Coding Dojo Review 2024

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Coding Dojo in a Nutshell

Overview

Coding Dojo is a learning platform that’s part of Colorado Technical University (CTU). It began operating in 2012 and offers hands-on learning for beginners who want to pursue a tech career. Its bootcamps and overall learning service have received several accolades from industry-recognized reviewers.

Coursework lasts between 16 and 32 weeks and requires a weekly commitment ranging from 10-70 hours, depending on the bootcamp you select. Coding Dojo also provides robust student resources and support to ensure your learning experience is worthwhile.

What is Coding Dojo?

Coding Dojo offers four online tech bootcamps, available part- and full-time. While it used to offer in-person and online bootcamps, Coding Dojo is now available exclusively online after the COVID-19 pandemic restricted group gatherings. Its campuses—in cities including Chicago, San Jose, Seattle, and Los Angeles—have been shut down.

There are also two free workshops—Intro to Python and Intro to Web Development—that you can sign up for before enrolling in a course.

Here’s a closer look at Coding Dojo’s bootcamps:

Software Development Bootcamp

You can choose from three options: Full-Time, Part-Time Accelerated, and Part-Time Flex. You’ll learn programming basics, web fundamentals, and programming languages.

In the full-time course, Coding Dojo teaches what it calls “three-stack programming.” This involves teaching multiple programming languages—Python, Javascript, Java, or C#/.NET—simultaneously. This enables you to pick up coding techniques faster, become versatile, and boost your skills in being a self-sufficient full-stack developer.

Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp 

In this part-time course, you’ll learn data science fundamentals and dive into machine learning concepts like natural language processing (NLP). 

Data Analytics & Visualization Bootcamp

Another part-time bootcamp, this also covers data science basics and then dives into visualizing and manipulating data using tools like Pandas, Python, SQL, and Tableau. 

Cybersecurity Bootcamp

This part-time course will teach you cybersecurity basics, cybersecurity management practices, and how to use popular tools such as Wireshark and Kali Linux. 

Before you begin this bootcamp, however, you’ll need to complete roughly 40 hours of pre-course work. You’ll learn about cybersecurity networking, best practices, and other introductory topics.

Is Coding Dojo Safe and Reliable?

Coding Dojo’s connection to CTU gives it credibility as a learning platform. The university has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Per US Department of Education requirements, Coding Dojo abides by the Student Right-to-Know Act and publishes yearly information on academic programs, financial assistance solutions, diversity, and more.

Coding Dojo also has a good reputation among its students. I checked multiple online review sites and found Coding Dojo has an average rating of 4.4 out of five stars. Many reviewers praised the instructors, coding course quality, ease of learning (especially for tech novices), and the ease of navigating the platform. 

In addition, Coding Dojo has received numerous awards—including the MIT Inclusive Innovation Award 2016, EdTech Digest Cool Tools 2021 Finalist Professional Development Learning Solution, and more.

How Coding Dojo Works

Coding Dojo currently offers four online-based tech bootcamps. There was a fifth bootcamp, focused on User Experience (UX/UI) Design, but it has been discontinued. 

Once you register and go through the admissions process, you’ll pay to book your seat to start attending lessons. Classes are conducted through live videos using Zoom, and you can interact with your instructor and classmates. You’ll also have 24/7 access to the LEARN Platform, where you can view course materials anytime. 

When you complete your studies, you’ll receive a certificate and career support ‌to help you secure a job.

How to apply to Coding Dojo

First, head to the Coding Dojo website and explore its programs. You can download course overviews that explain what to expect from each bootcamp. 

Next, schedule a call with an admissions advisor to discuss your career goals and the course that would suit you. 

Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to submit an application. I found the process straightforward, and completing the form took only a few minutes. 

There’s no technical assessment, but you must complete a 30-minute interview via phone with an admissions team member to be approved for the course. They’ll update you in two to three business days on whether you can proceed with the program, and you’ll also discuss the modes of communication you’ll use going forward.

Lastly, you’ll finalize your enrollment by reviewing your payment options with an admissions advisor. Submit your payment—either a deposit, installment, or full tuition—and sign an Enrollment Agreement to reserve your seat for the bootcamp. A student experience manager will then take over from the admissions advisor and guide you on the next steps to begin your program.

Prerequisites

For consideration, you must be over 17 years old, with a high school diploma or equivalent, and based in the United States or Canada. 

Coding Dojo doesn’t require students to have prior programming experience. Admissions advisors will inform you of any program-specific requirements, such as the kind of computer features you should have.

Cost

Coding Dojo’s Intro to Python and Intro to Web Development workshops, which aren’t full courses, are free.

Below is a pricing breakdown for its four paid programs.

Software Development Bootcamp

• Full-time - $16,995

• Part-time Accelerated - $9,995-$16,995

• Part-time Flex - $9,995

Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp

• $15,995

Data Analytics & Visualization Bootcamp

• $10,995

Cybersecurity Bootcamp

• $16,995

Payment options include scholarships, customizable installment plans via MiaShare, employer sponsorships, and loan financing via Ascent and Climb. This can help offset the costs, which are higher than some other bootcamps.

You can pay via ACH transfer or credit card. There’s no transaction fee unless you use an American Express card, which has a 2% transaction fee. 

I appreciate that you can get a refund for the courses—minus a $100 administrative fee—if you change your mind. However, you must cancel before the first day of class to qualify for the full refund. Otherwise, you’ll receive a prorated refund—a partial refund based on how long you’ve attended the course. Coding Dojo will provide you with the details of its refund policy as you sign the Enrollment Agreement.

For financing questions, schedule a call with an admissions advisor to learn which payment options suit you. 

Coding Dojo Student Resources

Coding Dojo provides comprehensive support and student resources. 

There are a few ways to contact the company. You can call 844-446-3656 from 5am-6pm PT to speak to a team member. Or, you can send an email, use the online chat, or fill out an online form with your query. 

In my experience, support agents respond to calls immediately, emails as soon as possible, chat in about four minutes, and online forms within two business days. I found the customer support staff to be helpful and friendly.

In addition, Coding Dojo offers many student resources to support your learning journey.

Pre-admission

When you apply to Coding Dojo, you’ll speak to admissions advisors, who’ll guide you through the application process. There’s also a virtual gathering called Open House, where you can meet instructors and explore the curriculum. 

On the Coding Dojo website, you can check out the FAQs page for answers about the courses, curriculum, admissions, tuition, financing, and more. Plus, Coding Dojo has a newsletter, where you can sign up for the latest information about course dates, discounts, and job trends.

During your course

Once your bootcamp begins, a student experience manager will help you handle any challenges you face. 

The bootcamps offer an optional hour Monday-Friday before class to talk with instructors about the course or the assignments. Students in part-time courses can connect with a TA seven days a week when courses are in session. You can also visit the blog on Coding Dojo’s website to read articles about coding or case studies of alumni experiences. 

Plus, you can participate in Code Reviews, scheduled small-group sessions where you can receive real-time feedback on your coding assignment outcomes. 

Finally, Coding Dojo offers the Algorithm App, which enables you to practice coding from a phone or tablet.

Post-graduation 

At the end of your time at Coding Dojo, you’ll receive lifetime career support. It involves job search assistance, portfolio and profile building, employment prospecting, application guidance, and interview preparation.

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Coding Dojo Alternatives

How Coding Dojo compares with other tech bootcamps

Coding Dojo vs General Assembly

Similar to General Assembly, Coding Dojo offers extensive student resources like career services support. However, General Assembly isn’t accredited, whereas Coding Dojo has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Coding Dojo also has a better average online rating than General Assembly.

Coding Dojo vs Flatiron School

Both Flatiron School and Coding Dojo are top-rated learning platforms. But, Coding Dojo has a much shorter and more straightforward application process. Also, Flatiron is more expensive and offers only 180 days of career coaching. Meanwhile, Coding Dojo offers lifetime career support to its alumni.

Coding Dojo vs Kenzie Academy

Like Coding Dojo, Kenzie Academy is a highly rated platform offering multiple student resources and a straightforward registration process. Although Kenzie Academy has more programs than Coding Dojo, its courses take longer to learn: nine months to a year compared to several weeks. Furthermore, Kenzie Academy doesn’t accept international students, whereas Coding Dojo is available to students in the US and Canada.

Bottom Line

Coding Dojo stands out for its hands-on learning, beginner-friendly courses, lifetime career support, and three-stack curriculum approach—enabling people to switch to tech careers easily. While Coding Dojo doesn’t offer many courses, past students and industry professionals alike rate it highly. 

I was impressed by Coding Dojo’s comprehensive student resources, its two free workshops, and the support you’ll get from the community to improve your work. Additionally, its pricing compares well with competitors, and you can pay your tuition through multiple financing options. 

I’d recommend Coding Dojo to anyone seeking an in-depth bootcamp in software development, data analytics, data science, or cybersecurity.

FAQs

Is Coding Dojo worth it?

Yes. Coding Dojo offers beginner-friendly bootcamps in software development, data science, and cybersecurity. These programs enable you to become a self-sufficient developer and set you on a new career path.

What does Coding Dojo do?

Coding Dojo is an educational technology platform that provides software development, data science, and cybersecurity courses to help you pursue a new job.

How much does Coding Dojo cost?

Coding Dojo’s pricing for its courses varies. The Software Development program ranges from $9,995-$16,995, Data Analytics costs $10,995, Data Science costs $15,995, and Cyber Security runs for $16,995. That said, there are two free introductory workshops: Intro to Python and Intro to Web Development. Additionally, multiple payment options—from loans and installments to scholarships—are available to finance tuition fees.