Best Colleges for Serious Learners of Coding
For those who seriously want to learn coding, the choice of college or bootcamp can significantly impact their career trajectory. This article offers a comprehensive overview of several top institutions and programs, including both in-person and online options. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced programmer looking to enhance your skills, there is a program that can meet your needs.
Make School: In-Person and Online
Make School is a highly immersive, 2-year program based in San Francisco. The teaching style is highly focused on stakeholder engagement with a faculty-student ratio of 8:1, ensuring a personalized learning experience. The curriculum is designed around technical and non-technical topics, offering a broad range of subjects including web and mobile development, data science, design, entrepreneurship, writing, and public speaking. Students can enroll in classes based on their interests and preparedness each term.
The program is tuition-free via an Income Share Agreement, where students pay a percentage of their income only after earning a salary of $60,000 per year. This makes it a highly accessible option for financial planning and career scaling.
Lambda School: Online
Lambda School offers a 6-month intensive program for those who are new to coding. The curriculum covers computer science foundations and software engineering fundamentals, as well as introductory data science and machine learning. Like Make School, it operates on an Income Share Agreement, making it affordable and flexible for students.
MissionU: Hybrid Online and In-Person
MissionU offers a 1-year hybrid program, with in-person sessions twice a week and the flexibility to work up to 20 hours per week. The curriculum focuses on universal technology job skills, including data analysis. This program is ideal for those who need a balance between online learning and in-person interaction.
All three institutions mentioned have locations in San Francisco, a hub for technological innovation, making them excellent choices for those looking to learn from industry experts and network with other professionals.
For Beginners: Online and Career-Oriented Options
Beginners can explore online classes with several reputable options:
TreeHouse
TreeHouse offers a career-oriented program. The cost is $25 per month, with a 7-day free trial. It is an excellent choice for those who want to start learning coding in a structured and affordable manner.
Codecademy
Codecademy provides a text-based approach to learning coding. The monthly subscription is $19.99, with some free courses available. It is a great platform for building foundational skills at your own pace.
CodeSchool
CodeSchool uses video materials to teach coding. The monthly cost is $29, with some free courses available. It is an engaging way to learn and practice coding skills.
Conclusion
Choosing the right college or bootcamp for serious learners of coding is crucial. While prestigious institutions may offer valuable connections, the most important aspect is acquiring the necessary skills and gaining practical experience. Both Make School and Lambda School have proven successful in producing highly skilled graduates, while programs like TreeHouse and Codecademy provide affordable, flexible, and accessible options for beginners.
Regardless of the choice, remember that learning coding is a continuous journey. Engage in the community, ask questions, and take advantage of all resources available to you. Your professional skills and career will benefit greatly from these efforts.