Bootcamp Glossary
The financing and outcomes terms in this market are frequently misrepresented. These definitions reflect post-2024 regulatory standards (CFPB enforcement, TILA) and the CIRR auditing standard.
Outcomes Reporting
CIRR is a voluntary consortium of coding bootcamps that standardises the definition of job placement and submits outcomes data for independent audit. Only CIRR-member bootcamps have audited, comparable placement statistics. Non-CIRR bootcamps can define 'placement' however they choose.
Job placement rate is the percentage of bootcamp graduates who find employment — but the definition of 'employment' varies dramatically between bootcamps. CIRR-audited placement rates use a standardised definition; self-reported rates can include any employment, not necessarily developer roles.
Financing
Deferred tuition is a financing arrangement in which a bootcamp student pays nothing upfront and instead makes payments after graduation, typically tied to employment and income. Post-2024 CFPB enforcement, deferred tuition agreements must comply with TILA disclosure requirements.
An Income Share Agreement (ISA) is a financing instrument in which a student pays no tuition upfront and instead agrees to pay a percentage of future income after graduation, subject to conditions. Since the CFPB's April 2024 consent order against BloomTech, ISAs are regulated as consumer credit products under TILA.