Ruby on Rails (also called Rails) is a full-stack web application framework that simplifies the app creation process. Developers have used open-source software, created with the Ruby programming language with contributions from 6,000 coders, to create hundreds of thousands of applications.
The framework includes tools that help with front-end and back-end development, including updating databases, security protections, and rendering HTML templates. Ruby on Rails offers flexibility, simplicity, and security.
A Ruby on Rails bootcamp can provide intensive training that develops the skills and knowledge necessary to apply for web developer jobs specializing in the language. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a faster-than-average 13% job growth rate for web developers from 2020-2030, indicating an encouraging outlook for this field.
This roundup of bootcamps offers a great place to start your Rails bootcamp search.
What Is a Ruby on Rails Bootcamp?
A specialized Ruby on Rails bootcamp can be hard to find. Instead, students typically enroll in more general web development and coding bootcamps that include Ruby on Rails as part of their broader curricula. These programs cover computer science fundamentals, back-end and front-end development, JavaScript, and Ruby on Rails for students to build web apps.
Bootcamps offering Ruby on Rails occur online and in person through part-time and full-time enrollment. Program length for Rails bootcamps varies, but a 2019 report on technology-related bootcamps found that full-time bootcamps lasted about 13 weeks. Independent schools offer many bootcamps, while others are delivered by schools.
Bootcamps differ from associate and bachelor's degrees in key ways. They take significantly less time to complete, have much less strict admission requirements, and may cost less. Another difference is that bootcamps focus much more on practical, career-relevant skills development than typical college degree programs.
- Discover other bootcamp programs
- Compare types of coding bootcamps
- Read our guide to bootcamp programs
- Learn how to get into a coding bootcamp
Bootcamps with a Ruby on Rails component can cover many topics and skills. Students can develop technical skills using Ruby on Rails, Ruby, JavaScript, and HTML. They also receive opportunities to hone their problem-solving, analytical, and collaboration capabilities. Below, we describe four common skills that most Ruby on Rails bootcamps cover.
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1
Problem Solving
Rails bootcamps include a lot of hands-on projects based on real-world scenarios. This allows enrollees to use their tech skills, run into obstacles, and figure out different strategies for solving problems that they may confront as professionals.
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2
Ruby on Rails
Enrollees can develop a theoretical understanding of the framework and receive practical experience creating apps from scratch.
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3
JavaScript
Many Rails bootcamps include a section on the JavaScript programming language. JavaScript can be used for front-end and back-end development. Students learn to use basic JavaScript and its related technologies to build advanced, interactive websites and mobile apps.
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Collaboration
Most bootcamps for Ruby on Rails require participants to work with each other on projects. Teamwork is an important skill because the tech industry places high value on collaboration â most tech products are not created by individuals working independently.
What Will a Ruby on Rails Bootcamp Cost?
The cost of a Rails bootcamp varies depending on factors like program length, provider, and focus. The least expensive ones are under $2,000, but some cost as much as $20,000 or more. Consider the overall costs of the bootcamp, required software or materials, and fees.
Payment options for Ruby on Rails bootcamps include upfront payment, loans, and income share agreements (ISAs).
Some ISAs require no money upfront. Instead, students can wait to start paying their tuition until they find web developer jobs. At that point, graduates pay a set percentage of their income each month for a specific period or until they reach a payment amount.
Students who choose an ISA may not need to repay any tuition if they do not find a job after graduating, minimizing the risk of completing a bootcamp. Make sure to read ISA agreements carefully to understand all of the terms.
- Get more details about bootcamp costs
- Learn how to pay for a coding bootcamp
- Explore financial aid and scholarship options
- Use the GI Bill to pay for a coding bootcamp
What Jobs Can I Get After a Ruby on Rails Bootcamp?
A Ruby on Rails bootcamp can prepare participants to apply for entry-level tech jobs as web developers, software engineers, and programmers. You can use the Ruby on Rails framework for back-end development and front-end development, potentially leading to more opportunities.
Explore the link below to compare different careers in computer science.
Web Developer
Web developers create and maintain websites. They may specialize in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development. Important technical skills include HTML5, JavaScript, Angular.js, and Ruby on Rails. Key soft skills include attention to detail, problem-solving, organization, and teamwork. Expansion of e-commerce and increasing use of mobile devices will likely contribute to the positive job outlook for web developers.
Median Annual Salary: $77,200
Job Outlook (2020-30): +13%
Computer Programmer
These programmers write and test the code for software and applications. Specializing in Ruby on Rails can help programmers differentiate themselves and stand out from the competition. Computer programmers need excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. Companies outsourcing programming jobs to other countries may lead to declining domestic employment in this field.
Median Annual Salary: $93,000
Job Outlook (2020-30): -10%
Software Engineer
Software engineers design and develop the computer applications and systems that let programs function properly. They make changes to existing software, create and test new software, and analyze its performance. The job outlook for software engineers is very promising, thanks to the increased use of smartphones and other devices.
Median Annual Salary: $110,140
Job Outlook (2020-30): 22%
Video Game Designer
Video game designers develop games that people play on computers, mobile devices, and gaming consoles. They may come up with game ideas, storylines, characters, and art. These designers write code and test for bugs, which requires skills in programming, software development, teamwork, and creativity.
Median Annual Salary: $67,160
Other Computer Science Education Options
Instead of a Ruby on Rails bootcamp, some people may prefer to pursue other education in the field. An associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in computer science may make more sense for some students. Completing these programs can offer a broader education, build upon the skills developed in a bootcamp, and increase job opportunities.
Associate Degree in Computer Science
Earning a computer science associate degree is an ideal option for someone who wants a more in-depth understanding of the field but may not be ready to pursue a bachelor's degree. Learn more about associate degrees.
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
Graduates with bachelor's degrees in computer science can apply for many different types of entry-level positions in the field. Employers may require or prefer applicants to hold a bachelor's-level education. Learn more about bachelor's degrees.
Master's Degree in Computer Science
Professionals interested in applying for management or high-level computer science jobs can benefit from earning master's degrees instead of completing bootcamps. Learn more about master's degrees.
Ph.D. in Computer Science
A Ph.D. in computer science prepares students for advanced, college-level teaching and research careers. This level of study allows enrollees to complete in-depth research and develop expertise in a narrow area of the field. Learn more about doctoral degrees.
Explore Other Coding Bootcamps
Depending on your career goals, another type of coding bootcamp specializing in a different programming language or framework may make sense.
2022's Bootcamps for Ruby on Rails
Explore our list of available bootcamps for Ruby on Rails accepting students in 2022. The schools on this list intend to help individuals launch careers in tech in the United States. These are not casual, informational courses.
The 10 Rails bootcamps below are some of the most popular based on name recognition. Each program's website mentions that their bootcamps cover Ruby on Rails.
Actualize
Actualize offers coding bootcamps taught by experienced software developers and educators. The school prioritizes effective coding education and published a book on how to teach programming.
Coding Bootcamp
Actualize's coding bootcamp participants choose from live online or in-person options in Chicago. The program takes 12 weeks plus five weeks of at-home prework. The part-time commitment requires about 20 hours of work per week, with coding exercises due every Saturday.
The curriculum covers Ruby on Rails, database design, front-end development with JavaScript, and creating APIs. Actualize also provides post-bootcamp structured job support to graduates.
Cost: $15,900
Format: Online or on-campus; part-time
Length: 12 weeks (plus 5 weeks of at-home prework)
CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by Actualize
Booting Up
Actualize's Job Placement Assistance
Actualize offers expert career guidance and accountability after graduation. Students can participate in the school's Job Hacking system, which includes coding interview challenges, personal branding work, and professional networking.
Altacademy
Altcademy offers three fully online, beginner-friendly web development bootcamps designed by industry experts. Students learn through practical work, including coding exercises, real-world assignments, and portfolio projects.
Full-Stack Development
Altcademy's completely online full-stack web development bootcamp takes 20-25 weeks to complete. This program features no prerequisites to suit beginners. Coursework focuses on Ruby, Rails, JavaScript, and computer science fundamentals. Each enrollee builds live projects, completes 500 hours of material, and develops career-relevant skills.
Altcademy offers live one-on-one mentorship and office hours, career guidance, and a self-paced schedule with part-time and full-time options. Altcademy boasts an 85% hire rate within six months of graduation.
Cost: $1,390 (immersive path) or $1,670 (personalized career path)
Format: Online; full-time or part-time
Length: 20-25 weeks
CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by Altacademy
Front-End Development | Back-End Development
Altcademy's Job Placement Assistance
Altcademy's career guidance includes help with researching the job market, preparing for technical interviews, and using your social media network professionally. Altcademy also helps students improve their resumes.
App Academy
App Academy offers immersive in-person and online software engineering bootcamps. The school emphasizes collaboration and an inclusive environment.
Campus Software Engineering Program
App Academy's software engineering bootcamp prepares students to become full-stack developers in 16 weeks. The curriculum covers full-stack app development with Rails, database creation using SQL, and the fundamentals of JavaScript.
Students can attend the full-time, in-person program in San Francisco or New York City. The first two weeks of the bootcamp take place online. A typical day includes a lecture, projects and paired programming, and group review. The program is beginner-friendly and offers a sense of community.
Cost: $17,000 paid upfront or financed with monthly payments with Climb; $3,000 refundable deposit, then tuition of $25,000 once you get a job
Format: Hybrid; full-time
Length: 16 weeks
CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by Academy
24-Week Online Software Engineering Program | Part-time Online Software Engineering Program
App Academy's Job Placement Assistance
App Academy will not charge tuition to students who try but can not find a job within 15 months of graduation. The school continues to help graduates find employment after this period.
DevPoint Labs
DevPoint Labs provides technology skills development through immersive web development courses. The school offers two scholarships to help pay for a bootcamp, including one for women in tech.
Full-Time Development
The full-time web development bootcamp from DevPoint Labs prepares students to become web developers. Participants can complete the 11-week program on campus or completely online.
Participants learn to think like software engineers, use Ruby on Rails and JavaScript, and build full web apps. The program includes lectures, labs, and a day-long hackathon. Career support includes mock interviews, guest speakers, workshops, and a launch day portfolio presentation for students to demonstrate their accomplishments.
Cost: $8,800
Format: Online or on-campus; full-time
Length: 11 weeks
CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by DevPoint Labs
Part-Time Web Development
DevPoint Labs's Job Placement Assistance
Career support includes mock interviews, networking events, and workshops.
Epicodus
Founded in 2012, Epicodus helps people get the tech skills they need to pursue high-paying jobs in growing industries. The school boasts more than 2,000 alumni and students.
Full-Stack Bootcamps
Students at Epicodus can complete a community and collaboration-focused full-stack bootcamp. The curriculum focuses on programming fundamentals, teamwork, and problem-solving. Students team up to work on projects in pairs in real time, with teachers joining each pair throughout the class to provide feedback and answer questions.
The program offers part-time and full-time enrollment through in-person and online delivery. Each enrollee must complete a 150-hour internship. Financing options include loans, scholarships, and income share agreements.
Cost: $11,700 (standard) or $8,700 (upfront)
Format: Online or on-campus; full-time or part-time
Length: 27 weeks (full-time) or 40 weeks (part-time)
CIRR Member: Yes
Other Courses Offered by Epicodus
Introduction to Programming | C#/React | Ruby/React | Data Engineering
Epicodus's Job Placement Assistance
Students who choose Epicodus' income share agreement tuition plan owe nothing until they find employment. Career services include a mentor program, mock interviews, resume and cover letter reviews, and a job search bootcamp.
Flatiron School
Created in 2012, Flatiron School offers market-driven, accelerated education programs that help people pursue new careers in tech.
Software Engineering Coding Bootcamp
Flatiron School's software engineering coding bootcamp teaches students to develop software for apps and websites. The program offers online delivery and in-person learning in Denver and New York. Flatiron's global employer network makes it easier for students to find jobs. Graduates have landed work for companies like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and the New York Times.
The bootcamp covers front-end and back-end development. Enrollees receive practical experience using JavaScript, HTML, Ruby, and Rails.
Cost: $16,900
Format: Online or on-campus; full-time or part-time (online only)
Length: 15 weeks (full time) or 40 weeks (part time)
CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by Flatiron School
Data Science | Cybersecurity | Product Design
Flatiron School's Job Placement Assistance
Students receive 180 days of individual career coaching, which includes interview prep, building a personal brand, and resume reviews.
Holberton School
Founded in Silicon Valley to help create more software engineers, Holberton School offers computer science education programs in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Full-Stack Web Development
Holberton School's intensive full-stack web development bootcamp in Tulsa accepts students with no prior coding experience. The program introduces the foundations of computer science and explores React/Redux, JavaScript, data structures, and algorithms. Students develop experience with front-end and back-end development, along with technical writing, whiteboarding, and collaboration skills.
Each applicant needs a high school diploma or its equivalent and must demonstrate potential for success. At the end of the 12-month, full-time program, graduates receive diplomas.
Cost: On-campus; full-time
Length: 12 months
CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by Holberton School
Computer science and full-stack web development | Machine learning | Augmented reality and virtual reality | Linux programming, advanced algorithms, and blockchain
Holberton School's Job Placement Assistance
While Holberton School does not feature formal job placement agreements for graduates, its Career Development office offers professional assistance through resume writing and interview skills development.
LEARN Academy
Based in San Diego, LEARN Academy supports equal access to tech knowledge and career development. The school provides intensive training to help students pursue tech careers.
Online Coding Bootcamp
LEARN Academy's online coding bootcamp includes three months of synchronous online full-stack training and a guaranteed one-month coding internship at a start-up or tech company in San Diego or beyond. Students learn front-end development and back-end development and get experience with JavaScript, Ruby, Ruby on Rails, and React.
The full-time program includes 640 hours of coding curriculum and teaches students to build web applications. Internships provide real-world experience and lead to job offers for 33% of LEARN Academy bootcamp graduates.
Cost: $14,500
Format: Online; full-time
Length: 4 month
CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by LEARN Academy
Jumpstart 3-Day Bootcamp
LEARN Academy's Job Placement Assistance
LEARN Academy's career services assistance offerings include a personalized job search plan, industry-specific interview training, and access to an extensive employer and alumni network. Alumni receive career support for life. Within six months of graduating, 93% of LEARN Academy's graduates find jobs.
Microverse
Microverse helps students learn the skills they need to apply for software developer jobs. The school welcomes participants worldwide in its full-time, online coding courses.
Microverse Coding Bootcamp
Each enrollee pays $0 for Microverse's bootcamp until they get a software developer job paying more than $1,000 a month. Coursework develops technical skills in Ruby, Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, and React & Redux. Participants also learn best practices in time management, cross-cultural communication, and remote work.
The program emphasizes collaborative learning with group projects, pair programming, and project reviews. Students can use their experience working on remote teams to find global jobs after graduation. The online, cohort-based program starts new sessions every five weeks.
Cost: $15,000 (income share agreement)
Format: Online; full-time
Length: 10 months
CIRR Member: No
Microverse's Job Placement Assistance
The school reports that 85% of graduates find employment within three months of graduation. Career coaches help students build personal portfolios, prepare for interviews, and apply to jobs.
Suncoast Developers Guild
Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Suncoast Developers Guild offers web development courses that prepare individuals to pursue entry-level jobs in front-end and back-end development.
Web Development Program
The immersive web development program from Suncoast Developers Guild covers front-end and back-end technologies, including Ruby on Rails, .Net, HTML, and JavaScript. Students learn to create fully functioning websites and web applications. The final unit in the course includes a capstone project.
The full-time, 12-week bootcamp takes place in person on the St. Petersburg campus. Each applicant must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. New cohorts begin every 3-4 months.
Cost: $14,900
Format: On-campus; full-time
Length: 12 weeks
CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by Suncoast Developers Guild
Part-Time Night Shift Web Development Program | Web Development Test Drive
Suncoast Developers Guild's Job Placement Assistance
Career support services include access to the school's job board and graduate events attended by potential employers. The curriculum includes resume writing workshops, portfolio building, and interview techniques.
Tech Talent South
- Code Immersion
- Asheville, Atlanta, Charlotte,Columbus, Dallas, Hartford, New Orleans, Phoenix, Raleigh, San Antonio, Wilmington (North Carolina), Winston-Salem
- Full-time or part-time
Turing School
- Back End Engineering
- Online
- Full-time
- $20,000
Common Questions about Ruby on Rails
What is Ruby on Rails used for?
Ruby on Rails is a type of open-source software. It is a framework that uses the Ruby programming language to create websites and applications. Its library helps developers create complex products quickly and easily.
Do you need to know the Ruby programming language for Ruby on Rails?
Yes. You need to know the Ruby programming language to use Ruby on Rails. Ruby on Rails is written in the Ruby programming language, so you won't understand the code otherwise.
Is Ruby on Rails still relevant in 2022?
Yes — Ruby on Rails is still relevant in 2022. New development technologies have emerged in recent years, but Rails still offers benefits like a rapid development process, simplicity, and a huge library of developer-created tools.
Is Ruby on Rails hard to learn?
Ruby on Rails can be challenging to learn, especially for people new to the field. There are many independent concepts and tools you must know or learn about to gain a strong understanding of Rails. A Ruby on Rails bootcamp can provide intensive training to beginners in a short time frame.
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