Best Cybersecurity Bootcamps in 2026

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 29% job growth for information security analysts through 2034, with a median salary of $124,910 per year. With an estimated 750,000 cybersecurity positions unfilled in the US alone (Cybersecurity Ventures), employers are actively hiring bootcamp graduates who can demonstrate hands-on security skills and hold relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+.

Cybersecurity bootcamps condense 6-12 months of training into intensive 10-26 week programs, covering network defense, penetration testing, incident response, and security operations. Unlike traditional computer science degrees or cybersecurity degree programs, bootcamps prioritize job-ready skills and certification preparation over theoretical foundations. The average bootcamp costs $10,636—a fraction of the $40,000-$120,000 for a four-year degree.

Our analysis compares 15 cybersecurity bootcamps based on verified job placement rates, curriculum depth, certification integration, instructor credentials, and cost transparency. Programs range from free grant-funded options (Per Scholas) to premium intensives (SANS, Fullstack Academy), with most offering flexible online and part-time formats for career changers.

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you enroll through our links, Hakia may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This does not influence our rankings, which are based on independent research and the methodology described below.

Cybersecurity bootcamps in 2026 cost an average of $10,636, with prices ranging from $2,124 (Nucamp) to $17,980 (Fullstack Academy). One program—Per Scholas—is entirely free through grant funding. The median cost across all 15 programs reviewed is approximately $10,495, making cybersecurity bootcamps significantly more affordable than a four-year cybersecurity degree ($40,000–$120,000 at public universities).

Most bootcamps offer payment plans, and several accept GI Bill benefits for veterans. Income Share Agreements (ISAs) are less common in 2026 than in previous years, but programs like Springboard and Flatiron School offer money-back job guarantees as alternatives. Factor in additional costs: certification exam fees ($404 for Security+, $749 for CISSP), laptop requirements, and potential income loss during full-time programs.

• Budget tier ($2,000–$5,000): Nucamp ($2,124), Caltech/Simplilearn ($3,900)
• Mid-range ($8,000–$12,000): Ironhack ($8,700), Springboard ($9,900), Clarusway ($9,690), Coding Temple ($10,495), CyberNow Labs (~$10,000), Level Effect ($5,000–$11,000), TripleTen ($11,350)
• Premium ($13,000–$18,000): Evolve Security ($13,950), BrainStation ($15,000), Flatiron School ($16,900), Fullstack Academy ($17,980), SANS ($3,000–$18,600)
• Free: Per Scholas (grant-funded, competitive admission)

Certifications are the currency of the cybersecurity profession. Many employers require at least one certification for entry-level roles, and certified analysts earn 12-18% more than non-certified peers (CompTIA). Most cybersecurity bootcamps include preparation for at least CompTIA Security+, the industry's baseline credential.

1. CompTIA Security+ ($404 exam fee) — The baseline certification for most entry-level cybersecurity roles. Required for many DoD positions under Directive 8570. Many bootcamps include exam vouchers.
2. CISSP ($749 exam fee) — The gold standard for experienced security professionals. Requires 5 years of experience (or 4 with a degree). Targets management and architecture roles averaging $130,000+.
3. CEH - Certified Ethical Hacker ($1,199 exam fee) — EC-Council certification focused on penetration testing methodology. Popular with offensive security roles and government contractors.
4. GIAC Certifications ($949–$1,299 per exam) — SANS-issued certifications including GSEC, GCIH, and GCFA. Highly respected by Fortune 500 and federal employers. Included in SANS bootcamp programs.
5. OSCP - Offensive Security Certified Professional ($1,649 with lab access) — The most respected hands-on penetration testing certification. 24-hour practical exam. Targets senior pentester roles at $120,000+.

Recommended progression for bootcamp graduates: start with Security+ within 3 months of graduation, add CEH or GCIH within year one, then pursue CISSP or OSCP with 2-3 years of experience. Budget $1,500–$3,000 for certification costs in your first two years.

Not all cybersecurity bootcamps deliver equal outcomes. These six criteria separate high-quality programs from marketing-heavy operations. Use this checklist before committing tuition dollars:

1. Verify job placement rates from audited sources (CIRR reports or verified third-party data). Self-reported rates above 90% without auditing should be scrutinized carefully.
2. Confirm certification integration—the best programs include Security+, Network+, or GIAC exam preparation AND exam vouchers in tuition. Budget $400–$1,200 per exam if vouchers aren't included.
3. Evaluate instructor credentials. Active industry practitioners with current certifications (CISSP, GIAC, OSCP) teach more relevant skills than career academics.
4. Assess hands-on lab quality. Look for programs with dedicated SIEM environments (Splunk, QRadar), network simulation tools, and CTF challenges—not just lecture slides.
5. Review career services: dedicated 1-on-1 coaching, employer hiring partnerships, interview preparation, and alumni network access are critical for job placement success.
6. Compare total cost including certification exams, equipment requirements, and opportunity cost. A $9,900 program with Security+ voucher may deliver better ROI than a $17,000 program without one.

Career changers from IT or networking backgrounds will have an advantage in cybersecurity bootcamps, but many programs successfully train complete beginners. If you're new to IT, consider starting with CompTIA A+ or Network+ before enrolling in a cybersecurity-specific bootcamp.