In this article, you will find information on the cheapest universities in the USA for international students. So if you are an international student looking for affordable schools where you can pursue your dream course in the USA, we have you covered here.
Institutions in the United States are renowned for offering the best degrees in the world. According to Times Higher Education, more than five universities in the United States are among the top ten universities in the world.
However, schooling in the US is not cheap, especially for foreign students. This is why most foreign students strive to apply and win fully funded scholarships to help finance their education.
See also: 2023 Top Cheapest Universities in the US for International Students
However, there is hope for people who couldn’t land a scholarship while applying to study in any school in the US. The good thing now is that if you do not have a scholarship for your studies, there are low-cost institutes in the United States where you can enroll for your studies.
In this context, we will list and describe some of the low-tuition schools in America.
How much does it cost to study in the United States as an international student?
In the United States, the cost of studies in public colleges is comparatively less than that of private schools. Cost of education in America depends on your choice of institution, program of study, course, and sometimes, location of the initiation in the United States.
The cost of university degrees for international students at public universities in the US ranges from $25,000- $35,000 per year while private institutions charge between $30,000 to $45,000 annually. Additionally, the cost of an associate’s degree at a community college in the US ranges from $6,000 to $20,000 per year.
See also: 2024 Top Cheapest Universities in the US for International Students
For graduate programs, the cost ranges from $20,000 to $45,000 per year. Some professional graduate programs cost more than graduate programs in other fields of study.
The cost of doctoral degrees ranges from $28,000 to $55,000 per year.
Can an international student study free in the USA?
Yes. In fact, you can study in the United States without spending a dime by landing a scholarship for your graduate, undergraduate, or postgraduate studies.
You can go for affordable schools that charge low tuition, but keep in mind that you will have to cover for accommodation, provide books, and other costs associated with your studies in the United States.
By securing a scholarship in the USA, you will have the funds to cover the cost of your studies abroad and thus you will study free.
What is the cheapest US College for international students?
The cheapest university in the United States is the University of the People (UoPeople). This institution offers free tuition for local and international students. However, students must pay some administrative fees to cover course evaluations, ranging from $2,460 for an associate’s degree to $ 4,860 for a four-year bachelor’s degree program.
Cheapest Universities for International Master’s Students in America
Cheapest Universities in the United States for International Master’s Students Include:
- People’s University
- Arkansas State University
- Minot State University
- California State University
- Sonoma State University
- Bellevue University
- Westcliff University
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Metropolitan State University (Minnesota)
Cheapest Public Universities in the USA for International Students
US public universities are owned and funded by the US government. These universities offer high-quality education to local and international students in different fields of study at all levels.
Cheapest public universities in the US for international students include:
- South Texas College
- Arkansas State University
- Minot State University
- Alcorn State University
- California State University
- Sonoma State University
- Southeast Missouri State University
- City University of New York
- Metropolitan State University (Minnesota)
Cheapest US Universities for Indian Students
Cheapest US Universities for Indian Students are as follows:
- Arkansas State University
- Minot State University
- Alcorn State University
- California State University
- Bellevue University
- Southeast Missouri State University
Cheapest Universities in the USA for International Students
Listed below are the cheapest universities in the US for international students. Keep in mind that these colleges offer a top-notch education, yet they are affordable.
Therefore, the cheapest universities in the USA for international students are:
- People’s University
- South Texas College
- Arkansas State University
- Minot State University
- Alcorn State University
- California State University
- Silicon Valley San Mateo Colleges
- Hillsborough Community College
- Sonoma State University
- Bellevue University
- Westcliff University
- Southeast Missouri State University
- City University of New York
People’s University
People’s University (UoPeople) is a private, non-profit, distance education or online university that was established in 2009. The institution is the first university to offer free online worldwide.
UoPeople offers associate, bachelor and master programs in different academic fields. These academic fields include business administration, computer science, education, and health sciences. Students learn from NYU and UC Berkeley faculty members online.
UoPeople is one of the cheapest universities in the USA for international students, as the institution does not charge tuition fees. However, students must pay some administrative fees to cover course evaluations, ranging from $2,460 for an associate’s degree to $ 4,860 for a four-year degree program.
The Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC) accredits UoPeople
Tuition for international students per year: Free
South Texas College
University of South Texas (STC) is a public community college in Texas that was founded in 1993. The university offers associates and bachelor’s degrees on six campuses. Campuses include Pecan Campus (main), Mid-Valley Campus, Starr County Campus, Technology Campus, Ramiro R. Casso Nursing & Allied Health Campus, and E-STC Virtual Campus.
Although the university has very few international students, STC appears on the list of cheapest universities in the US for international students.
The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits STC.
International Student Tuition per Year: $4,200
Arkansas State University
Founded in 1909, Arkansas State University (One State or ASU) is a public research university in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The main campus of the university is in Jonesboro Arkansas and it has another campus in Querétaro, Mexico.
ASU offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in agriculture, engineering and technology, education and behavioral sciences, liberal arts and communication, nursing and health professions, science and mathematics, and business.
A-State is well known for its high research activity (R2: Doctoral Universities). The institution is a good place for local and international students who wish to pursue their graduate studies.
International Student Tuition per Year: $5,400
Minot State University
Minot State University (MSU or MiSU) is a public university in Minot, North Dakota that was established in 1913.
The university offers more than sixty (60) undergraduate programs and ten (10) graduate programs through the University of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Education and Health Sciences, and a Graduate School.
While Minot State University has about 12 percent international students, it is among the cheapest universities in the US for international students.
The Higher Education Commission accredits MiSU.
International Student Tuition per Year: $6,809
Alcorn State University
Alcorn State University (Alcorn State, ASU, or Alcorn) is a public land-grant university for blacks in Lorman, Mississippi, which was founded in 1871.
The goal of establishing the university was to provide education to the descendants of previously enslaved African Americans. .
Alcorn has a percentage of approximately 3 percent international students. It ranks as one of the cheapest universities in the US for international students.
ASU offers academic programs in more than 50 different fields of study through seven (7) schools, including the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education and Psychology, and the Nursing school.
International Student Tuition per Year: $6,888
California State University
California State University (Cal State or Christian Social Union) is a public university system in California founded in 1857. Cal State is the largest public university in the United States.
California State University offers undergrad, masters, and postgraduate degrees in more than 200 fields of study. Some of these subject areas include agriculture, information technology, public administration, engineering, communication studies, and business, education.
The university produces the largest number of graduates in the United States. Additionally, most California State University graduates earn their Ph.D. in related fields.
Although Cal State has a relatively small number of international students, it is one of the cheapest universities in the US for foreign students seeking to study abroad.
International Student Tuition per Year: $8,151
Silicon Valley San Mateo Colleges
Colegio de San Mateo (CSM) is a community college in San Mateo, California that was established in 1922.
The university offers 79 AA / AS degree majors, 75 certificate programs, and approximately 100 transfer areas and majors. CSM also offers several opportunities with Silicon Valley high-tech companies.
San Mateo College has guaranteed transfers and partnerships with select colleges.
The Commission on Accreditation of Community Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits College of San Mateo.
International Student Tuition per Year: $9,094
Hillsborough Community College
Hillsborough Community College (HCC) is a public community college in Hillsborough County, Florida that was established in 1968.
HCC has five campuses, including Brandon, Dale Mabry, Plant City, Ybor City, and the South Shore. The university offers associate degrees in various areas of study. It is listed as one of the cheapest universities in the US for international students.
International Student Tuition per Year: $9,111
Sonoma State University
Founded in 1961, Sonoma State University (SSU, SonomaState and Sonoma) is a public university in Rohnert Park in Sonoma County, California. The institution is one of the smallest universities in the California State University (CSU) system.
Sonoma State University is an institution that serves Hispanics and offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees through six schools comprising more than 65 departments.
The schools include the School of Arts and Humanities, the School of Business and Economics, the School of Education, the School of Extended and International Education, and the Faculty of Social Sciences.
SSU is one of the cheapest universities in the USA for international students.
International Student Tuition per Year: $9,504
Bellevue University
Bellevue University is a private university in Bellevue, Nebraska that was founded in 1966.
The university offers various undergraduate and graduate programs such as accelerated, cohort-based, face-to-face, and online. Additionally, Bellevue University offers a Doctorate in Business Administration and a Ph.D. in Human Capital Management.
The US News & World Report reports that the university’s online bachelor’s degrees are among the top ten in the country.
The Higher Learning Commission accredits Bellevue University.
International Student Tuition per Year: $3,229 – $11,973
Westcliff University
Westcliff University (WU) is a private for-profit university in Irvine, California, which was established in 1993.
WU offers several online and hybrid programs leading to the award of certificates, bachelor’s degrees, graduate certificates, masters, and doctorates.
The university has a considerable number of foreign students and is among the cheapest universities in the US for international students.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC) accredit Westcliff University.
International Student Tuition per Year: $13,560
Southeast Missouri State University
Southeastern Missouri State University (SEMO) is a public university in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, founded in 1873.
As of 2016, the number of international students at SEMO was 11,978. The institution is among the cheapest universities in the US for international students.
Southeast Missouri State University offers more than 200 academic programs leading to bachelors and master’s degrees. The university also offers a cooperative education. Program through a partnership with the University of Missouri.
International Student Tuition per Year: $14,205
City University of New York
The City University of New York (CUNY) is New York City’s public university system that was founded in 1961. It is comprised of eleven colleges, seven community colleges, one undergraduate college, and seven graduate institutions. .
CUNY has more than 9,000 international students. Black, White, and Hispanic college students each make up more than a quarter of the student body, while Asian college students make up 18 percent. The university is one of the cheapest universities in the USA for international students.
International Student Tuition per Year: $17,400
