Picture this: You’re scrolling through job boards, sipping your coffee, dreaming of a tech career that doesn’t involve slaving away at a 9-to-5 retail gig or grading papers till midnight. You’re ready to pivot—maybe you’re a teacher, a barista, or just someone itching for a change—but those coding bootcamp price tags? Yikes. Thousands of bucks for a shot at a new life? That’s a hard pass for most of us. But what if I told you that you could dive into a coding bootcamp without spending a dime? Yeah, you heard me right—free. Switching careers is scary, no doubt, but it doesn’t have to drain your savings.
In this guide, I’m spilling the beans on 17 totally free coding bootcamps for U.S. learners in 2025. We’re talking eligibility, formats, career support, and all the juicy details to help you make the leap without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a career-changer, a veteran, or just curious about coding, there’s a program out there for you. Oh, and if you’re wondering about financing options for paid bootcamps, check out our Best Coding Bootcamp Financing Options for 2025 for more on that.
What Is a Free Coding Bootcamp?
Okay, let’s get real: “free” sounds like a unicorn in the education world, but it’s legit. Free coding bootcamps are intensive programs—think 12 to 24 weeks of learning to code like a pro—that don’t charge tuition. How? Some are backed by nonprofits, others by government grants or corporate sponsors. Some use deferred tuition models (you pay later, only if you land a job), while others, like freeCodeCamp, are community-driven with no strings attached. Unlike paid bootcamps, which can cost $12,000–$20,000 (ouch!), these programs remove the financial hurdle, making tech accessible to folks who can’t drop five figures on a career switch.
The benefits? Low risk, high reward. You get hands-on training in hot skills like JavaScript, Python, or cybersecurity, plus career support like resume workshops and mock interviews. The ROI is solid—Course Report says bootcamp grads earn an average of $70,698, often within six months of finishing. Compare that to a four-year degree costing $163,140 on average, and it’s a no-brainer for career-changers looking to save their pennies.
Who Are Free Coding Bootcamps Best For?
Free coding bootcamps are the hot ticket for a bunch of folks. Career-changers, listen up: if you’re stuck in a dead-end job, these programs are your golden ticket to tech. I know a teacher friend, Sarah, who was burned out grading essays. She joined a free bootcamp, learned to code, and now she’s a web developer making bank—true story. Underrepresented groups, like veterans, minorities, or low-income learners, get a leg up with programs tailored to diversity and inclusion. Recent high school grads unsure about college? These bootcamps are a low-stakes way to test-drive tech. And if you’re just “coding curious” but not ready to commit to a pricey program, free bootcamps let you dip your toes without drowning in debt.
17 Free Coding Bootcamps You Can Join in 2025
Here’s the good stuff: 17 free coding bootcamps that can kickstart your tech journey. I’ve broken down each one with the key details—curriculum, instructors, format, career support, cost (spoiler: it’s free!), and alumni vibes—so you can find your perfect fit. Let’s dive in!
1. Per Scholas
Location: Multiple U.S. cities (NYC, Dallas, Atlanta, etc.)
Website: perscholas.org
- Curriculum & Specialization: Full-stack development, software engineering, and cybersecurity. Learn Java, JavaScript, and AWS—skills that scream “hire me” in 2025.
- Instructor Quality & Support: Industry pros with real-world dev experience lead classes. Expect group mentorship and weekly check-ins.
- Learning Format: Full-time (12–15 weeks), in-person or remote. Intense but doable.
- Job Placement & Career Support: Over 80% of grads land jobs within a year, per their site, with resume workshops and employer partnerships.
- Cost & Financing: 100% free, funded by nonprofits and corporate sponsors.
- Reviews & Alumni Feedback: Grads on LinkedIn rave about the supportive community and job placement. “Life-changing,” says one NYC alum.
2. Resilient Coders
Focus: Black, Latinx, AAPI, and other people of color (18–30)
Location: Boston, Philadelphia, remote
Website: resilientcoders.org
- Curriculum & Specialization: Full-stack web development (JavaScript, React, Node.js). Aligned with startup and tech giant needs.
- Instructor Quality & Support: Experienced coders from diverse backgrounds. One-on-one mentorship keeps you on track.
- Learning Format: 18-week full-time program, remote for Boston/Philly residents.
- Job Placement & Career Support: 85% job placement rate, with mock interviews and a $500 bi-weekly stipend to ease the grind.
- Cost & Financing: Free, plus that sweet stipend.
- Reviews & Alumni Feedback: X posts highlight grads landing $95,000 jobs. “The stipend let me focus,” says a 2024 grad.
3. NPower
Focus: Veterans, young adults from underserved communities
Website: npower.org
- Curriculum & Specialization: Cybersecurity (CompTIA Security+) and software development. Perfect for 2025’s security boom.
- Instructor Quality & Support: Cybersecurity experts and tech educators. Group and peer support, less one-on-one.
- Learning Format: 16-week full-time, in-person or remote options.
- Job Placement & Career Support: Strong employer networks, with 80% placement rates. Includes resume help and interview prep.
- Cost & Financing: Free via grants.
- Reviews & Alumni Feedback: Veterans on Reddit praise the structure. “Felt like the military, but for coding,” one says.
4. Ada Developers Academy
Focus: Women and gender-diverse people
Website: adadevelopersacademy.org
- Curriculum & Specialization: Full-stack dev (Ruby, JavaScript). Includes a 5-month internship for real-world experience.
- Instructor Quality & Support: Seasoned developers with a DEI focus. Weekly one-on-one mentorship.
- Learning Format: 6 months full-time + internship, hybrid (remote/in-person).
- Job Placement & Career Support: 90% placement rate, with 180 days of post-grad support.
- Cost & Financing: Free, funded by sponsors.
- Reviews & Alumni Feedback: LinkedIn alums call it “empowering.” One grad: “I went from zero to hero in tech!”
5. Code Platoon
Focus: Veterans & military spouses
Website: codeplatoon.org
- Curriculum & Specialization: Full-stack (Python, Django). Cybersecurity track added for 2025.
- Instructor Quality & Support: Veteran coders teach, with small group mentorship. Very hands-on.
- Learning Format: 15-week full-time, in-person (Chicago) or remote.
- Job Placement & Career Support: 85% placement rate, with mock interviews and job fairs.
- Cost & Financing: Free via scholarships.
- Reviews & Alumni Feedback: X posts love the vet-friendly vibe. “Like a squad, but for code,” says a grad.
6. LaunchCode
Location: Missouri, Florida, etc.
Website: launchcode.org
- Curriculum & Specialization: Web development (JavaScript, Python) and data science. Industry-aligned.
- Instructor Quality & Support: Local tech pros lead classes. Peer support is big, less one-on-one.
- Learning Format: Part-time (20 weeks), in-person or remote.
- Job Placement & Career Support: 70% placement rate, with resume help and local employer connections.
- Cost & Financing: Free, grant-funded.
- Reviews & Alumni Feedback: Reddit users say it’s “accessible but intense.” Grads love the community.
7. The Recurse Center
Website: recurse.com
- Curriculum & Specialization: Self-directed projects in any language (Python, Rust, etc.). Suits independent learners.
- Instructor Quality & Support: No formal instructors; peer-led with alumni mentors.
- Learning Format: 12-week full-time retreat, in-person (NYC) or remote.
- Job Placement & Career Support: Limited formal support, but strong alumni network.
- Cost & Financing: Free, with optional stipends for underrepresented groups.
- Reviews & Alumni Feedback: LinkedIn alums call it “a coder’s paradise.” Quirky but effective.
8. 42 USA
Website: 42.us.org
- Curriculum & Specialization: Project-based coding (C, C++). Focuses on problem-solving.
- Instructor Quality & Support: No teachers; peer-driven with occasional mentor check-ins.
- Learning Format: Full-time (3–5 years), in-person (Silicon Valley).
- Job Placement & Career Support: 80% placement rate, with portfolio-focused career prep.
- Cost & Financing: Free, funded by sponsors.
- Reviews & Alumni Feedback: Reddit users say it’s “tough but rewarding.” Grads land big tech jobs.
9. We Can Code IT
Focus: Diversity-focused
Website: wecancodeit.org
- Curriculum & Specialization: Java, C#, and web dev. DEI-driven and industry-relevant.
- Instructor Quality & Support: Experienced devs with a focus on inclusion. Weekly mentorship.
- Learning Format: 14-week full-time, in-person (Cleveland) or remote.
- Job Placement & Career Support: 85% placement rate, with resume and interview coaching.
- Cost & Financing: Free via scholarships.
- Reviews & Alumni Feedback: LinkedIn reviews praise the supportive vibe. “Felt like family,” says one alum.
10. CodePath
Focus: College students (U.S. only)
Website: codepath.org
- Curriculum & Specialization: Mobile and web dev (iOS, Android, JavaScript). Internship-focused.
- Instructor Quality & Support: Tech industry pros. Group mentorship, some one-on-one.
- Learning Format: Part-time (10–12 weeks), remote.
- Job Placement & Career Support: 70% land internships, with resume and interview prep.
- Cost & Financing: Free for students.
- Reviews & Alumni Feedback: X posts highlight internship success. “Got me into Google!” says one student.
11. Pursuit
Focus: Low-income adults from underserved communities
Website: pursuit.org
- Curriculum & Specialization: Android/iOS development. Focus on mobile apps.
- Instructor Quality & Support: Experienced mobile devs. One-on-one and group support.
- Learning Format: 10-month part-time, remote (NYC-based).
- Job Placement & Career Support: 85% placement rate, with long-term career coaching.
- Cost & Financing: Free via grants.
- Reviews & Alumni Feedback: Reddit alums say it’s “intense but worth it.” Grads land tech giant roles.
12. Year Up
Focus: Ages 18–29
Website: yearup.org
- Curriculum & Specialization: Coding, business skills, and a 6-month internship. Broad tech focus.
- Instructor Quality & Support: Corporate trainers and tech pros. Strong group mentorship.
- Learning Format: 1-year full-time, hybrid.
- Job Placement & Career Support: 80% placement rate, with internship-to-job pipelines.
- Cost & Financing: Free, with stipends for some.
- Reviews & Alumni Feedback: LinkedIn alums love the internship. “It opened doors,” says one grad.
13. Tech Elevator (Free Prep Courses)
Website: techelevator.com
- Curriculum & Specialization: Java basics for web dev. Prep for full bootcamps.
- Instructor Quality & Support: Tech Elevator’s pro instructors. Limited one-on-one.
- Learning Format: Self-paced or part-time (4–6 weeks), remote.
- Job Placement & Career Support: Basic resume tips, no formal placement.
- Cost & Financing: Free prep courses.
- Reviews & Alumni Feedback: Reddit users call it “a great teaser.” Good for beginners.
14. NYC Tech Talent Pipeline
Focus: NYC residents
Website: techtalentpipeline.nyc
- Curriculum & Specialization: Web dev and cybersecurity via partners like Fullstack Academy.
- Instructor Quality & Support: Partner instructors (experienced devs). Group-focused support.
- Learning Format: Full-time (12–16 weeks), in-person or remote.
- Job Placement & Career Support: 80% placement rate, with NYC employer connections.
- Cost & Financing: Free for NYC residents.
- Reviews & Alumni Feedback: X posts praise local job links. “NYC-focused and effective,” says one alum.
15. General Assembly (Free Fridays & Workshops)
Website: generalassemb.ly
- Curriculum & Specialization: Intro to web dev, UX, and data science. Beginner-friendly.
- Instructor Quality & Support: GA’s pro instructors. Limited support in free workshops.
- Learning Format: Short, part-time workshops, in-person or remote.
- Job Placement & Career Support: Minimal; focus is on exploration, not placement.
- Cost & Financing: Free workshops.
- Reviews & Alumni Feedback: Reddit users say it’s “a fun intro.” Good for testing the waters.
16. CareerFoundry (Free Short Courses)
Website: careerfoundry.com
- Curriculum & Specialization: Intro to web dev, UI/UX, and data analytics. Industry-relevant.
- Instructor Quality & Support: Industry pros lead short courses. Limited mentorship.
- Learning Format: Self-paced, 1–2 week courses, remote.
- Job Placement & Career Support: Basic career tips, no formal placement.
- Cost & Financing: Free short courses.
- Reviews & Alumni Feedback: LinkedIn alums call it “a great start.” Perfect for beginners.
17. Harvard CS50x
Website: cs50.harvard.edu/x/2025
- Curriculum & Specialization: Intro to CS (Python, SQL, C). Broad foundation for tech careers.
- Instructor Quality & Support: Harvard profs, led by David Malan. Community-driven support via forums.
- Learning Format: Self-paced, fully online.
- Job Placement & Career Support: No formal support, but portfolio projects help job apps.
- Cost & Financing: Free, with optional paid certificate.
- Reviews & Alumni Feedback: Reddit loves the quality. “CS50x is legit,” says one learner.
What to Expect from a Free Coding Bootcamp
So, what’s the vibe of a free coding bootcamp? Expect a fast-paced, hands-on experience. Curriculums cover in-demand skills like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, cloud computing and hot trends like AI and cybersecurity (think CompTIA or AWS certifications). Programs range from 12 weeks (full-time) to 40 weeks (part-time), fitting different schedules. Career support is a biggie—think resume reviews, mock interviews, and job placement help. You’ll build a portfolio of real-world projects (like a web app or data dashboard) to show off to employers. Some programs, like Ada, even toss in certifications or internships.
| Bootcamp | Duration | Format | Career Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per Scholas | 12–15 weeks | In-person/Remote | Resume help, job placement |
| Resilient Coders | 18 weeks | Remote (Boston/Philly) | Stipend, job support |
| Ada Developers | 6 months + internship | Remote/In-person | 180-day career help |
Tips to Get the Most Out of a Free Coding Bootcamp
Real talk: free doesn’t mean easy. To crush it, treat your bootcamp like a full-time job. Show up, do the work, and don’t just coast on YouTube tutorials (we’ve all been there). Build real-world projects—think a personal website or an app—and share them on GitHub. Network like crazy: join your bootcamp’s Slack, connect with mentors on LinkedIn, and ask questions on Stack Overflow. I once met a bootcamp grad who landed a job just by chatting with an alum at a virtual coffee meetup. It’s all about those connections!
Are Free Coding Bootcamps Really Worth It?
Let’s talk numbers. BLS projects an 8% growth for web developers through 2033, with median salaries around $80,000. Bootcamp grads often hit $70,000–$90,000 starting out, per Glassdoor. Free bootcamps like Per Scholas boast over 80% job placement rates within a year, while CareerFoundry’s free courses can lead to paid programs with a 96% placement rate. Not bad, right?
But are they worth your time? Liz Eggleston from Course Report says, “Free bootcamps are a game-changer for career-changers who need practical skills without the debt.” They’re ideal if you’re budget-conscious or testing the waters. Paid bootcamps might offer more hand-holding, but free ones deliver serious value, especially with career support.
Case Study 1: Sarah, the Teacher Turned Developer
Sarah, a 32-year-old high school teacher from Chicago, was drowning in lesson plans and dreaming of a career with more freedom. Nervous about coding (“I’m not a math person!”), she joined Per Scholas’ free bootcamp. The hands-on projects—building a portfolio site—gave her confidence. Six months later, she landed a $75,000 web developer role. “It was terrifying, but I nailed it,” she says, grinning.
Case Study 2: Jamal, the Retail Worker Who Leveled Up
Jamal, a 25-year-old retail worker from Philly, felt stuck. Resilient Coders’ stipend let him focus on learning JavaScript and React. “I was scared I’d flop,” he admits, “but the community kept me going.” Post-bootcamp, he snagged a $90,000 job at a tech startup. His advice? “Jump in. You’ve got nothing to lose.”
Case Study 3: Maria, the Veteran Who Found Her Calling
Maria, a 29-year-old Army vet, joined Code Platoon’s free bootcamp. She loved the structure and camaraderie, like being back in the service. “Coding felt like cracking a code,” she laughs. After building a mobile app for her portfolio, she landed a $85,000 cybersecurity role. “It changed my life,” she says, tearing up.
Pros, Cons, and Alternatives
Free bootcamps are awesome, but they’re not perfect. Here’s the breakdown:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No tuition costs | May lack personalized support |
| Job placement support | Intense time commitment |
| Real-world projects | Eligibility restrictions (e.g., location, income) |
Alternatives? Self-study via YouTube or platforms like Codecademy is great but requires serious discipline. A computer science degree offers deeper learning but takes four years and costs a fortune. Free bootcamps hit the sweet spot for quick, practical skills.
2025 Trends: AI and Cybersecurity
Tech’s moving fast, and 2025 is all about AI and cybersecurity. Bootcamps like NPower and Per Scholas are weaving in AI tools (like GitHub Copilot) and cybersecurity certs (like CompTIA). It’s like Moneyball for tech—data-driven skills are your edge. As Ludo Fourrage of Nucamp says, “AI is reshaping coding education, making grads more competitive.”
Final Thoughts: Start Your Coding Career Without the Debt
Switching to tech doesn’t have to mean student loans or ramen dinners. These 17 free coding bootcamps are your ticket to a new career, whether you’re a teacher like Sarah, a retail worker like Jamal, or a vet like Maria. Start applying today—check out program websites or browse directories like Course Report. Your dream job’s waiting, and it won’t cost you a penny. Drop your questions in the comments, and let’s get coding!