Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Where can I find more information about Eleven Fifty?

Prospective students and military veterans can learn more about Eleven Fifty by visiting our Frequently Asked Questions resource. You’ll find information about qualification requirements, curriculum, necessary equipment, and more. If you still have questions, use our website chat feature, fill out our contact form, or call us at 1-855-925-1150.

What job opportunities are available after graduation?

For Eleven Fifty grads, job opportunities are diverse: if you complete our coding bootcamp, you could become a software developer, full-stack developer, or a designer. Students who complete a cybersecurity bootcamp can pursue careers to become an information security analyst, incident response analyst, or a SOC analyst.

Does Eleven Fifty offer scholarships?

Along with GI Bill benefits, about 99% of Eleven Fifty students are on some form of financial assistance, ranging from $10,000 scholarships to financial aid loans. Visit our Financial Solutions page for more information and to see if you qualify for assistance.

Does Eleven Fifty offer finance options?

Financing options are available through Eleven Fifty to help lighten the load of tuition costs. We’ve partnered with student loan providers to make it easy for you to begin your journey into tech. If you need guidance on your options, our admissions advisors are happy to assist you.

Can complete beginners apply?

Yes, complete beginners can apply. Entry into the immersive coding and cybersecurity programs is application-based. Typing and basic computer skills are necessary, and admissions counselors will also determine your logic and problem-solving aptitude. Some technical knowledge will give you an advantage, but it’s not necessary to be accepted into the program.

How long does the admissions process take?

The Eleven Fifty admissions process begins with an online application, or you can schedule a virtual meeting with an admissions advisor. The admissions timeline varies depending on the program; here’s how to get started.

Does Eleven Fifty offer in-person classes, online, or both?

Due to COVID-19, Eleven Fifty’s full-time coding courses are all being held online. Under normal circumstances, we hold all of our full-time and part-time classes at both our Indianapolis and Fishers campuses and online.

How long does a coding bootcamp take?

Eleven Fifty’s coding and cybersecurity bootcamps are 12-week courses. Classes will be held online from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

How old do I need to be to attend Eleven Fifty Academy?

To attend Eleven Fifty Academy’s bootcamps, students must be at least 18 years of age. However, there is not an age requirement to attend our Free Intro classes.

Do you offer classes outside of Indianapolis?

Yes, currently we also offer online classes that you can take.

Can I learn coding on my own and get a job?

Plenty of computer programmers are self-taught, but many will tell you that it took quite a while to become proficient and job-ready. As with learning anything new, your proficiency will come down to the amount of time you put into it. Learning on your own may take more time for you to get a job, but with enough dedication, it is possible.

How many hours a day should I practice coding?

When you’re learning to code, consistency is key. While you don’t need to spend all day, every day writing code, at least one hour a day will help you progress. Your time commitment will depend on your other responsibilities, so determine how much time you can afford and try to aim for about 7 to 10 hours per week.

How difficult is coding to learn?

Anyone can learn to code, but those who have strong logic skills will likely find it easier to grasp. A background in computer science will give you a leg up, but it’s not necessary to get started. The full coding bootcamps—such as those offered by Eleven Fifty—run at a fast pace, but instructors are committed to helping students progress with confidence.

What coding language should I learn first?

The most common coding languages are HTML and CSS. These are often referred to as the building blocks of digital design: HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is what makes up the content—text and images—of a website, whereas CSS (Cascade Styling Sheets) is used for website design elements such as background colors and visual effects.

How do beginners learn to code?

Learning to code starts with understanding the common programming languages and how they’re used. A beginner will also learn the various types of coding, whether it’s for web development or designing software programs. Depending on the type of work you want to do, you’ll then choose which languages you’ll need to learn, whether it’s CSS3, Ruby on Rails, HTML5, or Java.

What websites teach coding for low cost or free?

Low-cost or free websites that offer programming courses include Khan Academy, Skillshare, Udemy, Codecademy, and Coursera. Free and budget-friendly online coding courses can help prospective students decide whether a career in coding is right for them.

What are the best free online coding courses for beginners?

One of the best free online coding courses for beginners is Eleven Fifty Academy’s Intro to Coding course. Students come away with a foundational knowledge of HTML and CSS and learn what types of careers are available for computer programmers.

Other notable free programs include Galvanize’s data science free prep program, which digs into the fundamentals of the programming language Python. Hack Reactor has a self-guided software engineer free prep program that teaches JavaScript basics, and Coursera has a host of free online courses that cover programming languages such as Python, C#, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. There’s even a free intro to coding course offered by Google called Grasshopper.

Can you teach yourself coding?

A number of computer programmers are self-taught. While it’s possible to learn coding skills on your own, your progress will depend entirely on how much time you can afford to spend learning fundamentals and practicing coding.

Many computer programmers turn to coding after years of working in a different industry, proving that a career in coding after 40 is possible.

Can I learn coding online for free?

There are online coding introductory tutorials from programs such as SkillShare, Udemy, and Codecademy. Many of these programs will have some free offerings, but they’re really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to learning to be a programmer.

Free courses such as Intro to Coding from Eleven Fifty will get you started on the right path, but you’ll need to log many coding hours to be ready for a job as a computer programmer.

Where can I learn to code for free?

If you’re considering a career in computer programming, Eleven Fifty Academy has free coding classes that can help you decide whether coding is right for you. While you won’t come out a pro, you will get an introduction to common programming languages HTML and CSS, and will likely come away with a better idea of which coding language interests you most.

You’ll also gain some insight into the type of career you see yourself pursuing, whether it’s becoming a web developer or finding a role in software engineering.

Does Eleven Fifty offer remote courses?

You don’t need to be in Indiana to learn to code! Eleven Fifty now offers online classes & remote-learning for students.

Does this course count as credit for another Eleven Fifty course?

This course does not count as credit for another Eleven Fifty course, but it will prepare you for joining one of Eleven Fifty’s coding bootcamps. Those who attend the free Intro To Coding Course will learn important details about coding bootcamps and career opportunities for bootcamp graduates.

What are my options after I attend this course?

After attending the Intro To Coding Course, you’ll have the option to sign up for either the part-time or full-time coding bootcamps. While the intro course isn’t required for students interested in the bootcamp, it will help answer many common questions such as curriculum, tuition information, and financing opportunities.

How often is the Intro To Coding Course held?

The Intro To Coding Course is held twice per week. Each introductory class is three hours long and is live-streamed in Eastern Time.

Do I need to be a resident of Indiana to sign up?

Eleven Fifty is offering free online courses due to COVID-19, meaning residents of any state are able to sign up for both our intro courses and part- and full-time coding bootcamps. All free intro courses and bootcamps are held in Eastern Standard Time, and can be accessed by anyone with a computer and WiFi.

Are coding bootcamps worth it?

Many new prospective students ask themselves the same question: is coding bootcamp worth it? If you’re considering a job in programming, a web development course will be an excellent foot in the door of the tech industry. Contrary to many other career paths, the tech sector puts hard skills over degrees, meaning a bootcamp will be sufficient to learn the skills necessary to find entry-level positions for new coders. For coders with some experience, a coding bootcamp is an excellent way to improve coding skills.

Will a free coding course help me get a job?

The free code camp isn’t designed to teach you everything you need to know to get a job as a web developer, but it will help you determine whether the coding bootcamp is right for you. You’ll also come away with information to determine if you have the characteristics of a coder: a desire to learn computer science, creativity, passion, and critical thinking skills. With those, you’ll have no problem writing your first line of code.The programming courses are designed to help computer programming graduates find jobs such as web design, data science, and app development after completion. The Eleven Fifty Career Services Team helps connect new graduates with computer science employers, and many new coders find work as software engineers soon after completing a bootcamp.

Cost Questions

Do I have to quit my job?

Our new part-time 24 week program is offered so many students can still work while attending school. Classes are offered in the evenings and on Saturdays.

What is the cancellation policy for my class?

If you are joining us for our longer (12/24-week, etc.) program, please refer to the cancellation policy.

Occasionally, we miss the mark and don’t have the required number of registrations needed to hold a class. If this is the case for your class, we will notify you two weeks prior to the start of class and we will issue a full refund.

What are my financial options?

Through our partnership with SkillsFund, Climb, and Meritize. Eleven Fifty Academy is pleased to offer students the opportunity to finance their course tuition. For more information, please see our financial solutions.

At times, we have partners who generously donate scholarships or award us grant funding. When applying to our program, your application will be evaluated for possible consideration for these funding sources.

What is the cost of a class at Eleven Fifty Academy?

The cost of our courses varies based on a few factors. Reasons taken into account include location, length of course, course of study, and start date.

For more information about the cost of our programs, meet with an Admission Coach. Our team can help you understand costs, as well as cover financing and scholarship options.

Experience/Qualification Questions

What certification will I have after completing Eleven Fifty Academy?

We teach open-source language stacks in our courses. There are no nationally recognized certifications that guarantee you are certified as a software developer. In this industry, the work you produce and the skills you exhibit set you up for job opportunities. Employers are looking for people who can produce work and after completing your course at Eleven Fifty you will have a portfolio full of work to show potential employers.

What is the classroom experience like?

We take great pride in creating a learning experience that is focused on you. We have standing desks, ergonomic chairs, whiteboard desktops, and employer-reviewed curriculum.Days are typically started off with review of the previous days’ material. Later, hands-on challenges are done to further reiterate those materials. Days usually end with time to work on projects and more review.

What are the qualifications and expertise of the current instructors?

Our instructors at Eleven Fifty Academy are a combination of full-time staff and contract experts from the field. All of our instructors have a mix of experience, certifications, and pedagogue training in their area(s) of expertise.

Is coding experience required to attend bootcamps?

While no coding experience is required for our immersive learning programs, we will gauge your typing and basic computer skills as well as logic and problem-solving aptitude to make sure you have what you need to be successful in the classroom and beyond your time at Eleven Fifty Academy.

How do I qualify for a class?

Entry into our immersive coding and cybersecurity programs is application-based. We consider your typing and basic computer skills as well as your logic and problem-solving aptitude as part of qualifications for the program.

Curriculum/Equipment Questions

How much homework can I expect?

With the acceleration of the program, spending time in the evening revisiting, reviewing, and writing code is expected. While this time can vary per student and skill level, the consensus from former students is, on average, 2 hours a night and 5-10 hours on the weekend.

What material should I study to best prepare for the class?

We, at Eleven Fifty Academy, are focused on maximizing your learning experience while you are with us. This means there might be times where you need to do a bit of preparation. And, other times, being well-rested is the best preparation possible. For each specific class or workshop, check the course description for any prerequisites for your class.

Joining us for a 12 or 24-week immersive program? You will receive preparation work when you enroll. This preparation work is due at Orientation, which is approximately 1 week prior to the start of a class.

In the meanwhile, here are some of our favorite online coding resources to check out:
freecodecamp.com
codecademy.com

What equipment will I need for my class?

For our immersive programs, preparing your laptop is one of the best ways to prepare for class. In order to arm you for success, below are our minimum requirement for your laptop. Given that you will need your laptop for class work and in the evenings for homework, you will need a laptop rather than a desktop. It is also recommended by our previous students that a mouse and mouse pad are valuable (though not required) as well.

‍General Eleven Fifty Academy System requirements:

- Access to high-speed internet (15 Mbps+ up and down), but you’ll need more if you’re sharing your connection with others
- Latest version of Firefox or Chrome web browser
You will want to clean off unneeded files before class to maximize your laptop performance during class and prevent interruptions due to lack of space
- Chromebooks will not work for our courses
- A 13 inch or larger screen is recommended. Multiple monitors are helpful.
- A computer microphone and camera are required so you can communicate with your instructors and classmates.

‍If you have a Windows laptop, here is what you will need to be successful:

- At least 8 gigs of RAM (more is better)
- At least 256 gigs of hard drive space (100 gigs or more free)
- Intel i5 or greater (i7 is preferred) / AMD a10-7800 or greater
- Windows version 10 or newer.

‍If you have a Mac computer, here is what you will need to be successful:
‍
- 2017 MacBook (Air or Pro) or newer
- At least 256 gigs of hard drive space (100 gigs or more free)
- More to bootcamp for the Software Development course
- Latest MacOS X (Big Sur or newer)
‍

‍If you have a question or concern about your laptop, feel free to reach out to learning@elevenfifty.org and one of our instructional staff members will help out!

How is the curriculum determined for my class?

On a quarterly basis, we review our curriculum with our employer partners and advisory board. Our curriculum is crafted to align with the exact talent needed in the local tech community.

Does Eleven Fifty Academy offer night or part-time classes?

Yes! We offer part-time programs. The program is held Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and 1 – 2 Saturday’s a month from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our part-time programs last a total of 24 weeks.

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