Code Fellows offers modular courses that allow students to begin at the level they feel matches their skills. In other words, you can enroll as a beginner with no programming experience, or you can enroll at a more advanced level if you already have some experience. Below is a full Code Fellows review to help you find out if this coding school is what you’re looking for.
Code Fellows Quick Facts | |
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Cost | Online, Campus: $99 – $12,000 |
Start Dates | Rolling start dates monthly |
Locations | Seattle, Online |
Courses | Software Engineering, Cybersecurity |
Available Programs | Full-time, Nights and Weekends, Self-paced |
Code Fellows is a modular technical skills training academy that offers flexible courses in software development, technical operations, cybersecurity, and career training for students with busy schedules. This institution is different from other coding bootcamps because it allows students to test into the course level that is most appropriate for their current skill level. Plus, with a wide variety of financing options available, anyone can afford to attend.
Code Fellows is worth it if you want to sign up for a bootcamp that perfectly aligns with your current skill level. Whether you are a complete beginner, have already learned a programming language, have cyber ops experience, or want to update your advanced tech skills, Code Fellows is probably the best option. If you want to get an idea of whether a full bootcamp is worth it, you can attend one of the school’s beginner courses.
The only downside to Code Fellows is that it doesn’t yet have programs to train and become a digital marketer or UX designer, so you should look into other schools if that’s what you’re looking for.
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Code Fellows has a 93 percent job placement rate, and its graduates have a median salary of $72,000. This high job placement can be attributed to their reputation, the technical curriculum, and the career coaching included in the school’s coursework. Students are coached on building their network, technical and behavioral interview skills, professional etiquette, and more. The school also offers a career accelerator program which provides additional career coaching, networking events, job fairs, industry-led mock interviews, and access to their network of hiring partners and other Code Fellows alumni.
Code Fellows has placed former students in jobs at the biggest tech companies out there, like Amazon, Google, Facebook, Starbucks, Microsoft, and Boeing.
No, it doesn’t offer a job guarantee. However, the school has one of the highest job placement rates in the industry and has partnerships with many major tech companies.
Code Fellows’ modular courses differ in price depending on the level you’re enrolling in. The beginner’s courses cost $99 and generally consist of a single eight-hour workshop. Higher-level courses last much longer and cost between $5,000 to $12,000.
Paying for a bootcamp can be tricky, but Code Fellows has a variety of financing methods available to its students, including special discounts, income share agreements, payment plans, loans, and scholarships. Plus, they’re certified to receive the GI Bill and funding from the Washington State Worker Retraining Program.
Code Fellows has loan partnerships with Ascent and Climb Credit. Students can choose how and when they want to pay off their loan, such as by making interest-only payments up until a few months after graduation, or by deferring all payments until after graduation. Though more repayment options are available.
Students can request a loan amount that covers their tuition and living expenses if they are attending a Code Fellows course full time.
Students can apply for two discounts, either the Early-Bird discount for 201 courses, or the Course-Bundle discount. The Early-Bird discount is for anyone who is accepted to a 201 course, signs their contract, and pays the $500 deposit at least four weeks before the first day of class. The Course-Bundle discount is for applicants who have committed to a 201 course prior to enrolling in a 102 course. These applicants receive a $500 credit towards their 201 tuition, in addition to having their seat in the course reserved.
Code Fellows’ scholarship fund is the school’s way of contributing to increased diversity in the tech industry by making careers in tech more accessible to everyone. Anyone from an underrepresented ethnicity, as well as women, military veterans, career changers, recent college graduates, code school students looking to join a better program, and unemployed or underemployed people can apply. These scholarships cover up to 70 percent of tuition. In addition, Code Fellows gives one full-ride scholarship to a Black American in each cohort.
The GI Bill is a US Department of Veterans Affairs program that aims to help former servicemen and servicewomen build better lives.
This program is administered by the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges. It can cover up to 15 percent of the tuition cost. To be eligible, you must be a Washington state resident who is unemployed or underemployed.
In addition to its virtual campus, Code Fellows only has one physical campus in Seattle, WA. It is an excellent location because the city is a rising tech hub with plenty of opportunities for new graduates.
Code Fellows has different course modalities that are separated into two paths. Whether you choose software engineering or cybersecurity, the modules are grouped into beginner, foundations, intermediate, advanced, and continuing education levels. Students can test into any level without having to attend or pass the previous course level.
Let’s look at the module levels in more detail.
Code Fellows offers several beginner courses in software engineering and cybersecurity. Some of these are eight-hour workshops that are completed in one day, while others will last one or two weeks.
The foundation level is designed to help students build a well-rounded foundation of skills necessary for modern web development or cyber operations. These courses last four (daytime) to nine (nights and weekends) weeks, and include career coaching.
The intermediate level is for students that have a strong base in programming, with some previous experience. These courses last four to eight weeks, depending on the module.
The intermediate level is for students that have foundational knowledge in either software development or cyber operations. These courses last four (daytime) to nine (nights and weekends) weeks, and include career coaching.
The 400-level courses are the most intense courses offered at Code Fellows. Students come in with various backgrounds and leave with the training and skills they need to excel as professional software developers or cybersecurity professionals. 401 courses require prior experience in either software development or IT operations, whether through preceding Code Fellows courses, self-study, or on-the-job training. These courses last ten (daytime) to twenty-three (nights and weekends) weeks, and include career coaching.
Code Fellows offers its courses in three different time schedules, full-time, part-time, and self-paced; as well as in-person and online options so that no one has to miss out. Students can choose whichever option fits with their other commitments and location.
This is Code Fellows’ full-time option, but the schedule will vary depending on the course. One-day workshops take place from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm PST. Courses that last a week or more usually run from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm PST on weekdays.
This is Code Fellows’ part-time option. These courses are offered from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm PST on weekdays and from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm PST on Saturdays.
These self-paced courses are intended for highly motivated students who are comfortable learning on their own schedule. These courses are intended to be completed within 30 days of starting the class. Right now, only the Code 102 course is available in a self-paced format.
Code Fellows’ admissions process can take a few weeks. If you are applying to a beginner’s class, the process is really simple. If you are applying to a higher level, you’ll need to complete a technical assessment. Because the school allows applicants to test into 201- 401 level courses, some courses require additional steps to enter.
To apply to Code Fellows, you must first choose which module you want to enroll in, but if you’re unsure you can always speak with an admissions advisor to assist with your course plan. A technical assessment is only required when testing into a 201 – 401 level course.
Code Fellows’ phone interviews differ depending on the level of the course you are applying to. In the phone interview, they will generally ask the following questions.
Code Fellows is a good choice because it has a very high job placement rate. It offers plenty of career coaching as well as life-long job assistance to make sure its graduates are successful.
The best part of the school is that it allows you to progressively learn software development or cybersecurity through modular courses. You can save up your money and enroll in the next level when you have the funds and time. If you already have software development or cyber ops experience and want to skip the beginner’s classes, Code Fellows is also for you.
As always, make sure to do your research and compare several bootcamps before choosing the one that is best for you.
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Anonymous
I had a good experience learning Python. There was a good amount of support during the expected working hours, and for the most part, the desired outcomes were clear. We covered many useful things about the language, and when I graduated I felt comfortable continuing my learning process. The career coaching section of the program was very useful, and I graduated feeling prepared to take on interviews. A month and a half out, I still do not have work in the industry.
February 3, 2020
Anonymous
After almost ten years of working a series of unfulfilling jobs I decided it was time for a career change. From the years I spent as a technical recruiter I knew that software development is a growing field, pays well and would allow me to affect meaningful change on a large scale. I spent ten month studying on my own and started applying to jobs but was told over and over again that I lacked the skills and experience necessary to be a developer. I was ready to give up when a friend of mine, who had successfully transitioned from a career in music to software development, told me about his experience at Code Fellows. After learning about the curriculum and speaking with the Code Fellow’s recruitment team I took the leap.
Pros:
– The instructional staff consists of top-notch educators who are also experienced developers
– The curriculum is constantly updated to ensure the latest and most in-demand technologies are being taught
– There is a big focus on learning to write software with other developers (something that you can’t do on your own)
– Code Fellows is well known in the Seattle Area and being a Code Fellows graduate carries some weight
– You get to network with many other soon-to-be developers
Cons
– Code Fellows is a big investment (both in time and money) and there is always the concern that you won’t get a job afterwards
I cannot recommend Code Fellows enough! I learned vastly more in the 4.5 months I was a student at Code Fellows than I did in the ten months I studied on my own. Having a team of instructors/mentors walk you through a world-class curriculum means that the entire experience is tailored toward gaining the skills necessary to become a professional software developer. Of the 20 or so people I went through Code Fellows with, almost all of us have jobs as developers (some in big companies like Amazon, AT&T and Uber) and I’m confident those who don’t will soon be employed. I truly believe that investing in yourself is ALWAYS a good idea and that is exactly what Code Fellows is, an investment in your future.
March 13, 2020
Anonymous
I came to Code Fellows with absolutely zero experience coding. Code Fellows provided me with a foundation to think like a developer and approach complex problems with confidence. Learning to code is not easy, but the challenge is so rewarding! Throughout my time at CF, I felt encouraged and supported by my instructors and peers. As a woman of color, it was important for me to immerse myself in a program that embraces diversity and inclusion and that’s what I found at CF. They take pride in creating a safe learning space for everyone, regardless of race, gender, or background.
May 14, 2020
Anonymous
When I decided to make a career change and after being on the self-taught coding route for a while, Code Fellows came highly recommended by a friend who had gone through the program and had landed herself a new career as a software engineer. I thought about it for a bit, as it’s a big decision and commitment, but ultimately I decided it was a good decision for myself and my family. Turns out it paid off.
Code Fellows proved to be an incredible place to learn not only software development skills, but also other skills needed to be successful in the industry; from career coaching to learning how to work collaboratively in groups/one-on-one. As an added bonus, I had some amazing classmates in my cohort and friendships developed while there have lasted outside of school.
Pros:
– Knowledgeable and dedicated staff (both instructional and support).
– Thoughtful and evolving curriculum.
– Supportive and inclusive environment.
– School staff is open to, and encourages, feedback.
– Great location.
– Networking opportunities available weekly.
Cons:
– Expense, but it’s worth it. Plus, scholarships are available to those who qualify.
– Time commitment. Again, it’s worth it. The curriculum is fast-paced, so you’ll need to be committed if you want to be successful.
August 11, 2020
Anonymous
I didn’t realize how great the curriculum was until I had done a couple interviews after the class was over. Everything I was up against in the interview was covered in detail during the class. The class moves quickly, so you might feel like you aren’t grasping everything at times, but you will be surprised at how much you learned in such a short amount of time. The instructor is great and speaks from experience. The class is challenging, but you grow to be a better developer from it. By the end of the class, you get to say that you’ve built an API that anyone can consume, and a full-stack C# application that is deployed in the cloud as well as a learning a number of data structures problems that are covered daily. The only con I would include is that the speed of the class can be an issue and it can be difficult to complete assignments on time.
August 25, 2020
Anonymous
Learning to be a programmer is like learning to be an artist. It’s something that builds up day by day – the more you push yourself towards doing it, the more it opens different paths for you.
I am here to speak for my story with this boot camp, and let me tell you: If you really are passionate about tech and think that it’s where you see yourself in the future then Code Fellows will never fail you!
I finished my bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and worked in the telecommunication sector for a tiny bit but never felt that I belong to that world. I wanted to nourish my outdated and conventional programming knowledge with an intense education that introduces me to a new set of modern tools/skills in the programming realm and that’s where I started the search.
I ditched two CS/Computer Engineering Masters programs that I was admitted to from two of the top 20 universities in the world to start with Code Fellows – Having been through a 4 years program in the past that was very slow for me, I didn’t know if I really want to go through that agonizing experience all over again.
I started in December 2016 and left Code Fellows completely by April 2018. Of course, it started with the 101 course where I had all my questions answered about this Bootcamp. Then for 102, 201, 301 where JavaScript was the dominant subject. Those courses are short but they were more than enough to push me move forward and believe that I want to learn more!
In the second quarter of 2017, I decided I want to master Swift since I had passion for building iOS mobile apps. I was lucky a 401 was offered at the time to teach that. It was pretty amazing curriculum that I wouldn’t be able to put together in 10 years from now. I built apps, made friends, enjoyed the feeling of pride that I built something from scratch entirely by myself!
All classes at Code Fellows have a max number of seats per course which really helps keeping the focus on every student to get the most out of the respective curriculum. Also, there’s a Teacher assistant for every batch of students who has been the same curriculum and same doubts that every new students come across. Learning by yourself is never fun and having TA’s as well as other driven students really makes all the difference!
I finished my first 401 and was very happy with what I learned but tired a tad bit because of how intense the course was. I took some time off celebrating my accomplishment then decided it’s the time to learn on my own. I spent a couple months going through different programming books and preparing for interviews all between my house and the campus where I am welcomed anytime after graduation. It’s very easy to tell that I was able to pick up new things on my own more than ever before! I had the chance to also TA for students and experience how amazing it is to teach students how to get through hard concepts and finish assignments. The repetitive experience is what made the best out of me.
Didn’t take more than 3 months until I decided I wanna learn more, so I joined another 401 cohort to learn ASP.NET Core! It was again another intense but awesome learning experience!
Some students might consider me insane since not everyone can bare the intensity of one year of education in a bootcamp environment especially at the Code Fellows. But it’s my passion after all and I looked at the progress I went through rather the instantaneous outcomes. I landed a job of my dreams and I can’t thank Code Fellows enough! 🙂
Anyone who ever criticizes or leaves a negative feedback on this school is probably because they are living in a world of fantasy, where they think finishing a 6 months program will make you reach the moon without any additional efforts. Patience, motivation and compassion is much needed for anyone to get into the tech industry, otherwise it’s hard to believe you can make a progress in this field.
PS: There’s no perfect curriculum nor the best school in the world. There’s a school that pushes you and teaches you how to succeed; My 5 stars goes to Code Fellows for that reason.
September 2, 2020
Anonymous
The Fellow Program in DataScience was a great opportunity to change careers for me
In terms of knowledge, teachers are very technical, lessons and workshops very organized and job oriented
Tech companies visit the campus on a regular basis, explain what they do and you have a direct access to apply
Last but not least, we’re now a real alumni community from different nationalities and working in many tech sectors
November 18, 2020
Anonymous
When I first started looking into Boot camps I was a huge skeptic. It’s a HUGE investment of not just money but time. After doing some research and speaking to a few industry professionals, I made the decision to take a leap of faith with Code Fellows. Going into it, I knew very little about programming and extremely nervous. All I did know is from what I had research online and it certainly held true. In order to succeed in an accelerated learning environment, you need to invest 110% of yourself. A concept that you learn today you may not grasp until tomorrow or the next day but perseverance is key to learning. Thankfully, Code Fellows provided a supportive environment where my instructors and TA’s were always willing to lend a hand or even just an ear to bounce ideas off of. Ultimately, I’m happy I made the decision to pursue a career in Software Development and am grateful that I chose Code Fellows to help launch my career.
Pros:
– Collaborative and open learning environment
– Supportive staff
– Career and industry focused learning
– Fun campus with monthly happy hours
Cons:
– Long nights (you get what you put in)
December 13, 2020