Bootcamp vs. Master's ROI Calculator

Compare a coding bootcamp and a master's degree side-by-side to see which path pays back faster. Enter your current salary, tuition costs, months without income, expected salary lift, and financial assumptions to surface total cost, payback speed, and 10-year net present value for each option.

Gross annual earnings before training or tuition.
Include tuition, materials, platform fees, and any loan origination charges.
All-in master's program cost including fees, books, and residency travel.
Months you expect to pause or reduce paid work for the bootcamp.
Months of foregone income while completing the master's full time.
Expected salary increase after graduating from the bootcamp.
Expected salary increase after finishing the master's program.
Use your cost of capital or loan interest rate to compute NPV.
Expected annual compensation growth from promotions and inflation.

Financial projections only—validate with admissions counselors and your financial planner.

Examples

  • $65,000 salary, $15,000 bootcamp, $48,000 master's, default lifts ⇒ bootcamp costs $33,000 with 1.5-year payback (NPV $98,200) versus master's $111,000 with 3.9-year payback (NPV $126,400)
  • $55,000 salary, bootcamp lift 25%, master's lift 55%, 24-month master's pause, 6% discount rate ⇒ bootcamp 10-year NPV $58,300 vs. master's $92,100 but with a 5.2-year payback

FAQ

Should I include living expenses?

Yes—add incremental housing, commuting, or childcare costs to whichever path requires them. Expenses that stay constant regardless of study can be omitted.

What if I study part-time?

Reduce the months without income for the master's path or set it close to zero if you keep working, but remember that part-time study extends graduation and may delay salary lifts.

Can I model loan interest?

Include expected interest charges in the tuition inputs or raise the discount rate to approximate the cost of borrowing instead of paying cash.

How should scholarships or employer funding be handled?

Subtract grants, stipends, or tuition reimbursement directly from the relevant tuition field so ROI focuses on your out-of-pocket cash and opportunity cost.

Additional Information

  • Opportunity cost captures wages forgone while studying—longer programs add significant hidden expense beyond tuition.
  • Discount rate represents your hurdle return; raise it if you have high-cost debt or better investment alternatives competing for cash.
  • Salary growth influences long-term ROI. Promotions, job changes, or relocation can compound gains beyond the initial uplift.
  • Compare total instruction hours—bootcamps compress learning, while master's programs provide research depth and academic credentials.

Related calculators