Coding bootcamps in DFW: Which ones are worth the money?

I went through a bootcamp in DFW and now work as a developer. Here's the honest breakdown.

In-person/hybrid DFW bootcamps:

• Tech Elevator (Dallas) — 14-week full-stack (Java or C#). $15,500. 90%+ job placement rate. My bootcamp. Highly recommend. Source: techelevator.com
• Coding Dojo (online with DFW events) — 14-week, multiple stacks. $14,000-16,000. Source: codingdojo.com
• Flatiron School (online, DFW career support) — 15-week, multiple tracks. $16,900. Source: flatironschool.com

Free/low-cost options:

• freeCodeCamp — completely free, self-paced, comprehensive curriculum. Source: freecodecamp.org
• The Odin Project — free, open-source curriculum. Source: theodinproject.com
• Dallas College continuing ed — tech certificates at community college prices. Source: dallascollege.edu

What to look for in a bootcamp:

1. Job placement rate (ask for audited data, not marketing claims)
2. Outcomes report (CIRR-certified is the gold standard). Source: cirr.org
3. Alumni network in DFW (local connections matter)
4. Income Share Agreement (ISA) option if you can't pay upfront
5. Career services quality (resume help, mock interviews, employer connections)

Realistic expectations:

• Bootcamp to first job: 3-6 months after graduation (average)
• Starting salary in DFW: $55,000-75,000 for junior developer roles
• The bootcamp teaches you 20% of what you need. The other 80% is self-learning on the job.
• It's HARD. 14-16 weeks of intense learning. Expect 60+ hour weeks.

Sources:

• Course Report (coursereport.com) — bootcamp reviews
• SwitchUp (switchup.org) — bootcamp comparison
• CIRR.org for audited outcomes data

Worth it? For me, absolutely. $42K sales job to $72K developer in 6 months.

Change my mind.