"Tuition averages over $11,000 at non-degree granting programs that generally last around three months, but it can go as high as $21,000." For comparison, I re

"Tuition averages over $11,000 at non-degree granting programs that generally last around three months, but it can go as high as $21,000." For comparison, I received a master's in software engineering from a reputable school with actual professors and a well-tested curriculum for ~$7,500/semester. Of course, it was an academic graduate degree, so I already needed to know a large amount of engineering and programming before applying, but still -- there are a ton of avenues through 'traditional institutions' that are far cheaper, and of higher quality that will teach you programming. What are people paying for, exactly? Is it the speed that they'll learn at? If you want a "bootcamp" experience, stack 5 classes at a local college and work your ass off for a semester. Perhaps easier said than done -- I live in the greater Boston area, where you can't throw a rock without hitting prestigious institutions with professional education options and night classes, or at least a good community college. So perhaps it's the accessibility of the bootcamps? Do they serve areas where education options aren't great? Do they do "online" better than other programs? Is it the branding? The teachers? Something else? Is it that bootcamps offer a "hands on/practical" experience, where students feel like academia would let them down? I'd disagree on that point, with some reservations, but I don't think that my suggestion of "stacking 5 [well-chosen] college classes" would let you down in that regard. Colleges teach the theory, sure, but they ALSO teach practical application development, especially these days. So, I don't know. Honest question. What's the draw to bootcamps over other forms of education?