GENERAL FAQS
Are you a veteran or military spouse who is looking for the best way to fund your software development education with Code Platoon? We’re here to help! We’ve included our most frequently asked questions below to equip you with the knowledge you need to succeed. Our Admissions team is also on hand to walk you through the process once you’re ready to apply.
Is Code Platoon listed as a VET TEC training provider?
Yes, our Live Remote and In Person programs are both listed as VET TEC training providers.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Veterans and military spouses interested in a career as a software developer (we will ask for your DD-214, or Statement of Service if you don’t have one).
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Tuition is $15,500. All veterans and military spouses are eligible to apply for generous scholarships, which historically have covered up to 80% of tuition, and sometimes more. Code Platoon is approved for the GI Bill® which can be used to cover remaining tuition, living and other expenses.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
Classes are held at 125 South Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603.
Do you provide a Remote Option?
Yes! We have two Remote options: a Live Remote and a Self-Paced Program.
Are you accredited?
Code Platoon is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, under whose oversight we annually submit a report of student outcomes to our Board of Directors, which is available here. Consumers may register complaints against this school with the Illinois Board of Higher Education online here, or by mail by writing to: Illinois Board of Higher Education, 1 North Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333, Springfield, IL 62701.
Note: Code Platoon is not accredited by a US Department of Education recognized accrediting body.
What are your consumer disclosures, and where can a student file a complaint?
Consumer disclosures can be found here. Students can file complaints with the Illinois Board of Higher Education, 1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333, Springfield, IL 62701, or at www.ibhe.org.
Do you report your results to third-parties?
Code Platoon is a member of the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting and is a platinum-level participant with Guidestar.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes; Code Platoon is a U.S. tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 47-2499578).
Do I need prior programming experience?
While it certainly helps, prior programming experience is not required. You can choose to answer the coding challenges on the student application in pseudocode, though taking one of our recommended, free online classes prior to solving will help you better simulate future experiences and gauge your interest in coding.
Does coming from a certain MOS or branch predict success?
Not at all! Our students come from all different MOSs and branches:
Who gets admitted?
We are looking for veterans and military spouses who are deeply interested in software, have a high capacity to learn, and are smart and intellectually curious. Oh, and tenacious. Learning to program (and working as a programmer) requires constant learning and overcoming roadblocks.
Contrary to popular belief, a high aptitude in math is not required. It helps, but many great programmers don’t come from a math or science background.
When are the upcoming session start and end dates?
Session start and end dates are listed on the ‘Apply’ page, in the section beneath the application form: https://www.codeplatoon.org/apply-now#dates
When is the application deadline for the upcoming session?
The application deadline for the upcoming session is listed on the ‘Apply’ page, in the section beneath the application form: https://www.codeplatoon.org/apply-now#dates
WILL HOUSING BE PROVIDED?
Students are responsible for their own housing arrangements.
Students using their GI Bill will be able to receive their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) or Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) for Chicago, which should cover housing.
A good resource for finding temporary housing can be found here.
Do you accept the GI Bill?
Code Platoon’s In-Person Program is approved to be reimbursed through GI Bill benefits by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Are spouses/families allowed?
Military spouses are accepted into our programs and are eligible for different scholarships.
If you are staying with family during the program, warn them that you will be completely occupied, physically and emotionally, by this intense program for four months.
Do you help with job placement?
Of course! This will be a key focus of this program. Specifically, we will help with interview preparation, job counseling and employer matching. Many students will be able to participate in our paid internship program that follows the instructional phase.
What are some helpful resources for veterans in the program?
Ride the El Train free or Ride Metra reduced fare if you are a veteran. Get this pass.
Additional scholarships are available for veterans and military spouses attending coding bootcamps. Learn more.
Our students need to use Macs. If you are a veteran, we are told you can get a 15% discount with Apple. Shop here.
GI BILL® FAQS
Are you a veteran or military spouse who is looking for the best way to fund your software development education with Code Platoon? We’re here to help! We’ve included our most frequently asked questions below to equip you with the knowledge you need to use your GI Bill wisely. Our Admissions team is also on hand to walk you through the process once you’re ready to apply.
Is Code Platoon listed as a VET TEC training provider?
Yes, our Live Remote and In Person programs are both listed as VET TEC training providers.
Do you accept the GI Bill?
Yes we do! We are proud to be the first coding bootcamp in Illinois to accept the GI Bill.
How much tuition is covered by the GI Bill?
Your benefits will depend on a few different factors, so we encourage you to contact the VA for more information and to learn about your EES (Education Enrollment Status), which is a necessary part of the application process for Code Platoon and should be submitted to us as soon as possible.
Will I qualify for the housing allowance, and how much is it?
Many students using their GI Bill will be able to receive their housing allowance. Please consult the VA or your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for a specific response.
How do I use my GI Bill?
When you apply, be sure to tell us that you’d like to use those benefits and our Admissions team will help you navigate. You’ll apply to use your benefits with the VA. If you’ve used your GI Bill at another school, you will fill out the form to change schools (VA Form 1995) and designate “Code Platoon”.
How long does it take for a veteran or military spouse to get approved by the VA?
It usually takes two to three weeks to be approved by the VA, but it can take up to 30 days (processing times run longer during Spring and Fall). Your EES (Education Enrollment Status) is available online and should either be sent to [rod AT codeplatoon.org] or mailed to our office at Code Platoon, 73 West Monroe #303, Chicago, IL 60603, Attn: Admissions.
This part is important: be sure that you apply for our program and for your benefits at the same time. Each process can take a few weeks, so get them going. Don’t wait for one to be complete before you start the other. We require all documents to use your GI Bill three weeks prior to the class start date.
Can you tell me how many months of benefits I have left?
Unfortunately, we don’t have access to that information. To find out how many months of benefits you have left, you can call the VA Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551. Don’t worry about getting stuck on hold—you can schedule a call back (ASAP or at a certain time). The call center is available 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Central Time (Muskogee, OK).
What if I don’t have enough GI Bill benefits to pay for classes?
Students are encouraged to apply for a scholarship if they don’t have enough funding from the VA to cover tuition. Please discuss this with us as running out of benefits will also impact your housing allowance.