learn about algorithms, data structures, time complexity, browser-based technologies, databases, API consumption, and server-side development. The bootcamp regularly updates its curriculum to cover in-demand technologies, giving you a competitive edge when applying for an entry-level position.

Coding Bootcamp at UC San Diego Extended Studies

• Cost: $11,745 (part time), $13,495 (full time)

• Locations: San Diego, CA

• Partner organization: edX

• Available formats: Full-time online, part-time online 

• Other bootcamps offered: Data science, cyber security

If you want to learn how to build websites, you should consider attending this San Diego bootcamp. The bootcamp will help you master HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery, agile methodology, database theories, and more. This is considered a top university coding bootcamp because of its curriculum and instructors.

You will also be challenged to complete a project to graduate from the program and receive an Award of Completion from UC San Diego Extension. This will be excellent to demonstrate to potential employers your technical expertise. You will also receive training from the career services team to assist in your job hunt.

Coding Bootcamp at UCI Continuing Education

• Cost: $13,495

• Locations: Irvine, CA

• Partner organization: edX

• Available formats: Full-time online, part-time online 

• Other bootcamps offered: Data analytics, UX/UI, cyber security, digital marketing

UC Irvine Extension Boot Camp offers a full stack web development course. You’ll learn HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery, React, and MongoDB, all of which are foundational technologies in web development and design. Learning these gives you room to choose between becoming a web designer or a web developer. 

The UC Irvine coding bootcamp also offers additional online continuation resources to learn C#, Python, Java, and Amazon Web Services. Finally, you’ll have access to career counseling services and industry events to help connect with your potential future employers. By the time you finish the full-time or part-time UCI bootcamp, you will be job-ready.

Coding Bootcamp at UCLA Extension

• Cost: $12,245 (part time), $12,995 (full time)

• Locations: Los Angeles, CA

• Partner organization: edX

• Available formats: Full-time online, part-time online 

• Other bootcamps offered: Cyber security, product management

The coding bootcamp at UCLA Extension will prepare you for a career in coding. Designed for professionals looking for a career change or advancement, the curriculum features coursework on all critical aspects of web development. Most UCLA Extension coding bootcamp reviews praise the quality of teaching.

At a UCLA coding bootcamp, you should expect to master in-demand languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery. Once you’ve learned the basics, you can move on to learning AWS, different databases, computer science, Agile methodologies, and several programming languages. By the end of the program, you will receive an Award of Completion from UCLA Extension.

Columbia Engineering Coding Boot Camp

• Cost: $14,495 (part time), $15,495 (full time)

• Locations: New York, NY

• Partner organization: edX

• Available formats: Full-time online, part-time online 

• Other bootcamps offered: Data analytics, cyber security, fintech, digital marketing, UX/UI, product management

Although the Columbia University coding bootcamp is a bit more expensive than others, it is worth it if you want to get a certificate from a prestigious university. You will learn programming languages like Python and Java and other tools like Amazon Web Services.

The Columbia coding bootcamp is available in part-time and full-time formats, and the part-time program is slightly less expensive. If you have personal obligations or a job to fulfill, the part-time option requires less class time per week with the same variety of opportunities when you graduate.

James Madison University Web Development Bootcamp

• Cost: $4,800 (with upfront discount)

• Locations: Online

• Partner organization: QuickStart

• Available formats: Immersive, flex, self-paced
• Other bootcamps offered: Cyber security, cloud engineering, data science

JMU bootcamps are available to students and non-students through the partner organization, QuickStart. This university coding bootcamp is a much more affordable option than most others on this list, and it also has a self-paced option so you can study on your own time. It is less intensive, but it will still help you become a professional web developer. 

Rutgers Coding Bootcamp

• Cost: $11,995 (part time), $12,995 (full time)

• Locations: Somerset, NJ and Jersey City, NJ

• Partner organization: edX

• Available formats: Part-time online, full-time
• Other bootcamps offered: Data science, fintech

The Rutgers coding bootcamp cost is also lower than others on this list, which makes it an affordable choice. The in-person class options also set this university bootcamp apart. You can learn to code in Somerset or Jersey City as well as online.

Along with an immersive learning experience, you will have access to a team of people who can help you start a career in tech. According to the official Rutgers coding bootcamp website, it partners with over 260 employers, which means you can start your network and find a wide variety of job opportunities.

Northwestern Coding Boot Camp

• Cost: $12,995

• Locations: Chicago, IL

• Partner organization: edX

• Available formats: Full-time online, part-time online 

• Other bootcamps offered: Data science, cyber security, fintech, UX/UI

The Northwestern University bootcamp offers a few different topics, including coding. The immersive curriculum will take you through all the major concepts of front end development and backend programming. You’ll learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, Ajax, and Bootstrap. You will also cover additional technologies such as MySQL, MongoDB, and Git. 

The Northwestern University Bootcamp also provides extensive services to help students land a job in tech. Their job search support includes job referrals, portfolio and resume reviews, mock interview sessions, soft skills training, and career coaching. Once you finish the program, you will receive a certificate of completion.

UC Davis Coding Boot Camp

• Cost: $11,495

• Locations: Sacramento, CA

• Partner organization: edX

• Available formats: Part-time online

• Other bootcamps offered: Data analytics, cyber security, digital marketing

The UC Davis Coding Bootcamp program features all the essential aspects to help you land a job as a web developer. By signing up for this program, you will learn JavaScript, HTML, CSS, MongoDB, jQuery, and Nodejs. 

This top university coding bootcamp will help you build a professional portfolio of web applications that will showcase your skills to prospective employers. This is a part-time program, which makes it an ideal opportunity for parents and working professionals. 

University of Arizona Coding Boot Camp

• Cost: $9,995 (part time), $12,995 (full time)

• Locations: Phoenix, AZ

• Partner organization: edX

• Available formats: Full-time online, part-time online 

• Other bootcamps offered: Data science

You can become a web developer by attending the U of A coding bootcamp. You will receive a certificate of completion when you graduate from the course. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers the fundamentals of web development, such as front end programming languages like HTML and CSS. 

Through regular group discussions, the University of Arizona coding bootcamp ensures that you are active in class. You will also have weekly challenges to ensure you stay on track. Aside from the instructor, you will have the support of teaching assistants, tutors, a peer network, an employer partner network, a student success team, and the career services team. 

University of Central Florida Coding Bootcamp

• Cost: $11,745 (part time), $12,745 (full time)

• Locations: Orlando, FL

• Partner organization: edX

• Available formats: Full-time online, part-time online 

• Other bootcamps offered: Data analytics and visualization, digital marketing, UX/UI

The fast-paced coding bootcamp from the University of Central Florida will help you learn to code in 12 or 24 weeks. Whether you attend the part-time or full-time program, you will still receive the proper training you need. The part-time option is excellent for working industry professionals.

The hands-on learning experience will help set you apart during job interviews. You will learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, MongoDB, Bootstrap, and jQuery. The bootcamp gives weekly challenges to ensure you are on track with your studies. You will also have access to tutorials and career services, which are available at all times to help you navigate the curriculum.

University of Denver Coding Boot Camp

• Cost: $11,245 (part time), $12,745 (full time)

• Locations: Denver, CO

• Partner organization: edX

• Available formats: Full-time online, part-time online 

• Other bootcamps offered: Data analytics, cyber security, UX/UI, digital marketing, product management, fintech

You can learn how to code in less than six months with the University of Denver Bootcamp. This bootcamp features a 12-week full-time coding program and a 24-week part-time coding program. Like the other university coding bootcamps, you’ll learn front end and backend web technologies. This includes HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery.

Eventually, you can leverage the practical experience you gained from building these hands-on projects to attract potential employers in the tech job market, such as the best tech companies in Denver. You will earn a non-college credit certificate, which has plenty of value during the job search. 

University of Miami Coding Boot Camp

• Cost: $10,995

• Locations: Miami, FL

• Partner organization: edX

• Available formats: Part-time online

• Other bootcamps offered: Data analytics, fintech

The University of Miami Coding Boot Camp is one of the best Florida coding bootcamps out there. It provides professional training to help students get key skills in programming. At this bootcamp, you will learn MongoDB, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, React js, and MySQL. You’ll also get the chance to pair up with your peers to work on complex hands-on projects. 

The University of Miami bootcamp will provide extensive career services to ensure your resume is as polished as your technical skills. You can expect project portfolio reviews, technical interview preparation, coaching, and soft skills training. Once you complete this virtual class, you will receive a certificate of completion from the University of Miami. 

University of Wisconsin Coding Boot Camp

• Cost: $11,995

• Locations: Milwaukee, WI

• Partner organization: edX

• Available formats: Part-time online
• Other bootcamps offered: Data analytics

The University of Wisconsin offers a high-quality coding bootcamp that can help you get hands-on programming experience. The UW bootcamp teaches Python, AWS, Bootstrap, Java, and other important topics like data structures. The program will help you become a developer in 24 weeks.

During the remote learning experience, you will also have access to tutors, a student success team, and career services. The UW coding bootcamp cost is also quite affordable compared to other bootcamps on this list. Overall, it is an effective option if you want to start a career in tech with a high average base salary.

Vanderbilt University Coding Boot Camp

• Cost: $10,995

• Locations: Nashville, TN

• Partner organization: edX

• Available formats: Part-time online
• Other bootcamps offered: Data analytics, cyber security, digital marketing

This affordable university coding bootcamp is a good choice for anyone who wants to learn coding without traditional college education. Vanderbilt University offers a web development bootcamp that lasts 24 weeks, and it is designed so you can keep working while you study.

Vanderbilt University’s coding bootcamp is one of the best university coding bootcamps because of its flexible online classes and relatively low cost. The curriculum is also strong and will help you create a portfolio of projects that you can show to employers later on.

If you’re wondering how to pay for a coding bootcamp, you’re not alone. Most coding bootcamps have clear sections on their websites on what payment options they provide. Your choice still depends on the payment and financing options that your university coding bootcamp offers. Read below to learn more about how to pay for coding bootcamps.

Payment Plan

Many university bootcamps offer payment plans to help lessen your financial load. This can be in the form of monthly payments or two to five installments. Some bootcamps allow you to pay half of your tuition upfront and the other half later. Since your options will vary, check with your coding bootcamp first so you know what plans you can access.

Scholarships

Scholarships are another great way to pay for your bootcamp. Unfortunately, most university bootcamps don’t disclose what scholarships they offer, even if there are some available. Speak to an admissions advisor before you apply to see which scholarships you might be eligible for. Most scholarships are based on merit or need.

Upfront Payment

In most cases, upfront payment is the best way to pay for your university coding bootcamp. This way, you can avoid any interest rates and get your payment out of the way so you’re not worrying about it during your program. Many bootcamps also offer a discount if you pay upfront.

If you want to open up additional opportunities for high-growth careers and a solid professional network, attending a university bootcamp is an excellent option. Read below to see more benefits of university coding bootcamps and why you might want to choose one.

• Professional Network. One of the benefits of any coding bootcamp is the people you meet. You’ll find a wide range of types of people, like other prospective tech workers and experienced instructors. They can help you find jobs in the field and learn more about a tech career path.

• Respected Certificate. With a university coding bootcamp, you get a certificate with the university’s name on it. This can look great on your resume or LinkedIn profile because it shows your academic intelligence and level of dedication.

• Flexible Programs. Most university bootcamps offer part-time programs, which are a good choice if you already have a job or other responsibilities. Some are even self-paced, so you can complete your coursework on your own time. Contrary to a degree, these programs work with your schedule.

Even though many university bootcamps are offered by the same organizations, the programs and options differ. Read below to see the factors you should consider before choosing a university coding bootcamp.

Curriculum

The curriculum of a coding bootcamp from a university is arguably the most important factor you should consider. Pay attention to the skills listed on the university’s website and see if they match your career goals. For example, if you want to become a web developer, you should choose a bootcamp that teaches HTML and CSS.

Location

The location of your coding bootcamp is also important to consider. Most university coding bootcamps are offered online, but you should still find one that’s located close to you. This way, the skills you learn will be more closely tailored to the job market in your area.

Cost

University coding bootcamps can range from $5,000 to $15,000, which is a big difference. Before you choose which bootcamp you want to attend, you should decide on your budget. Spending lots of money on a coding bootcamp can be worth it, but do your research first to find the most affordable option.

Reputation

When choosing any coding bootcamp, the school’s reputation is an important factor. A certificate from Columbia University will look better on your resume than a regular bootcamp certificate. Along with the curriculum and cost, reputation should be high up on your list of priorities if you want to get a high-paying job.

Student Outcomes

If you’re attending a bootcamp to start your career, you should look at the student outcomes. Bootcamp job placement rates are one of the best ways to assess the quality of the bootcamp because they show how many students find jobs. If a bootcamp has a low job placement rate, it might indicate that it doesn’t offer enough student support.

Yes, university coding bootcamps are worth it because they provide students with a great alternative to a four-year computer science degree. In addition, the strong affiliation of the coding bootcamp programs to traditional university programs adds to the credibility of the platforms.

Coding bootcamps are worth it if you want to start a career in tech quickly. If you have the time and money, however, a degree might be a better choice. Before you apply for bootcamps, do your research into whether a coding bootcamp or computer science degree is right for you and set career goals to make sure you have a clear path. After that, it’ll be smooth sailing.