11 Coding Bootcamp Financing Options (Including ISAs and Safer Alternatives)

2. Purdue University "Back a Boiler" — university ISA model and suspension

Purdue’s “Back a Boiler” program is often discussed because it inspired other institutional ISAs, but federal pressure and the collapse of servicers changed its status. Reporters noted that after a major ISA servicer stopped operating, Purdue and other institutions paused or reviewed their programs to avoid regulatory and servicing risk. That history is a reminder that even programs backed by large institutions face operational and legal challenges. If you’re looking at a university-run ISA or a bootcamp partnered with a college, verify whether the program is active and whether the school has contingency plans if a servicer fails. Ask for documentation that explains where payments are reported, whether loans or ISAs are treated as credit on your record, and how disputes are handled. Also confirm whether the school’s financial-aid office reviews or approves ISA terms; an institutional review is often more transparent than private-provider-only agreements. Save emails and PDFs of the contract, the school’s FAQ page, and any servicer communications so you have a documented trail.