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:
- Job placement rate (ask for audited data, not marketing claims)
- Outcomes report (CIRR-certified is the gold standard). Source: cirr.org
- Alumni network in DFW (local connections matter)
- Income Share Agreement (ISA) option if you can't pay upfront
- 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.