Same Certificate, Lower Cost — Without Cutting Corners
MDPA Focus: Optimize for total cost of ownership, not sticker price.
Saboteur Assumption
“Cheapest enrolment fee wins.” Hidden fees and slow feedback make “cheap” very expensive.
Architect Evidence
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
| Item | Low‑risk model | High‑risk model |
|---|---|---|
| Enrolment | Transparent | Discount + lock‑ins |
| Materials | Included | Paywalled |
| Resubmits | Included up to N | Charged per attempt |
| Extensions | Planned buffers | Penalty fees |
| Turnaround | ≤5 days | 10–20 days |
| Time to completion | 6–12 weeks | 4–8+ months |
Bard Narrative
Two learners pay similar upfront fees. One finishes in 8 weeks with included support; the other stretches to 6 months paying extensions and resubmits. The latter cost doubles quietly.
Action Plan
- Request a written list of all potential fees. 2) Confirm marking SLA. 3) Choose the fastest safe path, not the cheapest promise.
Early CTA
- Budget course analysis → /blog/cpp41419-budget-real-estate-courses-under-1000
Related Links
- Payment plan premium → /blog/payment-plan-premium
- The vanishing price tag → /blog/the-vanishing-price-tag