In this article, we will provide you with a list of the top 10 most affordable colleges in the U.S.A. for international students. We will discuss their different academic offerings and other information that will help prospective internationals choose the best college for their studies.
Most Affordable Universities in U.S.A for International Students
Cheapest Universities in U.S.A for International Students
1. Northern State University, Aberdeen
Northern State University, located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, is a public institution with a student body totaling 2,867 undergraduates, including 37 international students, who boast a 56% graduation rate over a six-year period.
The university offers a wide array of academic programs, including certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, covering fields such as accounting, banking, justice, science, education, and digital media. With a reasonable tuition rate of $10,717 and scholarships available to alleviate financial burdens, Northern State University strives to support its students’ academic pursuits.
With its diverse programs spread across four schools, Northern State University has gained global recognition for the research efforts of both its students and faculty.
The tuition fees per credit for undergraduate and graduate students are $30 and $55, respectively.
2. Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell
Oklahoma Panhandle State University, situated in Goodwell, Oklahoma, is a public college offering various associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs through its three colleges. Students at this university have the opportunity to explore diverse fields such as agriculture, nursing, science, communication, music, social science, IT, and business administration.
With affordable tuition fees and scholarship opportunities available, Oklahoma Panhandle State University provides an accessible option for both in-state and out-of-state students. In the 2024 academic year, out-of-state tuition and fees amounted to $7,961.
Oklahoma State University (OSU), on the other hand, stands as a renowned public research university boasting five campuses and a selection of over 200 undergraduate degree programs. The university prides itself on its diverse student community, with individuals representing over 100 countries. OSU has earned a reputation as one of the best and most affordable universities in the USA for international students.
The tuition and fees per year for undergraduate and graduate students at OSU are $29,440 and $25,200, respectively.
3. Southwest Minnesota State University, Minnesota
Southwest Minnesota State University, situated in Marshall, Minnesota, is a public institution known for its emphasis on liberal arts studies and careers. The campus fosters a lively atmosphere with student housing, clubs, and groups, fostering both personal and academic development. Popular fields of study at the university include Business, Psychology, Exercise Science, and Kinesiology.
Renowned for its provision of esteemed liberal arts degrees, Southwest Minnesota State University ranks among the top public universities offering comprehensive four-year programs. Its dedication to delivering excellence in education renders it an attractive option for students seeking affordable higher education opportunities in the United States.
The tuition and fees per credit at Southwest Minnesota State University are $305 for in-state students and $486 for out-of-state students.
4. Dakota State University, Madison
Dakota State University (DSU) is a public institution located in Madison, South Dakota, USA. Established in 1881, the university provides a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business administration, computer science, information systems management, nursing, and more.
DSU offers flexible learning options to accommodate the needs of working professionals and individuals managing household responsibilities, including online courses and hybrid classes. The university prioritizes student safety, with its campus consistently ranked as the safest in the state for three consecutive years.
An essential aspect of DSU’s mission is to ensure affordable education for its students. The university provides various financial aid opportunities, such as need-based grants, work-study programs, federal loans, and scholarships, including those available through the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship Program. The tuition and fees per year at Dakota State University (DSU) amount to $5,969.
5. Nicholls State University, Thibodaux
Nicholls State University, located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, is a public institution offering a wide range of programs, from culinary arts to nursing. Founded in 1948, the university currently has an undergraduate enrollment of 5,579 students as of fall 2023. Notably, Nicholls State University is recognized for its affordable tuition fees, amounting to $7,946 for in-state students and $9,039 for out-of-state students.
In addition to its academic offerings, the university prioritizes student safety, with 1,255 undergraduate students residing on campus to enhance the overall campus experience. The tuition fees at Nicholls State University, based on 15 hours per semester, are $4,483 for in-state students and $4,220 for out-of-state students.
6. Delta State University, Mississippi
Delta State University, situated in Cleveland, Mississippi, holds a prominent position as a highly-regarded institution in the Southern region. Cleveland offers students an enjoyable experience with its affordable living costs, vibrant student community, lively music scene, and diverse culinary options.
While the university offers a variety of majors, the most popular ones include Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Psychology, Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, Elementary Education and Teaching, General, General Studies, Business Administration and Management, General, Business/Commerce, General, Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General, and Social Work
Delta State University charges a tuition fee of $8,605 for both in-state and out-of-state students, making it an attractive option, especially considering that the out-of-state tuition is significantly lower than the national average for such expenses. For international students, the non-resident tuition fees amount to $500 per semester for both undergraduate and graduate programs.
7. University of Buffalo, New York
Established in 1846, the University at Buffalo (UB) holds a prominent position as one of the nation’s oldest public research universities. With a diverse student body comprising over 30,000 individuals from all 50 states and 120 countries, UB offers a broad spectrum of academic programs, encompassing 135 undergraduate and more than 170 graduate and professional degrees across its campuses.
UB is home to numerous research centers and institutes, providing students with extensive opportunities to explore specialized fields of study. The university’s undergraduate tuition fees range from $5,655 to over $25,000 annually, depending on the specific program. To support eligible students, UB extends various scholarship opportunities, including merit-based awards, need-based grants, student employment options, and specialized scholarships.
Spanning three campuses in Buffalo, Amherst, and New York, UB offers a robust educational environment that appeals to both domestic and international students seeking high-quality education at an affordable price point.
8. Mississippi University of Women, Columbus
Mississippi University for Women, situated in Columbus, Mississippi, holds the distinction of being the first public college for women in the United States. Despite this historical significance, the institution remains committed to providing an outstanding educational experience while also assisting students in graduating with less debt compared to other regional Southern universities. Reflecting this commitment to affordability, the university’s tuition and fees for the 2024 academic year amount to $7,866.
Offering a diverse array of programs, Mississippi University for Women provides opportunities in fields such as Elementary Education and Teaching, Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist, Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General, Registered Nursing, Business Administration and Management, General, Public Health Education and Promotion, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Culinary Arts, Legal Assistant/Paralegal, and Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other.
Undergraduate and graduate students at Mississippi University for Women are charged a tuition and fee amount of $7,866 per year.
9. California State University, San Bernardino
California State University (CSU) is a well-known public university in California, USA. The annual tuition fee for California residents is relatively low, averaging just $5,742. Additionally, the yearly tuition fee for international students is below $10,000, making it one of the most affordable options among American universities. CSU has a strong reputation and consistently ranks among the top universities in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges list.
CSU offers a diverse array of undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and online programs, covering a wide range of subjects such as Asian studies, criminal justice, biology, Arabic, art history, aerospace engineering, agriculture, education, medicine, STEM, and film.
A key feature of CSU is its affordability, offering a cost-effective yet high-quality education to both California residents and international students. Furthermore, CSU provides various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs, to ensure that students receive the necessary support for their education. CSU also offers a Scholarship Search Tool to help students identify additional funding sources for their studies.
10. Bringham Young University, Provo
Brigham Young University (BYU) is a private research university that operates campuses in Provo, Utah; Laie, Hawaii; and Rexburg, Idaho. As of fall 2023, BYU’s main campus in Provo, Utah, is home to 31,633 undergraduate students. The university is well-known for its language programs, offering courses in 62 different languages, and about 65 percent of students are bilingual.
BYU consists of several colleges that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees across a wide range of fields, including Education and Human Development, Engineering & Technology, Fine Arts & Communications, Life Sciences, Management, Nursing & Health Sciences, and Physical & Mathematical Sciences. Additionally, BYU has an extensive online program with over 500 courses available.
One of BYU’s notable strengths is its affordability, making it one of the most economical universities in the United States. BYU provides various financial assistance options, including tuition payment plans and discounts for military personnel and their families. Scholarships, grants, and work-study programs are also available to help students manage their finances. Furthermore, external scholarship opportunities from organizations like the Gates Millennium Scholarship and the National Merit Scholarship Program are accessible to BYU students.
Average Cost of Attending College in The US As An International Student
The typical expenses associated with attending college in the United States as an international student can vary widely depending on factors such as the institution, location, program of study, and personal lifestyle choices. However, here are some average costs that international students can expect to encounter:-
The cost of going to college for international students can change a lot. For tuition and fees, it can be anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on the school and program. Living expenses, like housing and meals, can cost about $8,000 to $15,000 each year. Books and supplies usually add up to $1,000 to $2,000 per year. Health insurance might be needed, which could be around $1,000 to $2,000 per year. Then there are personal expenses like transportation and entertainment, which might be $2,000 to $5,000 per year.
How To Make College Education Affordable For International Students
Ensuring college education is affordable for international students is vital for fostering diversity, encouraging global cooperation, and enabling individuals worldwide to pursue higher education. Below are some approaches to achieve this:
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Universities can provide merit-based and need-based scholarships tailored for international students to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs.
- Reduced Tuition Rates: Some institutions offer discounted tuition fees for international students, ensuring quality education remains affordable.
- Work-Study Programs: Offering part-time work opportunities on campus or in the local community enables international students to offset living expenses and gain valuable work experience.
- Flexible Payment Plans: Universities can introduce payment plans allowing international students to pay tuition and fees in installments, easing financial burdens.
- Affordable Housing Options: Providing affordable on-campus housing or collaborating with local landlords for off-campus accommodation helps international students manage living costs.
- Support Services: Offering comprehensive support services such as academic guidance, career counseling, and mental health resources aids international students in overcoming challenges and achieving academic success.
- Internship and Co-op Programs: Universities can organize internship and co-op initiatives, providing paid work experiences relevant to students’ fields of study to help them acquire professional skills and earn income.
- Advocacy for Policy Changes: Institutions can advocate for policy reforms at national and international levels to lessen visa constraints, simplify visa application processes, and expand work opportunities for international students post-graduation.
- Collaborative Partnerships and Exchange Programs: Establishing partnerships with foreign universities and participating in exchange programs grants international students access to more affordable education alternatives and cultural exchange opportunities.
- Promotion of Open Educational Resources (OER): Encouraging the use of OER, including free textbooks and online courses, helps reduce the overall cost of education for international students.
By adopting these measures, universities can facilitate greater affordability and accessibility of college education for international students, fostering a more diverse and inclusive higher education environment.
Which university in USA is the Cheapest for international students?
The City University of New York (CUNY) is a good choice for international students who want an affordable education in the USA. Compared to other universities, CUNY usually charges international students less money for tuition.
Some CUNY campuses even have scholarships for international students, which can make the cost even lower. But remember, the exact tuition fees can differ based on which campus and program you choose. So, it’s important to check and compare the prices before making a decision. On average, CUNY’s tuition fees for international students range from about $15,000 to $20,000 per year.