To add, the NCAA Clearinghouse is not needed to play JuCo (NJCAA) though you might as well do so if your son may eventually play at an NCAA school.
Note - the school will not automatically send the transcripts to the clearinghouse. You'll need to submit a request to the school to have them send the transcript.
If your son is lucky enough to get a scholarship from the school the coach will need his NCAA Clearinghouse number.
Hmmmm.... the price has indeed gone up. It was $70 when I helped my son fill it out.