Frequently Asked Questions
In order to help you make a decision, we’ve answered some of our most frequently asked questions below.
- Tuition
- Admissions
- Course Delivery
- Logistics
- Other
Tuition
16-week Java Full-Stack Bootcamp: $24,950**
18-week Java Full-Stack Programming: $9,950
Deposit: $500 to $1,500
**Skill Distillery is proud to be certified by the VA to accept veteran benefits for this program
**Tuition does not include the optional OCA/OCP exam fee of ~$245 or the required MacBook Pro laptop.
Financing Options
We have many financing options to fit our students needs including 0% loans, pay after graduation, and monthly payments.
See all our financing options here.
Scholarships
We offer a needs-based scholarship for up to 50% of tuition. Once you are accepted into the program, you can apply for a scholarship. Learn more about our scholarships here.
GI Bill®
Yes, Skill Distillery has been approved to receive reimbursement under GI Bill® benefits. See our Veterans’ Information page or contact us to learn how we can help you begin the next phase of your career.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Check with your local Workforce Center to see what tuition benefits you are eligible for.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federally funded program to re-skill workers. We are registered in Colorado under Skill Distillery.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site.
What Kind of People Are You Looking For?
We are looking for a wide range of people. Our bootcamp program benefits anyone from a college graduate with programming experience to someone from a completely different industry with no experience. We teach you everything from the ground up, so you don’t need to worry about the details. We are simply looking for driven, determined and passionate people looking to make a change in their lives.
What Prior Experience Do I Need?
If you have prior experience, then that is a plus. If not, and you are willing to work hard and put in the time, you can still succeed since we teach you everything from the ground up.
What is the Application Process Like?
It’s quite simple: if you are interested, please fill out our online application, and we will contact you. We will interview and evaluate potential candidates in a variety of ways, looking at logical thinking skills.
If I Already Have A Programming Background, Would I Still Be A Fit?
Absolutely! Technology moves quickly, and the languages and methods you will learn are the latest and most sought after by employers.
Do You Accept Foreign Students?
We accept all US citizens and foreign students.
What Is The Minimum Age To Attend?
You must be at least 18 years old to attend.
How Long Is The Application Process?
The application process typically takes about one working week as long as you are able to complete all of the required steps on time.
Why Java?
When we first built the Skill Distillery bootcamp program, we surveyed potential employers to determine what skills they most desire when hiring junior developers. The results pointed to HTML/CSS/JavaScript for the front end and Java for the back end. Since our ultimate responsibility to our students is to make them marketable to employers, we chose not to take the easy path of Ruby on Rails, but rather we spend the extra time to teach our students Java full stack.
How Much Time Do I Need to Devote to The Program?
For our full-time bootcamp. Think of your Skill Distillery coursework as a full-time job with additional weekend assignments.
The part-time program meets a few evenings per week and Saturday mornings. There is additional outside of class assignments.
How Do I Prepare For The First Day of Class?
Prior to starting at Skill Distillery, you will be required to complete 40-60 hours of pre-class assignments to ensure that you are up to speed on some basics before the first day of class.
What is the Class Format?
After years of experience, we have found that the best way to learn programming is by doing it. Therefore, while classroom-style lecture is an important part of the course, the majority of the time consists of hands-on programming, lab work and projects.
What Holidays do You Observe?
Classes are not held on the following days:
- New Years Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Day After Thanksgiving
- Christmas Week
Do You Offer an in-person Option?
Yes. We offer an in-person option for our full-time offerings. Check the apply page for in-person dates.
Where is Skill Distillery Located?
In person classes are held at the Guild, 3435 S. Inca St. Suite C, Englewood, Colorado 80110
Corporate HQ: 8480 East Orchard Road, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Are There Any Breaks During the Day?
Of course! The typical training day for our full-time bootcamp consists of short lectures lots of hands-on programming, individual as well as group projects, and of course plain old break time. In addition, expect study sessions, guest speakers and other activities to get away from the grind.
Do I Need A Computer For Class?
Full-Time Program
Yes, all students are responsible for securing a MacBook Pro to use in class for the duration of the program. Your MacBook Pro should have a minimum of 8 GB RAM (16 GB is recommended) with 256 GB storage at a minimum. Generally, a MacBook Pro that is 3 years old or newer will be fine. The M2 or M3 MacBook Air or later will also work.
We require Macs because they provide a built-in Linux environment. Students learn Linux shell commands from day 1. There is a lot to learn in a short period of time and using a standardize platform avoids time wasting configuration issue. While we are not trying to promote Apple, because of the cost of their laptops, we have found that for learning full-stack programming it can't be beat.
Apple sells refurbished laptops in the $1,000 range with the same warranty as a new one. Best Buy and Walmart also sell refurbished macs and have warranties that can be purchased. The discount Apple offers schools is not significant so we did not sign up for that program.
Part-Time Program
Yes. a MacBook Pro or Windows computer can be used for the Part-Time program. A Windows computer/laptop running Windows 10 or later and built in the last 3 years will work. 16GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage is recommended.
What is the Class Schedule?
Full-time course hours are: Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 6: 00 pm (MT)
Part-time classes are held 5:30 to 9:30 pm and Saturday 8:30 to 12:30 pm
How Many People Will Be In a Class?
We have found that smaller class sizes allow for a better learning experience. By limiting enrollments, we can provide you with the individual attention, assistance, and support you need to succeed. Our average class size is 20 students.
Do You Guarantee Me A Job After The Class?
We do not guarantee a job. You will receive solid training in the most sought-after technologies to prepare you for a long-term career.
Do You Offer Job Placement Assistance?
In the program, you will learn the skills necessary to get a job. There are several job preparation workshops held during the program. Some of the topics are: resume writing, LinkedIn, interview skills, and how to perform an effective job search. The workshops teach you the skills needed to not only get your first programming job but successive jobs down the road. Our students attend from across the country, and we are here to assist with your job search whether it is local or nationwide.
Do You Offer A Degree or College Credit?
You will get a certificate of completion and we prepare you for the Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE Programmer exam*.
*Oracle’s exam fee is not included in tuition.
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