Becoming a radiologic technologist is one of the more affordable paths into a well-paid health career, especially if you train at a community college. But the price varies a lot depending on the type of school, where you live and the extra costs programs don’t always advertise. Here’s what to expect, with real examples.
Key takeaways
- Most rad techs train through a two-year associate degree program, and community colleges are usually the least expensive option.
- Real community college programs we looked at cost roughly $8,000 to $18,000 in total for in-state or local students, including fees and supplies.
- Bachelor’s degrees and private programs can cost much more.
- Budget for extras like books, uniforms, background checks, health requirements, clinical travel and the $225 ARRT exam fee.
- Federal grants, loans and employer programs can lower what you actually pay.
Cost by type of program
The table below shows average published tuition and fees per year for all undergraduate programs in 2025–26, from the College Board. Radiography programs often charge additional program fees on top.
| Type of school | Average tuition and fees per year (2025–26) | Typical radiography path |
|---|---|---|
| Public two-year (community college), in-district | $4,150 | Associate degree, about 2 years |
| Public four-year, in-state | $11,950 | Bachelor’s degree, about 4 years |
| Public four-year, out-of-state | $31,880 | Bachelor’s degree, about 4 years |
| Private nonprofit four-year | $45,000 | Bachelor’s degree, about 4 years |
Hospital-based certificate programs are another option. They usually last about two years and may be less expensive, but many require college prerequisites first. Costs vary widely, so ask each program for its full cost sheet.
Real program examples
Many programs publish a detailed fee sheet on their website. Here are two community college examples:
| Program | Estimated total cost | What’s included |
|---|---|---|
| Robeson Community College, North Carolina (May 2026 estimate) | About $8,056 (about $6,926 for radiography courses only) | Tuition, fees, books, uniforms, shoes, lead markers, health checks, background check and drug screen, radiation badge (dosimetry) fees, liability insurance, a review seminar and ARRT fees. Prerequisite courses not included. |
| Hagerstown Community College, Maryland (2025–26 estimate) | About $18,300 for in-county students; about $27,500 out-of-state | Tuition, college and course fees, textbooks, clinical tracking software, CPR, uniforms. Background check, health requirements, travel and certification fees are extra. |
The gap between these two programs shows why you should always compare full cost sheets, not just tuition per credit.
Costs beyond tuition
Almost every program has extra expenses. Common ones include:
- Textbooks and online resources
- Uniforms and clinical shoes
- Lead markers to label your X-ray images
- Radiation monitoring badge (dosimetry) fees
- Background check, fingerprinting and drug screening
- Immunizations, TB testing and a physical exam
- CPR certification
- Liability insurance for clinical rotations
- Clinical tracking software
- Travel to clinical sites, sometimes far from campus
- Registry review course or seminar
- ARRT exam application: $225 for radiography
- State license fee, where your state requires one
There’s also an indirect cost. Clinical rotations take up much of the week, so many students can only work part-time during the program.
How to pay less
- Start at a community college in your district, where tuition is lowest.
- File the FAFSA. It’s your gateway to federal Pell Grants, federal student loans and many state and school aid programs.
- Look for hospital tuition help. Some hospitals offer tuition reimbursement or sign-on bonuses for graduates who commit to work for them.
- Search professional scholarships. The ASRT Foundation and state radiologic technology societies offer scholarships for students.
- Finish prerequisites cheaply at a community college before applying to a program.
- Choose an accredited program. Programs accredited by JRCERT prepare you to sit for the ARRT exam. An unaccredited program could cost you time and money.
Is it worth the cost?
For many people, yes, but run your own numbers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median pay of $80,110 for radiologic technologists in May 2025, and the job typically requires an associate degree. Pay varies a lot by state and setting, and you can add credentials like CT or MRI later to increase it.
Compare the full program cost with the starting pay in your area before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Is an associate degree enough to become a rad tech? Yes. An associate degree from an accredited program is the most common path, and it qualifies you for the ARRT radiography exam.
Are online rad tech programs cheaper? There are no fully online entry-level radiography programs, because you need hands-on clinical training. Some programs offer online classes for the theory part.
Can I work while in rad tech school? Often only part-time. Clinical rotations take up a large part of the week.
How much is the ARRT exam? The ARRT application fee for the radiography exam is $225.
Sources
- College Board: Trends in College Pricing 2025, highlights.
- National College Attainment Network (NCAN): College Costs Continue to Decline (November 2025).
- Robeson Community College: Radiography Program Costs (updated May 2026).
- Hagerstown Community College: Radiography fee sheet, 2025–2026.
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT): Application fees.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, Radiologic and MRI Technologists.
Costs change every year. Check each program’s current cost sheet and talk to its financial aid office before you apply.