Medical assistant program cost in 2026
Medical assistant program costs $5,976 to $11,836 per program in 2026, and most people pay about $8,019.
What moves the price
- Community colleges cost much less than private career schools.
- In state students pay less than out of state students.
- Longer programs with more credit hours cost more.
- Books, lab fees, uniforms and shots add to the bill.
- The certification exam fee is often paid on top.
- Where you live. Prices in big cities usually run higher than in small towns.
What is included
The range is per program (community college certificate, in state). The price usually covers tuition and school fees. Books, lab fees, scrubs, a background check, shots and the certification exam are often extra. Some private schools include the exam fee in tuition.
Medical assistant program cost at sample schools
| School | What the price covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pueblo Community College (CO) | Resident tuition and fees, 2026 to 2027 | $5,976 |
| Northwood Tech (WI) | Approximate program total, FY26 | $6,880 |
| Edmonds area college (WA) | Tuition, books and lab fees, 2026 to 2027 | $8,019 |
| Clatsop Community College (OR) | Program cost plus exam, 2026 to 2027 | $11,836 |
| Private schools (HealthJob.org via MTI) | Range for 22 programs | $6,500 to $36,500 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: Pueblo Community College.
Ways to pay less
- Compare the total cost sheet of a few local community colleges.
- Ask about in state rates and payment plans.
- Check if the school includes the exam fee and books in the price.
What price guides say
We checked 5 price guides and read every number on their pages. They do not all measure the same thing, so the ranges on this page come from putting them side by side.
- Pueblo Community College: Medical Assisting Cost Sheet, Certificate
- Northwood Tech: FY26 MA Program Cost Sheet
- Edmonds College: Medical Assistant Certificate Approximate Costs
- Clatsop Community College: MA Program 2026 to 27 Cost of Attendance
- Midwest Technical Institute: Medical Assisting Program Costs
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
Medical assistant program costs $5,976 to $11,836 per program in 2026, and most people pay about $8,019. Most people pay about $8,019 per program. The low end is $5,976 and the high end is $11,836.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: Community colleges cost much less than private career schools; In state students pay less than out of state students; Longer programs with more credit hours cost more.
How can I pay less?
Compare the total cost sheet of a few local community colleges. Ask about in state rates and payment plans. Check if the school includes the exam fee and books in the price.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 5 named price guides: Pueblo Community College, Northwood Tech, Edmonds College, Clatsop Community College, Midwest Technical Institute. Each one is linked on this page with the date we read it.
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