Kenzie Academy Review 2023

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Kenzie Academy in a Nutshell

Overview

Kenzie Academy is a coding bootcamp from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). It has only been in operation since 2017, but it has quickly grown into one of the top-rated coding bootcamps available. With nine- and 12-month courses, it leaves learners well-equipped to start their careers in tech. 

There are five paid coding bootcamps and a short Kenzie Free course. Despite their length, they follow an intensive schedule of between 20 and 40 hours per week. Throughout, you’ll have support from instructors, a dedicated Learning Success Advisor, and access to loads of student resources. 

What is Kenzie Academy?

Kenzie Academy’s five programs cover everything from cybersecurity and software engineering to full-stack development, user experience (UX) design, and the programming language Python. Its longer courses ensure all students get plenty of practice using their new skills. 

The intake dates are flexible, and you can study both online (within the United States) and on campus. This flexibility makes Kenzie Academy an attractive option for anyone who needs to balance their studies with other personal and professional commitments. 

Here’s more information about Kenzie Academy’s courses. 

• UX Design Certificate program: This course covers user interface (UI) and UX fundamentals, exploring a range of design techniques and best practices while teaching HTML and CSS concepts and applications.

• Cybersecurity Certificate program: This part-time course teaches various cybersecurity concepts and techniques. 

• Full-Stack Web Developer Certificate (MERN) program: You’ll learn technical and soft skills relevant to front-end and back-end website development and management. You’ll also work with a range of languages, including JavaScript.

• Python Certificate with Applied Blockchain: This teaches Python fundamentals with a focus on blockchain development.  

• Software Engineering Certificate with Specialization in Back-End Java: This course was co-developed by Kenzie Academy and Amazon, and it’s used to train Amazon employees. You’ll gain the skills to create cloud-enabled software applications. 

Each of these courses will leave you with the skills for various jobs. For example, the cybersecurity program could lead to positions like security consultant, penetration tester, or network security administrator. 

Is Kenzie Academy Safe and Reliable? 

Kenzie Academy is a safe, reliable coding bootcamp part of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). It falls under SNHU’s New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) accreditation. 

What’s more, it receives excellent reviews across the web. It has an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and a rating of at least 4.5 out of five stars on all the review sites I’ve seen.  

How Kenzie Academy Works

Kenzie Academy offers five coding bootcamps that you complete over a predefined period. They all take nine months to complete—except for the Software Engineering Certificate, which takes 12 months.

As a student, you’ll have access to various resources and a dedicated Learning Success Advisor. Course materials are available through live video classes and on-demand recordings, enabling you to work through the course at your own pace. 

You’ll also undertake multiple projects that provide real-world experience and let you put your new skills into practice.

How to apply to Kenzie Academy

Kenzie Academy provides a clear outline of its admissions process and what you should expect. This made it easy for me to work through the application process. 

To get started, head to the Kenzie Academy website and either schedule an admissions call or hit the Apply Now button to fill in a quick online application. You’ll need to provide your name, email, phone number, desired start date, and the program you’re interested in. 

Once you’ve submitted this, an Admissions Counselor will contact you and explain your next steps. This will usually involve a 30-minute phone call. The Kenzie University admissions team uses this to gauge your personality, your desire to study, and whether you’re a good fit for its programs. 

If you’re accepted, you’ll need to chat with a Financial Aid Specialist, who will help you explore your payment options. After financing is set up, you just need to ensure you’re ready to begin your course on the start date.

I recommend working through Kenzie Academy’s free course before you start your bootcamp. It covers the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, leaving you well-equipped for your course. 

Prerequisites

Kenzie Academy has minimal prerequisites for prospective students, and you don’t have to have any special tech skills or pre-existing coding knowledge to apply. 

The only requirements are that you: 

• Are at least 18 years old

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent

You’ll also have to be in the US, as Kenzie Academy isn’t currently accepting international students.

Cost

Kenzie Academy’s five programs have tuition fees ranging from $10,000-$20,000. Currently, the cost for each program is:

• Software Engineering Certificate: $20,000

• Python Certificate: $12,500

• Cybersecurity Certificate: $10,000

• UX Design Certificate: $12,500

• Full-Stack Web Developer Certificate: $17,000

There are a few different payment options. You can pay upfront, apply for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or use an alternative loan or funding option. Kenzie Academy’s Financial Aid Specialists are available to help you understand the best option for your situation. 

Kenzie Academy also has a low-level free Kenzie Free course that gives prospective students a taste of what to expect. This covers the basics of coding and provides foundational knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Kenzie Academy Student Resources

Prospective students can contact Kenzie Academy via phone, email, or online contact form. Business hours aren’t specified for the support team, but I was able to speak with someone via phone immediately when I called at 10am ET. 

Additionally, I found the FAQs very useful for helping me understand exactly how the school operates. The blog contains several decent educational articles, too. 

You’ll also have access to different types of support and resources at different stages of your journey with Kenzie Academy. 

Pre-admission

Before accepting a place at Kenzie Academy, you’ll only have access to a few resources. You’ll be able to schedule a call with a team member, reach out via email, and access the blog and FAQ section.

During your course

Kenzie Academy offers excellent student support resources, ranging from academic support to financial advice. 

For starters, you can contact tech assistance anytime via the Helpdesk ticket system. And you can speak to your Learner Success Advisor for more personalized assistance, including help overcoming challenges in your program. 

Kenzie Academy also has a partnership with HelpU, enabling you to gain mental, physical, and emotional support if you’re struggling. Career counselors are available at any time, and there’s a Learner Handbook that should be your first point of reference if you’re looking for specific information about your bootcamp. 

Post-graduation 

Even after you’ve graduated, Kenzie Academy will support you in advancing your career. You’ll have access to a dedicated career advisor who can help you search for jobs and ensure you’re prepared for interviews. 

Kenzie Academy also works with a number of employer partners who regularly hire bootcamp graduates, increasing your chances of landing a position as soon as you graduate. 

Kenzie Academy Alternatives

How Kenzie Academy compares to other tech bootcamps 

Kenzie Academy vs Flatiron School

Like Kenzie Academy, Flatiron School offers a selection of high-quality, intensive coding bootcamps. They’re similarly priced, and both offer flexible learning options and excellent student support resources. However, Flatiron School’s courses are significantly shorter, which makes it an attractive alternative if you can’t afford to dedicate nine or 12 months to your bootcamp. 

Kenzie Academy vs BrainStation

BrainStation offers a wider selection of courses than Kenzie Academy, and its programs are significantly shorter. Both bootcamps offer excellent student resources, a smooth admissions process, and flexible study options. However, BrainStation has more affordable options, making it a great choice if you’re on a tight budget. 

Kenzie Academy vs Full Stack Academy

Kenzie Academy and Full Stack Academy are both highly-rated coding bootcamps offering a few intensive programs. Both offer excellent post-graduate career support, so you’ll have a great set of resources to help you with landing a job upon graduation. That said, Full Stack Academy is a little cheaper than Kenzie Academy, and it has shorter courses that are well-suited to people who can’t afford the time it takes to complete the latter’s programs. 

Bottom Line

High-quality learning materials, dependable student support, and a flexible learning platform are key features of leading coding bootcamps—and Kenzie Academy checks all these boxes. 

It offers five programs ranging from nine to 12 months long, and they’re very affordable for their length. However, I would have liked to see a couple of shorter courses to cater to people who—like me—just can’t afford to take almost a year off work. 

But on the plus side, Kenzie Academy provides a high level of student support at all stages of your journey, from pre-admission to post-graduate. The application process is smooth and straightforward, the student interface is tidy and easy to navigate, and its courses are competitively priced considering their lengths.

Overall, I’d recommend Kenzie Academy if you’re looking for an intensive coding bootcamp that goes above and beyond to equip students with skills transferable to real-world positions. 

FAQs

Is Kenzie Academy hard to get into? 

Kenzie Academy doesn’t disclose its acceptance rate, but its reputation as a leading coding bootcamp means it receives thousands of applications per year. This can make admissions a little competitive, but securing a place is achievable if you take steps to prepare for the application process.  

Is Kenzie Academy accredited? 

Kenzie Academy is a part of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), which has full accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). This means that you can be sure that it offers legitimate coding bootcamps with a high standard of teaching. 

How long is a Kenzie Academy program? 

Kenzie Academy’s certificates in Cybersecurity, User Experience Design, Full-Stack Web Development, and Python take nine months to complete. The Software Engineering Certificate is a little longer and will take 12 months to complete. You’ll need to commit 18-40 hours per week to your studies, depending on your program.

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