Medical billing and coding cost ranges from $1,500 to $7,000 for the certificate path (training + certification) or $5,000 to $22,000+ for an associate degree. Community college certificates run $1,000-$5,000. Online programs from Penn Foster ($1,049-$1,869) and USCI ($1,869-$2,269) are competitively priced. Certification exams add $117-$499.
- 1.How much does medical billing and coding cost? Certificate programs at community colleges run $1,000 to $5,000. Private online medical billing and coding programs range from $1,049 (Penn Foster) to $2,269 (USCI).
- 2.Associate degree programs cost $3,000 to $20,000+ depending on the school. Community colleges are the most affordable option.
- 3.Medical billing and coding certification exam fees range from about $117 (CBCS) to $499 (CPC with two attempts). Annual membership fees add $157 to $222.
- 4.Codebooks cost $100 to $300 per year and must be current editions for the exam.
- 5.Total investment from training through certification: $1,500 to $7,000 for the certificate path, or $5,000 to $22,000+ for an associate degree.
$1,000-$5,000
Certificate Tuition
$117-$499
Exam Fees
$7,395/yr
Max Pell Grant
$50,250
BLS Median Salary
Tuition by Program Type
Medical billing and coding cost varies widely based on where you train. The same curriculum that costs $1,500 at a community college might cost $15,000 at a for-profit career school. Knowing your options saves you thousands.
Medical Billing and Coding Program Costs
| Program Type | Cost Range | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community College Certificate | $1,000-$5,000 | 4-15 months | Best value for in-person training |
| Penn Foster (Online) | $1,049-$1,869 | Self-paced | Price varies by payment plan |
| U.S. Career Institute (Online) | $1,869-$2,269 | Self-paced | Includes study materials |
| Associate Degree (Public) | $3,000-$8,000 | 18-24 months | In-state community college tuition |
| Associate Degree (Private) | $13,000-$23,000 | 18-24 months | Rasmussen, Keiser, similar schools |
| For-Profit Career School | $5,000-$18,000 | 4-15 months | Compare carefully against community college |
Source: Program websites and community college catalogs, 2024-2025
Source: Consumer financial protection research
Certification Exam Fees
Medical billing and coding certification costs are separate from tuition. Every major credential requires an exam fee and, in most cases, an annual membership. Here's what each one costs.
Certification Exam Costs at a Glance
| Certification | Exam Fee | Membership Required | Total First-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPC (AAPC) - 1 attempt | $425 | $222/yr ($157 students) | $582-$647 |
| CPC (AAPC) - 2 attempts | $499 | $222/yr ($157 students) | $656-$721 |
| CCA (AHIMA) - Member | $199 | AHIMA membership required | $199 + membership |
| CCA (AHIMA) - Non-Member | $299 | None required to test | $299 |
| CBCS (NHA) | ~$117 | None required | ~$117 |
Source: AAPC, AHIMA, and NHA fee schedules, 2024-2025
Additional Costs to Budget For
Codebooks ($100-$300/year): The CPC exam requires current-year ICD-10-CM, CPT Professional Edition, and HCPCS Level II manuals. Buying all three new runs $250-$300. Used copies are cheaper but must be the current edition. Some training programs include codebooks in tuition.
Study materials ($50-$500): Practice exams from AAPC ($75-$200), study guides, and online review courses add to the total. AAPC's official CPC preparation course costs about $2,000 if purchased separately.
Continuing education ($0-$200/year): After you're certified, you need continuing education units (CEUs) to keep your credential. Plenty of free options exist through AAPC local chapters and online webinars, but paid courses and conferences cost more.
Source: Publisher pricing, 2024-2025 editions
Total Investment: Three Realistic Paths
When you add up tuition, exam fees, codebooks, and study materials, your total medical billing and coding cost depends on which training path you choose. Here are three realistic scenarios based on current pricing.
Community college certificate ($1,000-$3,000) + CBCS exam (~$117) or CCA ($199-$299) + codebooks ($100-$200). This gets you trained, certified, and job-ready at the lowest cost.
Key Points
- Fastest ROI
- CBCS or CCA credential
- Entry-level positions
Private online certificate ($1,049-$2,269) + CPC exam ($425-$499) + AAPC membership ($157-$222) + codebooks ($250-$300) + study materials ($100-$200). The most common path for students targeting the CPC credential.
Key Points
- CPC certification
- Self-paced flexibility
- Industry-standard credential
Two-year program ($3,000-$20,000+) + certification exam ($117-$499) + membership + codebooks. Higher upfront cost, but the degree qualifies you for more positions and future advancement into health information management.
Key Points
- Hospital jobs
- Management track
- HIM career pathway
Financial Aid and Funding Options
Many medical billing and coding programs qualify for financial aid, especially at accredited institutions. Here are the main options that can reduce your out-of-pocket medical billing and coding cost.
How to Pay Less for Training
Apply for Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year)
Federal grants for students with financial need at Title IV eligible institutions. Community college programs often qualify. Grant money doesn't need to be repaid. A single Pell Grant can cover your entire certificate tuition.
Check WIOA workforce development funding
Many states offer free or subsidized training through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs. Contact your local American Job Center to check eligibility. This is one of the most underused options.
Ask about employer tuition assistance
Some healthcare employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing coding or billing credentials. If you're already working in healthcare, ask your HR department before paying out of pocket.
Use military benefits (GI Bill or MyCAA)
The GI Bill covers approved medical billing and coding programs. MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts) provides up to $4,000 for military spouses pursuing portable careers. Medical coding qualifies.
Source: Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education
Is It Worth the Cost?
The math works out. Even on the budget path ($1,500-$3,500 total investment), a certified medical coder earning the BLS median of $50,250 per year recovers the full cost within the first few weeks of employment.
Compared to other healthcare careers that require years of education and tens of thousands in student debt, medical billing and coding programs offer one of the fastest and most affordable returns on investment in healthcare.
The key is picking a program that's appropriately priced. A $15,000 for-profit certificate teaches the same skills as a $3,000 community college program. Research your options before enrolling. See our online programs guide for comparisons and our financial aid guide for funding options.
Source: AAPC 2024 Salary Survey
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Angela R.
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | Consultant
Angela worked as a medical billing and coding specialist for multiple chiropractors and orthopedic surgeons. After years in the field, she started her own medical billing and coding consulting company, working with numerous clients throughout Southern California. She brings firsthand industry experience to every article on this site.