Introduction

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that there will be 411,400 more jobs for software developers between 2021 and 2031, a 25% increase. In addition, the number of web developers is expected to increase by 23% over that time. These statistics indicated that companies would be looking for software engineers making Information technology one of the most lucrative job arenas.

All these statistics may have already helped you make up your mind, even more, to pursue a career in computer science. But, where do you start?

There are several routes you may pursue if you want to work as a software engineer or web developer. To begin your career, you can either complete a 4-year Bachelor’s degree or enroll in a bootcamp.

Choosing between a coding bootcamp and a computer science degree can be a tough decision. Both have their pros and cons, and it really depends on your individual situation as to which one is right for you.

While the average time to earn a computer science bachelor’s degree is 4 years, bootcamps have a shorter duration and have a cheaper overall cost. This is why many professionals choose to enroll in one. However, some companies still favor hiring workers with Bachelor’s degrees.

By comparing Coding Bootcamp vs. degree, this blog provides a thorough list of variables to consider when choosing between these two options.

Choosing between a coding bootcamp and a computer science degree can be tough. It really depends on your individual needs and goals. We’ll now break down the key differences between these two options so you can make an informed decision.

1. Curriculum

When deciding between a coding bootcamp and a computer science degree, it is important to understand the differences in the curriculum. In a degree program, students get general education credits in English, math, physics, business, and history while pursuing a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in computer science.

On the other hand, coding bootcamps often focus on teaching students a specific coding language, such as HTML or JavaScript, and provide instruction in the basics of web development. Bootcamps may also offer courses in other coding languages, such as C++ or Python. However, these programs are usually shorter in length than a computer science degree.

2. Length

Since coding bootcamps often last a few months, students can begin working immediately right after graduating. As a result, coding bootcamps offer a highly intensive learning environment for professionals who want to become developers, data analysts, or programmers.

Students can learn to code more rapidly with a limited amount of focused time. Coding bootcamps provide an answer for individuals searching for an expedited professional path in technology.

On the other hand, a computer science degree could take anywhere from 4 to five 5 years to complete. Therefore, bootcamps can seem very appealing from a time perspective.

3. Cost

The price difference between a degree and a coding bootcamp is quite obvious. A degree will often cost you at least $9,650 per year or $24,930 per year at a university for in-state and out-of-state tuition, respectively.

The average bootcamp costs $14,000, while a degree typically costs you at least that amount for in-state and out-of-state tuition. If we multiply it by 4 years for a Bachelor’s degree, the in-state tuition comes to $38,600, and the out-of-state tuition comes to $99,720. That’s the low end, too.

In 2020, the average cost of a computer science degree was $172,000. In conclusion, bootcamps are unquestionably less expensive than 4-year degrees.

4. Return on Investment (ROI)

The profitability of an investment is gauged by return on investment (ROI). This rough estimate provides a sense of the overall financial return on investment. For example, computer science degrees and coding bootcamps are investments in your future wages, and you need to calculate the ROI for the time and money you spend.

There are three steps in calculating ROI:

  • Calculate the ultimate value by deducting the starting expense (investment).
  • Multiply this amount by the investment cost.
  • Add 100% to the total.

It is challenging to compare the lifetime ROI of attending a coding bootcamp versus attending college because many additional factors are needed. If you put effort into both, you can definitely achieve the desired outcome.

5. Earning Potential

The income potential for professionals with either a Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a certificate in coding is comparable. As of 2022, here are the median incomes for IT careers:

These professions often call for a Bachelor’s degree or above. Computer science graduates and bootcamp alums had comparable average employment at major tech companies, according to a Switchup study.

Accordion to statistics, graduates of coding bootcamps have an 80% employment rate. Graduates of bootcamps can also begin their careers in less than a year, making them eligible for more senior jobs and greater wages sooner.

Still trying to decide which direction to go in? Good news: You’re not required to!

You can apply to both, a computer science degree program and a coding bootcamp. Both Bachelor’s degrees and coding bootcamps provide complimentary skill sets and networking opportunities that can assist professional development in their job.

For example, a college grad who has worked in the computer sector for some time might wish to upgrade their skills and sign up for a coding bootcamp. Or, after developing skills in a bootcamp, a graduate could choose to enroll in college.

Bootcamp drawbacks might be balanced out by obtaining a college degree. Professionals can receive credit for prior job experience or even pursue a degree part-time while working in the computer industry to finish their degrees more quickly. Many professionals decide to get both rather than debating between a computer science degree and a coding bootcamp.

Is coding bootcamp better than a degree?

A coding bootcamp equips you with more relevant and practical employment skills than a computer science degree. This is because a bootcamp teaches you particular skills you can apply right away in the workplace, whereas a degree gives you a strong foundation.

Do companies hire coding bootcamp graduates?

Top coding bootcamp graduates may get employment at IT firms of various sizes. Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, Google, and Amazon are among the Big Five tech corporations with a history of employing graduates from bootcamps.

Even though there are significant differences between the objectives of computer science degrees and bootcamps, these alternatives frequently complement one another. But you need to compare Coding Bootcamps to a College Degree to find out which suits you better.

Many computer science students enroll in bootcamps to brush up on real-world programming skills, while some bootcamp alums enroll in computer science classes to learn the subject more thoroughly.

In the end, only you know what’s best for you. Remember that not all universities are created equal and not all bootcamps are created equal. Whichever route you take, keep in mind that neither a degree nor a bootcamp will keep you in demand as a developer if you don’t continue to grow your abilities.

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