Skip to content
Hack Reactor Vs App Academy: Which Coding Bootcamp is Better?
Choosing the right coding bootcamp can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider, such as class schedules, curriculum, tuition fees, job placement rates, and alumni reviews, among others. In this article, we will compare two of the most popular coding bootcamps in the US: Hack Reactor and App Academy. By the end of this article, you should have a better idea of which coding bootcamp is the right fit for you.
Introduction to Hack Reactor and App Academy
Hack Reactor and App Academy are both intensive coding bootcamps designed to train aspiring software engineers in full-stack web development. Both bootcamps have a proven track record of success in terms of job placement rates and alumni satisfaction. However, there are some key differences between the two programs that you should be aware of before making your decision.
Hack Reactor
Hack Reactor was founded in 2012 in San Francisco and has since expanded to campuses in Austin, Los Angeles, New York City, and online. Hack Reactor offers a 12-week full-time immersive program in software engineering that covers topics such as JavaScript, React, Node.js, MongoDB, and software engineering best practices. Hack Reactor also offers a part-time, 36-week program that is designed for students who want to learn at a slower pace.
One of the unique features of Hack Reactor is its teaching philosophy. Hack Reactor emphasizes a peer-learning approach, where students work in pairs or small groups to complete coding challenges and projects. Hack Reactor also places a strong focus on soft skills training, such as communication, collaboration, and time management, which are essential for success in the tech industry.
App Academy
App Academy was founded in 2012 in San Francisco and has since expanded to campuses in New York City and online. App Academy offers a 16-week full-time immersive program in software engineering that covers topics such as Ruby, JavaScript, React, and Rails. App Academy also offers a part-time, 24-week program that is designed for students who want to learn at a slower pace.
One of the unique features of App Academy is its deferred tuition model. Unlike most coding bootcamps, App Academy does not charge tuition upfront. Instead, students only pay tuition after they have secured a job that pays at least $50,000 per year. This model aligns App Academy’s incentives with its students and ensures that App Academy only succeeds when its students succeed.
Comparing Hack Reactor Vs App Academy
Curriculum
Both Hack Reactor and App Academy offer comprehensive curriculums that cover full-stack web development. Hack Reactor’s curriculum focuses on JavaScript, React, Node.js, and software engineering best practices. App Academy’s curriculum focuses on Ruby, JavaScript, React, and Rails. Both curriculums are constantly updated to keep up with the latest trends and technologies in the industry.
While the specific technologies taught may vary, both curriculums are designed to equip students with the skills they need to land jobs as software engineers. Both curriculums also place a strong emphasis on project-based learning, where students work on real-world projects and build a portfolio of work that showcases their skills.
Teaching Methodology
One of the biggest differences between Hack Reactor and App Academy is their teaching methodology. Hack Reactor emphasizes a peer-learning approach, where students work in pairs or small groups to complete coding challenges and projects. This approach fosters collaboration and communication skills, which are essential for success in the tech industry.
App Academy, on the other hand, uses a more traditional lecture-style teaching approach. Students attend daily lectures and then work on coding challenges and projects on their own or in small groups. While this approach may appeal to some students who prefer a more structured learning environment, it may not be the best fit for those who learn best in a collaborative setting.
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for Hack Reactor and App Academy are both in the range of $17,000 to $18,000 for their full-time programs. However, App Academy offers a deferred tuition model, where students only pay tuition after they have secured a job that pays at least $50,000 per year. This model removes the financial burden from students who may not have the resources to pay tuition upfront and aligns App Academy’s incentives with its students.
Hack Reactor does not offer a deferred tuition model, but it does offer income share agreements (ISAs) to students who cannot pay tuition upfront. Under an ISA, students agree to pay a percentage of their salary for a set period of time after they graduate. This model ensures that Hack Reactor only succeeds when its students succeed and provides a safety net for those who may not immediately secure high-paying jobs.
Job Placement Rates
Both Hack Reactor and App Academy have impressive job placement rates. Hack Reactor reports an average graduate salary of $91,000 per year and a job placement rate of 98%. App Academy reports an average graduate salary of $105,000 per year and a job placement rate of 92%.
However, it’s important to note that these job placement rates are self-reported by the bootcamps and may not accurately represent the job market conditions in your area. It’s always a good idea to do your own research and talk to alumni and other industry professionals to get a sense of the job market in your desired field.
Conclusion
Both Hack Reactor and App Academy are excellent coding bootcamps that offer comprehensive curriculums and a proven track record of success. The right bootcamp for you depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. If you prefer a peer-learning approach and want to learn JavaScript, Hack Reactor may be the better fit. If you prefer a lecture-style approach and want to learn Ruby, App Academy may be the better fit. Additionally, if you don’t have the financial resources to pay tuition upfront, App Academy’s deferred tuition model may be a more viable option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bootcamp is more expensive: Hack Reactor or App Academy?
The tuition fees for Hack Reactor and App Academy are both in the range of $17,000 to $18,000 for their full-time programs. However, App Academy offers a deferred tuition model, where students only pay tuition after they have secured a job that pays at least $50,000 per year.
Do Hack Reactor and App Academy offer job placement assistance?
Yes, both Hack Reactor and App Academy offer job placement assistance to their students. They have a dedicated career services team that works with students on job search strategies, interviewing skills, and resume building. They also have an extensive alumni network that students can tap into for job leads and mentorship.
Which bootcamp has a higher job placement rate?
Both Hack Reactor and App Academy have impressive job placement rates. Hack Reactor reports an average graduate salary of $91,000 per year and a job placement rate of 98%. App Academy reports an average graduate salary of $105,000 per year and a job placement rate of 92%. However, it’s important to do your own research and talk to alumni and other industry professionals to get a sense of the job market in your desired field.
