If you plan on learning to code, you’re faced with a big decision right off the bat. 

Part-time or full-time coding bootcamp? 

Both have pros and cons, so it’s not all black or white. And depending on your unique situation, what’s best for others might not necessarily be what’s best for you. 

In this blog post, we’re going to lay out all of the pros and cons of full-time coding bootcamp vs. part-time coding bootcamp, and help you make the best decision for you. 

And if you’re still unsure by the end, you can book a chat with one of our admissions team members (yes, a human!) who will gladly talk you through your situation further. 

Let’s dive in!

What are the Pros of Full-Time Coding Bootcamps?

If you ask most successful bootcamp grads which route you should take, they’re most likely to tell you “full-time”. 

And there are good reasons for that! 

Here are the biggest pros of choosing a full-time coding bootcamp:

1. You Focus on Just Learning

With full-time coding bootcamps, you are immersed in learning thoroughly, and your life centers around the school. 

In other words, you’re all in. 

There is no leftover time to overthink it or worry, as you’re occupied during the hours you used to work. 

Full-time bootcamp classes run from Monday to Friday, similar to full-time employment, and take up the majority of your time from 9am – 5pm each day. In addition to the hours spent in the classroom, you will also be engaged in professional projects, study time, and daily code reviews. 

It’s a full-time job in and of itself, which helps you learn the curriculum quicker, spend more time putting learning into application, and get more value out of the program. With no distractions, you can devote all your energy and focus to coding and mastering the skills you need for your career.

2. There is Less Context Switching

This reason may surprise you. 

One reason why part-time bootcamps seem like a great idea is having the option to both study and work. 

However, while this might give you the illusion of having it all, you end up sacrificing more. 

…did someone say ‘sleep’? 😴

Context switching from work to coding can be very exhausting. You’re too tired to concentrate after long work days, which could eventually affect your work performance too. The only days you’ll feel fresh are on Saturdays when you’re not overwhelmed with work.

With full-time bootcamps, you’re fully present and only need to focus on coding, which keeps your productivity and spirits up.

3. You Have a Better Chance to Build a Solid Portfolio

One of the main reasons why so many coding bootcamp alumni opt for full-time vs part-time bootcamps is because they hope to become job-ready faster. 

That’s the reason we’re all here, right? 

Besides the fast pace of learning that comes with committing more hours, there are other things you can do with your time in a full-time bootcamp. 

For example:

• You can start experimenting and creating samples to share with your potential employers
• You can use the extra time to practice and get a better understanding of the concepts
• You can start connecting and networking with professionals in the field to learn more
• You can apply for internships as early as possible
• You can start building your personal brand by sharing your journey with your followers

You can do so much with the extra time you get in between classes when doing a full-time bootcamp to get closer to your first job. 

This is why full-time is usually the best option for anyone who is trying to switch careers immediately or has recently been laid off and is ready for a new venture.

4. Accountability from Instructors

With full-time bootcamp classes, you usually receive live classes and mentoring, unlike part-time bootcamps, where in most cases, classes are self-paced. 

Quitting or taking longer is easier when no one keeps you accountable for your progress.

Flexibility isn’t always a great thing.

Full-time bootcamp classes are scheduled and planned by instructors, and students are required to keep up with the classes and finish the course in the specified time. 

You will even have assignments with deadlines that have to be adhered to with no excuses.

The “handholding” makes it even easier to refine your coding skills faster.

5. Better Bonding with Other Developers & Instructors

Last but not least, full-time bootcamps have a sense of camaraderie and networking that you are unlikely to find with part-time bootcamps. 

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, ‘Your network is your net worth’?

Well, full-time bootcamp classes allow you to bond with other developers because you spend a lot of time with them. 

While you’re in the beginning stages of your career, these peer networks can be invaluable to getting your foot in the door at your next company. 

Besides bonding with other students, you also get to interact and form valuable relationships with your instructors, outside companies, and bootcamp alumni which can pay off in the long run.

What are the Pros of a Part-Time Coding Bootcamp? 

While it may seem like we are team-full-time bootcamp, part-time coding bootcamps can be the right path for certain people! 

Here are the pros of a part-time coding bootcamp: 

1. You Can Keep Your Existing Job

This is probably the biggest factor of why someone should choose a part-time bootcamp over a full-time one. 

You still have income coming in! 

And let’s face it, as nice as it would be, we can’t all afford to quit our jobs and pursue our dreams of becoming a software engineer full-time.

We have rent and bills to pay. 

The best part about a part-time bootcamp is that you can do both. While your mind will not be 100% immersed in coding as it would be in a full-time program, at least you are taking the first big step toward your dream career. 

2. They Are Generally Cheaper

Another reason why you may opt for a part-time coding bootcamp is because the tuition is usually cheaper. 

Most part-time coding bootcamps have little in-classroom teaching, and are typically self-paced, meaning they don’t need to charge as much for the program. 

And while you don’t get to work on real-life projects or experience daily code reviews like you would in a full-time bootcamp, sometimes cost is simply the deciding factor. 

However, if you are ready to go all-in on your software engineering career, many full-time bootcamps offer a deferred tuition option, meaning you don’t need to pay anything until you land your first job. We recommend checking out this option before making your decision!

3. You Don’t Have to Be All In

Contrary to the “pro” we listed for full-time bootcamps above, you don’t necessarily need to go all-in when you join a part-time bootcamp. 

For some people, this is a good thing!

If you have a million other things going on in your life, or you’re not 100% sure that you even want to be a professional coder, a part-time bootcamp can be a great option.

Part-time bootcamps allow you to dip your toes in the world of coding, without committing 100% of your time. 

If you aren’t completely sold on the idea of becoming a software engineer yet, a part-time bootcamp may be the best option to explore if you can see yourself coding full-time. 

4. You Can Join With Zero Experience

Last but not least, there are many part-time coding bootcamps that don’t require you to have any coding experience up-front. 

If coding languages are completely foreign to you, part-time coding bootcamps may be a good place to start. 

Here at Rithm School, we have dozens of free courses available online to teach you everything from Javascript Basics to Basic Git Commands. 

You can learn in your own time and at your own pace! 

While some full-time bootcamps may allow you to join with no experience, we strongly recommend having some coding knowledge behind you first. 

The most professional coding bootcamps on the market require you to pass a technical interview during the admissions process, to ensure that all students are at a similar level before they join. 

Which Should You Choose: Part-time vs. Full-time Bootcamp? 

Now that we’ve taken you through the pros and cons of both part-time and full-time coding bootcamps, which one should you choose?

In summary, we recommend choosing a full-time bootcamp if: 

• You’re confident that you want to be a software engineer
• You’re ready to switch careers now
• You already have a basic knowledge of Javascript
• You’ve recently been laid off
• You can support yourself without a full-time job on the side

And we recommend choosing a part-time bootcamp if: 

• You are not sure yet whether a  professional coding career is for you
• You can’t survive without your full-time income
• You don’t have any coding skills at all (in this case, start with a few free courses!)

Not Convinced? Chat With Our Admissions Team

Still not convinced? 

It can be hard to choose the best path for you when factoring in your personal circumstances. 

The next best thing that you can do is take action to get closer to your goal. 

Here at Rithm School, you can attend a free info session, brush up on your Javascript with one of our free courses, or start your coding career with us (available at very flexible payment options).

Additionally, you can chat with one of our admissions team members to see if committing to a full-time bootcamp is right for you. 

Simply fill in our quick application form, and you will receive access to a complimentary admissions call where you will be able to chat through your options and ask any questions you have. 

It’s that easy! Start the application process here. 

See you on the other side!