Looking to transition from military service to a tech career? Coding bootcamps are a fast and effective way for veterans to gain the skills needed for high-demand tech jobs. Here’s a quick rundown of the top 5 bootcamps for veterans in 2025:
Code Platoon: Veteran-focused programs with GI Bill support, scholarships, and paid internships.
Fullstack Academy: Wide range of programs in coding, cybersecurity, and AI; offers military scholarships.
Galvanize: VET TEC-approved with strong career services and preparatory courses for beginners.
Tech Elevator: 14-week program with job placement assistance and 750+ hiring partners.
Skill Distillery: VET TEC-approved with a success-based payment model and hands-on training.
Pro Tip: Programs like Code Platoon and Tech Elevator offer veteran-specific resources, while others like Galvanize and Skill Distillery focus on flexible learning and job placement. Choose based on your goals, schedule, and financial support options.
VET TEC is back in 2025! What’s new for veterans and coding bootcamps
Code Platoon is a coding bootcamp tailored for veterans and military spouses. It offers two flexible formats: a 14-week full-time program and a 28-week part-time option. Students gain skills in both front-end and back-end technologies while also focusing on soft skills crucial for tech careers [5].
Here’s a quick breakdown of what the program offers:
Feature
Details
Eligibility
Veterans, National Guard members, Reservists, and military spouses
Learning Options
Full-time (14 weeks), Part-time (28 weeks)
Financial Support
GI Bill accepted, Scholarships available
What makes Code Platoon stand out is its focus on helping veterans succeed. The program includes one-on-one career mentorship and strong hiring partnerships. If you’re based in Chicago, you can even access paid internships after graduation. For online learners, the platform is designed to fit the unique needs of veterans, whether it’s mobility challenges or other responsibilities.
If you’re a veteran looking for a program designed with you in mind, Code Platoon is a solid choice. Up next, we’ll look at Fullstack Academy, another excellent option for breaking into tech.
Fullstack Academy offers a range of tech bootcamps, though its veteran-specific support is somewhat limited. With over ten years of experience, it provides programs in coding, cybersecurity, data analytics, and AI – ideal for veterans aiming to expand their technical expertise [2].
What Veterans Can Expect
Feature
Details
Program Types
Full-time and part-time options in coding, cybersecurity, data analytics, AI & machine learning
Military Benefits
$1,000 military scholarship; GI Bill accepted for in-person programs only
Learning Format
Available online and in-person
Duration
Depends on the program and schedule
Fullstack Academy accepts the GI Bill for in-person programs and offers a $1,000 military scholarship. However, its online programs don’t qualify for VET TEC funding [2]. The application process is simple, including an online form, a non-technical assessment, and a final decision.
Career support services include resume reviews and interview preparation, emphasizing practical skills for all students. However, the academy doesn’t provide career assistance programs tailored specifically for veterans [1][3].
Veterans should consider Fullstack Academy’s strong technical curriculum and variety of programs, but those needing more targeted veteran support might explore other options, such as Galvanize.
Galvanize is a coding bootcamp offering programs in software engineering and data science, with a curriculum tailored to meet the needs of today’s tech industry. It also provides strong support systems specifically designed for veterans.
What Veterans Can Expect
Feature
Details
Program Types
Full-stack development, Data science
Military Benefits
Accepts GI Bill, eligible for VET TEC funding
Learning Format
Offers both in-person and online learning options
Career Support
Veteran-focused career services, mentorship opportunities
Additional Resources
Bootcamp prep classes, foundational courses for beginners
Galvanize ensures veterans have the resources they need to transition into tech careers. For those new to coding, they offer preparatory courses that make their programs accessible to all skill levels. Their online platform is built to support learners at different stages of expertise.
Financial Support and Accessibility
Veterans can benefit from Galvanize’s participation in the GI Bill and VET TEC program, which cover tuition costs for eligible participants. This commitment makes their programs more accessible to those who have served.
Career Services
Galvanize offers a robust career support system, including:
Personalized coaching to help veterans navigate their career paths.
Assistance with resumes, technical interview prep, and direct access to hiring partners.
A strong alumni network that provides mentorship opportunities.
Their team also helps veterans translate military experience into skills and qualifications valued in the tech industry. Galvanize closely monitors job placement rates and salary outcomes, ensuring their graduates are set up for success.
Tech Elevator is a top choice for veterans in 2025, offering a 14-week full-stack development program designed to ease the transition from military service to a tech career. The curriculum emphasizes Java web application development and includes career training to prepare students for the job market.
Program Features
Feature
Details
Program Length
14 weeks, full-time
Learning Format
National Live Remote Campus available
Military Benefits
VET TEC program eligible, housing stipends included
Technical Focus
Java web application development
Career Support
Access to 750+ hiring partners nationwide
Additional Support
Pathway Program for career development
Career Support and Accessibility
Tech Elevator’s program is VET TEC-eligible, meaning qualified veterans can attend tuition-free and receive housing stipends. The National Live Remote Campus ensures the same rigorous curriculum and support as in-person programs, but with the flexibility to participate from anywhere.
Veterans also benefit from the Pathway Program, which runs alongside technical training. This program focuses on translating military experience into tech-relevant skills, offering personalized career coaching, job placement assistance, and networking opportunities. With over 750 hiring partners nationwide, graduates have strong employment prospects.
Tech Elevator’s structured, career-oriented approach makes it a great option for veterans aiming to break into tech. Up next, we’ll take a closer look at Skill Distillery, another great program for veterans transitioning into the tech industry.
Skill Distillery stands out as a top coding bootcamp for veterans in 2025, offering full-stack development training that prioritizes practical skills and career readiness.
Program Overview and Highlights
As a VET TEC-approved program, Skill Distillery provides full-stack development training with a unique payment structure: 50% of tuition is due at enrollment, and the remaining 50% is paid only after employment. Veterans can also benefit from housing stipends through VET TEC, making the program more accessible financially.
Career-Focused Learning
The curriculum is designed with a strong emphasis on hands-on experience and preparing students for the workforce. With a proven track record of helping veterans transition into tech roles, Skill Distillery aligns with VET TEC’s mission to secure employment for participants within six months of graduation.
Feature
Details
Program Focus
Full-stack development
Learning Format
Accelerated training program
Career Support
Employment-driven curriculum
Additional Benefits
Housing stipend via VET TEC
Employment Outcomes
Skill Distillery’s approach is all about setting veterans up for success. The program combines rigorous technical training with comprehensive career services to ensure students are ready to enter the tech industry right away. Their success-based payment model reflects their confidence in placing graduates into meaningful roles.
For veterans considering Skill Distillery in 2025, early application is crucial due to the program’s competitive nature. With its focus on practical skills, job placement, and a veteran-friendly payment plan, Skill Distillery is an appealing choice for those looking to break into tech.
While Skill Distillery offers a strong option for veterans, selecting the right bootcamp ultimately comes down to your personal goals and circumstances.
How to Choose Your Coding Bootcamp
Picking the right coding bootcamp as a veteran is a big decision, especially with the reauthorized VET TEC program in 2025 offering new chances to dive into tech training. A thoughtful approach can make all the difference in your transition into the tech world.
Financial Support and Program Structure
Start by focusing on bootcamps that accept the GI Bill, are VET TEC-approved, or offer scholarships tailored for veterans. For example, Fullstack Academy provides a $1,000 Military Scholarship to help offset costs. Choosing the right program structure is just as important – whether it’s full-time, part-time, or hybrid. Options like Tech Elevator and Code Platoon are designed with flexibility in mind, making them great choices for veterans managing unique schedules or responsibilities.
Career Services and Industry Connections
Strong career services are a must. Look for bootcamps that offer veteran-specific coaching, help with translating military experience into civilian resumes, and access to hiring networks. Programs like Tech Elevator and Galvanize are known for their focus on career readiness. The success of VET TEC’s pilot program, which trained more than 14,000 veterans between April 2019 and November 2023 [6], highlights how effective career-oriented training can be.
Program Quality and Application Process
Take time to dig into a bootcamp’s track record. Look for details like graduate employment rates, alumni reviews, and partnerships with tech companies. Programs like Code Platoon and Tech Elevator have established a strong reputation for supporting veterans. To make the application process smoother, gather important documents early, such as your DD-214 and proof of GI Bill eligibility.
Military experience often equips veterans with excellent time management skills, but the key to success in a bootcamp is finding one that matches your learning style and schedule. Seek out programs that show a strong commitment to veterans through their support services, curriculum design, and job placement efforts.
FAQs
What is the best coding bootcamp for Veterans?
For veterans looking to break into tech in 2025, Code Platoon is a top choice. It’s designed specifically for veterans, offering a focused curriculum and plenty of support. Other programs like Tech Elevator and Fullstack Academy also provide strong options, each with its own strengths.
Code Platoon: Known for its veteran-centric approach and strong support network.
Tech Elevator: Offers a robust hiring network and career development resources.
Fullstack Academy: Features a wide range of programs, including cybersecurity and data analytics [4].
When choosing a bootcamp, keep these factors in mind:
Approval for VET TEC funding
Veteran-focused career services
Flexible learning options
Proven success in placing graduates
Strong connections with tech companies
With the 2025 reauthorization of VET TEC providing 4,000 annual training spots [7], veterans have even more opportunities to access quality tech education. Programs like Code Platoon, Tech Elevator, and Fullstack Academy meet these criteria, helping veterans make a smooth transition into tech careers.
The key is finding a bootcamp that fits your learning style and career goals while offering solid support for your transition into the tech world. Each of these programs offers great resources to help you succeed.
Let me tell you about one of my favorite organizations for veterans.
It’s a mentorship and coaching course designed for veterans and former elite athletes run by Shift Group.
imageWhat do they do?
Shift Group takes you through a self-guided course. If you really focus, you can knock it out in three days.
In that course, they help you answer a few questions:
What are your personal values?
What do you like to do?
What are you good at?
What type of work do you want to do?
What type of company do you want to work for?
After you complete the training module, you get paired with a coach who can work with you to help you find the best company to work for and help you get hired.
What are their results?
Simply speaking, the numbers speak for themselves.
1000+ Athletes and Veterans placed
300+ Hiring Partners
<5% attrition(industry average is 35%)
9 months average time to promotion (2x faster than average)
They have quite simply figured it out. Shift knows how to place people in new roles where they thrive and the company is happy.
That’s also why their program is free for veterans. They do the work with you up front and everyone has a better result on the back side.
Want to learn more? Check out Shift Group here.