Best Affordable and Cheapest Colleges in the USA 2024

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Meridean Overseas

Updated On 29 December 2023 & Read Time 10 minutes

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Overview

The USA is one of the most chosen destinations among international students looking to pursue higher education. However, one of the reasons students hesitate to opt for their dream study-abroad destination is the high tuition fees in university in the US and living expenses or high cost of living. Moreover, several scholarship options are available to ease the financial burden of studying in US. Along with this, there are many affordable universities in USA that students can consider for accomplishing their study abroad dreams. Numerous cheapest colleges in the USA offer top-quality education and effective teaching facilities in a budget-friendly manner.

 

If you are aiming to seek admission and study in US-based universities but are perplexed about finances, then you are at the right place. The blog provides in-depth details about the cheapest colleges in the USA 2024 and the scholarships they offer so you can make informed decisions.

 

Top 10 Cheapest Colleges in the USA

Some of the cheapest colleges in the USA for international students provide low tuition fees for different levels of study. Check out the list below to learn more about them.

S.NO

University

Tuition Fee

1.

Dakota State University

  • $5,969 per year

2.

Nicholls State University

  • Undergraduate - $4,483 (15 hours) per semester

  • Graduate - $4,220 (15 hours) per semester

3.

California State University

  • Undergraduate - $17,221 per year

  • Graduate - $8,858 per year

4.

Southwest Minnesota State University

  • Undergraduate - $305 per credit

  • Graduate - $486 per credit

5.

Delta State University

  • Undergraduate - $500 per semester (Non-Resident)

  • Graduate - $500 per semester (Non-Resident)

6.

Bringham Young University

  • Undergraduate - $6,304 per semester

  • Graduate - $7,932 per semester

7.

University of Buffalo

  • Undergraduate - $24,990 per year

  • Graduate - $25,992 per year

8.

Northern State University

  • Undergraduate - $30 per credit

  • Graduate - $55 per credit

9.

Oklahoma Panhandle State University

  • Undergraduate - $29,440 per year

  • Graduate - $25,200 per year

10.

Mississippi University of Women

  • Undergraduate - $7,866 per year

  • Graduate - $7,866 per year

Dakota State University, Madison

Dakota State University (DSU) is a public university in Madison, South Dakota, USA. It is known to be a recognised and cheapest college in the USA. The university offers many online courses to professionals who cannot attend college regularly. The DSU also provides financial aid such as need-based scholarships, work-study options, student loans, etc.

 

The table below is the break-up of average expenses for pursuing a course at the university:

Particulars

Cost

Tuition fees per year

$5,969

Wireless Computing Fee

$399

Housing & Food Service

$3,732

Cost Per Semester (estimated)

$10,099.25

Total Cost Per Year (estimated)

$20,198.50

Nicholls State University, Thibodaux

Nicholls State University has global accreditations such as AACSB, CAEP, ISTE, NASM, and CCNE. The university is among the top 100 universities in the world. It is known to be a prestigious public university in Thibodaux, Louisiana. NSU. The NSU stand out for being one of the cheapest colleges in the USA. It offers over 100 degree programs with an acceptance rate of 88%.

 

The table below shows the average expenses for pursuing a course at the university:

Particulars

Undergraduate

Graduate

Tuition Fees based on 15 hours per semester

$4,483

$4,220

California State University, San Bernardino

California State University is a renowned university in San Bernardino, California, USA, known to be one of the largest cities in California. The university is widely recognised and ranked best among the top-notch universities in the USA. The CSU offers financial aid like scholarships, loans, etc., and is on the list of cheapest colleges in the USA.

 

The table below shows a break-up of the average expenses for pursuing a course at the university:

Particulars

Undergraduate

Graduate

Tuition fees per year

$17,221

$8,858

Additional Expenses

$18,864

$18,864

Total

$36,085

$27,722

Southwest Minnesota State University, Minnesota

Southwest Minnesota State University is a university focused on majors and professions of liberal arts. The university has a vibrant campus life and provides personal and professional growth. It is one of the best schools for students who want to pursue quality education at affordable prices.

 

The table below shows the average expenses for pursuing a course at the university:

Particulars

Undergraduate

Graduate

Tuition fees per credit

$305

$486

Delta State University, Mississippi

Delta State University is in Cleveland, Mississippi. It attracts students from different parts of the world because it is one of the cheapest colleges in the USA and offers the best campus life to students. Further, the university offers diverse food options and student communities.

 

The table below shows the average expenses for pursuing a course at the university:

Particulars

Undergraduate

Graduate

International Student Non-Resident Tuition Fees (per semester)

$500

$500

Bringham Young University, Provo

Bringham Young University has campuses in Provo, Utah; Laie, Hawaii; and Rexburg, Idaho. The university is ranked 89 in the National Universities category. The university provides courses in 62 languages because the students here are bilingual, and it offers over 500 courses online. Yet one of the critical strengths of the college is that it is known to be the best and cheapest college in the USA to study.

 

The table below shows the average expenses for pursuing a course at the university:

Particulars

Undergraduate

Graduate

Tuition fees per semester

$6,304

$7,932

University of Buffalo, New York

The University of Buffalo is one of the oldest universities in the country. It has three campuses in Buffalo, Amherst, and New York. The university has research centres that provide students with many opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge about a particular area of interest. Also, the university offers ample scholarships based on the course and eligibility. It is known to provide the best experience apart from being one of the cheapest colleges in the USA.

 

The table below shows the average expenses for pursuing a course at the university:

Particulars

Undergraduate

Graduate

Tuition fees per year

$24,990

$25,992

Northern State University, Aberdeen

Northern State University is in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The university received global recognition for its research projects. The university focuses on providing more personalised attention to individual students and a learning environment. Further, scholarships are also available for students to support them financially.

 

The table below shows the average expenses for pursuing a course at the university:

Particulars

Undergraduate

Graduate

Tuition Fees per credit

$30

$55

Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwill

Oklahoma Panhandle State University is based in Goodwill, Oklahoma. From being the cheapest college in the USA and offering scholarships, it is the most accessible option for international students. It also allows you to pursue fields like agriculture, nursing, communication, music, IT, etc. The table below shows the average expenses for pursuing a course at the university:

Particulars

Undergraduate

Graduate

Tuition fees per year

$29,440

$25,200

Mississippi University of Women, Columbus

The university is known for its unique destination and offers an exceptional educational experience at a lower cost than any other university in the USA. The university offers many programs, and you can choose one that fits the criteria.

 

The table below shows the average expenses for pursuing a course at the university:

Particulars

Undergraduate

Graduate

Tuition fees per year

$7,866

$7,866

Also, Read: Upcoming Intakes to Study in USA 2024

 

Other Affordable Universities in USA

Often, international students go to popular provinces like New York and California. At the same time, there are many affordable universities in USA. There are many cheaper colleges in the USA besides those mentioned above. Check out the list below to get more college options to select from.

Other Affordable Universities in the USA

University of Central Oklahoma,

Columbus State University,

Jacksonville State University,

Columbus State University,

Texas State University,

Thomas Jefferson University,

Roosevelt University,

Wright State University,

Western Kentucky University,

Indiana State University

Metropolitan College of New York

Stratford University

California State University, Fresno

University of North Texas,

California State University, Los Angeles

San Francisco State University

Florida International University

Montana State University

Texas A & M University

University of Nebraska

-

Also, Read: Universities are offering Summer Intake

 

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Scholarships for University in the US

The cost of studying in the USA is high, which poses a financial burden on an international student. Many Indian students settle in the USA to pursue higher studies, so scholarships and loans are the most common options to aid their finances. Here are some scholarships available for Indian students listed below:

Scholarship

Description

Eligibility

The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

covers billable AU expenses like tuition, room

3.8 GPA, equivalent to a 4.0 GPA.

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

Cover tuition fees, travel, and living expenses.

USD 1,00,000 (~75 lakhs)

Students pursuing courses other than Computer Science, Business, Engineering, Medicine, Public Health, Music & Film, Animation

SN Bose Scholarship

Airfare, health insurance, and stipend are covered

Must be admitted in courses like Atmospheric & earth sciences, mathematical & computational sciences, and chemical sciences.

Aga Foundation Scholarship

a 50% grant and 50% loan.

Students from countries where the Aga Foundation operates

The Akhtar Ali H. Tobaccowala Fellowship

awarded to MBA students.

$25,000

Awarded to students whose native is India

Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship

Given to international students looking for master's courses.

20 lac INR.

Must apply for courses like Applied sciences, social sciences, pure sciences, architecture, humanities, law, or management.

Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarship,

Provided by Illinois Wesleyan University USD 16,000 - USD 30,000

Must be an international student enrolling for a UG course

KC Mahindra Scholarship

Interest-free loan for PG students.

8 lac INR:

Must have a first-class degree or equivalent diploma.

The National Overseas Scholarship

Scholarship for SC/ST community

students is 15,400 USD.

Family income is less than 6,00,000 INR.

Conclusion

If you are an international student planning to pursue higher education in the USA but are stressed about the high tuition fees and other expenses, Do not worry! Some of the cheapest colleges in the USA, as highlighted in the blog, offer lower tuition fees, top-class education, and scholarships to international students. Before choosing a university, consider this information to make a well-informed decision. Many universities provide quality education and a diverse range of courses at affordable prices.

 

Want to find the best affordable and cheapest colleges in the USA to study in USA but need help knowing where to start? Contact the experienced career guides of Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). You can also take free online counselling through our website. We are here to help you choose the best university and assist you with the colleges and scholarships available. Contact us at our toll-free number 1800-1230-00011 or mail us at application02@meridean.org.

 

FAQs

Q: Are there any free universities public in the USA?

A: Five US Service Academies are accessible in the USA. They are as mentioned below: 

  • US Military Academy

  • US Air Force Academy

  • US Merchant Marine Academy

  • US Coast Guard Academy

  • US Naval Academy

 

Q: Which universities in the USA have no application fee?

A: The universities in the USA without application fees are:

  • Case Western Reserve University

  • Colby College   

  • Reed College

  • Smith College    

  • Yale University

  • Grinnell College

  • Tulane College

  • Wellesley College

  • Macalester College

  • Carleton College

 

Q: Which one is the cheapest Ivy League college in the USA?

A: Princeton is known to be the most affordable Ivy League college in the USA. Another reason for international students to choose Princeton is its financial aid programs. The university offers scholarships to the 62% of its admitted students.

 

Q: What are the cheapest colleges in the USA?

A: The cheapest colleges in the USA offering high-quality education along with diverse course options are:

  • Dakota State University

  • Nicholls State University

  • California State University

  • Southwest Minnesota State University

  • Delta State University

  • Bringham Young University

  • University of Buffalo

  • Northern State University

  • Oklahoma Panhandle State University

  • Mississippi University of Women

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