Financial Aid & Scholarships for Medical Billing & Coding

Scholarships opportunities exist for students pursuing a degree in medical billing and coding. Discover the possibilities and apply for financial aid.
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Updated July 12, 2023

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Students have many choices available for medical billing and coding programs, ranging from online diplomas to Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees. For most students, financial considerations are a big part of the decision-making equation. The costs of these programs vary, but the average AAS degree in medical billing and coding can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000 depending on the institution. Figuring out how to pay for school can be stressful, but payment plans, grants and scholarships can help ease the financial burden. The following information will provide the name of a scholarship, the monetary value and a description of the requirements for each scholarship.

Check out these resources for financial aid and scholarships to help get started with earning a medical billing and coding degree.

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National Private Scholarships

Across the nation, several philanthropic companies and non-profit organizations generously offer scholarships, and many of these national private scholarships are available to medical billing and coding students for school expenses. Each organization offering a scholarship will usually have a list of specific requirements needed in order to qualify for these awards. As part of the application process, applicants may be asked to submit additional information, such as proof of U.S. residency, letters of recommendation, school transcripts and an essay written by the applicant on a pre-determined subject. Some of these scholarships are based on merit and/or financial need and might be aimed toward certain demographics with more specific requirements regarding gender, economic status or ethnicity. Some available national scholarships for students interested in pursuing medical billing and coding are listed here:

The Abbot and Fenner Scholarship

Abbot and Fenner Business Consultants offer the Abbot and Fenner Scholarship to high school juniors and seniors and college students currently enrolled in an approved post-secondary school. This scholarship is awarded based on the essay students are required to submit via e-mail. The topic and e-mail address can be found on the website. Deadline to apply is June 10.

Amount: $1,000 per year, recurring

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Merit Scholarship

Applicants must be members of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), must be enrolled in at least six credit hours while actively seeking a degree and must maintain a 3.5 GPA. In addition, students must have already completed 24 credit hours toward their degree. Additional requirements and eligibility criteria are listed on the application found online. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30. The award amounts vary by level of degree.

Amount: $1,000 per year, recurring

The Grasshopper Entrepreneur Scholarship

The Grasshopper Entrepreneur Scholarship is offered by Grasshopper, an online organization that helps business owners run their business through their cellphones. The award is open to undergraduate or graduate students attending a U.S. university. To apply, students must provide their contact information and write a 500-700 word essay on a specific topic listed on the Grasshopper website. The deadline for this scholarship is April 30.

Amount: 5,000 per year, unspecified

The Wise Company Scholarship

The Wise Company Scholarship is offered by the Wise Company, a freeze-dried and dehydrated food provider. This scholarship is open to legal U.S. residents currently enrolled full-time or accepted to an approved university or college. Students must have a GPA of 3.5, submit transcripts and a letter of recommendation and write a 600-800 word essay to qualify. Employees, family members or others related to the Wise Company are not eligible to apply. The deadlines to apply are June 1 and Nov. 1.

Amount: $1,500, $1,000 & $500 twice per year, recurring

Regional Private Scholarships

Like national private scholarships, there are a number of regional private scholarships that aid in financing a degree in medical billing and coding. These scholarships have restrictions based on location and are typically offered to students residing in a certain region of the U.S. or to students attending a specific university. Some regional scholarships require that applicants reside in or were born in specific states. Qualifications can be found on most scholarship websites along with the application process. In addition to the application, students may be required to submit additional information, such as school transcripts, letters of recommendation and an essay written by the applicant. Due to the stricter requirements, regional private scholarships may be less competitive for students than national private scholarships. Take a look at some of the available regional scholarships for medical billing and coding students listed here:

The GHIMA Scholarship

The Georgia Health Information Management Association (GHIMA) offers this award to students pursuing a career in Health Information Management (HIM). Students must be Georgia residents, attending an accredited AS-HIM, BS-HIM or MS-HIM degree and must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. Along with the application, students must submit transcripts, two letters of recommendation and a resume. Applicants must also demonstrate involvement in the HIM association, either by employment in HIM or through community work. The deadline to apply is June 1.

Amount: $500 & $1,000 per year, recurring

The HAHIMA Scholarship

The Houston Area Health Information Management Association (HAHIMA) offers this scholarship to students pursuing a degree in Health Information Management (HIM). To qualify, students must be a second year student pursuing an AA degree in Cancer Management or attending an accredited RHIT or RHIA program. In addition, the applicant must be a member of HAHIMA, have over nine hours in a HIM program and a 3.0 or above GPA. Students must submit an application, transcripts, a letter of recommendation and write an essay. Deadlines vary.

Amount: $500 & $1,000 per year, recurring

The Mary M. Zannis Scholarship

The New York Health Information Management Association (NYHIMA) offers the Mary M. Zannis Scholarship to students pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree at an AHIMA accredited HIA or HIT program in the state of New York. Applicants must be an AHIMA and NYHIMA member, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and reside or work in New York. Students are required to write an essay and submit transcripts and two letters of recommendation along with the application. Deadlines vary.

Amount: $1,000 per year, recurring

The New York State Chapter of HIMSS Scholarship

The New York State Chapter of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) offers this scholarship to members of the national and New York chapter of HIMSS who are pursuing a degree in healthcare, information management systems and related professions at an accredited New York school. The applicant must submit an essay of no more than 500 words. If selected, the applicant must be willing to serve as a student liaison to the chapter board. Deadlines vary.

Amount: $5,000 per year, recurring

The NJHIMA Kathleen A Frawley Memorial Scholarship

This award is offered by the New Jersey Health Information Management Association (NJHIMA) to New Jersey residents who are currently enrolled in an HIT associate degree program or HIA bachelor's degree program in any state. Students must be a member of AHIMA, have a GPA of 3.0 and have completed a full semester of their degree program. Recipients of this award will be required to volunteer 10 or more hours in an NJHIMA activity within a year of accepting the award. The deadline is April 30.

Amount: Up to three awards of $1,000 per year, recurring

The NYHIMA Book Fund Scholarship

The NYHIMA Book Fund Scholarship is offered by the New York Health Information Management Association (NYHIMA) to students pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree in HIA or HIT at an approved New York state school. Applicants must be an AHIMA and NYHIMA member, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and reside or work in New York. In addition to the application, students must submit transcripts, two letters of recommendation and write an essay. Deadlines vary.

Amount: $300 per year, recurring

The NYHIMA Returning Student Scholarship

The New York Health Information Management Association (NYHIMA) offers the NYHIMA Returning Student Scholarship to students planning to transition into a career in Health Information Management (HIM) and to students returning to school to advance their HIM career by earning an associate or bachelor's degree at a New York state CAHIIM accredited school. Applicants must be an AHIMA and NYHIMA member, hold at least a 3.0 GPA and have completed 12 credit hours. Deadlines vary.

Amount: $1,000 per year, recurring

The Sarah Bush Lincoln Volunteer Guild Scholarship

The Sarah Bush Lincoln Volunteer Guild Scholarship program offers a scholarship to Illinois residents pursuing a degree in the healthcare field. Students must show acceptance to or be enrolled in an approved full-time, hospital-related program with a 3.5 GPA. In addition to the application, transcripts and references are required. One application can be submitted for three of the offered scholarships. Deadlines vary.

Amount: Varies per year, recurring

The Scott W. Hulstein Scholarship

The Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation offers the Scott W. Hulstein Scholarship to students pursuing a degree in healthcare. Applicants must reside in Jefferson County and must be a graduating high school student or currently enrolled in college or technical school. As part of the application process, students must write an essay and submit required documents. The deadline to apply is April 4.

Amount: Varies per year, recurring

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Health Professional Scholarships

Medical billing and coding opportunities are included under the larger umbrella of allied health professions. As a result, many scholarships awarded to allied health students are available to medical billing and coding students. There are also a number of income and merit-based scholarships for students in a particular degree program that do not hold industry-based requirements. These scholarships are typically open to U.S. residents and may require the student hold a certain GPA. As with other awards, students will be required to submit extra information along with the application. These awards are similar to regional scholarships as they often have requirements based on region, a specific school or certain demographic. Research can yield quite a few examples of allied health and related scholarships. Below you will find a few examples:

The Aiea General Hospital Association Scholarship

The Aiea General Hospital Association Scholarship is offered by the Hawai'i Community Foundation to undergraduates majoring in a health-related field. Applicants must be Hawaii residents residing in the following Leeward O'ahu zip codes: 96701, 96706, 96707, 96782, 96792 or 96797. Students must be enrolled full-time at an accredited school and demonstrate financial need. Along with the application, two letters of recommendation are required. Deadlines vary.

Amount: Unspecified

The Allied Health/Graduate Scholarship

Bedford Community Health Foundation offers the Allied Health/Graduate Scholarship. This scholarship is open to full-time undergraduate and graduate Allied Health students who are attending an approved Virginia State institution. To qualify, students must be Bedford City or Bedford County residents, must maintain at least a “C” average and send a letter of request. Students must also plan to seek employment in the area after graduation. Deadline to apply is June 1.

Amount: Up to $1,000 per year, recurring

The ASAHP Scholarship of Excellence

The Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions (ASAHP) awards $1,000 to students who are enrolled in a healthcare degree program of any level at an approved ASAHP member school. Prospective applicants must have completed at least one term of their degree program. In order to qualify, students must be nominated by an ASAHP institutional representative and must also write an essay and submit a resume. Deadlines vary.

Amount: $1,000 per year, recurring

The David J. Wohlford Memorial Scholarship

The David J. Wohlford Memorial Scholarship is offered by the Edwardsville Community Foundation. It is open to graduating seniors attending Edwardsville High School who plan to pursue a career in the healthcare field. This scholarship is renewable for four years. Students can get an application from the high school guidance counselor. Deadlines vary.

Amount: $2000 per year, recurring

The Dr. Harold and Sharon Glazier Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Montgomery College offers the Dr. Harold and Sharon Glazier Memorial Endowed Scholarship to full-time students in an Allied Health program. All students can apply, but preference will be given to students studying optometry. Students must be U.S. Citizens, reside in Maryland and have a GPA of 3.0 with a minimum of 12 credits completed at Montgomery College. Deadline to apply is July 31.

Amount: varies per year, recurring

The George and Lucille Cushnie Scholarship Fund

The George and Lucille Cushnie Scholarship Fund is a need-based award offered by the Hawai'i Community Foundation to undergraduates and graduates pursuing a degree in a medical-related field. Applicants must be residents of Hawaii and preference will be given to those born in the state of Hawaii. Students must be attending an accredited non-profit school within the U.S. full-time and must have a minimum 2.7 GPA. Deadlines vary.

Amount: Unspecified

The Health and Human Services Department Scholarship

The Health and Human Services Department at Cowley College offers a scholarship to students with a declared major in the Health and Human Services Department. Applicants must be enrolled full-time, have at least a 3.25 GPA and be a Kansas resident. In addition to the application, students must submit transcripts and a letter of recommendation as well as write an essay. Deadlines are Feb. 15 and Oct. 15.

Amount: Twice per year, amount unspecified, recurring

The Robert D. Kruse Memorial Scholarship

The Robert D. Kruse Memorial Scholarship is offered by the Cleveland Clinic and is open to students enrolled in their final year in an accredited health science degree program. All are encouraged to apply, but special consideration will be given to students planning a clinical rotation through the Cleveland clinic. With the application, students must submit FAFSA information, transcripts and two letters of recommendation as well as write an essay. The deadline is April 30.

Amount: Up to $5,000 per year, recurring

The School of Allied Health Tuition Waiver Scholarship

University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) offers the School of Allied Health Tuition Waiver Scholarship to students enrolled in an approved Allied Health program at UAA. Applicants must be Alaska residents, demonstrate financial need and have a GPA of at least 2.8 to qualify for this award. In addition to the application, document requirements are found on the UAA website. Deadlines vary.

Amount: Not specified, recurring

The Second Chance Scholarship

University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) offers the Second Chance Scholarship to students enrolled in an approved Allied Health program at UAA. It offers a second chance to students changing to a career in an Allied Health field. This is a financial need-based scholarship open to Alaska residents. In addition to the application, document requirements are found on the UAA website. Deadlines vary.

Amount: Not specified, recurring

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More Ways to Pay for Medical Billing and Coding School

In addition to scholarships, there are several other ways for students to help pay for their medical billing and coding degree. More information on these options is listed below.

  1. 1

    School Payment Plans

    Several third-party organizations offer school payment plans to help students pay for their college education. Most schools require lump-sum payments for tuition and room and board. These third-party organizations work directly with schools and institutions to set up payment options for students. They allow students to budget the tuition payments over a period of months and may charge varying interest rates. For specific information regarding payment plan options, contact your school's admissions or financial aid office for details.

  2. 2

    School Financial Aid

    School financial aid options, such as loans and grants, are another way to make the challenge of paying for college a little easier. This type of financial aid can come directly from a specific college or university. Often a student's financial situation will be assessed prior to being approved for a school loan. It is important to research these loans as loan length and interest rates vary. Many institutions offer scholarships and grants to students within certain departments or degree programs, which are considered awards and do not need to be paid back.

    Colleges and universities typically have offices devoted to financial aid where students can gain information on how to apply for scholarships, loans and grants. An admissions counselor will have information on these types of awards. Information regarding financing and the types of scholarships and grants available can usually be found on the college's website.

  3. 3

    Employer Tuition Reimbursement

    Some companies offer tuition reimbursement programs as an employee benefit. These programs are set up as a contractual agreement between the employer and employee in which employees, and sometimes even an employee's dependents, can be reimbursed for the cost of continuing education. An employer may offer tuition reimbursement toward classes that are job-related and conditional to employment. Some employers may even offer tuition reimbursement toward a degree unrelated to the job. Many company tuition reimbursement programs come with specific requirements, and if the requirements are not met, the employee could then be responsible for covering the cost of tuition. Be sure to speak with a human resources representative to find out if your company offers such a program and for the specific rules and requirements for eligibility. Employees who receive these benefits may be required to report these reimbursements as wages or income on their tax returns, depending on what type of schooling for which the benefit is being used.

  4. 4

    Federal Loan and Grants

    The federal government offers several different types of financial aid. Although these types of loans are generally need-based, students may still be eligible for certain government loans regardless of their financial situation. Students demonstrating financial need may qualify for a Pell Grant, Federal Perkins Loan or a subsidized Stafford Loan. Other students may qualify for an unsubsidized Stafford Loan. The government also offers a Federal Work-Study Program, which allows students to work part-time while earning federal funding for college tuition and other related expenses. Filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to see if a student qualifies for government financial aid. This can be done through the college admissions office or online.

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