Best Coding Bootcamps Chicago, IL: Find Bootcamps & Certificates

Learn More About Chicago Coding Bootcamps

The first coding bootcamp in Chicago – and, actually, one of the first in the nation – was The Starter League, which has since been acquired by Fullstack Academy in partnership with the University of Illinois Chicago.

What is a Coding Bootcamp?

A coding bootcamp is a comprehensive training program that takes place over a short period of time. Coding bootcamps can range anywhere from two weeks to two years. They teach students job-ready technical skills relevant to the most common employer requests. They’re more affordable and efficient than a four-year college program, and they usually include some career support. The majority of coding bootcamps require no prior coding experience!

Students learn the essential technical skills, concepts, and best practices of their chosen path from instructors who usually have industry experience. Bootcamps boast hands-on learning and a comprehensive curriculum that will take you from beginner to hireable in a matter of weeks. Most bootcamps provide some job prep like portfolio projects, mock interviews, resume workshops, or mentorship.

Why Attend a Coding Bootcamp in Chicago?

Chicago has evolved from the quintessential baseball, deep dish pizza, and jazz music it was once known for. Chicago is a blossoming tech hub, home to major tech companies and startups alike. It's the eighth biggest tech employer in the U.S.

Chicago is home to the offices of Google, LinkedIn, Salesforce, and Lyft. Multiple venture capital and tech growth funds have a big influence on the industry. You’ll find evolving corporations and fast-growing startups to work at as a Developer or Data Scientist in Chicago.

Chicago is the perfect place to start your tech career. When you attend a coding bootcamp in Chicago, or live online, you’ll be prepared to enter one of the biggest tech workforces in the U.S. Whether you want to be a Developer or a Data Scientist, there are opportunities for you now and into the future.

Online Vs. In-Person Coding Bootcamps

Coding bootcamp is a great way to jump-start a career change or learn new skills to land a promotion. Whether you want to learn online or in person, there are hundreds of options for you to choose from.

In-person learning is great for those who need to get out of the house to focus. It’s also a good environment for making connections before you enter the tech industry. In-person learning gives you the opportunity to ask your questions while you’re learning so that you can learn even faster.

Live online bootcamps are more efficient ways to learn than self-paced online programs. They provide the same scheduled, structured learning that immersive in-person bootcamps do without the location requirements.

The majority of bootcamps are short-term immersive courses that offer learning through hands-on projects. Some bootcamps are taught by graduates of that bootcamp, while others are taught by industry experts.

Industry-experienced instructors are the best to learn from since they know the relevant best practices and tech you’ll actually be using on the job. No matter how you choose to learn, a coding bootcamp is the best way to jump-start your new career.

Chicago Careers for Coding Bootcamp Graduates

In 2019 and 2020, the Chicago market saw a 73% increase in the job postings related to emerging technologies. That’s massive – most cities see a 6% rate of growth. Most industries in the U.S. only see a rate of about 3%!

It’s no question there are plenty of job opportunities for tech career hopefuls. Upwork, Relativity, and Motorola are just a handful of the companies that are hiring tech talent in Chicago. From startups to FinTech, health care IT to software, you’ll find a job that piques your interest in Chicago.

Web Developers in Chicago make between $47,000 and $100,000 per year. Software Engineers beat that with $60,000–$250,000 per year on average. Similarly, Data Scientists make $68,000–$190,000 per year. Machine Learning Engineers top all of these careers, making $125,000–$220,000 per year.

Financing Options for Coding Bootcamp

If the intimidating price tag of an immersive coding bootcamp is holding you back, we understand! But there are tons of options for funding your bootcamp experience. Numerous forms of payment options have been added to the coding bootcamp menu. Most bootcamps offer some form of tuition assistance that might include payment plans, deferred tuition, income share agreements, loans, scholarships, or workforce assistance grants.

Almost all coding bootcamps offer payment plans up front. These are usually paid monthly during bootcamp. Some offer payments in smaller chunks which spreads the plan to be paid outside of the bootcamp’s duration or across one year. This option might not be affordable for everyone, though, which is why loans and direct agreements have become popular offerings for most bootcamps.

There are options for student loans provided by Skills Fund, Climb Credit, Upstart, Earnest, and Affirm so you don’t necessarily have to pay for bootcamp right away. Alternatively, you could get a personal loan with a bank of your choice. Some students choose to fund their coding bootcamp with a student loan and secure a small personal loan for living expenses during their bootcamp education so that they can focus on their studies.

Income share agreements have also become popular options across the country at some, but not all, coding bootcamps. An income share agreement (ISA) is an arrangement that allows students to pay for their coding bootcamp education with a percentage of their salary after they complete bootcamp and find a job. The percentage may range from 8%–25% of the student’s post-graduation income for up to four years. There’s usually a cap on how many payments are required.

Deferred tuition agreements are also cropping up in coding bootcamps. These agreements only require students to pay a small deposit to start bootcamp and then pay a fixed total tuition cost that they will pay the school after they graduate. Some will allow students to defer payments until they get a job while others require payment right after graduation. Deferred tuition agreements are capped with a fixed total tuition cost that the student will pay the school in manageable installments based on their income.

The U.S. government also offers options for low-income prospective coding bootcamp students and veterans. Many coding bootcamps accept the GI Bill, which is a big plus for veterans since it usually completely covers bootcamp – unlike many college programs.

What Will I Learn at a Coding Bootcamp?

Development

Web Development and Software Engineering bootcamps cover front-end development, back-end development, or full-stack development.

Data

Data science bootcamps will teach you how to harness big data through coding languages like Python or R, industry tools like Tableau or Power BI, and how to use SQL to gather data. Some data science bootcamps keep it high-level with data analytics and data visualizations, while others dive deeper with machine learning or deep learning.

Noble Desktop’s Data Science Certificate is the comprehensive bootcamp option for anyone who wants to be a Data Scientist. You’ll learn how to use Python and its libraries for data science, analyze data, create graphs, make predictions with linear regression, apply machine learning algorithms, automate tasks, work with SQL, and use advanced techniques.

If you aren’t ready for the entire data science package, the Python for Data Science Bootcamp is a great place to start. It covers Python fundamentals, handling data types, controlling the flow of your programs, analyzing data with libraries, creating visualizations, and making predictions.

Those who are more interested in machine learning should opt for the Python Machine Learning Bootcamp. You’ll learn how to use the Python libraries, apply machine learning algorithms, create split datasets, understand machine learning theory, and test your machine learning models.

Just need to learn SQL? The SQL bootcamp has you covered. Learn how to explore and alter data with a GUI, write queries, convert data types, combine information with join statements, and apply more advanced techniques. It’s great for those who already have a data science base knowledge or anyone who just wants to add SQL to their data analytics skill set.

If you already know basic Python but want to be more efficient, you should take Python for Automation. Learn how to construct Python programs, run them on a regular schedule, and handle errors.

Skip the traditional route if you’re learning how to code in Chicago and head straight for a FinTech bootcamp at Noble Desktop. FinTech is a fast-growing sector that’s exploding in Chicago. There are over 400 FinTech companies in the city. From startups to larger companies, the FinTech bootcamp will give you the foundations you need to land a job in the Chicago FinTech scene.

Take the immersive FinTech Bootcamp to learn Python for financial analysis, machine learning, and algorithmic trading from experienced finance and engineering professionals. Or you can take a lighter approach with Python for Finance, which is ideal for those who already have basic finance skills but want to learn how to incorporate Python.

All Noble Desktop bootcamps provide a free retake after you complete the course, so you have support if you need a refresher later. The curriculum is hands-on and project-based, so you’ll leave with a project for your portfolio that represents real-world work you’ll be hired to do.

When you learn how to code, you learn more than just a coding language – you learn how to learn. Not all bootcamps offer job assistance, but many do.

Best Coding Bootcamps in Chicago

Noble Desktop: Software Engineering Certificate

Noble Desktop's Software Engineering Certificate program is designed for beginners in the field of software development. The course is available in both online and in-person formats. It offers a thorough understanding of front-end and back-end development, teaching essential programming languages and tools such as JavaScript, Python, HTML, CSS, and important technologies like Git, React, Bootstrap, Django, and MongoDB. These skills are crucial for building effective web applications and software.

Included in the program at no extra cost are the WordPress Bootcamp and SQL Bootcamp, further enhancing the software engineering skills of the students. The course also features twelve personalized mentoring sessions to assist students in transitioning to their professional careers. These sessions focus on portfolio and resume building, interview preparation, and clarifying any course-related queries. Noble Desktop demonstrates its dedication to student success by offering a free course retake within a year of completion, allowing students to revisit and reinforce their learning.

University of Illinois Chicago: Coding Bootcamp

Start your path toward a career in web development with the University of Illinois Chicago Coding Bootcamp, an adaptable online program offering both full- and part-time study options. This bootcamp is perfect for those keen on mastering full-stack JavaScript, an in-demand skill in the modern tech industry. Web development blends technical skill with creative problem-solving, leading to a range of exciting and lucrative tech careers. The UIC Coding Bootcamp prepares you for various roles in the field, from software development to junior software engineering, and the nature of this work often allows for remote or freelance opportunities.

The demand for skilled web developers is growing rapidly, with an expected increase of 32% between 2020 and 2030 based on Lightcast™ 2022 data. Companies across various sectors, including major firms like Goldman Sachs, Adobe, Accenture, and Array, are looking for web development professionals. Graduates of the UIC Coding Bootcamp are well-equipped for vital positions such as Back-End Engineer, Computer Programmer, Full-Stack Engineer, and Web Developer. These roles are increasingly important as organizations enhance their digital presence, creating a rich environment for graduates to utilize their skills in the evolving software development landscape.

University of Chicago: Software Development Bootcamp

The University of Chicago Software Development Bootcamp serves as a pathway for aspiring tech innovators. This program is expertly designed to nurture well-rounded software developers who can contribute meaningful programming solutions and enhance the digital world. It goes beyond mere coding instruction, focusing on developing problem-solving skills that are essential for creating engaging digital products.

This non-credit continuing education initiative of the University of Chicago emphasizes lifelong learning. It begins with web design fundamentals, including HTML, web accessibility, CSS frameworks, and UX/UI design. The curriculum then advances to web development, with an emphasis on back-end skills, React, and data modeling, and ultimately covers comprehensive software engineering topics like cybersecurity and advanced Python programming. Each of the three curriculum segments concludes with a milestone project, emphasizing the practical application of the learned skills. Additionally, the bootcamp includes "Level Up Sessions" that provide a bridge between academic learning and professional aspirations in the tech sector.

Northwestern: Coding Bootcamp

Northwestern University, in collaboration with edX's Coding Bootcamp, offers a dynamic remote learning program aimed at transforming determined students into skilled web developers in either 12 or 24 weeks. The curriculum of this bootcamp is extensive, encompassing a wide range of front-end and back-end technologies such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery, and more, extending to database management and agile methodologies. The virtual Chicago Coding Bootcamp is designed to mimic a professional work environment, allowing students to work collaboratively on projects and apply their coding skills in a practical context, all while managing their existing work schedules.

In addition to technical training, Northwestern provides comprehensive career support services to prepare graduates for the job market. This includes help with resumes, social media profiles, job matching, and networking events, and the opportunity to earn a Certificate of Completion from the Northwestern University School of Professional Studies. The bootcamp is designed for a variety of ambitious professionals, whether they are looking to change careers, advance in their current roles, or start their own tech ventures. With ongoing access to updated course material and a dedicated career services team, participants are well-equipped to explore the job market and make significant contributions to the tech industry.

Practical Programming: JavaScript Development Certificate

The JavaScript Development Certificate program offers an in-depth exploration of JavaScript, an essential and adaptable language used in both web and mobile app development. Tailored for those new to programming or coming from different backgrounds, this course acknowledges JavaScript's reputation as a user-friendly yet potent language. It aims to develop students into skilled developers who can create a variety of applications, from games and animated graphics to database-driven apps. The course highlights JavaScript's adaptability, showing how it works seamlessly with a range of tools and extensions like browser APIs for dynamic content, third-party APIs for social media integration, and various frameworks that facilitate development.

A fundamental understanding of HTML and CSS, comparable to what is taught in Practical Programming's introductory web development classes, is required to enroll. The curriculum delves deeply into object-oriented programming (OOP), setting up JavaScript environments, server-side hosting with Node.js, API creation, data management, and functional programming concepts. This comprehensive approach equips aspiring JavaScript developers with a robust set of skills for building web applications.

NextGen Bootcamp: Python Data Science & Machine Learning Live Online Program

NextGen Bootcamp presents a Python Data Science & Machine Learning Live Online Program specifically designed for high school students. This program provides an in-depth understanding of Python programming and its applications in data science. Students have the option to attend in-person at NextGen's Manhattan location or join live online classes, where they receive real-time, interactive instruction and individualized support from knowledgeable teachers. This course is particularly beneficial for students planning to pursue higher education in computer science.

The program starts with an introduction to Python programming, a language known for its widespread popularity and versatility. Students learn to code effectively by working with real databases and case studies, enhancing their practical understanding. As they become more proficient in Python, especially in database management and executing queries, the course shifts its focus to machine learning. Participants explore the architecture and operation of machine learning algorithms, developing the skills to create basic algorithms and use machine learning tools for essential tasks. Ideal for beginners in data science and computer science, this program lays a solid foundation for those interested in coding and contemporary technological trends.

University of Chicago: Python for Data Science

The University of Chicago offers an eight-week Python for Data Science course, ideal for professionals with a fundamental understanding of Python and machine learning or those just starting out in data science. This practical, project-based course focuses on using Python for tasks such as data analysis, manipulation, and building machine learning models. It is particularly beneficial for business intelligence analysts looking to improve their technical skills and for individuals with a quantitative background seeking to learn technical data science competencies. The course is designed to provide a deep understanding of Python for practical problem-solving.

The program includes weekly interactive modules, assignments, and synchronous sessions, featuring live Q&A, all tailored to support a self-directed learning approach complemented by mentoring. Upon completion, participants will be equipped to build robust models, write advanced Python code for enhanced performance using multiprocessing and multithreading, and prepare machine learning models for deployment. Graduates will have mastered complex data analysis, the training of machine learning models, and the management of large datasets using Python, positioning them to effectively implement data science skills in their professional roles.

Code Platoon: Immersive Full-stack Software Engineering Bootcamp

Discover the essentials of full-stack software engineering in just 15 weeks with Code Platoon's Immersive Full-stack Software Engineering Bootcamp in downtown Chicago. This comprehensive program, designed primarily for veterans and military spouses, offers a blend of lectures, pair programming, and self-study, all under the guidance of professional software engineers. It covers front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React.js, alongside back-end expertise in Python and SQL. The course also delves into critical programming fundamentals using JavaScript and Python, database management with PostgreSQL and SQL, and essential industry practices involving Git, GitHub, and pair programming.

The bootcamp not only focuses on technical skills but also incorporates soft skills and personal development to fully prepare students for a career in software engineering. In-person students enjoy the added benefits of direct mentorship, participation in local industry events and workshops, and eligibility for a paid apprenticeship program. By the end of this intensive course, graduates will have a solid foundation in both the technical aspects and best practices of the software engineering industry, setting them up for success in their future careers.

Coding Dojo: Software Engineering Course

Coding Dojo's Software Engineering Course provides an immersive full-stack web development education, covering both front and back-end technologies. Starting with basic programming concepts, the course advances to cover sophisticated topics, equipping students with expertise in languages and tools like Python, JavaScript, and an option between Java or C#. The program is designed to thoroughly teach students about the request-response cycle and data management, skills crucial for real-world software development challenges.

Graduates of the course complete up to four distinct projects, building a strong portfolio that showcases their coding abilities. Alongside practical experience, they receive a Certificate of Achievement to formally recognize their skills. The course also serves as a stepping stone for further education, offering the possibility to apply up to 24 quarter credits towards a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree at CTU. This opens doors to more academic opportunities and enhances career prospects in the tech industry.

Fullstack Academy: Software Engineering Immersive

Fullstack Academy's Software Engineering Immersive course offers an intensive, well-rounded program designed to teach the fundamentals and intricacies of software engineering. The curriculum equips students with vital coding tools like Git, VS Code, GitHub, and Chrome Dev Tools, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Students engage in coding exercises and team-based projects, mirroring the collaborative nature of modern software development workplaces.

The course comprehensively covers front-end, back-end, and full-stack development, preparing graduates for entry-level software engineering positions with a variety of career paths ahead. Targeted at beginners and those with some coding experience, the program focuses on key languages and frameworks such as JavaScript, HTML, SQL, React, and CSS. It combines lectures with practical exercises and group projects, emphasizing skills like prototyping, effective project presentations, and test-driven development.

Delivered live and online by industry-experienced instructors, this accelerated course is designed for fast learning and deep immersion. After completion, Fullstack Academy offers a year of career support, including guidance on optimizing LinkedIn and GitHub profiles and refining resumes. Committed to accessibility, the academy provides scholarships to eligible students and accepts VA and government benefits.

Fullstack Academy: The Grace Hopper Program

Fullstack Academy's The Grace Hopper Program is an innovative online coding bootcamp tailored for women and non-binary individuals. It focuses on creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment, addressing the significant gender gap in the tech industry. This program is designed to guide students into software engineering careers, countering the disparity where women represent only 27% of computer science roles in the U.S., despite constituting nearly half of the workforce. The Grace Hopper Program invites students of various skill levels to partake in an empowering educational journey.

Echoing the curriculum of Fullstack Academy's renowned Software Engineering Bootcamp, the Grace Hopper Program places a strong emphasis on JavaScript programming and offers personalized support for its students. It is committed to fostering an environment that promotes gender diversity, helping students overcome challenges like imposter syndrome and enhancing access to opportunities. This initiative plays a crucial role in promoting diversity and representation in the tech field. Beyond the technical curriculum, the Grace Hopper Program stands out for its commitment to building a community and culture that empowers students to contribute meaningfully and shape a more inclusive future in the tech industry.

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Key Insights

Learn More About Chicago Coding Bootcamps

What is a Coding Bootcamp?

Why Attend a Coding Bootcamp in Chicago?

Online Vs. In-Person Coding Bootcamps

Chicago Careers for Coding Bootcamp Graduates

Financing Options for Coding Bootcamp

What Will I Learn at a Coding Bootcamp?

Development

Data

Best Coding Bootcamps in Chicago

Chicago Coding Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

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Chicago Careers & Salaries Related to Coding

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