10 Medical Billing & Coding Schools That Accept FAFSA 2026

Medical billing and coding professionals are in demand as healthcare providers rely on accurate records and timely insurance processing. While training for these roles can come with real costs, financial aid can make education more manageable.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help cover tuition and related expenses at accredited schools that offer online certificate and associate programs. These options allow you to build career-ready skills with flexible scheduling and lower out-of-pocket costs while preparing for an essential role in healthcare.

Can You Use FAFSA for a Medical Billing & Coding Program?

Yes, many certificate and associate-level medical billing and coding programs accept FAFSA, making them more affordable for students. To qualify, the school must be Title IV eligible and hold recognized accreditation, often through bodies such as American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). 

FAFSA can then be applied toward tuition, fees, and sometimes required materials. Before enrolling, check with the school’s financial aid office to confirm eligibility and ensure your program meets the requirements for federal funding.

10 Medical Billing and Coding Schools That Accept FAFSA

Finding the right program means choosing one that’s both affordable and accredited so you can use financial aid. The schools below accept FAFSA and offer flexible online or hybrid training to help you build a career in medical billing and coding.

1. Eastern Florida State College

Eastern Florida State College’s medical coder/biller program is a one-year applied technology diploma that blends online learning with on-campus evening classes at the Cocoa Campus. The full-time, three-semester schedule includes a 240-hour internship. Coursework teaches you how to review medical records, assign codes, and manage billing and insurance claims.

By graduation, you’ll be prepared to sit for multiple national exams, including those for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice (CPC-A), Certified Outpatient Coder (COC), and Certified Professional Biller (CPB). These credentials open doors to entry-level jobs in hospitals, private practices, and insurance companies, where skilled coding and billing specialists are always in demand.

• Estimated tuition cost: $104 per credit hour (resident); $405.76 per credit hour (non-resident)
• Program length: Three semesters
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati’s medical coder certificate is a fully online program designed to prepare you for entry-level roles in medical coding. Coursework focuses on coding systems, medical terminology, and health information processes, giving you the knowledge needed to sit for industry-recognized certifications such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and CCA.

Graduates can take advantage of UC’s certificate-to-degree fast track, which guarantees acceptance into the online health information systems (AAS HIS) program and ensures all certificate credits transfer. This creates a seamless pathway for advancing your education while saving time and money. Career options include hospitals, physician practices, and insurance companies, all of which rely on trained coding professionals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $207 per credit hour (in-state); $219 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Program length: One year
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Pima Medical Institute

Pima Medical Institute’s medical billing and coding certificate program is designed to be completed in about nine months, with a flexible format that includes online coursework and on-campus training. The curriculum walks you through the essentials of billing and coding, from computer basics and billing procedures to insurance, claims management, and medical law and ethics.

Graduates are ready to step into roles in hospitals, physicians’ offices, and long-term care facilities. Pima also offers an active career services team to help with resumes, interviews, and job searches.  For students looking to advance, the institute provides online options to continue education in health information management and related fields.

• Estimated tuition cost: $273 per credit hour
• Program length: About nine months
• Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

4. Rasmussen University

At Rasmussen University, the medical billing and coding certificate program is fully online and designed to be completed quickly–sometimes in as little as nine months. The 10-course curriculum blends interactive sessions, virtual labs, and case studies to help you apply what you learn in real-world settings.

Students cover subjects like Coding Foundations, Health Information Law and Ethics, and the Medical Billing and Coding Practicum. By graduation, you’ll be prepared to use International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) guidelines, manage billing software, and protect patient information. The certificate also stacks toward Rasmussen’s associate degree in health information technology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $322 per credit hour
• Program length: Nine months
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Liberty University

Liberty University’s Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in medical office assistant is a 100% online degree that blends billing and coding with the broader skills needed to run a medical office. Courses run in eight-week terms, and students can transfer in up to 75% of their degree.

The curriculum includes medical terminology, billing for private and government insurance, and legal and ethical topics like HIPAA and risk management. An optional 160-hour externship gives you the chance to gain practical office experience. Graduates can pursue roles ranging from billing specialist and medical records technician to clinic receptionist or transcriptionist.

• Estimated tuition cost: $390 per credit hour
• Program length: Three years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Keiser University

Keiser University’s Associate of Science (AS) in medical administrative billing and coding gives you the foundation to step into entry-level roles right after graduation. The program is available both online and at several Florida campuses, offering flexibility for where and how you study.

Core classes like Introduction to Healthcare and Medical Law & Ethics build your understanding of the industry, while specialized courses such as CPT-4/HCPCS Coding and Basic ICD-10 Coding train you in the technical side of coding and reimbursement. Graduates are ready to pursue the AAPC credentialing exam and begin careers in insurance claims, compliance, and patient billing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $451 per credit hour
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Ultimate Medical Academy

Ultimate Medical Academy gives you the choice of two flexible training paths in medical billing and coding: a diploma that can be finished in about 11 months or an associate degree that takes around 18 months. Both options can be completed entirely online, allowing you to balance studies with your other commitments.

Courses like Diagnostic Coding for MBC, Procedural Coding I and II, Medical Terminology, and anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology build the technical skills you’ll need in the workplace. The associate degree adds general education classes like English composition and college math. Graduates step into careers across hospitals, physician offices, insurance companies, and more, with job titles ranging from medical office assistant to medical coder.

• Estimated tuition cost: $475 per credit hour
• Program length: 11 months (diploma); 18 months (associate degree)
• Accreditation: ABHES

8. Herzing University

Herzing University gives you flexibility with two online options in medical billing and coding: a diploma or an associate degree. Both pathways focus on the essentials of outpatient and inpatient coding, medical terminology, and the revenue cycle, so you’ll be ready for a wide range of roles in health information.

Graduates are eligible to sit for certifications such as the CPC and Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), credentials that can open doors to stronger job opportunities. Career possibilities include positions as a medical coder, billing specialist, or medical records technician–all key players in the healthcare system.

• Estimated tuition cost: $530 per credit hour
• Program length: About 12 months (diploma); 20 months (associate degree)
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Stautzenberger College

Stautzenberger College’s medical office billing and coding diploma is designed for students who want to get career-ready quickly while studying online. The program can be finished in as little as 10 months and builds skills through courses like Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology, ICD & CPT Coding, and Healthcare Reimbursement & Claims. An externship is also included to give you real-world practice before graduation.

Career options for graduates range from medical billing specialist and insurance claims analyst to patient account representative. Many students also use the diploma as a springboard to an associate or bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, expanding their career opportunities even further.

• Estimated tuition cost: $557 per credit hour
• Program length: About 10 months
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

10. Miller-Motte College

Miller-Motte College’s medical billing and coding program is built for students aiming to start healthcare careers on the administrative side. You can obtain the diploma in either a hybrid or fully online format. Coursework covers insurance and reimbursement policies, healthcare systems, coding, pharmacology, and medical office systems.

Graduates are prepared for certification exams and can pursue entry-level roles as certified medical coders, medical secretaries, or medical records technicians. For many students, this program also provides a path into administrative healthcare positions that offer flexible schedules, including the possibility of remote work.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,074 per credit hour
• Program length: 15 months
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

We selected these programs with a focus on affordability, quality, and financial aid access, so students can train for coding careers without unnecessary costs. Each school meets clear standards that ensure your education is both flexible and career-ready.

• FAFSA eligibility: Only Title IV-eligible schools are included so students can apply federal aid.
• Accreditation: Preference is given to programs accredited by AHIMA/CAHIIM or recognized institutional accreditors.
• Affordability: Lower tuition and flexible payment options rank higher on our list.
• Online format: Programs must be available fully online or in a hybrid format.

How To Get Financial Aid for Medical Billing & Coding

FAFSA can help cover the cost of tuition, books, and even some certification exam fees for eligible medical billing and coding programs. By completing the FAFSA, students may qualify for federal Pell Grants, which do not need repayment, as well as federal loans and work-study opportunities. 

Many schools also offer scholarships for healthcare students, and professional organizations sometimes provide awards for those pursuing coding certifications. Applying early is important, since funds can be limited. Be sure to check with your school’s financial aid office to confirm which costs are covered.

How To Find Affordable Medical Billing & Coding Programs

Tuition for medical billing and coding programs can range from under $3,000 for short certificates to over $20,000 for associate degrees, depending on the school. FAFSA can reduce these costs by covering tuition and related expenses through grants or loans. 

Beyond FAFSA, students may also qualify for scholarships, state aid, or employer tuition reimbursement. Some schools also offer payment plans or accelerated tracks to shorten the time (and cost) to graduation. Comparing multiple programs ensures you find the most affordable path to your career goals.

What To Look for in a Medical Billing & Coding School

When comparing medical billing and coding schools, accreditation should be at the top of your list since it impacts both financial aid and employer recognition. Strong programs also include exam preparation for industry certifications such as the CPC or CCA, which can boost your job prospects. 

Flexibility matters too. Many online and hybrid programs are designed for working adults, offering self-paced or evening options. If you think you may continue into an associate or bachelor’s degree, check whether credits can transfer. A program that balances exam prep, flexibility, and accreditation is your best investment.

FAQs About FAFSA and Medical Billing & Coding

Students often have questions about how financial aid applies to billing and coding programs, from what FAFSA actually covers to which schools qualify. Below are answers to some of the most common concerns to help you plan your education with confidence.

Does FAFSA Cover Certificate Programs in Billing & Coding?

Yes, FAFSA can often be applied to certificate programs in medical billing and coding, as long as the school is Title IV eligible and institutionally accredited. Many community colleges and career schools meet these standards, allowing you to use federal grants and loans toward tuition and fees. 

However, not all short-term or non-credit programs qualify, even if they prepare you for certification exams. To be sure, check with the school’s financial aid office or search the Federal Student Aid database before applying.

Do Employers Prefer Accredited Coding Schools?

Most employers do prefer graduates from accredited coding programs because accreditation signals that the training met national quality standards. Accredited schools also prepare you for industry certifications like the CPC or CCA, which employers often look for when hiring.

Choosing an accredited program also ensures your credential is recognized across different healthcare settings, from hospitals to insurance companies. In contrast, unaccredited programs may limit your job prospects or leave you unprepared for certification exams. For long-term career value, accreditation makes a significant difference.

How Long Does It Take To Finish a FAFSA-Eligible Coding Program?

The timeline depends on whether you pursue a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. Many certificate programs can be completed in nine to 15 months, while associate degrees usually take about two years. 

Programs are often designed with working adults in mind, offering part-time, hybrid, or accelerated tracks to fit different schedules. If you plan to continue your education later, choosing an associate degree may take longer, but it can make transferring credits easier. Either way, FAFSA helps make the cost of training more manageable.

Can FAFSA Be Used for Online Programs Only?

Yes, FAFSA can be applied to fully online medical billing and coding programs as long as the school is Title IV eligible and accredited. Many colleges and universities now offer online or hybrid formats that qualify for federal aid. 

The key factor isn’t whether the program is online or on campus, but whether the institution meets federal requirements. Before enrolling, confirm with the school’s financial aid office that your chosen program is approved so you can use grants and loans toward tuition and fees.

What Credentials Can I Earn After Graduation?

Graduates of medical billing and coding programs are often prepared to pursue industry certifications that validate their skills. The most common include: 

• Certified Professional Coder 
• Certified Coding Associate 
• Certified Billing and Coding Specialist 
• Certified Outpatient Coder 

These credentials are widely recognized by employers and can improve job opportunities and earning potential. Depending on the program, you may also complete externships or practicum experiences that give you direct workplace exposure. 

Explore FAFSA-Eligible Medical Billing & Coding Programs

Take the next step toward your healthcare career by comparing FAFSA-eligible medical billing and coding programs. Visit Learn.org to review accredited schools and find the program that best fits your goals.