In fact, in large cities like Chicago, the need for UX experts has practically outstripped the demand. That means there’s a massive market for skilled and adventurous learners who want to take UX design bootcamps in Chicago. These popular educational courses create an accelerated learning process. Before signing up, learners must understand these classes, the average cost, what impacts prices, and their value for their careers.
Average Cost of UX Design Bootcamps in Chicago
People taking the top UX design bootcamps in Chicago will study many important lessons, transition into practicing their skills, and work hands-on with various tools. They’ll study software, master visual design concepts, and walk away confident in their overall abilities.
They’ll do this in courses that usually cost far less than a university education. That said, they’re by no means cheap. After all, the old saying is true: “You get what you pay for, ” especially when it comes to learning. On that note, let’s take a deep dive into this subject to learn even more.
Overview of Typical Price Range
There are some UX design bootcamps in Windy City that cost as little as $700 for about 12 hours of learning. Typically, though, classes range between $2,000 and $5,000. Furthermore, there are even a few that top out at $16,000 but provide very comprehensive learning support.
This variety of expenses can be challenging for many learners to navigate. After all, they might have a limited budget and find even $2,000 a hard pill to swallow. Thankfully, there are many financing options covered later in this article that learners can use to avoid financial burdens.
Comparison of Average Costs Between Different Bootcamps
A quick look at a few UX design bootcamps in Chicago highlights varying pricing schemes based on multiple factors. Later, these elements will be discussed in more depth. For now, it’s a good idea for readers to get the inside scoop on a few different courses. These include four of the most popular training options in the Chicago area and beyond such as teams like:
- Noble Desktop: Noble is New York City’s most popular and successful training team for a reason. Their online courses provide Chicago residents and others with high-quality learning at a reasonable price. Most classes cost around $3,500 to $5,000 to complete.
- General Assembly: With part- and full-time programs on various subjects, this program provides support for digital marketing, UX design, data science, and more. With classes lasting about 12 weeks, students pay $16,500 or so for a comprehensive experience.
- Thinkful: This training school helps students prepare for fast-paced and competitive fields in various markets, including tech, data analytics, and design. Courses are available in many parts of the country and usually cost about $7,000 to complete.
- Devmountain: Available in locations like Texas, Utah, Arizona, and Chicago, this training school provides inclusive housing and immersive programs for students. Programs usually take about 13 weeks and cost around $9,000 without financial aid.
Factors Affecting the Cost of UX Design Bootcamps in Chicago
Anybody trying to balance their living expenses with the costs of a Chicago-area UX design bootcamp probably wonders why they cost so much. That’s a fair concern and one that deserves an honest and in-depth answer. There are many elements at play here that can significantly impact their costs. Here are a few that readers need to take into account ASAP.
Duration of the Program
Understandably, more extended programs cost more than shorter bootcamps for obvious reasons. After all, full-time immersive programs that last 40 hours a week provide extensive class time and lots of work and exercises. Shorter courses, like weekend workshops, generally cost less but offer fewer learning hours and in-depth instruction; they’re more like primers.
Curriculum and Specializations Offered
UX design is a vast subject that covers multiple topics. In their courses, learners will discuss user research, interaction design, information architecture, and advanced prototyping tools. These more intensive courses tend to have higher fees. Furthermore, specialized classes focused on UX/UI design or user interface development might also come at a premium price.
Reputation and Ranking of the Bootcamp
A quick read through online reviews reveals something obvious: some bootcamps aren’t very good. By contrast, highly regarded courses that provide excellent job placement help or that setup partnerships with well-known companies tend to charge more. With a higher prestige level, alumni success stories, and industry connections, these schools provide more value.
Location and Facilities
Chicago-area UX design bootcamps offering in-person classes in prime locations such as tech hubs or downtown areas, usually cost more to cover facility expenses. Furthermore, classes that provide access to modern design labs and tools might also have higher tuition than fully online programs. That said, even virtual Chicago programs are impacted by these utilities.
Instructor Qualifications
Great teachers are more than worth their extra price. After all, the quality of instructors significantly impacts how well a student learns. As a result, bootcamps that employ highly experienced UX designers or industry professionals as mentors tend to charge more. They provide better expertise and hands-on experience from instructors who truly care about you.
Benefits of Attending UX Design Bootcamps in Chicago
Whether choosing in-person or live online courses, Chicago learners can walk away from UX design bootcamps in a much better position in life. These classes provide real advantages that make them hard to ignore, particularly for anyone serious about learning. Here are four benefits that make signing up for these sometimes expensive programs more than worth the investment.
Structured Learning Environment
Unlike asynchronous classes, which might seem a little too haphazard for many learners, UX design bootcamps offer a focused, structured learning environment. Each has a clear curriculum that helps students gain UX design skills quickly and effectively. This benefit is particularly great for people who struggle with self-directed learning, including anyone who learns better by doing.
Access to Experienced Instructors and Mentors
Getting to work with high-quality teachers is a big reason why UX design bootcamps in Chicago are popular. They usually have enough money to provide instructors and industry professionals with real experience. That kind of support allows students to learn the latest trends, tools, and methodologies directly from experts in the UX design field and improves success.
Networking Opportunities with Peers and Industry Professionals
Most UX design bootcamps in the Windy City offer networking opportunities with fellow students, instructors, and industry professionals. These may include meetings and workshops with experts to deepen these bonds further. In this way, these connections can lead to job opportunities, internships, or valuable relationships that help in expert career development.
Career Services and Job Placement Assistance
Universities and colleges might provide more intensive education but rarely offer intensive career services. Bootcamps provide their learners with resume reviews, portfolio building, mock interviews, and access to hiring partners. These services can significantly improve the chances of securing a job after completing the bootcamp by giving them an edge over other job seekers.
Why Paying for a UX Design Bootcamp is Better Than Learning for Free
It’s understandable that, for many students, the temptation to take free seminars and other low-cost UX design courses is high. After all, Chicago-area UX design bootcamps can cost thousands of dollars to complete. However, these paid classes provide far better learning experiences that can help graduates walk away confidently. Here are a few reasons why.
Accountability and Motivation
While free courses might inspire some initial excitement, students often fizzle out in these programs and struggle to focus. Thankfully, the structured environment of a bootcamp helps students stay accountable and motivated. Deadlines and regular instructor feedback create a sense of urgency and focus that makes them far easier for unmotivated students to complete.
Hands-On Projects and Real-World Experience
In free classes, learners get access to much theoretical work but not many hands-on exercises. By contrast, UX design bootcamps emphasize practical learning, allowing students to work on projects that they can showcase in in-depth portfolios. These practical UX experiences are particularly crucial when applying for UX design jobs as they show off a learner’s abilities.
Immediate Feedback and Personalized Support
Most inexpensive or free programs provide very little professorial support simply because there’s little room or time for it. Thankfully, UX design bootcamps in Chicago pair learners with instructors who can provide immediate feedback on assignments and projects. Personalized mentorship and guidance help ensure that students are on the right track with their work.
Community and Collaborative Learning
Sitting in front of a computer at home in a free course can be a very alienating and lonely process. By contrast, learning in a bootcamp helps students become part of a cohort. They’ll collaborate on projects, share ideas, and learn from each other. This sense of community and teamwork fosters a richer learning experience and helps build professional relationships.
Financing Options for Chicago-Area UX Design Bootcamps
Anyone on the fence about learning UX design bootcamps in Chicago is likely held back by the price. That’s understandable because some courses can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to take. Thankfully, most schools provide financing opportunities that make this experience easier and more rewarding. Here are a few that make sense for students to try out.
Scholarships and Grants
In many cases, bootcamps offer scholarships for women, minorities, veterans, or individuals from underrepresented groups in tech. These funding opportunities can pay for some or all of a student’s education to help them thrive. In other situations, need-based or merit-based scholarships can also help reduce tuition costs and make education far more affordable.
Income Share Agreements (ISAs)
ISAs allow students to defer payment until they secure a job in the field. This method gives them a powerful opportunity to start their career without debt. After getting a job, they pay a percentage of their income over a set period. An ISA is a great low-risk option for those who may not have the means to pay upfront. Often, they’re available from high-end schools.
Payment Plans and Deferred Tuition
If ISAs are not available and scholarships are already taken, students can often apply for payment plans. These flexible repayment options let students spread tuition payments over several months, usually about 3-6. Deferred tuition options are also available. This method allows students to begin repayment after completing the program and securing a UX job.
Loans and Financial Aid
When nothing else is available for students, loans might be a good option. While federal lending is usually unavailable, some bootcamps partner with financial institutions to offer loans to cover tuition. In many cases, schools provide private loan types for financial assistance. Note that interest rates do make this the most costly option, though rates are often set very fairly.
Available UX Design Bootcamps in Chicago
People looking for Chicago-based UX design bootcamps will likely feel a bit overwhelmed at first. After all, there might be a dozen or more options set up for individuals interested in this subject. However, there are definitely a few standouts that every reader should know. The following three schools and bootcamps will provide the high-quality education that they need.
Noble Desktop
Noble Desktop provides top-tier education in New York City and beyond using a powerful and innovative learning technique. As one of the first live online educators in the country, they offer potent curricula and hire the finest teachers available. With expertise in dozens of subjects, they utilize a powerful learning experience with one-on-one mentorship and portfolios.
UX & UI Design Certificate
UX & UI Design Certificate costs $3,500 and provides 132 hours of education in various UX and UI concepts. These include developing new ideas, prototyping to optimize results, and helping students analyze and share results successfully. With a customer-centered approach, this course helps learners create stunning designs in Figma, Adobe XD, and other programs.
General Assembly
General Assembly offers many bootcamps on several subjects, including digital marketing, UX design, software engineering, and data science. Courses are available either part- or full-time in both in-person and online environments. Students interested in this course should find it fairly easy to set up a schedule that suits their specific learning needs and lifestyle experiences.
UX Design Bootcamp
UX Design Bootcamp takes 12 weeks and costs $16,500. While that’s a high price tag, the extensive training experience includes lessons on power revenue, user loyalty, product success, UI design concepts, and Agile methodologies. Throughout solo, group, and client projects, learners will sharpen their skills and walk away more confident in their UX design abilities.
Thinkful
Thinkful prepares students for various types of careers in fast-paced and competitive markets. They can learn about software engineering, design, data science, analytics, and UX/UI design. Courses focus heavily on practical exercises with hands-on work. In this way, learners walk away with a portfolio of work that they can share with potential employers or college trainers.
UX/UI Design Flex
UX/UI Design Flex is a six-month program that includes 25 study hours per week. Students pay $7,000 to take this course and learn all about UX and UI design. Lessons focus heavily on teaching critical foundational skills and slowly building off of them. When done, learners also get access to all learning materials for 15 days after graduation to improve their skills more.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
Most UX design bootcamps lack strict or demanding admission requirements. They’re designed for beginner-level learners, which makes them approachable to a broad number of learners. However, anyone attending should at least have high computer knowledge and understanding.
After all, they’ll be using various types of software tools to do their work. Furthermore, all their work is done in digital environments, like websites. Note that more advanced classes might require learners to pass beginner-level courses to ensure they have the proper knowledge.
Skills Learned in Windy City UX Design Bootcamps
People trying to learn IT, UX design, and other topics will master various skills that will help make these careers easier to pursue. These powerful abilities will transform a person’s life and give them the support they need to transition to an even better life. The following concepts are all things that learners will know after walking away from their bootcamp experience.
Visual Design Principles
UX design focuses heavily on concepts like color theory, typography, and layout to make it easier for experts to produce appealing and attractive work. These ideas translate easily to various mediums, including physical and digital products. As a result, they’re essential for anyone who’s serious about learning this career or signing up for others similar to it.
UX Design Methodologies
As learners progress through their classes, they’ll study things like Agile and Lean UX. These powerful tech tools help designers produce strong and attractive work that stands out. They’re very adaptable and efficient concepts that give experts free rein to adjust their approach to suit changes in workflow. With these concepts in their wheelhouse, designers can thrive.
User Research and Usability Testing
Understanding a typical user’s needs is critical for anyone in this market. In this way, knowing how to do research and usability testing can further improve a learner’s opportunities for success in this field. They’ll be able to properly analyze products of all types to streamline their design and ensure that users understand them intuitively. That’s a massive deal for designers.
Wireframing and Prototyping Tools
When creating UX projects, designers will use various tools like Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD to wireframe and prototype everything they create. Learning this software helps to streamline production and makes it easier to develop a strong work portfolio. Just as importantly, it can generate better results by allowing designers to examine their work before implementation.
Interaction Design and Information Architecture
Lastly, graduates will walk away understanding interaction and information design and architecture and how to use them correctly in all their work. These tools ensure learners transition smoothly into a career. They’ll also learn responsive design and mobile-first strategies. Since so much web traffic is focused on phones, these concepts are critical to master.
Jobs Available After Chicago Finishing UX Design Bootcamps
People who complete Chicago-area UX design bootcamps are setting themselves up for exciting, engaging, and innovative UX and UI design careers. These positions come with many challenging but rewarding duties that will ensure they feel comfortable working their way up to even better jobs. Just a few to consider (including their average salaries) include:
- UX Researcher: A UX Researcher carefully collects and analyzes customer and client data to improve interactions and ensure products work correctly. Average salaries include a US median of $73,000 and Chicago earnings of around $78,000.
- UI Designer: As a UI Designer, experts will learn how to tweak websites or applications to improve their look and overall feel. Salaries for this job vary heavily, with Chicago residents making about $79,000 and the US average being around $91,000.
- Product Designer: In a Product Designer role, graduates will focus heavily on the visual and functional aspects of a product to ensure it’s user-friendly. The average US salary is $120,000 in this position, though Chicago residents may earn around $127,000.
- UX Designer: A career as a User Experience Designer includes producing seamless user experiences with digital products such as interfaces and websites. The average US worker makes about $124,000 in this position, while Chicago residents earn $118,000.
Why Learning UX Design is Rewarding in Chicago
With so many tech-related bootcamps in Chicago, why should learners study UX design? This exciting market provides many fascinating and life-changing rewards that can take their lives to the next level. Anyone who’s fascinated by this industry should understand the many unique advantages that mastering this skill set provides. Here are just a few examples to consider.
High Demand for Tech Skills in the Job Market
Chicago UX design firms need innovative and forward-thinking experts who understand not only this field but also future trends in subjects like machine learning and AI development. As a result, people transitioning into this market are on the cusp of revolutionary tech changes and will likely thrive in many environments, from small startups to established corporations.
Opportunities for Creativity and Innovation
UX design allows professionals to combine creativity with technical skills to create user-centered solutions. Yes, they’ll focus heavily on technical concepts, theories, and activities. However, skilled UX designers also shape how users interact with digital products and services, making the role both impactful and innovative for those who enjoy technology and design.
Potential for Remote Work and Flexible Hours
Like many tech professionals, UX designers often have the opportunity to work from home instead of in an office. That’s because many UX design jobs offer flexible working conditions so that Chicago residents can work for companies in Los Angeles, New York City, or beyond. Even better, they can often work as freelancers to create a healthy work-life balance for their needs.
Personal Satisfaction and Continuous Learning
People who enjoy learning new things and constantly upgrading their lives will love studying UX design. This market requires continuous personal improvement and innovative ideas to help learners tap into various potential careers. Fully grasping something as complex as UX design will give graduates the confidence to do anything, including finding a new, exciting career.
How Easy is It to Learn UX Design?
UX design is a deep subject, one that requires a deep understanding of various interconnected subjects. For example, students will study website appearance and presentation, as well as layouts. They’ll also learn about accessibility concepts and user behavior preferences.
The most complex lessons will focus heavily on data collection and analytical approaches. Knowing how to read this information and process it will make it easier for designers to streamline their product designs and minimize potential problems with their appearance.
How Long Will It Take to Learn UX Design?
While a good UX design bootcamp in Chicago will take a few weeksto complete, students will need to study for at least a few months to a year to master this skill set. Put simply, it’s far too complex to grasp in a bootcamp. Instead, these courses help learners get started with it.
As a result, extra studies such as creating a portfolio of work, producing user interfaces with prototyping tools, and doing online exercises, are essential. By taking these steps, graduates make it easier to transition into an extensive learning program or even a professional career.
Author Bio
Eric Benac is an experienced writer with over 15 years of experience covering multiple subjects. He has written extensively about education, addiction, the financial industry, art, music, travel, and golf carts. In his spare time, he writes electronic music, reads, writes fiction, and swims. Eric continually seeks new experiences and looks to constantly expand his writing portfolio.