10 Most Affordable Universities in USA for International Students 2026
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Are you planning to study in USA but are finding it costly? You can apply to some of the most affordable and cheapest universities in USA from India. Yes, this option exists and is lucrative for those who cannot fund their education in USA. Check out the details.
Every international student at one point thinks about earning his higher education degree from the USA. However, the high cost of college and other expenses discourage students from living their dreams and many times persuade them to change their plans. There are many scholarships available for studying in the USA like fully funded scholarships in US. These are students who are hesitant to take loans to pursue their education, can opt for them. For those students, who want cheaper universities for study can consider public universities in USA because private universities are more expensive. There are a plethora of options to look at if you want to study at affordable US universities from India. If you also need some guidance around some of the cheapest universities in USA then we will give you the best possible options. In this article, we will inform you of the cheapest universities in the USA for international students.
- Why Study at Cheapest US Universities?
- List of Affordable Universities in the USA for International Students
- Top 10 Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students
- Other Affordable Universities in the USA for Undergraduate Students
- Tips to Reduce Cost of Studying in the US
- Affordable Universities in USA FAQs
Why Study at Cheapest US Universities?
There are numerous reasons why international applicants should choose to study across cheap universities in USA. These reasons are as follows:
- USA is very expensive for studying. But there are affordable universities which can help in reducing the overall high costs.
- Irrespective of the choice of cheap university in US for any course type, the quality of education is not degraded.
- There can be smaller class sizes, apart from lower tuition costs at cheap universities in USA, but the study outline, syllabus and pattern will be the same as the standard.
- There will also be scholarships available at affordable US universities, which can further reduce the costs of studying in USA.
- Applicants can also consider studying at community colleges in USA, which are also cheap and affordable for international students.
- Finally, applicants should not worry about the educational standards at cheap universities in USA, the standard is maintained and degrees are globally recognised.
Based on the above given reasons, applicants can consider applying to affordable universities in USA.
List of Affordable Universities in the USA for International Students
One must have enough funds to study in a country like USA. Because US has some top-ranking universities which are also expensive, makes arranging funds for students difficult. But wait there is a solution. US is also home to some of the cheapest universities offering high quality education at affordable prices. Check out some of the cheapest universities in USA below:
- University of New Orleans
- California State University
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Arkansas State University
- Brigham Young University
- Alabama State University
- The University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Southwest Minnesota State University
- Northwest Missouri State University
- Dakota State University
Top 10 Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students
The section below discusses some of the most affordable colleges in USA for international students with tuition fees for different levels of study.
1. University of New Orleans
The University of New Orleans is a public research university located in New Orleans. This university offers different levels of academic programs. Since its a public university, it is among the cheapest universities in USA. Despite being an affordable university, University of New Orleans offers students unique opportunities for research, internships, and experience culture and community within New Orleans. Check out the fees for the University of New Orleans below:
| Particulars | International Students |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (15 hours per semester) | USD 14,290 |
| Housing (4-bedroom in Pontchartrain Hall) | USD 6,280 |
| Meal Plan (Unlimited weekly Galley meals, daily retail dining trade + USD 150 Declining Balance) | USD 5,950 |
| TOTAL | USD 26,520 |
2. California State University, San Bernardino
California State University system is a public university based in California, USA. The Cal State San Bernardino is the cheapest universities in USA, where the university's main campus is located, is one of the largest cities in California. The university offers numerous undergraduate, graduate, and online programs. Asian studies, Criminal Justice, Biology, Arabic, and Art History are some of the streams offered by the university. The table given below provides an overview of expenditures for the 2024-25 Academic Year:
| Particulars |
Undergraduate |
Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees |
USD 18,173 (INR 15.1 L) |
USD 14,657 (INR 12.2 L) |
| Additional Expenses |
USD 26,164 (INR 21.8 L) | USD 26,164 (INR 21.8 L) |
| TOTAL |
USD 44,337 (INR 37 L) | USD 40,821 (INR 34.1 L) |
3. Southeast Missouri State University
Southeast Missouri State University is a public university located in Missouri. It offers more than 200 programs including 100 minors, 145 undergraduate majors, and more than 75 graduate programs. The university is the most affordable university in USA which focuses on giving quality education with modern teaching styles. The table given below gives costs of studying for the 2024-25 Academic Year:
| Particulars | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and General Fees (Fall and Spring) | USD 17,147 (INR 14.3 L) | USD 13,237 (INR 11 L) |
| Estimated Books and Supplies | USD 364 (INR 30 K) | USD 850 (INR 71 K) |
| Housing | USD 7,850 (INR 6.5 L) | USD 4,500 (INR 3.7 L) |
| Meals | USD 3,300 (INR 2.7 L) | USD 2,100 (INR 1.7 L) |
| Estimated Personal Expenses (toiletries, local transportation, recreation) | USD 1,000 (INR 83 K) | USD 1,000 (INR 83 K) |
| Health Insurance (mandatory; 12 months) | USD 1,503 (INR 1.2 L) | USD 1,503 (INR 1.2 L) |
| TOTAL | USD 31,165 (INR 26 L) | USD 23,190 (INR 19.3 L) |
4. Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University is the cheapest university in the USA. It is a public research university based in Arkansas, USA. It is the second-largest university in Arkansas. The school offers more than 160 degree programs. It also offers various bachelor's, and master's programs online. For students' benefit, the university offers a Structured Learning Assistance Program that provides additional academic support for difficult topics. The table given below provides an overview of expenditures per semester for the year 2024-25:
| Particulars | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | USD 9,680 (INR 8 L) | USD 6,980 (INR 5.8 L) |
| Books | USD 1,250 (INR 1 L) | USD 1,250 (INR 1 L) |
| Room & Board | USD 11,100 (INR 9.2 L) | USD 12,400 (INR 10.3 L) |
| Personal | USD 2,790 (INR 2.3 L) | USD 2,790 (INR 2.3 L) |
| Transportation | USD 3,332 (INR 2.7 L) | USD 3,332 (INR 2.7 L) |
| TOTAL | USD 28,152 (INR 23.5 L) | USD 26,752 (INR 22.3 L) |
5. Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University is a private research university is another cheap university in USA. Established in 1875, it is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Brigham follows a semester-based academic calendar. The campus spreads across 557 acres. The university is known for offering language education and offer courses in 62 languages. The table given below provides an overview of expenditures per semester for the year 2024-25:
| Particulars | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | USD 13,376 (INR 11.1 L) | USD 16,832 (INR 14 L) |
| Food and Housing | USD 10,396 (INR 8.7 L) | USD 13,260 (INR 11 L) |
| Books and Supplies | USD 392 (INR 32.7 K) | USD 392 (INR 32.7 K) |
| Personal Expenses | USD 1,984 (INR 1.6 L) | USD 2,816 (INR 2.3 L) |
| Transportation | USD 2,480 (INR 2 L) | USD 3,528 (INR 29.4 L) |
| Loan Fees | USD 64 (INR 5.3 K) | USD 228 (INR 19 K) |
| TOTAL | USD 28,692 (INR 24 L) |
USD 37,056 (INR 31 L) |
6. Alabama State University
Another public research university which is the cheapest in USA is Alabama State University. This university offers all levels of programs for its international students. Why students choose to apply for Alabama State University admissions is because of its quality academics, research excellence and cultural diversity. Check out the course wise tuition fees at Alabama State University below:
| Particulars | Out of State Applicants Fee |
|---|---|
| Tuition | USD 16,656 |
| Fees | USD 2,920 |
| Housing & Board | USD 7,600 |
| Other Expenses | USD 10,260 |
| TOTAL | USD 33,194 |
7. University of Louisiana–Monroe
The University of Louisiana at Monroe is a public university in USA which is also the most affordable. It is known for its high-quality education. Also, this university is cheap because it is state-funded offering a variety of fields of study. University of Louisiana Monroe helps students meet their academic, cultural, social, and personal needs. The table given below provides an overview of fees for 2024-25 Academic Year:
| Particulars | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | USD 9,199 (INR 7.6 L) | USD 9,400 (INR 7.8 L) |
| Housing and meals | USD 10,182 (INR 8.5 L) | USD 10,182 (INR 8.5 L) |
| Books and supplies | USD 1,300 (INR 1 L) | USD 1,300 (INR 1 L) |
| Personal | USD 2,500 (INR 2 L) | USD 2,500 (INR 2 L) |
| Travel | USD 3,424 (INR 2.8 L) | USD 3,424 (INR 2.8 L) |
| Loan Fees | USD 52 (INR 4.3 K) | USD 52 (INR 4.3 K) |
| TOTAL | USD 26,657 (INR 22.2 L) | USD 26,858 (22.4 L) |
8. Southwest Minnesota State University
Southwest Minnesota State University is a public university based in Minnesota, USA. Business, Psychology, Exercise Science, and Kinesiology are some of the popular majors offered by the university. Also, it is counted amongst the top four-year public universities offering a high-quality degree in liberal arts. The table given below provides an overview of expenditures for the 2024-25 Academic Year:
| Particulars | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | USD 10,304 (INR 8.6 L) | USD 10,350 (INR 8.6 L) |
| Housing and Food | USD 10,666 (INR 8.9 L) | USD 9,000 (INR 7.5 L) |
| Books, Materials, Supplies, Equipment | USD 1,200 (INR 1 L) | USD 1,200 (INR 1 L) |
| Transportation, Personal Expenses, Loan fees | USD 3,542 (INR 2.9 L) | USD 1,790 (INR 1.5 L) |
| TOTAL | USD 25,712 (INR 21.5 L) | USD 22,340 (INR 18.6 L) |
9. Northwest Missouri State University
Northwest Missouri State University is a public university based in Missouri, USA. It follows a semester-based academic calendar. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and international programmes in different areas of study. Founded in 1905, the university is known for its highly qualified professors; with almost 95% of the faculty members carrying the highest degree in their respective fields. The table given below provides an overview of expenditures for the 2024-25 Academic Year:
| Particulars | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | USD 21,654 (INR 18.1 L) | USD 9,036 - USD 10,080 (INR 7.5 L - 8.4 L) |
| Housing and Food | USD 13,062 (INR 11 L) | USD 13,062 (INR 11 L) |
| TOTAL | USD 34,716 (INR 29 L) | USD 22,098 - USD 23,142 (INR 18.4 L - 19.3 L) |
10. Dakota State University
Dakota State University is a public university based in South Dakota, USA. Founded in 1881, it is amongst the most prestigious educational institutes in the US. DSU offers online courses for working professionals and homemakers. Apart from this, the university offers a number of programs in diverse fields from management to web development. The table is given below provides and overview of expenditures for pursuing an undergraduate program:
15 credit hour enrollment
| Particulars | Cost of Living (Per Semester) |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | USD 5,968 (INR 5 L) |
| Housing & Food Service | USD 4,130 (INR 3.4 L) |
| Wireless Computing Fee | USD 409 (INR 34 K) |
| TOTAL | USD 10,298 (INR 8.6 L) |
Other Affordable Universities in the USA for Undergraduate Students
Besides the above-given US universities, there are also low-fee charging schools in the USA for undergraduates hailing from abroad, Check them out below:
- California State University has the third-largest campus in the California State University System with 23 branches in California
- Founded in 1993, South Texas College has a student-teacher ratio of 22:1. It offers undergraduate degree and certificate programs
- The City University of New York is a public university system based in New York comprising 26 individual institutions
Often students go to popular states like New York and California while not looking for opportunities in less traditional destinations. Apart from the above-mentioned educational institutions, there are various low fees universities in the US:
| Other Affordable and Cheap Universities in the USA | ||
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan College of New York |
||
| University of Central Oklahoma |
Jacksonville State University |
|
| Texas State University |
||
| San Francisco State University |
Montana State University |
|
| University of North Texas |
||
| Roosevelt University |
Western Kentucky University |
|
| University of Nebraska |
- |
|
Tips to Reduce Cost of Studying in the US
In order to reduce cost of studying in the US, international applicants have to be careful with their expenses. They will not only have to track their expenses but also know where and how to spend. Here are some tips to minimise cost of studying in US:
-
Research, apply for scholarships offered by your university, private organisations, or government-funded programs like the Fulbright well in advance of deadlines.
-
Start your first two years at a community college to pay significantly lower tuition fees, then transfer credits to a four-year university to complete your degree.
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International students on F-1 visas can typically work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the semester to help cover personal and living expenses.
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Sharing an off-campus apartment with roommates can often be more affordable than university dormitories and allows you to split utility bills.
If you’re pursuing medical studies at a cost-effective university in the US, don’t miss the USMLE exam guide for licensing requirements. For more details on admissions, get in touch with our team of counsellors by signing up at - https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply.
Affordable Universities in USA FAQs
Q. What is the average cost of living in USA?
A. Cost of living in USA depends on multiple factors that include your accommodation, books and study material, travel, food, utilities, medical expenses, etc. On an average, you can expect to spend somewhere in between USD 2,000 to USD 4,000 on a monthly basis depending on your location. The costs of living in USA are also dependent on personal expenses that are incurred on the basis of personal choice as well.
Q. How can I reduce the overall cost of pursuing academics in the US?
A. In order to reduce your overall cost of pursuing academics in the US, you can choose to apply for a scholarship in USA and/ or also choose to work on a part-time basis in the US. Students must note that they cannot work for more than 20 hours per week when their classes are in session. Thus, applicants should take up lucrative job roles if possible which would both serve the purpose of gaining experience and getting the applicants some income in hand.
Q. Can you give me an estimate of tuition fee if I wish to pursue an undergraduate course in the US?
A. We have listed below the estimated cost of pursuing an undergraduate degree in US:
| College-type in the US (2022-23) |
Tuition and Fees in the US |
Room and Board Charges in US |
|---|---|---|
| Public two-year colleges |
USD 3,860 |
USD 9,330 |
| Public four-year colleges (in-state fees) |
USD 10,950 |
USD 11,950 |
| Public four-year colleges (out-of-state fees) |
USD 28,240 |
USD 11,950 |
| Private non-profit four-year colleges |
USD 39,400 |
USD 13,620 |
Q. I wish to pursue MBA in the US. Can you give me an estimate of the expenses involved?
A. If you wish to pursue MBA in the US, the following points will give you an estimate of the expenses:
- Average tuition fee is nearly INR 35 lakh per year
- Average living expenses are nearly INR 8.14 lakh per year
However, there may be additional costs, which an applicant would have to bear. Thus, applicants should look for affordable options to study in the USA. With this, they will be able to get costs cut at all the very initial level.
Q. I wish to pursue MS in the US. Can you give me an estimate of the expenses involved?
A. If a student wants to pursue MS in the US, he/ she can consider the points given below:
- Average tuition fee is nearly INR 25 lakh per year
- Average living expenses are nearly INR 8.14 lakh per year
MS in USA cost varies between USD 21,000 to USD 51,000 per annum. Each US university has a different tuition fee which also varies at the specialisation level. Thus, applicants should check best possible options and then choose to take up the course.
University of Texas at San Antonio is one of the best universities in USA and students across the world desire to study here. Listed below are some helpful tips for students starting their first semester in UTAS:
- Academic Routine: Build a practical routine for studies and make use of the academic resources offered by UTAS.
- Connect with Faculty: Students must build a healthy relationship with professors and is helpful with studies as well as job opportunities.
- Co-curricular Activities: Participate in events, clubs, trips, community organization, volunteering and more.
- Gym & Fitness: Fitness freaks can make use of the equipment at UTAS in order to build a healthy routine for themselves.
- Planning Finances: Since studying abroad is expensive, students must plan their budget and invest/spend their money mindfully while studying in UTAS.
International students must have at least a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 for UG and PG admission at Oregon State. Therefore, candidates are eligible to get admission to the university with a 3.5 GPA in their academics. Oregon State University GPA requirements are different for undergraduate and graduate admission. Mentioned below is the range of GPA required for Oregon State University admissions:
| Program | Minimum GPA Required (on a scale of 4.0) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 2.5 - 3.0 |
| Graduate | 2.5 - 3.0 |
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2 years ago
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2 years ago
Hello Thomas, you can read the article above and check out the possibly cheap universities. Another way to check is to check the course fee and ensure you are eligible for a scholarship. If you have queries, you can get in touch with our counsellors at - https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply.
A score of 26 is a great start. Most good universities in United States generally look for student scores between 28 and 30. While the very best schools often expect a 33 or even higher. Always prepare well for it.