The Most Affordable Online Medical Assistant Programs

How much financial aid you can get for your online medical assistant program

Financial aid from schools, government programs, and other outlets can significantly reduce education costs. Prospective students should complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal aid. Most schools with medical assistant programs also offer financial aid as do organizations like the American Association of Medical Assistants.

If the online medical assistant program has a class schedule that allows you to work while you study

Working while you study can be challenging, but it does offer distinct benefits. Receiving a steady income throughout your studies not only provides extra stability but also gives you more resources to cover costs. Specifics vary, but many medical assisting programs with online formats allow for flexibility on this, especially if you already work in the healthcare industry.

If the college is private or public

If you want to complete your medical assisting studies at a private school, plan to spend more on tuition. With few exceptions, public colleges and universities offer cheaper rates than private institutions, especially if you are an in-state resident, since private schools largely rely on tuition and outside donations for financial support.

How much of the medical assistant program coursework is offered online

Hidden travel and commuting expenses impact the overall cost. Virtually all online medical assisting programs involve at least one in-person component—usually a hands-on externship or clinical placement—but some may require more (e.g., meetups, skill labs, orientation sessions, etc.). Put those requirements into financial perspective to help inform your decision.

How much the college charges for you to apply

Some schools require a non-refundable application processing fee that costs $30-50 depending on the school. A single application may not cost much, but they add up if you apply to more than one program. Avoid that expense by prioritizing schools that either waive fees or don’t charge them at all.

What software and other equipment the school covers

Skilled medical assistants need the technical knowledge necessary to use advanced software packages and manipulate sensitive medical instruments. Some schools provide those tools for you or include them with tuition. Other programs expect students to cover those expenses, a hidden cost that could raise your final price tag.

1. Search for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid designed specifically for medical assistant students.

Need or merit-based awards like scholarships and grants can go a long way, especially because they’re free and don’t need repaid, unlike student loans. Many medical assisting schools automatically place you in contention for financial aid when you apply, and some also connect incoming students with outside funding. See our guide to online medical assisting programs with financial aid for more information.

2. Maximize student discounts

Individual student discounts may seem insignificant at first, but they do save you money and accumulate over time. For example, if you need to travel for school, companies like Kayak offer discounts for healthcare workers, applicable to rental cars, hotel reservations, and airfare. Our page on student discounts provides more detail and lists 50 different ways you can save.

3. Utilize payment plans

Medical assisting programs often extend options for students who want to spread out their tuition expenses over time. For example, several schools included the ranking above partner with third-party providers to offer accommodating payment plans with reduced interest. Those plans aren’t always explicitly advertised, so it’s worth contacting financial aid offices to discuss your options.