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Low-Cost Universities in the USA

"Imagine waking up in the USA, living there, and going to college there with so many other students and friends from all around the world."

Sounds awesome right?

Studying in the United States can be a dream for many international students. The country has a lot of different educational opportunities and experiences to offer. However, the cost of education could be one of the reasons hindering this dream from turning into a reality. That is why, for international students wanting to study in the USA, it is important to find a suitable college that provides top-notch education without costing them a fortune.

As an international student, you do not have to spend a ton of money to study in the USA. The good news is there are a lot of universities in the USA, all of which, along with scholarships, grants, financial support, etc., can help international students get access to US education without weighing them down and burning a hole in their pockets. You can read the blog further to learn more about low-cost universities in the USA, including the private and government-funded universities in the USA, study options in the USA's low-cost universities, and much more.

What are the Most Affordable US Universities for International Students?

While some universities in the United States are well known for their high tuition fees, several US universities believe in offering quality education at affordable costs, making it more accessible for more students, especially international students.

Let us look at some of the top low-cost universities in the USA for international students 

1.California State University

One of the leading affordable universities in the USA, California State University has been providing high-quality, affordable education to students of California and international students from all over the world. The university has around 23 campuses located throughout California. A majority of its colleges are widely popular for their unique approach to teaching and research. California State University has time and again been globally recognised among top colleges and universities across the world.

Name of University

California State University

No. of Students

Over 482,000 (across all campuses)

Popular Programs

Business Administration, Psychology, Computer Science

Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD)

USD 7,520

2.Nicholls State University

Located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, Nicholls State University is regarded as one of the most affordable universities in the USA for international students. The university has 60+ degree programs, 100+ student organisations, and around 15 Division I athletic teams. This university is known to focus on providing experiential learning with a practical approach. 

Name of University

Nicholls State University

No. of Students

Around 6,000

Popular Programs

Nursing, Marine Biology, Petroleum Services

Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD)

USD 5,275

3.Dakota State University

Situated in Madison, South Dakota, Dakota State University is well known for providing technology-related programs at affordable costs, such as Computer Science and Cybersecurity. Students not only have access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities but also get to explore emerging technologies, making it one of the interesting choices for those looking for affordable education in the tech industry. 

Name of University

Dakota State University

No. of Students

Around 3,000

Popular Programs

Computer Science, Cyber Operations, Business Analytics

Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD)

USD 5,968

4.Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University is one of the best low-cost universities in the USA. Located in Provo, Utah, it was initially founded in the year 1875 as Brigham Young Academy by Brigham Young, a leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This university offers a wide range of both graduate and Postgraduate courses across many fields. The university also has an extensive online program with over 500 available courses.

Name of University

Brigham Young University

No. of Students

Over 34,000

Popular Programs

Accounting, Management, Computer Science

Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD)

USD 6,496

5.Mississippi University for Women

Mississippi University for Women (MUW), located in Columbus, Mississippi, is a highly regarded institution known for its dedication to empowering women through education. It offers both Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses at an affordable cost for women. The university takes great pride in its commitment to providing various opportunities for women in a safe and well-equipped environment.

Name of University

Mississippi University For Women

No. of Students

Around 2,800

Popular Programs

Nursing, Business Administration, Psychology

Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD)

USD 7,866

6.University of Nevada at Reno

Located in Reno, Nevada, the University of Nevada at Reno (UNR) is well-known for its wide range of popular programs, such as Engineering, Science, Business, etc., at an affordable cost. One of the best parts about this university is that students have the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities while pursuing their studies due to the university campus's proximity to the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Name of University

University of Nevada at Reno

No. of Students

Over 21,000

Popular Programs

Business Administration, Engineering, Psychology

Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD)

USD 8,797

7.Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU), situated in Portales, New Mexico, is one of the most affordable universities in the USA for international students. This university is known for providing a friendly and supportive environment to its students, who come from all around the world. A diverse range of courses are available at this university, including Education, Agriculture, Business, etc., to cater to the different choices and needs of the students.

Name of University

Eastern New Mexico University

No. of Students

Around 6,000

Popular Programs

Nursing, Criminal Justice, Education

Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD)

USD 8,688

8.Minnesota State University Moorhead

Located in Moorhead, Minnesota, USA, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public university founded in the year 1887. Since then, it has grown to become one of the leading and most affordable universities in the USA. This university is well-known for offering a wide range of Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including Arts, Engineering, Sciences, Business, etc. Students from all over the world come here to learn and grow in a student-centered learning environment, promoting hands-on experiences and encouraging research.

Name of University

Minnesota State University Moorhead

No. of Students

Around 5,500

Popular Programs

Business Administration, Nursing, Education

Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD)

USD 8,838

9.North Carolina State University

Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, North Carolina State University is one of the most affordable universities in the USA. It is one of the proud members of the prestigious Research Triangle, along with Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The university is spread across 2,100 acres, and along with offering a wide range of courses, the university is well equipped with the latest facilities, such as labs, libraries, art centers, recreational centers, etc.

Name of University

North Carolina State University

No. of Students

Over 36,000

Popular Programs

Engineering, Business Administration, Computer Science

Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD)

USD 9,128

10.Henderson State University

Located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, Henderson State University is a public university with a picturesque setting nestled in the Ouachita Mountains. This university was established in the year 1890 and is a member of the Arkansas State University System. This university primarily focuses on offering a wide range of courses to students with a touch of personalised attention.

Name of University

Henderson State University

No. of Students

Around 3,600

Popular Programs

Education, Business Administration, Nursing

Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD)

USD 9,632

Studying in the USA is not a dream anymore! With the help of public universities, pursuing higher education in the USA can be an enriching experience without emptying your pockets. Public universities, along with proper strategic financial planning, including scholarships, financial support, part-time jobs, assistantships, etc., can significantly reduce the financial strain on international students. Apart from these, exploring affordable education options, with waived application fees and lower tuition fees, can make pursuing studies in the USA more feasible.

The best part is that these public universities in the USA are funded by the government, which helps them equip and offer more courses and technology at a relatively lower cost.

By choosing universities known for comparatively lower tuition fees and diligently seeking financial assistance, international students can achieve their academic aspirations without excessive financial worry, ensuring that the dream of studying in the USA becomes a reality.

FAQs

Are public universities affordable in the USA?

Yes. Public universities in the USA are usually more affordable, compared to private universities as the former are generally backed and funded by the government. The tuition fees in public universities are relatively low.  

How do you make your US education affordable?

 To make your education in the US more affordable, consider seeking scholarships, part-time employment, and opting for public universities which generally have lower tuition. Applying for financial support and exploring assistantship opportunities can also ease the financial burden to a great extent.

How can I reduce the overall cost of pursuing academics in the US?

Reducing the overall cost of academic expenditure involves exploring various universities that offer scholarships, considering community/public colleges for more affordable foundational courses, looking into research assistantship opportunities, and a part-time job as per your choice and which you are open to. All of these or any few of these can definitely help reduce the overall cost of your tuition expenses.

Which universities have no application fee in the USA?

Several universities waive application fees for specific students or during certain periods. It is advisable to confirm and cross-check by visiting individual university websites for updated and specific information regarding waived application fees which will be mentioned in their website portal.

Which university in the USA has the lowest tuition fees?

While tuition fees vary across universities, state/public universities generally tend to have lower fees compared to private universities and institutions. Certain universities including the ones previously mentioned offer relatively lower tuition fees compared to many others in the country.

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