What Fullstack Academy teaches and how the program is structured
Fullstack Academy is a coding bootcamp that teaches full-stack web development — the skills to build both the front-end (what users see) and back-end (server and database) parts of web applications. The program runs either full-time for about 17 weeks or part-time for about 32 weeks, depending on which format you choose. Classes are held in person at their New York or Chicago campuses, or online.
The curriculum covers JavaScript, React, Node.js, SQL, and other technologies commonly used in professional web development. You work on individual projects and group projects throughout the program, and the final weeks focus on building a capstone project that goes into your portfolio. Fullstack does not require you to have coding experience before you start — the program is designed for people new to programming.
The teaching model combines lectures, hands-on coding exercises, and pair programming (working with another student on the same code). You also have access to teaching assistants during office hours and can ask questions in Slack channels. The program includes career services starting around week 10, which covers resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Fullstack Academy teaches full-stack web development over 17 weeks full-time or 32 weeks part-time, with classes in New York, Chicago, or online.
- The program costs between $15,000 and $17,500 depending on location and format, with payment plans and financing options available through third-party lenders.
- You do not need prior coding experience, but the program moves quickly and requires significant time commitment outside of class hours.
- Career services are built into the program starting in week 10, covering job search, resume, and interview skills.
- Fullstack publishes employment outcomes data showing the percentage of graduates who find jobs and average starting salaries, though these figures vary by cohort.
Tuition, payment plans, and financing options
Fullstack Academy's tuition ranges from $15,000 to $17,500 depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time and which campus or online option you choose. The full-time program costs more per week but finishes faster, while the part-time program spreads the cost over a longer period. You can pay the full amount upfront or use a payment plan that breaks tuition into monthly installments.
If you cannot pay out of pocket, Fullstack partners with third-party financing companies that offer income-share agreements (ISAs) and loans. An income-share agreement means you pay a percentage of your salary after graduation for a set period, rather than a fixed monthly payment. Loan options come from companies like Affirm and Upstart, which assess your creditworthiness and offer different interest rates and terms. You explore for financing directly through those lenders, not through Fullstack.
Some employers offer tuition reimbursement for coding bootcamps, so if you are currently employed, check whether your company has a professional development budget. Veterans may also have access to GI Bill benefits that cover bootcamp tuition — Fullstack is approved for VA benefits, so you can use those funds if you are a veteran.
Time commitment and what the daily schedule looks like
The full-time program runs Monday through Friday, typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an additional 15 to 20 hours of homework and coding practice expected each week. This means you should plan for roughly 50 to 60 hours per week of total work. The part-time program meets three evenings per week and one full day on the weekend, so it is designed for people who are working or have other commitments, but the total weekly time commitment is similar.
The first few weeks focus on JavaScript fundamentals and how the web works. The middle weeks introduce front-end frameworks like React and back-end technologies like Node.js and databases. The final weeks shift toward building larger projects and preparing for job interviews. Throughout, you are coding almost every day — lectures are short, and most class time is spent writing code and solving problems.
Many students find the part-time option harder than it sounds because the material does not slow down just because you have fewer class hours. You still need to do the same amount of homework, which means studying late into the evening or on weekends. If you are working full-time and considering part-time, be honest about whether you can sustain that pace for 32 weeks.
Admissions requirements and the process process
Fullstack does not require a college degree or prior coding experience. The process includes a written assessment where you answer questions about your background and motivation, and a coding challenge that tests basic problem-solving skills. The coding challenge is designed to be solvable without programming knowledge — it tests logic and how you approach a problem, not whether you already know JavaScript.
After you submit your process, Fullstack reviews it and may invite you to an interview with an admissions counselor. This conversation covers your goals, why you want to learn web development, and whether the bootcamp format is right for you. Fullstack also asks about your learning style and how you handle frustration, because coding bootcamps are intense and move fast.
There is no strict GPA requirement or standardized test score needed. Fullstack looks at whether you demonstrate problem-solving ability, commitment to finishing the program, and realistic expectations about what a bootcamp can and cannot do. If you are rejected, you can reapply after a waiting period, and Fullstack offers a free prep course to help you strengthen your process.
Job outcomes and what happens after graduation
Fullstack publishes employment outcomes data on their website, showing what percentage of graduates find jobs and the average starting salary. These numbers vary by cohort and location — some groups have higher placement rates than others. The data typically shows that most graduates find jobs within a few months of finishing, though some take longer depending on the job market and how actively they search.
The program includes career services starting in week 10, which means you begin preparing for job interviews while still in class. You work with a career coach on your resume, practice technical interviews, and learn how to talk about your projects. Fullstack also hosts recruiting events where employers come to meet students and recent graduates.
After graduation, you have access to an alumni network and job board where companies post positions. Fullstack does not may provide a job, and your success depends on how much effort you put into the job search, how well you interview, and what the job market looks like when you graduate. Some graduates find jobs quickly; others take several months or need to explore to many companies before getting an offer.
How Fullstack compares to other coding bootcamps
Fullstack is one of the older and more established bootcamps in the United States, with a track record going back to 2013. Other bootcamps like General Assembly, Springboard, and Coding Dojo teach similar material — full-stack web development — but differ in format, cost, and teaching style. Some bootcamps are online-only, some are in-person only, and some offer both. Tuition ranges from around $10,000 to $20,000 across the bootcamp industry.
Fullstack's main differences are that it has physical campuses in two cities (plus online), it includes career services as part of the program rather than as an add-on, and it has been around long enough to have a substantial alumni network. The curriculum is similar across most bootcamps — they all teach JavaScript, React, and Node.js because those are the most in-demand technologies. The real differences are in teaching quality, class size, and how much one-on-one support you get.
If you are comparing bootcamps, ask each one for their employment outcomes data, talk to recent graduates if possible, and think about whether you learn better in person or online. Also consider the time commitment and whether you can afford to be out of work for 17 weeks (full-time) or need to keep working while you study.
What skills you will have and what jobs you can pursue after graduation
After Fullstack, you will be able to build a complete web process from scratch — write the JavaScript code that runs in the browser, design the user interface with React, build the server-side logic with Node.js, and set up a database with SQL. You will also know how to use Git for version control, deploy applications to the cloud, and work with APIs. These are the core skills that junior web developers use on the job.
Most Fullstack graduates pursue junior developer roles at startups, agencies, or larger companies. Job titles include Junior Full-Stack Developer, Junior Web Developer, or Frontend Developer (if you focus more on the front-end side). The salary range for junior developers varies by location and company, but typically starts between $50,000 and $70,000 per year depending on the city and whether the company is a startup or an established firm.
Some graduates also move into related roles like QA engineer, product manager, or technical support engineer — the bootcamp gives you enough technical knowledge to move into adjacent areas. Others use the bootcamp as a stepping stone to a four-year computer science degree, since many universities give credit for bootcamp coursework or let you skip introductory programming classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a computer science degree to get a job after Fullstack?
No. Fullstack graduates get hired without a degree because employers care more about what you can build and what you know than about credentials. Your portfolio of projects and your ability to solve coding problems in an interview matter much more than a diploma. That said, some larger companies have degree requirements, so a bootcamp alone may not open every door.
What if I fall behind or struggle with the material?
Fullstack offers tutoring and extra office hours with teaching assistants, and you can ask questions in Slack at any time. If you fall significantly behind, you can talk to your instructors about slowing down or taking a leave of absence. Some students repeat a section or join a later cohort if they need more time. The program is designed to be challenging, but instructors know that people learn at different speeds.
Can I do Fullstack while working full-time?
The part-time program is designed for working students, but it is still very demanding. You would be in class three evenings and one full day per week, plus doing 20 to 30 hours of homework. Many part-time students reduce their work hours or take unpaid leave during the program. If your job is very demanding, full-time bootcamp plus full-time work is usually not sustainable.
What happens if I do not find a job after graduation?
Fullstack does not refund tuition if you do not find a job, so you are responsible for the cost regardless of the outcome. However, career services continue after graduation, and you have access to the alumni job board and network. Some students take contract or freelance work while continuing to interview, and others do a second bootcamp or take online courses to fill gaps in their knowledge.
Is Fullstack Academy accredited?
Fullstack is not accredited by a traditional regional accreditor like SACSCOC, because bootcamps are relatively new and do not fit the standard accreditation model. However, Fullstack is approved for GI Bill benefits, which means the Department of Veterans Affairs has reviewed and approved the program. This is not the same as full accreditation, but it does mean the program meets certain standards.