It can be difficult to parse and compare the many online coding bootcamps that seem to appear more frequently each year. How do you know if a coding bootcamp is worth it? For insight into the modern bootcamp landscape, consider the following responses to a Forbes Advisor survey.

Among the 500 bootcamp grads surveyed, 90% reported feeling “satisfied” with their coding bootcamp, with 65% of respondents choosing “very satisfied.” In part, these responses may be due to salary increases. Roughly 80% of respondents indicated their salary had increased after completing a bootcamp, with 46% reporting a “significant increase.”

Still, despite favorable reviews from bootcamp attendants, it’s important to make sure a prospective program meets your specific needs. Carefully research any machine learning bootcamp before committing.

In a tumultuous bootcamp industry, it can be difficult to discern which providers offer true value. Look for bootcamps that have existed for years and improved their programs over time. Experienced faculty can help you distinguish fly-by-night programs from established machine learning bootcamps.

Formal education programs like bachelor’s and master’s degrees undergo a process called “accreditation” to ensure that their educational offerings meet strict standards. Bootcamps, however, do not take part in the same process, which can make their credibility unclear.

Fortunately, the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR) assesses bootcamps for factors like student outcomes, graduation rates, salary data and employment figures. CIRR uses these figures to verify that bootcamps adequately prepare graduates for the workforce across various tech sectors.

Some bootcamps aim for maximum flexibility, while others emphasize collaborative, real-time learning. Consider your schedule, goals and budget to find the right fit.

Use your professional aspirations as an education roadmap. Are you already working in tech and want to advance within the AI field? Consider a machine learning bootcamp for students with some relevant experience. If you’re coming from an unrelated field—education, nursing or business, for example—it may make more sense to find a program for beginners.

If you want to keep your options open in the tech world, a broader coding bootcamp might fit the bill. But if you hope to land a career in machine learning, prioritize programs with job guarantees or helpful career services to help you get there.

Your bandwidth should play a major role in your machine learning bootcamp search. For example, if you’re working full time, you’ll likely need to find a program with flexible scheduling options, such as asynchronous delivery or evening and weekend courses.

Regardless of delivery method, some bootcamps allow part-time enrollment, while others require a full-time schedule. If you can commit to about 15 weeks of full-time study, you may be able to enter the workforce faster. However, part-time programs allow you to balance your current obligations and future goals.

Completing a bootcamp might help you earn more money in the long run. However, the upfront investment can be substantial. Reporting by Forbes Advisor indicates that the median cost of a coding bootcamp reached $10,825 in June 2023; the most expensive program on our list costs $21,800.

To avoid taking on serious debt, prioritize bootcamps with affordable prices or multiple payment options.

Some providers offer scholarships, installment plans or third-party loans to help you pay for your bootcamp. In this section, we’ll discuss the most common funding options.

Bootcamp prices for the programs cost an average of about $13,520, ranging from $1,699 to $21,800. Most of these bootcamps cost between $12,000 and $18,000, while KnowledgeHut’s $1,699 price lowers the average significantly. However, these figures only consider five programs, which may not be a large enough sample size to represent typical costs.

Upfront payments typically offer the lowest tuition cost, with the caveat that you must pay your entire tuition in one lump sum. While you might save money by paying upfront, this payment option is prohibitive for many students.

Installment-based pay allows you to break up payments over the course of your studies. This option gives you a bit of leeway, though you will likely end up paying more over time than with an upfront payment. Some programs require payments during the program, while others allow you to pay after completing the bootcamp.

Like installments, income share agreements (ISAs) split your payments to provide some flexibility. However, the difference lies in how much you pay. Rather than paying fixed installments, ISAs require you to pay a percentage of your eventual income after landing a job. This sliding scale can result in paying significantly more than the original tuition, so make sure you understand the terms before agreeing. Some programs feature price caps.

A job guarantee sounds pretty appealing, but just like ISAs, you should read the terms closely. In the simplest sense, most bootcamp job guarantees claim that you can receive a refund if you don’t land a relevant job after completing your bootcamp.

However, most bootcamps place strict restrictions on these guarantees. For example, the company might require you to receive high marks in the program, participate in post-grad career services, and dedicate a certain number of hours per week to your job search. Some job guarantees only apply in metro areas. You may also be required to take a less-than-ideal job or risk forfeiting the refund.

One significant difference between bootcamps vs. degrees is federal funding. Unlike traditional college programs, bootcamps typically do not qualify for federal financial aid. Still, providers often partner with private lenders, which sometimes offer 0% interest for a given period.

Many bootcamp providers offer need-based scholarships, too, which are ideal because they don’t have to be repaid. You might find scholarships through individual providers, private organizations and membership associations.

The GI Bill^? is another form of aid for bootcamps, though not every program qualifies.