Comparing Costs: AAPC CPC Coding Clarified Course vs. College Associate Degree in Medical Coding & Billing
Medical coding is a high-demand healthcare profession. Before pursuing this career, an important decision is how to train and prepare for certification and employment. Two common pathways are:
-
A self-paced online CPC training course, such as the one offered by Coding Clarified
-
A traditional college associate degree program in medical coding & billing
Here’s an in-depth look at how these two paths compare.
Typical Costs of Each Training Pathway
Coding Clarified CPC Online Course
Coding Clarified offers a self-paced, online Certified Professional Coder (CPC) training program built around the AAPC’s approved curriculum and designed to prepare students for the CPC certification exam.
-
Course format: 100% online, self-paced (typically ~16 weeks average)
-
Included training:
-
AAPC curriculum access
-
Textbooks and coding manuals
-
Instructor video/audio lessons
-
CPC practice exams and study tools
-
AAPC membership and CPC exam voucher(s) included
-
-
Job resources: Resume assistance, internship opportunities, job placement resources
-
Total cost: Approximately $5,999 when paid in full via Coding Clarified’s official purchase page.
-
Financing plans are available to break up payments.
-
Some older listings reference alternative pricing/discounted options around $3,750 depending on promotions or grant eligibility.
-
College Associate Degree in Medical Coding & Billing
Traditional college programs can vary widely in cost depending on the institution and state residency status.
-
Typical tuition range:
-
$10,000 – $40,000+ for a 2-year associate degree in medical coding & billing.
-
Some community college variants or per-credit programs can be lower (e.g., $530 per credit at one institution).
-
Additional fees for books, supplies, lab fees, and campus services often apply.
-
-
Other costs: Housing, transportation (if attending in person), meal plans, and miscellaneous fees can add thousands more.
What You Get for the Investment
Coding Clarified CPC Course
Focused Career Training
-
Structured specifically to prepare for the AAPC CPC certification, the certification that most employers require for professional coders.
-
Includes materials and exam vouchers — items often not included in many traditional college programs unless purchased separately.
Efficiency and Flexibility
-
Self-paced online format allows students to learn on their own schedule, which is ideal for working adults or those balancing life commitments.
-
Typically completed in a few months instead of years, students enter the workforce sooner with less total expense.
Career Support
-
Resume building, internship opportunities, job placement resources, and practice exams can help bridge the gap between training and employment.
College Associate Degree
Broader Educational Scope
-
Includes general education (English, math, communications) in addition to medical coding coursework.
-
This broader academic background may benefit some students, but is not typically required by employers for entry-level coding positions.
Longer Timeline
-
A two-year program takes significantly longer and may delay entry into the profession.
Potential for Higher Cost
-
Tuition, fees, and indirect costs commonly exceed what many students pay for focused certification training.
Why Coding Clarified Can Be a Better Option
Significant Cost Savings
While traditional associate degrees can range $10,000 to $40,000+, Coding Clarified’s total paid cost is substantially lower (around $5,999), often with no additional charges for the exam or study materials.
Certification-Focused
The Coding Clarified program is designed specifically to prepare students for the AAPC CPC exam, which is a key credential employers look for in coding professionals.
Faster Path to Employment
With a shorter training period and flexible online access, students can complete the program and sit for the CPC exam in a fraction of the time it takes for a traditional degree, accelerating the timeline to start earning.
Value-Added Resources Included
Many college programs require additional payments for certification exams, professional memberships, or career support — whereas Coding Clarified includes these in its tuition.
What Coding Clarified School Resources Can Help You Become A CPC Medical Coder
Flexibility for Adult Learners
The self-paced format makes the Coding Clarified course ideal for adult learners, career changers, and those balancing work and family, without sacrificing training quality or certification readiness.
If your primary goal is to earn your medical coding certification quickly, affordably, and with resources that directly support your employment prospects, the Coding Clarified CPC online course is a compelling choice. With lower overall cost, focused preparation, included exam resources, and flexible pacing, it offers a strong alternative to the traditional associate degree route — especially for those who want to begin their medical coding career sooner and with less debt
Coding Clarified can train you for the CPC, as we are an AAPC-approved education provider. You may even qualify for a scholarship/grant!
Coding Clarified Medical Coding course includes the following:
80-clock-hour self-paced course using AAPC curriculum
100% remote studies
Access to the AAPC online medical coding class
CPT, ICD10, HCPC and Textbook
Instructor video/audio files to implement notes into your books
1:1 time with instructor as needed
Professionally written resume (Upon completion of internship)
AAPC Membership (Assigned at completion of course)
CPC Exam Voucher x2 (Assigned at completion of course)
Job placement assistance/resources (Once certified or completed with Internship)
Online HCC Internship (Once completed with Practicode)
Practicode (Upon becoming certified as CPC)
CPC Practice Exam Bundle x3 (Upon completion of course)
CPC Study Guide (Electronic)
CPC Exam Online Review (Upon completion of the course)
Coding Clarified Scholarship/Grant
Coding Clarified Purchase Options