Introduction

General Assembly (GA) development courses are often seen as expensive, leading many to question the value proposition of enrolling in these programs. This article explores the reasons behind the high cost of GA development courses and the factors that contribute to their perceived value in the tech industry.

Quality of Instruction

Expert Instructors: GA employs seasoned instructors who are industry professionals. This expertise is a significant factor in the high cost of the courses.
Industry Relevance: The instructors stay updated with the latest trends and technologies, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and up-to-date. This also requires a significant investment in training and resource management.

Curriculum Development

Curriculum Depth: GA’s development courses are designed to be comprehensive and up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies. This constant updates require substantial investment in research and resources.
Hands-On Learning: Many GA courses emphasize practical, hands-on experience through projects, workshops, and real-world applications. This immersive approach can require more resources, including equipment and software licenses, increasing the overall cost.

Support Services

Career Coaching: GA offers valuable support services such as career coaching, job placement assistance, and networking opportunities. These services enhance the overall value of the course, justifying the higher cost.
Accessibility: The support services are available to students throughout their course and for a period after completion, ensuring continued value.

Location and Facilities

Urban Centers: Courses are offered in major urban centers, where the cost of real estate and operations is higher. This can impact the pricing of in-person classes.
Flexibility: GA offers various formats, including full-time, part-time, and online, to accommodate different schedules. The flexibility also contributes to the overall cost of the courses.

Market Demand

High Demand for Tech Skills: There is a strong demand for tech skills in the job market, which allows GA to price their courses at a premium. The potential return on investment for students can justify the cost, especially if it leads to a significant salary increase or career advancement.
Student Perceptions: Many students view these courses as a worthwhile investment in their future, especially in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. The perceived value often outweighs the actual cost.

TL;DR: Why People Are Willing to Pay

Profit Margins and Demand: The high cost of GA courses is not solely based on the cost itself but is also driven by significant demand. Companies like GA are profitable and have expanded rapidly in recent years, taking advantage of the high demand for these courses. Many programs tout low acceptance rates, indicating that there are more applicants than available spots.

Is It Justified?

Perception vs. Reality: The claims made by these programs, such as high job placement rates and average salaries, are often not fully aligned with reality. High demand creates artificial demand, leading to a scenario where many students are entering the job market with limited experience, making it difficult to find suitable employment.
Long-Term Impact: While the option of rapid career advancement through a tech bootcamp looks attractive, the reality is that many students experience difficulty finding employment. This challenge can lead to a cycle of enrolling in multiple programs or spending years applying for jobs before landing their first one.

Conclusion

The high cost of General Assembly development courses is justified by the quality of instruction, comprehensive curriculum, and valuable support services offered. However, the underlying demand for tech skills and the perceived value of these courses drive their high cost. As long as there is strong demand for well-paying jobs in the tech industry, the cost is likely to remain high, reflecting the continued success of tech bootcamps like General Assembly.