When considering a bootcamp to jumpstart or pivot your career, one of the most common questions is, “Why are bootcamps so expensive when they’re so short?” At Le Wagon, we believe in complete transparency. This article will break down the costs of our bootcamps, what those costs cover, and why they’re an investment in your future.
How is the cost of a bootcamp broken down?
The question of cost often starts with understanding where the money goes. At Le Wagon, our tuition is carefully allocated to ensure students receive the best learning experience possible. Here’s how the costs are distributed:
- Staff costs (21%) This category includes career coaches, teaching assistants, and administrative support who ensure every student has a smooth journey from day one.
- Teaching and bootcamp management (20%) This covers salaries for instructors and program managers who design and deliver the curriculum.
- Campus occupancy (10%) This ensures our physical campuses are well-equipped, modern, and in prime locations.
- Marketing (10%) These funds are used to reach motivated learners through campaigns, events, and partnerships.
- General and administrative expenses (4%) Supports software licences, compliance, and other operational costs.
- Student life (2%): From engaging events and social gatherings to pizza evenings, this category fosters a vibrant, welcoming environment for students to connect, unwind, and make the most of their bootcamp experience.
It’s also worth noting that 33% of tuition fees represent profit, which ensures long-term sustainability and quality. These funds allow us to:
- Reinvest in updating the curriculum with cutting-edge tools and technologies.
- Expand our global reach, making Le Wagon accessible to students worldwide.
- Innovate, creating programs that align with the latest industry trends like generative AI or data engineering.
An €8,000 bootcamp over 400 hours, for example, costs just €20 per hour—less than many traditional educational programs while offering accelerated, career-focused training.
What value do students get beyond the tuition fee?
Le Wagon provides more than just classes—it’s an immersive experience designed to transform your career. Here’s what students gain:
- Comprehensive career services: With an 86% general employability rate, we support you with workshops, mock interviews, and help with job placement. Learn more in our student job report 2024
- Hands-on learning: Students work on real-world projects, building a portfolio that showcases their skills.
- Global alumni network: Our network of 28,000 graduates in 100+ countries connects you to a world of opportunities.
This combination of learning, networking, and career support creates a transformative experience unmatched by traditional education.
*Graphic from Online Student Job Report.
What return on investment can students expect from a bootcamp?
Le Wagon bootcamps are designed to deliver fast, tangible results. 82% of our students secure jobs within six months, often at top tech companies or as freelancers, earning competitive salaries. The increased earning potential means many graduates recover their investment in just a few months.
Let’s look at a concrete example. Imagine a student who invested €8,000 in the bootcamp and landed a job with an annual salary increase of €10,000 thanks to their career change. Within just 9 months of working, the cost of the bootcamp is fully paid off. Over the course of a 30-year career, this graduate could earn €300,000 more than if they had stayed in their previous role.
This time and financial ROI is what makes Le Wagon an unparalleled investment. While a traditional university degree requires years and tens of thousands of euros to achieve similar career outcomes, Le Wagon’s 9-week intensive program provides a direct and accelerated path to success.
Our alumni stories bring these numbers to life. For example, Emma’s career journey highlights how transformative Le Wagon’s programs can be. After completing both the Web Development and Data Science & AI bootcamps, Emma successfully led a software development project and later transitioned into the field of AI. She now thrives as a freelance Data Consultant—a career path that was made possible through the skills, mentorship, and support she received at Le Wagon.
What makes online bootcamps just as expensive as in-person ones?
Online bootcamps offer unique advantages, requiring resources and features that contribute to their value:
- Global cohort experience: Students connect and collaborate with peers across time zones, broadening their networks.
- Advanced platforms: High-quality e-learning tools and tailored schedules ensure seamless access to materials and exercises.
- Ongoing access: The online programs offer two extra years of access to materials, ensuring you can revisit content after the bootcamp.
- Expert support: Real-time feedback and virtual mentorship ensure students are never left behind.
At Le Wagon, we’re one of the few bootcamp providers that still offer both online and in-person formats. This reflects our belief that both have unique strengths, allowing students to choose what works best for them.
Why are in-person bootcamps worth considering?
For students who thrive in a physical classroom, in-person bootcamps offer unparalleled advantages:
- Immediate feedback: Students benefit from direct guidance during lessons and projects.
- Collaborative learning: Face-to-face teamwork fosters camaraderie and creative problem-solving.
- Access to local networks: Our campuses connect students with local tech communities, meetups, and potential employers.
With 40 campuses worldwide, Le Wagon ensures that students can immerse themselves in vibrant learning environments while building strong relationships with peers and instructors.
Why do bootcamp costs vary by region?
At Le Wagon, we strive to make our bootcamps accessible to as many people as possible. That’s why our fees are tailored to the local cost of living. By adjusting our pricing, we ensure that students worldwide can access high-quality education without undue financial strain. This flexibility reflects our commitment to accessibility and fairness.
Additionally, our global presence, including Paris, Berlin, Lisbon and London, allows us to bring Le Wagon’s unique bootcamp experience to students everywhere. Each campus is embedded in its local tech ecosystem, providing students with networking opportunities and connections to nearby employers.
Why is a bootcamp an investment in your future?
A bootcamp isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a commitment to reshaping your career and unlocking new opportunities. At Le Wagon, we believe that your future is worth investing in, and our programs are designed to deliver life-changing results in a fraction of the time of traditional education.
With just 9 intensive weeks (or part-time for flexibility), Le Wagon equips you with job-ready skills, practical experience, and a global network of industry connections. Unlike university degrees, which often take years to complete, our bootcamps enable you to enter the workforce quickly, saving time while opening the door to higher earning potential.
The financial ROI is compelling—graduates often see the cost of the program paid off within a year thanks to salary increases and career growth. Over the span of a career, this translates into hundreds of thousands of euros in additional earnings. But the value goes beyond money. Our students gain confidence, technical expertise, and access to a supportive community that continues to offer value long after graduation.
Le Wagon also offers a uniquely global experience. With campuses worldwide and a diverse team, we connect you to local and international opportunities, whether you choose to study in-person or online. We’re proud to be one of the few bootcamp providers that offer both formats because we understand that learning preferences and life circumstances vary.
When you invest in a Le Wagon bootcamp, you’re not just buying education—you’re securing a brighter, more fulfilling future. From mastering cutting-edge tools to building projects that showcase your skills, the impact of this decision will resonate throughout your career.
Your future is waiting, and the first step starts here. Let Le Wagon help you make it a reality.