CareerFoundry and Springboard are two solid options for tech training and job placement support:
- Both programs offer a variety of comprehensive tech courses designed to fit your schedule, with part-time and self-paced study options.
- Both programs offer job placement guarantees, increasing your chances of landing a job quickly.
- Both programs are less expensive than a two- or four-year college degree.
But which program is better for you?
In this article, we compare CareerFoundry and Springboard across six key areas to help you decide which program best suits your needs and goals.
We also want to take this opportunity to introduce a third option: Climb Hire.
At Climb Hire, we’re a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income and underserved working adults start careers in the tech industry. Unlike CareerFoundry and Springboard, profit is not part of our business model. Instead, our goal is to help individuals like you acquire the skills needed to land a lucrative tech job in under a year.
Thanks to our generous donors, our tech training programs are completely free throughout 2024, no strings attached. We also offer job placement support that results in 80% of our graduates securing jobs within six months, with an average starting salary of $50k.
Before we dive into the specifics of Climb Hire, let’s first compare CareerFoundry and Springboard. But if you’re already interested in learning more about Climb Hire, check out our learning tracks and apply today.
CareerFoundry: Independent learning with personalized mentorship but limited peer interaction
CareerFoundry is an online platform offering tech and design programs focused on independent coursework and hands-on projects.
1. Study Tracks and Program Length
CareerFoundry offers seven specialized tech and design tracks. Each program wraps up with a certificate of completion, showing you’ve finished the course. (While these can be useful, these certificates don’t carry the weight of other industry-standard credentials, such as CompTIA A+.)
- Product Design: This course teaches you to create and refine products, preparing you for roles like product designer or design strategist. Program length: 5 months (full-time) or 10 months (part-time).
- UX Design: Learn to enhance user experiences through research and design, preparing you for careers as a UX designer or user researcher. Program length: 5 months (full-time) or 10 months (part-time).
- UI Design: Learn how to design intuitive and attractive user interfaces, equipping you for roles like UI designer or visual designer. Program length: 5 months (full-time) or 9 months (part-time).
- Full-Stack Web Development: Learn frontend development (how to build the parts of a website that users see and interact with), and backend development (the behind-the-scenes technology that makes everything work smoothly), specializing in either Python or Cloud Computing. This prepares you for positions like full-stack developer or web developer. Program length: 5 months (full-time) or 10 months (part-time).
- Data Analytics: Develop skills to interpret complex data and make data-driven decisions, preparing you for roles like data analyst or business intelligence analyst. Program length: 6 months (full-time) or 10 months (part-time).
- Digital Marketing: Learn the strategies for online marketing and advertising, setting you up for a career in digital marketing or as an SEO/SEM analyst. Program length: 3 months (full-time) or 7 months (part-time).
- Product Management: Learn to manage product life cycles and strategies, preparing you for roles like product manager or project coordinator. Program length: 3 months (full-time) or 6 months (part-time).
2. Cost
Training with CareerFoundry can be expensive, with tuition ranging from $6,555 to $8,500 depending on the program.
To make it more manageable, CareerFoundry offers a monthly payment plan, though payments start at $550+ per month over 8 to 12 months.
3. Teaching Style
CareerFoundry offers a self-paced, independent learning model with one-on-one mentorship. You’ll follow a structured curriculum on your own timetable without scheduled classes.
While this model provides flexibility, learning alone can also feel a little solitary since you’ll be studying and completing assignments independently. The lack of peer interaction may also make it harder to build a community, which can be really beneficial for staying motivated and for professional networking when you’re looking for a job.
On top of that, you’ll need strong self-motivation and discipline to keep up with your studies. Without the structure of scheduled classes, maintaining a consistent study routine can be challenging.
4. Practical Training
In all CareerFoundry programs, you’ll have the opportunity for hands-on learning through practical projects. The curriculum includes real-world assignments to help you build a strong portfolio.
Each program includes an optional job preparation course, where you’ll work with a personal career specialist to develop a career plan, including resume and cover letter creation, along with interview practice.
5. Career Support and Job Placement
After completing your program, CareerFoundry’s career services work with you to find a tech job. Here’s what you can expect:
- Mentorship and career coaching to guide you through your job search.
- Assistance with creating a portfolio that highlights your skills.
- Help with writing and refining your resume, LinkedIn profile, and cover letters.
- Tips and practice sessions to improve your interview performance.
Approximately 90% of graduates find employment in their field within six months.
If you don’t land a job within six months of graduating, CareerFoundry will give you a full refund, provided you meet their eligibility criteria.
To qualify for the job placement guarantee, you must:
- Live in or be willing to relocate to a major metropolitan area.
- Have completed your program and paid your tuition in full.
- Finish the Job Prep Course.
- Follow CareerFoundry’s job search guidance.
6. How to Get In
- You don’t need prior tech experience to be eligible for CareerFoundry’s programs. All you need is a high school diploma or equivalent, a laptop, and Wi-Fi.
- You’ll have to show sincere interest in the program of your choice.
- International applicants with English B2 proficiency are eligible to apply.
Feedback from Graduates
- “I was with CareerFoundry and did the UX course. Personally I really liked it, but a lot depends on the tutor or mentor you end up with. That said – I’m in Germany and the course was paid for me by the job agency, so I didn’t have to pay. I know several people who managed to get good jobs in the UX/UI field after the course; usually they had design experience before. The job guarantee is… Well, you have to put in A LOT of effort to find a job. I think these things are not easy to fulfill, but if you stick to them, you could get your money back, worst case. But really read the fine print here!”
—Reddit user, CareerFoundry graduate - “Career advisor helps you in preparing your CV, LinkedIn, and other social profiles. They really help with job applications and interviews. Students learn a lot about polishing resumes and [the] importance of social contacts. Job guarantee thing is a trap with hidden terms.”
—Tahir Kalim, CareerFoundry graduate - “The calls that I had with my mentor were amazing. I could ask him anything and he would always help me, whether it was updating my resume, learning more about companies in the industry, or helping with any errors that would arise in my code.”
—Tanimara Santos, CareerFoundry graduate
Springboard: Bootcamp-style courses and job placement guarantee (for eligible students only)
Springboard is a learning platform offering online bootcamp courses in various tech fields. The programs are flexible and designed for self-paced independent study.
1. Study Tracks and Program Length
Springboard offers a range of bootcamp-style programs. Each career-track program ends with a certificate of completion. Although this signifies that you’ve finished the program, it may not be recognized as an industry-standard credential.
Here’s a breakdown of the different study tracks:
- Data and AI: There are four career tracks to choose from in this category: data analytics, data science, data engineering, and machine learning engineering and AI. Program length: 6 months.
- Cybersecurity: Gain the fundamental skills to start your new career in cybersecurity. You’ll learn to analyze cyber incidents, assess operational systems for risks and threats, conduct vulnerability assessments, and address both defensive and offensive cybersecurity challenges. Program length: 6 months.
- Design: There are two career tracks to choose from in this category: UI/UX design and UX. You’ll learn to improve user experiences through research and design techniques, preparing you for careers like UX designer or user researcher. Program length: 6 or 9 months, depending on the career track you choose.
- Software Engineering: There are two career tracks to choose from in this category: software engineering and software engineering for beginners. Both are coding bootcamps where you’ll learn programming and software development to prepare for roles like software engineer or web developer. Program length: 9 or 10 months, depending on the career track you choose.
2. Cost
Springboard’s program fees range from $99 to $11,900, depending on the course.
Payment options include:
- Upfront Payment: Pay the full course fee upfront.
- Income-Sharing Agreements (ISAs): This is a deferred tuition model where you pay a percentage of your income after securing a job, with interest charges.
- Financing Plans: Pay tuition in installments over time, with additional interest charges.
For example, the Data Analytics Career Track costs $8,900 if you pay upfront and $11,300 (plus interest) with an ISA or financing plan. Lower-cost options ($99–$490) are typically introductory or preparatory courses rather than full career-track programs.
Scholarships may be available for applicants from underrepresented communities.
3. Teaching Style
Springboard’s programs are self-paced and centered on independent study, allowing you to learn on your own schedule. While this flexibility can be beneficial, it also comes with challenges. For instance, the less structured support might make it harder to stay motivated and organized.
Although Springboard does offer one-on-one mentorship to guide you and provide feedback, the lack of peer interaction can limit networking opportunities and community support. Isolated learning may also make it difficult to collaborate and share insights, which can be a valuable part of the learning process.
4. Practical Training
Hands-on learning is a core element of Springboard programs, with a strong focus on real-world projects. Under the guidance of a mentor, you’ll work on assignments that help build a strong portfolio.
5. Career Support and Job Placement
Here’s what you can expect from Springboard’s job support:
- Personalized one-on-one mentorship to support you throughout your job search.
- Guidance on building a standout portfolio.
- Resume and cover letter reviews.
- Mock interviews to prepare you for the real deal and boost your confidence.
Approximately 85% of graduates receive job offers within 12 months.
Springboard offers a job placement guarantee with a full refund if you don’t secure a job within 12 months, provided you meet the eligibility criteria, which typically includes having a bachelor’s degree and/or relevant work experience.
Not all programs include a job placement guarantee, so be sure to verify whether the program you choose offers this benefit.
6. How to Get In
The admission requirements are different for each program. Some require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, some require previous work experience, and others only require a strong interest in the field.
The application process is straightforward, typically involving submitting your details online and sometimes completing a technical skills survey.
Feedback from Graduates
- “Even though it’s an online program, Springboard provides a personalized experience. The Springboard community is so connected, so you never feel like you’re on your own.”
—Oscar Herrera, Springboard graduate - “Overall it’s a good program, but the curriculum and assignments can get really confusing. Many assignments are poorly created by Springboard and will cause you to get annoyed and frustrated.”
—Justin, Springboard graduate - “Springboard offered the revision of resumes/LinkedIn profiles and [did] mockup interviews. While I was there, the amount of available resources was limited. I think it was three career coaches for the whole cohort, and the time they gave was limited. This is an area that NEEDS to be stronger. While the coach I met was nice, there wasn’t any deep insight into the field itself and what it is that hiring managers are looking for. It felt [like] very general advice, but not specific to UX.”
—Anna P, Springboard graduate
Climb Hire: A tech training and job placement platform that’s completely free throughout 2024
Climb Hire offers a unique opportunity for low-income working adults to break into the tech industry at no cost. Our mission is to provide comprehensive training and job placement support to help you gain essential skills and land a tech job quickly.
1. Study Tracks and Program Length
Climb Hire offers two tech tracks, leading to IT support and digital marketing roles. Both of these fields are booming right now, with plenty of job opportunities and strong demand for skilled professionals.
- IT Support: You’ll learn the fundamentals of IT support and earn CompTIA A+ certification, a credential highly sought after by recruiters in the industry. Upon program completion, you’ll be prepared for several entry-level IT support roles, including help desk technician, IT support specialist, desktop support specialist, and technical support representative. Program length: 6 months.
- Google and Meta Ads Certification Program: This track focuses on paid search marketing and provides both Google and Meta Ads Certification, which many employers look for on job applications. Upon program completion, you’ll be prepared for entry-level paid search marketing roles. Program length: 4 months.
2. Cost
Both our IT Support and Google and Meta Ads Certification programs are 100% free throughout 2024, thanks to our generous donors.
Additionally, Climb Hire covers the cost of CompTIA A+ certification, which would normally exceed $500.
3. Teaching Style
Climb Hire programs are fully remote, offering the flexibility to learn from anywhere in the US.
Classes are conducted in real-time with industry expert instructors, allowing you to ask questions and receive immediate feedback. This approach makes learning more engaging and effective.
Students participate in small groups, called pods, which fosters a strong community and helps you connect with fellow learners. This collaborative environment supports networking and peer support, with 77% of Climbers noting that this sense of community is one of the program’s best perks.
The network you build at Climb Hire extends far beyond the program, providing lasting connections that can help you discover new opportunities and advance your career long after graduation.
4. Practical Training
Climb Hire’s practical training goes beyond in-depth technical concepts to offer comprehensive preparation for your new tech career:
- Hands-on experience: Online courses include guided labs or capstone projects with real-world clients, helping you gain practical experience and build a strong portfolio. This hands-on approach is essential for applying what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios, making you more job-ready and confident in your skills.
- Soft skills training: You’ll also receive training in crucial areas like resume writing, job interview techniques, and effective communication. These soft skills are key for standing out to employers and succeeding in professional environments.
5. Career Support and Job Placement
Once you finish your program, you’ll get personalized career support to help you land a tech job. You’ll work one-on-one with a Career Development Advisor who will support you every step of the way in finding a job. This includes things like:
- Writing and fine-tuning your resume and LinkedIn profile to catch the eye of recruiters.
- Crafting standout cover letters that make a great first impression.
- Interview preparation with tailored tips and practice to ace your interviews with confidence.
- Access to our broad network of industry professionals and potential employers, which can easily open up several job opportunities.
All of these elements are crucial in helping you land a job. Getting a first job is not just about having the right technical skills—it’s also about presenting yourself well and having a strong network. Our career support makes sure you’re well-prepared and connected.
80% of our graduates secure roles within six months, with an average starting salary of $50k. This impressive success rate is a testament to the effectiveness of our dedicated job support.
6. How to Get In
The admission requirements for Climb Hire programs are straightforward:
- You need to be between 24 and 40 years old and earn under $30k annually.
- No previous tech experience required—just a high school diploma or GED.
- You must live in the US, speak English, and have a laptop with Wi-Fi access.
The initial application process is quick and easy, taking just a few minutes to fill out. After you apply, our admissions team will contact you to set up a 30-minute interview. We’ll discuss the class details, format, what to expect, and get to know more about your interests, career path, and goals.
Feedback from Alumni
- “I had doubts because I was afraid no one was going to hire someone without a college degree, but Climb Hire changed my mind about that. They taught me how to properly create a resume, LinkedIn profile, and helped me prepare for interviews. I had no idea how to do any of these things before. I started applying for jobs three weeks before the cohort ended and just one week after, I got a job offer.”
– Tanairy Alfaro Salazar, Climb Hire graduate - “Climb Hire isn’t just a class; it’s a supportive community that offers real-life experiences and invaluable connections with industry experts.”
– Fabiola Bedoya, Climb Hire graduate - “Climb Hire gives you the support and confidence you need to make a career change. Climb Hire prepares you with hands-on experience so you’re ready to tell your story. Climb Hire is a community, not just a class. You’ll learn the value of connections and get experience networking with industry experts.”
– James Alvarez, Climb Hire graduate
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Learn more about Climb Hire’s tech training programs and apply now.