Learn More About Coding Bootcamps in Chicago
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. This city 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. The city’s vibrant tech and data landscape offers numerous high-paying opportunities for coding professionals, with major companies like Grubhub, Morningstar, Sprout Social, and Aon leading the way. Chicago also boasts a growing startup ecosystem, with software, FinTech, and health tech startups constantly emerging, providing options for those who prefer working in smaller, agile teams.
Coding skills are in high demand across multiple industries in Chicago. The finance and trading sector, anchored by firms such as CME Group, Citadel, and Morningstar, relies on coders to design and maintain high-frequency trading platforms, financial modeling tools, and secure data systems. Meanwhile, the healthcare and life sciences industries, including organizations like Walgreens Boots Alliance, AbbVie, and Northwestern Medicine, employ coders to build health informatics systems, automate clinical workflows, and support research and patient care technologies. This diverse range of opportunities makes Chicago an ideal city for coders seeking career growth across multiple sectors.
Chicago is the perfect place to start your tech career. When you attend a coding bootcamp in Chicago, 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
A 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 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%!
There’s no question that there are plenty of job opportunities in Chicago 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 Bootcamps
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.
Best Coding Bootcamps in Chicago
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.
Full-Stack Web Development Certificate
Practical Programming’s Full-Stack Web Development Certificate is an intensive program designed to equip aspiring developers with the skills needed to build and maintain complete web applications. Students gain hands-on experience in front-end development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, mastering advanced layouts using Flexbox and Grid, while also learning back-end development with Node.js, Express, and MongoDB. The program emphasizes practical, project-based learning from day one, guiding students through real-world applications with step-by-step workbooks.
In addition to core coding skills, participants learn essential industry tools and workflows, including Git, Emmet, and other development utilities. The curriculum covers advanced JavaScript topics such as ES6 and ES7 features, asynchronous programming, API integration, JSON handling, and object-oriented programming (OOP). Students also build a professional portfolio, prepare for technical interviews, and explore advanced concepts like 3D web programming using libraries such as D3.js and Three.js, ensuring they are ready to succeed in full-stack development roles.
JavaScript Development Certificate
The JavaScript Development Certificate program–also offered by Practical Programming–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.
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.
Learn From Noble Desktop’s Experienced Coding Instructors in Chicago
In the heart of the Midwest’s finance capital, there’s opportunity everywhere. From tech startups in Fulton Market to powerhouse Fortune 500 firms in the Loop, Chicago offers a virtually endless array of ways to level up your skills in tech, business, data, and design. The city thrives on bold ideas, making it the perfect place to grow a career that is not only lucrative but also makes a real impact. With expert instructors with decades of experience, you’ll learn more about the subjects you’re interested in, all while receiving hands-on training. These instructors live and breathe to explore and work within their field, meaning they don’t just teach; they mentor, guide, and connect you to the heart of Chicago’s many successful industries and direct you to the most meaningful path to help you achieve your goals.
Noble Desktop’s partner school, Practical Programming, has state-of-the-art facilities conveniently located in downtown Chicago’s iconic Hayworth Building at 29 E. Madison Street, Chicago, IL, 60602. It’s an easy-to-find location for students from across the city to attend. The campus is modern, equipped with the necessary tech and tools you may need, and provides resources like Wi-Fi, comfortable workstations, and expert instructors and staff ready to help you learn. Getting there is simple, whether you’re commuting from the Loop, River North, or surrounding areas. The school is easily accessible from the CTA trains and buses, with nearby stops for major lines like the Red, Blue, and Brown. If you’re driving, you can park nearby at various parking decks and metered spots within walking distance. The central location means you won’t have to stress about making it to class, and that your training sessions can fit into any schedule with ease.
Coding bootcamps offer an immersive path into software development, ideal for Chicago’s fast-growing tech workforce. With this, instructors at Noble Desktop take the time to mentor students through hands-on projects that mirror the challenges of real engineering teams.
Henry Gonzalez
Henry Gonzalez is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with over 30 years of experience in the federal government, leading engineering, program management, and acquisition initiatives in naval warfare, air traffic management, and homeland security. A retired senior executive, Henry now serves as a part-time instructor in Chicago, where he teaches project and program management, leadership, and strategic planning to professionals of all kinds. He holds the highest level of federal certification one can hold for acquisition program management and systems engineering. In addition, Henry was part of the core team that updated the Project Management Institute’s Standard for Program Management. Henry is also a certified Balanced Scorecard Professional and holds a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering from Florida Atlantic University, along with a dual Master of Science in Ocean Engineering and Ocean Systems Management from MIT.
Robert Simon
Robert Simon is a highly accomplished financial management professional and educator with more than four decades of federal and private sector experience. As a Financial and Management Curricula Instructor at Graduate School USA since 2007, he teaches courses in financial management, federal travel regulations, and organizational leadership, both virtually and in person. Prior to his teaching career, he held senior roles at the General Services Administration, overseeing a six-state regional budget of approximately $100 million, and at the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Management Service, where he led national training initiatives on electronic banking. Robert’s background spans accounting, budgeting, and program analysis, holding certifications as a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Government Financial Manager.
Edward Dillion
Edward (Scott) Dillion is a seasoned financial expert with over three decades of experience in the Department of Defense, where he specialized in a range of financial management areas like budgeting and auditing, as well as performance-based management and cost analysis. He holds an MBA from Southern Illinois University and a B.A. in Business Administration from Grove City College. After retiring in 2014, Scott pivoted to a second career in education and consulting. He teaches project management and marketing at Graduate School USA and has also taught courses in federal budgeting. Additionally, Scott serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Management Concepts Inc., where he helps develop financial management course materials. He also has a lifetime membership with the American Society of Military Comptrollers, holds a Top Secret security clearance with the Department of Defense, and is a recognized Tier 2 instructor at Graduate School USA for his wealth of experience.