Overview
- Records show the academy cost about $29.6 million over four years, with Apple contributing roughly $11.6 million, gifts totaling more than $9.4 million, and state-related funds covering nearly $2.6 million plus another $6 million for stipends.
- Monthly stipends typically ranged from about $800 to $1,500, which some participants called life-changing while others said still required additional work or assistance.
- Estimated program spending equals roughly $20,000 per student, intensifying questions about value for money and public accountability.
- Academy officials report about 71 percent of recent graduates secured full-time roles, and a computing education researcher says sub‑80 percent placement is typical for coding schools though some university programs report higher rates.
- Students report that second‑year client projects often lack clear goals or hiring pathways and that an Apple‑centric focus can limit marketability, while Apple says alumni apply skills across coding, design, project management, and marketing.