Best Accredited Medical Billing and Coding Schools Online With Financial Aid 2025
Aspiring medical billing and coding professionals can use financial aid to complete online diploma and degree programs without paying full tuition rates.
For most people, thoughts of working in the medical field primarily focus on nurses and doctors, but the healthcare industry also employs countless behind-the-scenes workers in roles like medical coding and billing. These professionals are responsible for assigning codes to various medical services and then using these codes to ensure proper billing with medical insurance companies.
Unlike most healthcare professionals, becoming a medical billing and coding professional generally only requires a certificate or an associate degree. Many of the top accredited online medical billing and coding programs are already more affordable than other degree programs, but students can qualify for additional financial aid.
Accredited Medical Billing and Coding Programs With Financial Aid
Learners can earn medical billing and coding certificates and degrees online through accredited universities and community colleges. These programs cover all the necessary skills to apply for career opportunities in medical offices, hospitals, and other facilities. Students will develop skills related to medical terminology, processing medical records, filing insurance claims, and more.
1. Herzing University
Herzing University offers two learning pathways: insurance billing & coding and medical coding. Both of these learning pathways can be completed as either diploma or associate degree programs. Upon completion, students will be prepared to sit for multiple certification exams.
Learners at Herzing can qualify for multiple financial assistance programs, including scholarships and grants based on financial need, academic merit, and more.
2. Sinclair College
Learners at Sinclair College can complete a Medical Coding and Billing Specialist short-term technical certificate program. This 24-credit hour-long program prepares students for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), as well as the Certified Coding Specialist-Physician Based (CCS-P) exam from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Students will work with ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems. Sinclair College accepts federal student aid, including grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.
3. Ashworth College
Ashworth College offers an online diploma in medical billing and coding. Tuition for this program includes the testing fees for the National Healthcareer Association's Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam. Ashworth College offers reduced tuition rates and savings, in addition to a 0% interest payment plan.
4. Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University has a 12-month Medical Billing and Coding course offered through a self-paced online format. This course qualifies for financial aid and reduced costs through the school, but it also provides students with a voucher to help reduce the costs of the CPC, CCS, or CBCS credential examinations. Students will learn about diagnoses, different coding manuals, and billing & reimbursement procedures.
5. Southeast Technical College
Students can pursue associate degree, certificate, and diploma enrollment opportunities at Southeast Technical College. Students who complete these programs gain eligibility for AAPC and AHIMA exams, such as the CPC, CCS, and Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC).
The STC Foundation offers scholarships each year ranging from $500 to $2,500, in addition to federal grants, scholarships, and loans.
6. Northwood Technical College
Northwood Technical College offers a 29-credit Medical Coding Specialist technical diploma. Students will gain the skills needed for entry-level medical coding careers, including collecting health data, applying codes and reimbursement systems, and submitting insurance claims.
NTC learners qualify for multiple financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and military benefits.
7. City College at Montana State University Billings
There are two enrollment options for aspiring medical billing and coding specialists at City College at Montana State University at Billings. Students can choose a Certificate of Applied Science in medical coding or an Associate of Applied Science degree in medical coding and insurance billing.
Both programs' coursework aligns with the AAPC credential exams. Learners can apply for federal financial aid by submitting their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as well as school-offered scholarships.
8. Cowley College
The Medical Coding certificate from Cowley College prepares learners for the AHIMA Certified Coding Associate (CCA) and CPC exams. This certificate contains 35 credit hours, which can be completed online.
This program qualifies for the Kansas Promise Scholarship, which allows Kansas residents to receive additional scholarships based on residency after graduation.
9. DeVry University
DeVry University offers two online medical coding and billing programs. Learners can take the Medical Billing and Coding pathway or the Medical Billing and Coding - Health Information Coding pathway leading to the CPC and CCS exams, respectively.
Students can enroll in accelerated, full-time, or part-time programs to complete it in as few as 12 months. DeVry students can qualify for school, federal, and state-based financial aid.
10. University of Phoenix
The 24-credit hour program from the University of Phoenix prepares learners for the CBCS exam. All coursework is delivered in a fully asynchronous online format that allows learners to tailor their education pathway. The University of Phoenix is one of the most affordable online colleges and also accepts federal financial aid.
Our Selection Criteria
We selected this list with strict criteria in mind to ensure your medical coding and billing education can lead to a career without paying full tuition rates.
- Accreditation: Every program in this list has accreditation from a regional or national organization. This will ensure that you will be eligible for certification exams, as well as financial aid.
- Financial Aid Eligibility: Some online schools, especially ones focused on continuing education, aren't eligible for federal financial aid. The programs on this list accept federal aid programs, and many also offer their own aid packages.
- Certificate Prerequisites: All of these programs lead directly to certification programs. Certificate holders have higher earning potential than those with only a high school diploma, GED, or even a diploma or degree.
Using Financial Aid for Online Programs
Applying for financial aid, even through your school, should always start with submitting your FAFSA. After completing the FAFSA form, students can receive federal grants and apply for institutional scholarships.
Online students are eligible for financial aid, but they often qualify for different programs. Learn more about online colleges and financial aid options here:
How To Become a Medical Biller and Coder
There are several steps to begin a career in medical billing and coding. The first step will be to earn a high school diploma, GED, or other equivalent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are career opportunities for high school graduates but higher salaries come to coders with a college-level diploma or degree.
Learners should look for billing and coding classes to learn skills such as electronic health record processing, understanding code manuals, and the basics of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
FAQs About Online Medical Billing and Coding Programs
Many programs can lead to careers in medical billing and coding, and students often have common questions about them. Some of the most common questions are about program length and cost.
Is There a Free Online School for Medical Billing and Coding?
There isn't a free full-degree program for medical billing and coding, but there are individual free courses. Learning platforms like Alison offer free courses on topics like coding manuals and other valuable skills, but they don't result in a degree or diploma.
How Long Is a Medical Billing and Coding Program?
The length of time a medical billing and coding program takes varies based on a few key factors. Some programs can be completed in as few as 12 months with accelerated pathways, while associate degree programs might take closer to two years.
How Much Does a Medical Billing and Coding Certification Cost?
Total costs for a medical billing and coding certification range from about $200 to $500 in exam fees. Some diploma and degree programs include these costs in their tuition and provide students with vouchers to waive exam fees.
Explore Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Healthcare Today
Aspiring health professionals can read our school profiles to learn more about their options, both online and on campus. Learn about various medical coding and billing programs to pick the best pathway for your career goals. Once you've selected the best school for you, use our resources to reach out and begin your application today.