Thinkful (now Chegg Skills) and Springboard are two popular online bootcamps that offer tech training in fields like software engineering, IT, digital marketing, and UX/UI design. While both provide valuable learning opportunities, they differ in areas like cost, learning format, and career support.
So, which course provider should you choose?
In this guide, we break down the key similarities and differences between Thinkful, Springboard, and Climb Hire. We compare what each program offers, including courses, costs, career support, graduate outcomes, and more, to help you confidently choose the right program for your career goals.
Climb Hire is a nonprofit offering free tech training to individuals from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds. We teach the technical and soft skills needed to land your first job in tech. The best part? It’s completely free and includes job search support.
Here’s a quick overview of how the three training programs compare:
1. Chegg Skills (formerly Thinkful)
Online tech training through employer partnerships
Thinkful, recently rebranded as Chegg Skills, offers a variety of online tech training programs. Previously an independent platform offering direct-to-consumer courses, Thinkful is now part of Chegg, a major education technology company.
Currently, Chegg Skills’ programs can only be accessed through employers partnered with Guild Education, meaning your eligibility depends on your current employment situation. However, there’s a possibility that it could expand to include more learners in the future.
Courses offered
Thinkful offers a range of courses across various tech disciplines:
- Business management: Includes programs such as sales professional, technical project management, and technology fundamentals.
- Tech and coding: Features courses like web development, cybersecurity, and more.
- AI skills: In this field, you’ll find courses applying AI in data analytics, web design, and web development.
- Data and analytics: Enroll in courses in data analysis, data engineering, and data science.
- Marketing and sales: Choose from courses in digital marketing, UX/UI Design, and more.
Admission requirements
To enroll in Chegg Skills’ programs, you need to meet certain admission requirements:
- Be employed by a company partnered with Guild, which collaborates with Chegg Skills to provide educational opportunities. If you’re not employed, Chegg is not currently available to you.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent for most courses. However, a bachelor’s degree is needed for the Data Science course.
- Be proficient in English.
- Have a solid understanding of how to use a computer.
Price
Chegg Skills doesn’t publicly list course prices on its website. Costs for its different tech training courses appear to range from a few thousand dollars to around $20k, depending on the program.
The company offers a tuition refund policy, but it comes with strict eligibility requirements, such as specific job application activity, consistent engagement with a career coach, and location restrictions.
Learning format & curriculum
Thinkful programs are delivered online in a self-paced, remote learning format. This offers flexibility but may not provide the same level of engagement and support as a live, instructor-led environment. Programs can take anywhere from 1 to 10 months to complete, depending on your chosen career track and personal schedule.
The curriculum includes hands-on projects to build your portfolio.
Learning support is provided through:
- Academic Success Coaching: Get help with setting goals, building good study habits, and overcoming any challenges you face.
- 1:1 Mentorship: Work one-on-one with a mentor who is an expert in the field, guiding you and helping you understand the material better.
- Technical Coaching: Live chat and Q&A sessions to get quick answers to your technical questions.
- Chegg SkillMate AI Chatbot: Supplies extra explanations and generates practice problems to boost your learning.
Job placement support
Since Chegg Skills primarily serves learners through employer partnerships, career support is often more focused on helping employees grow within their current companies.
Many programs include soft skills training, like professional communication and problem-solving, which can be applied to excel in your role.
If you’re considering a career shift or trying for a promotion, Chegg Skills offers resources such as resume and cover letter reviews.
Reputation
Around 66% of Chegg Skills alumni reported that their program had a positive outcome on their career. Here are a couple of their reviews:
- “I started with no cybersecurity knowledge. Since Chegg Skills, I’ve become a penetration tester and began my bachelor’s in cybersecurity. The support from the program is invaluable in preparing you to enter the field as an entry-level IT professional.”– Austin Dennis, Chegg Skills graduate
- “Chegg Skills provided the flexibility needed to learn a new trade and maintain my full-time job.”– Juliana S, Chegg Skills graduate
2. Springboard
Self-paced learning with a job placement guarantee for select programs
Springboard provides tech-focused programs that combine real-world projects with personalized mentorship. They offer a self-paced, independent learning structure and emphasize career support, including a job guarantee for certain learning tracks.
Courses offered
Springboard offers various courses in different tech fields, including:
- Data and AI: Includes courses in data analytics, data science, data engineering, machine learning engineering, AI, and more.
- Cybersecurity: Comprehensive training in cybersecurity fundamentals and advanced practices.
- Software engineering: Courses for both beginners and professionals looking to advance their skills.
- Design: Offers courses in UI/UX design, UX, and an introduction to design.
Admission requirements
Admission requirements at Springboard vary by program:
- Some programs only require a strong interest in the field.
- Some programs require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and relevant work experience.
You’ll have to complete a technical skills survey for certain learning tracks.
Price
Course prices at Springboard vary widely, from about $99 to $14k, depending on the learning track you choose.
Springboard offers several financing options to accommodate different financial situations, including a financing plan and deferred tuition, where you only begin to pay when you find a job.
Also, it has some scholarships available for underrepresented communities.
Learning format & curriculum
Springboard offers both full-time and part-time options, with programs ranging from a few weeks to 10 months. Hands-on learning is a core element, focusing on real-world projects under the guidance of a mentor to help you build a strong portfolio.
All programs are self-paced, allowing you to learn independently on your own schedule. This flexibility can be beneficial, but staying motivated and on track can be hard without structured support. Plus, learning complex subjects is often more challenging without a classroom setting with an instructor there for guidance.
Although there are no live instructors, Springboard provides one-on-one support from both a mentor and student advisor for learning guidance and feedback throughout the program.
Job placement support
Springboard offers robust career support, including:
- Personalized guidance from a career coach to support your job search
- Resume and cover letter reviews
- Mock interviews to prepare you for the job hunt
Springboard also provides a job placement guarantee with a full refund if you don’t secure a job within 12 months. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the eligibility criteria, which typically include having a bachelor’s degree and/or relevant work experience. Not all programs include this guarantee, so verify whether your chosen program offers it.
Reputation
Roughly 86% of Springboard graduates receive job offers within a year. Here are some testimonials that share alumni experiences:
- “Springboard’s approach helped me get projects under my belt, build a solid foundation, and create a portfolio that I could show off to employers.”– Lou Zhang, Springboard graduate
- “I really loved the fact that once you finished the program, you had a complete portfolio.”– Nicky Arthur, Springboard graduate
3. Climb Hire
Free tech training with dedicated job placement support
If the high costs of Thinkful or Springboard are a concern—or if you want job training within a supportive community—Climb Hire offers a great alternative.
As a nonprofit organization, Climb Hire provides completely free tech training for individuals from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds. Beyond teaching technical skills, we also include thorough job readiness training and career support, plus access to a strong professional network to help you break into the tech world right when you graduate.
Courses offered
Climb Hire offers two targeted training programs in the skills you need for a career in tech:
- IT Support: In this six-month program, you’ll learn the foundational skills needed for entry-level IT support roles, including computer systems support specialist and desktop support technician. This course covers troubleshooting, customer service, and essential tools like ticketing systems and remote desktop management.
Upon completion, you’ll be prepared to earn the industry-standard CompTIA A+ certification, a highly valued credential in the IT industry that’s often a key requirement for entry-level positions in the field. Many employers view it as a strong indicator of technical competency.
- Digital Marketing: Specializing in paid search marketing—a digital marketing niche that focuses on creating and managing paid advertising campaigns on search engines—our four-month course teaches you how to manage and optimize online ads using platforms like Google Ads and Meta. You’ll also learn how to target specific audiences, create compelling ad copy, and measure the effectiveness of your campaigns, giving you the skills to succeed in this growing field.
The program fully prepares you to earn three valuable industry certifications: Google Ads, Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate, and HubSpot Inbound Marketing Optimization, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
Both learning tracks cover in-demand skills that can open doors to stable, well-paying tech careers—with plenty of room for advancement and upskilling once you have your foot in the door.
Admission requirements
Unlike Chegg Skills, Climb Hire is open to applicants without employer restrictions. Here are the criteria you must meet to apply:
- Be aged between 24-40 years old.
- Make less than $30k/year when you apply.
- No college degree needed—just a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Have access to a computer and WiFi to attend online courses.
Check our learning track page for location restrictions, as our programs may not always be available in all areas.
Price
Unlike Thinkful and Springboard, Climb Hire is 100% free for all students. We’re able to offer our programs at no cost thanks to the hard work of our staff, who secure donations and grants that enable us to cover all program costs, including the cost of certification exams, which can amount to over $500.
Learning format & curriculum
At Climb Hire, we’re committed to providing a learning experience that’s both effective and engaging. Our programs will lead you to a strong foundation in tech skills, while also developing the confidence and communication skills you need to succeed in the industry.
Here are just a few ways we stand out:
- Live, instructor-led virtual classes: Classes are led by experienced instructors who provide feedback and answer all of your questions as you’re learning the material. This means you’ll get immediate clarification on any concepts you don’t understand. It’s a learning format that helps you stay engaged and motivated. Plus, a virtual classroom setting allows you to learn from anywhere, anytime, without worrying about commuting or relocating.
- Hands-on technical training: Our curriculum is hands-on and interactive, with plenty of opportunities to practice and apply what you’ve learned through practical assignments and a capstone project. These projects simulate actual scenarios you’ll encounter in the tech industry, allowing you to learn by doing and gain valuable experience.
- Soft skills training: Our curriculum incorporates essential soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. By teaching these skills in class alongside the foundational technical material, we help you develop the well-rounded abilities employers look for, enabling you to secure a tech job, work collaboratively, and thrive in your role.
- Supportive learning environment: You’ll be part of a tight-knit community where you’ll build strong relationships with your instructor and fellow cohort members. Our instructors foster a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging open discussion and feedback, and providing a sense of belonging and motivation to help you reach your goals.
Job placement support
Getting hired is about more than just having the right technical skills. It’s about navigating the job search process, making connections, and presenting yourself as a strong candidate. That’s why we provide extensive career support to help you succeed in your new career.
Our career services are dedicated to helping you prepare for the job search, and we offer a range of services to help you stand out in a competitive job market:
- One-on-one career coaching: You’ll be matched with your own Career Development Advisor, who will give you personalized support as you search for a job, including interview prep and practice, resume and cover letter review and refinement, salary negotiation, and job search strategies.
- Job search portfolio development: We’ll help you create a strong portfolio beyond just a resume and cover letter, including a polished LinkedIn profile, professional bio, and elevator pitch that showcases your strengths, skills, and personality—making you stand out as a truly competitive candidate.
- Alumni Community membership: You’ll join a vibrant network of professionals who have gone through our program and are now succeeding in their careers. As a member, you’ll be part of a community that gives you access to networking events, ongoing support, and even job referrals.
- Industry connections and resources: When you graduate, you’ll gain access to a broad network of industry professionals through our Alumni Network Portal. There, you’ll find exclusive job boards, application tracking tools, and other resources to support your long-term career goals. This means you’ll have a permanent connection to a far-reaching community of tech professionals, and be able to leverage their expertise and experience to help you grow and succeed in your career.
- LinkedIn Premium: Included in our courses is a year of LinkedIn Premium, so you can tap into the platform’s networking potential, connect with industry leaders, and stay up-to-date on the latest job opportunities.
Reputation
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We’re proud of the impact our programs have on our alumni’s careers.
With more than 80% of our alumni landing jobs within a year of finishing their program, typically earning salaries of $50k or more, it’s clear that our training and support are making a real difference.
Our graduates have seen firsthand the value of our programs:
- “The opportunity to learn from distinguished faculty members who are leaders in the field was a significant draw for me.”
– Marcus Dunlap, Climb Hire graduate
- “Climb Hire helped me obtain the skills I needed to not only ACE interviews and land jobs, but how to thrive in my professional life. There’s a saying – it’s not always what you know, but who you know; I’ve experienced firsthand just how true that is in the professional field. Joining the Climb Hire community has expanded my professional network – helping me build relationships with inspiring and successful individuals. Thanks to Climb Hire I now have a THRIVING and STABLE career.”
– Anonymous, Climb Hire graduate
Ready to take the first step in launching your tech career?
Apply to our IT Support or Paid Search Marketing program.