27 Cheapest Universities in the USA for International Students

In this article, you will find information on the cheapest universities in the USA for international students. So, if you are an international student that is seeking affordable schools where you can pursue your dream course in the US, we have got 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 U.S are among the best ten universities in the world.

However, education in the U.S does not come cheap especially for international students. This is the reason why most international strive to win scholarships so as to help fund their education. The good thing now is that if you do not have a scholarship for your studies, there are low-cost schools in the United States where you can enroll for your studies.

So, this article will list and explain some of the cheapest universities in the USA for international students.

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How much does it cost to study in America as an international student?

In the United States, the cost of education at public universities is comparatively lesser than private institutions. Education costs depend on your choice of institution, the course, and the program of study.

The cost of undergraduate degrees for international students at public universities in the USA ranges from $25,000-$35,000 per year while private institutions charge between $30,000 to $45,000 per year. In addition, the cost of an associate degree at a community college in the U.S ranges from $6,000 to $20,000 per year.

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 for free in the USA?

Yes. You can actually study for free in the United States by winning a scholarship for your undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate study.

You may opt for affordable schools that charge low tuition but keep in mind that you will have to cater for books, accommodation, and other fees. By winning a scholarship in the U.S, you will have the funds to cover the cost of your education thereby studying for free.

Which is the cheapest university in the USA for international students?

The cheapest university in the United States is the University of the People (UoPeople). This institution offers free tuition to both local and international students. However, students are required to pay some administrative fees to cover course assessments, ranging from $2,460 for an associate’s degree to $4,860 for a four-year bachelor’s degree program.

Cheapest universities in the USA for international students for masters

The cheapest universities in the United States for international students for master’s degrees include:

  • University of the People
  • 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

Public universities in the USA are owned and funded by the U.S government. These universities offer high-quality education to both local and international students in different fields of study at all levels.

The cheapest public universities in the USA 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 universities in the USA for Indian students

The cheapest universities in the USA 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 USA for international students. Keep in mind that these universities offer top-notch education although they are affordable.

Therefore, the cheapest universities in the USA for international students are:

  • University of the People
  • South Texas College
  • Arkansas State University
  • Minot State University
  • Alcorn State University
  • California State University
  • San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley
  • Hillsborough Community College
  • Sonoma State University
  • Bellevue University
  • Westcliff University
  • Southeast Missouri State University
  • City University of New York

University Of The People

University of the People (UoPeople) is a private non-profit, distance education, or online university that was established in 2009. The institution is the first university to offer online education for free all over the world.

UoPeople offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in different academic fields. These academic fields include business administration, computer science, education, and health science. Students learn from faculty members from NYU and UC Berkeley online.

UoPeople is one of the cheapest universities in the USA for international students as the institution does not charge tuition fees. However, students are required to pay some administrative fees to cover course assessments, ranging from $2,460 for an associate’s degree to $4,860 for a four-year bachelor’s degree program.

UoPeople is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

Tuition for international students per year: Free

School website

South Texas College

South Texas College (STC) is a public community college in Texas that was founded in 1993. The university offers associate and bachelor’s degrees over six campuses. The 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 USA for international students.

STC holds accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Tuition for international students per year: $4,200

School website

Arkansas State University

Founded in 1909, Arkansas State University (A-State or ASU) is a public research university in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The university’s main campus is in Jonesboro Arkansas and it has another campus in n Querétaro, Mexico.

ASU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in agriculture, engineering & technology, education & behavioral science, liberal arts & communication, nursing & health professions, sciences & mathematics, and business.

A-State is well known for high research activity (R2: Doctoral Universities). The institution is a nice place to be for both local and international students that wish to pursue their postgraduate studies.

Tuition for international students per year: $5,400

School website

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 over sixty (60) undergraduate programs and ten (10) graduate programs through the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education and Health Sciences, and a Graduate School.

While Minot State University has about 12 percent of international students, it is among the cheapest universities in the USA for international students.

MiSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition for international students per year: $6,809

School website

Alcorn State University

Alcorn State University (Alcorn StateASU, or Alcorn) is a public black land-grant university in Lorman, Mississippi that was founded in 1871. The aim of setting up the university was to provide education for 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 USA 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, School of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, School of Education & Psychology, and School of Nursing.

Tuition for international students per year: $6,888

School website

California State University

The California State University (Cal State or CSU) is a public university system in California that was founded in 1857. Cal State is the largest public university in the U.S.

CSU offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in over 240 subject areas. Some of these subject areas include engineering, information technology, business, agriculture, communication studies, education, and public administration.

The university produces the largest number of bachelor’s degree holders in the United States. Additionally, most CSU graduates go on to 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 USA for international students.

Tuition for international students per year: $8,151

School website

San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley

College of San Mateo (CSM) is a community college in San Mateo, California that was established in 1922.

The college offers 79 A.A./A.S. 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 boasts of guaranteed transfers to and partnerships with selected universities.

College of San Mateo holds accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Tuition for international students per year: $9,094

School website

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 South Shore. The college offers associate degrees in various areas of study. It appears as one of the cheapest universities in the USA for international students.

Tuition for international students per year: $9,111

School website

Sonoma State University

Founded in 1961, Sonoma State University (SSUSonoma State, or 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 a Hispanic-serving institution that offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees through six schools comprising over 65 departments. The schools include the School of Arts & Humanities, School of Business and Economics, School of Education, School of Extended & International Education, and School of Social Sciences.

SSU is one of the cheapest universities in the USA for international students.

Tuition for international students per year: $9,504

School website

Bellevue University

Bellevue University is a private university in Bellevue, Nebraska that was founded in 1966.

The university offers several undergraduate and graduate programs such as accelerated, cohort-based, in-class, and online. In addition, Bellevue University offers a Doctorate of Business Administration and a Ph.D. in Human Capital Management.

The U.S. News & World Report reports that the university’s online bachelor’s degrees are among the top ten in the nation.

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition for international students per year: $3,229 – $11,973

School website

Westcliff University

The Westcliff University (WU) is a private, for-profit university in Irvine, California that was established in 1993.

WU offers several online and hybrid programs leading to the award of certificates, bachelor’s degrees, post-baccalaureate certificates, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees.

The university has a considerable number of foreign students and it is among the cheapest universities in the USA for international students.

Westcliff University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC).

Tuition for international students per year: $13,560

School website

Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) is a public university in Cape Girardeau, Missouri that was 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 USA for international students.

Southeast Missouri State University offers more than 200 academic programs leading to the award of bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees. The university also offers a cooperative Ed.D. program through a partnership with the University of Missouri.

Tuition for international students per year: $14,205

School website

City University of New York

The City University of New York (CUNY) is the public university system of New York City that was founded in 1961. It is made up of eleven senior colleges, seven community colleges, one undergraduate honors college, and seven post-graduate institutions.

CUNY has over 9,000 international students. Black, white, and Hispanic undergraduate students each makeup more than a quarter of the student body while Asian undergraduates make up 18 percent. The university is one of the cheapest universities in the USA for international students.

Tuition for international students per year: $17,400

School website

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