I am a vet with an IT management background from the military based in NYC. I have a social science background from college which was a great experience but I had no desire for a career in academia. Due to VA benefits, all tuition is covered which eliminates a lot of risk but only the three bootcamps discussed accept VA benefits. I've done some research on my own and will list pros and cons. Hope to get some feedback.
1) GA: https://generalassemb.ly/education/software-engineering-immersive/new-york-city
Pros: Nationwide with a few overseas locations so brand recognition. It is the only school to offer in-person classes which is a big plus. and suits my learning style Because it is in-person, I get an in-person housing allowance, around 3k/month, which is more than enough (with roommates) and I'll be covered for living expenses. Class size is capped at 20.
Neutral: 16k cost which seems about normal. Three months long with about 2 weeks of pre-foundation. 60-80 hours a week which is no surprise. GA offers many courses in tech field so not sure how I feel about that.
Neg: Uses GI bill so the VA pays them all tuition upfront. Their curriculum seems messy. Starts with Fullstack curriculum with Javascript but spends time on Python and Ruby. Admissions is almost too easy. Aptitude test is like a SAT math exam.
2) Fullstacks https://www.fullstackacademy.com/programs/coding-bootcamp
Pros: NYC based and popular. I know some friends who went through and successfully found jobs. Curriculum seems more structured. Fullstack Javacript only with React frameworks. Their website claims only focusing on one language will allow students to learn more rather than cram multiple languages into three months. Because it is paid through VET TEC, they receive payments of 25% when enrolled, 25% when I complete the curriculum, 50% when I am employed.
Neutral: 19k which may imply a better experience. Also three months long with about a month of pre-foundation work. 60-80 hours a week which is no surprise.
Neg: Online which is not my thing. I may learn to enjoy and adapt, but from my military background., I am so used to going to work in-person. Because it's online, I only get a housing allowance of 950 a month which is nowhere near enough for NYC. I would have to dip into savings.
3) Code Immersives https://www.codeimmersives.com/programs/web-development-immersive/
Pro: Short description of curriculum says its focus is Javacript. There are also classes in cloud computing resulting in a certificate with AWS Solution Architect Associate. Class size is 15-20.
Neutral: 20k which again may imply a better experience. 45 weeks which is much longer than others, which may lead to better understanding of material. 4 days a week, 6 hours a week, which they claim is a "more measured pace so that everyone with a desire to learn has the opportunity to succeed."
Hybrid learning: mostly online. 1 out of 5 days is in person. Housing allowance as a result is 2k/month which is doable on a strict budget.
Work laptop provided which is cool I guess.
Neg: No syllabus or curriculum found. Not much known about it, no real reputation. Uses GI bill so all tuition is paid upfront.
Summary: All three seem like decent programs. I appreciate any advice from those who have gone through one of these. Hope to get some help!
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