There was a time when the best way to enter the IT industry was to enroll in a traditional college or university IT program. Four years and tens of thousands of dollars later, you’d graduate with an IT diploma and begin your search for a career in tech.
Not anymore.
IT bootcamps are priced at $2,500 — or lower, with a scholarship program like the one Pace offers — and can teach you many of the same skills for a fraction of the traditional price. In a world where barely 50% of Americans now believe college degrees are essential for a successful career, IT bootcamps are quickly on the rise.
Priced considerably lower than a university degree, and capable of teaching you critical IT skills in weeks instead of years, IT bootcamps are entirely worth the investment.
What will an IT bootcamp cost me?
An IT bootcamp can run several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on a wide range of bootcamp features. On average, an IT bootcamp will potentially cost $3,000-$4,000 — considerably more than our $2,500 all-inclusive IT bootcamp program.
It’s important to consider the price of an IT bootcamp, along with other factors, since not all IT bootcamps are created equal.
This wide price range depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Program reputation — Some IT bootcamps might cost more simply because they are hosted by a popular or well-known education provider.
- Level of customization — Generic bootcamps, while often cost-efficient, are less effective than programs that can be tailored to your specific needs and goals.
- Personal focus — Group bootcamp programs are usually much more affordable than those that offer, or focus on, one-on-one mentorship.
- Location — IT bootcamps that occur entirely in person or, are a hybrid model (partly online and partly in person), typically feature additional costs.
Consider these features, and any other features that your preferred IT bootcamp offers, before making a decision that’s in the best interest of your finances and your future.
Why should I attend an IT bootcamp?
There are many benefits to investing in an IT bootcamp education, including:
- Becoming fluent in foundational IT skills and principles
- Strengthening soft skills (such as communication, time management and leadership)
- Gaining a certification that sets you apart from other candidates
- Significantly increasing your salary potential
- Opening up additional career paths and employment options
In addition to the above benefits, IT bootcamps are known to well prepare their students to be hired upon graduation, due to their provision of hands-on training and on-the-job experience.
What careers does an IT bootcamp unlock?
The best IT can help you become a Helpdesk Analyst, Computer Technician, Front-End Web Developer, IT Specialist or Cybersecurity Technician. As long as you build on the cornerstone skills learned during your IT bootcamp, you can also unlock careers in software development, IT personnel management, cloud architecture and other fields once you gain more practical experience.
What’s included in an IT bootcamp?
The exact elements included in an IT bootcamp will depend on whether it’s a bootcamp for beginners or for existing IT professionals.
There are a few standard components the best IT bootcamps all have in common that you can keep an eye out for:
- Different modules to equip you with well-rounded knowledge
- Live or personalized mentorship to best support your needs and goals
- Hands-on training to that help you exercise newfound knowledge in key subject areas
- An industry-recognized and -respected certification, received upon graduation
Some education providers will also offer 3-12 months of additional instruction and guidance to their bootcamp graduates in order to help them navigate career development in real time.
What payment options do IT bootcamps offer?
The best IT bootcamps offer multiple different ways to pay — pay all at once, pay in installments or obtain financial assistance to make the IT bootcamp a more affordable option.
The majority of IT bootcamps do provide several options to pay, but it’s important to pay attention to the “fine print” of the flexibility and interest of the program. Watch out for high interest rates and strict payback plans, or programs that only offer a single available payment option.
The right IT bootcamp should make sense for you and your wallet.
The truth is, the most affordable way to invest in an IT bootcamp is to pay at the beginning. We know this can sound a little intimidating, but there are more ways to do this than you might think. You can pay in short-term installments, work with a finance partner or take out a personal loan — and these are just a few of the most common options.
At Pace, we believe that no one should have to choose between their career and their finances. That’s why we’ve engineered multiple payment options, all with your future in mind.
Uplevel your IT career today
The best IT bootcamps don’t just prepare you to get a job. They also help you build a foundation for a sustainable, successful career.
We’re here to help you succeed in whatever way we can, whether you’re ready to enroll in our bootcamp or are seeking some professional guidance for this next chapter in your career. Connect with our Solutions team for more context on how quickly we can help make your IT career goals a reality.
