Finding the ideal university from the more than 1,000 in the USA might be challenging. Affordability may be a crucial factor if you’re an international student planning to enrol at one of these universities. Which colleges offer the most for your money? While many factors affect how much you pay in tuition, some fundamental principles can help you find a top university without going over budget. We have produced a list of the top and least expensive universities in the USA for international students to make this selection easier.

US Universities with the Lowest Tuition for International Students

You may obtain a wonderful, high-quality education elsewhere, but the US has and always will be that place. There is a cause why the nation is one of the most well-liked choices for overseas pupils. The nation with the biggest population of overseas students is the USA!

Higher than USD 40000 a year tuition is typical for the most expensive universities in the US. Some prestigious universities charge tuition for international students of more than USD 50,000 annually Yet, there are several affordable universities in the USA for international students too.

We have selected the cheapest universities in the USA for international students by considering several factors. These factors include admission charges, global ranking, geographical location, and tuition fees.

The typical cost of higher education in the USA

The price of studying in the USA varies based on your place of residence, the programme you wish to pursue, the university you choose to attend, and even the location of the institution. The following are a few of the most important facts to keep in mind:

• Your tuition fees will automatically be much greater than those of domestic students because you are an overseas student. Make sure to look at the international student or out-of-state student fees when comparing the sticker price of your desired programme to the total cost.
• The total cost of tuition and living expenses for students attending public universities rounds up to or exceeds USD 30,000 annually.
• Even though some private universities may charge significantly more than public ones, you may still be able to afford them or find that the degree you earn will be worthwhile in the long run.

How to Choose the Most Affordable University in the USA

Selecting the University:

Finding out what degree programme you want and choosing a university based on it is the first step in choosing a university. The university website is a great location to start your search if you want comprehensive information about the institution. Examine the specifics of your programme, the eligibility conditions, the application deadline, and other pertinent factors.

Calculating the Costs:

After choosing the university that best suits your interests, you should take into account the cost of living and tuition. When you look for the cost of attendance at your preferred university, you will typically be taken to a page on the university website that breaks down the same information.

The majority of your costs will be tuition, but you also need to budget for the cost of living in the nation while you are studying there. Depending on where you live, this will change. By balancing your cost of living requirements against your ability to pay for a top-notch university education, you may discover that you can make some financial savings.

Graduate Rate:

To determine whether a university is worthwhile, you should also look at its graduation rate. Therefore, before deciding where YOUR future lies, make sure those numbers add up!

Affordable American Universities (Bachelor’s)

International students can obtain affordable bachelor’s degrees from many US universities. Whether an international student wants to enrol full- or part-time, different admission procedures apply. You will, however, often need a high school diploma or its equivalent along with a SAT score.

You should budget at least USD 40,000 a year, including housing and any other incidentals, for a low-cost college degree in the USA. In some private universities, the bill could easily top USD 90,000. We’ve compiled a list of some of the least expensive universities in the USA for foreign students where you can earn a Bachelor’s degree and still save money:

1. Brigham Young University – Provo

BYU-Provo is the ideal choice if you wish to enrol in one of the best US universities while keeping your expenses under control. At BYU, students from all around the world are welcome! It is one of the greatest and most affordable colleges in the USA that grants excellent bachelor’s degrees to foreign students.

Since Brigham Young University-Provo has a 66.2% acceptance rate, admissions are more difficult to obtain. Outside of classes and research projects, international students have various options to get engaged in their community. For international students who wish to further their study at this university, BYU also provides a range of scholarships.

Depending on the degree you pick, BYU offers over 100 programmes leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees, with tuition starting at USD 11,000 per year and rising to USD 50,000–60,000 per year. It has an excellent reputation for its science, business, and engineering programmes.

Admission Requirements:

• Pay a $35 non-refundable application fee
• Be prepared to uphold the Honor Code
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum standardised test scores (GPA 3.0)
• Send your ACT or SAT results (if required)
• Score on English Proficiency (if required)Submit all the necessary documentation such as:
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• Transcripts/mark sheets

2. City University of New York

The biggest urban university in the country is CUNY. Over 200,000 students can enrol in its bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programmes. Over 50% of the institution’s student body is made up of international students who represent more than 150 different nations.

According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, CUNY is among the top 750 universities in the world. Considering that there are thousands of higher education institutions in the USA, it is ranked as the 151st best university in the nation by US News & World Report.

International students must pay a full-time student tuition of USD 18,600 per year. The Fulbright Scholarship Programme, International Student Exchange Programme (ISEP), and Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) are just a few of the scholarships that are available to help offset the cost. Check to see whether you are eligible for them!

Admission Requirements:

• A high school diploma/GED certificate/ A levels
• An SAT/ACT/GRE score depending on the country (if required)
• Two letters from teachers reporting on your academic performance
• An essay describing why you want to attend CUNY
• ACT/SAT scores if required for admission into specific programs such as medical school or law school
• English proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
• Recommendation letters from counslors who have worked closely with you during your time at high schools/colleges

3. Ohio’s Kent State University

One of the top institutions in the USA and a highly regarded institution worldwide is Kent State University. On its campuses, KSU offers more than 300 undergraduate degree programmes.

It is one of the least competitive colleges in the nation with an acceptance rate of 87% for overseas applicants. Additionally, there are lots of scholarships available for students from abroad who want to attend KSU! International students have access to many degree options at the university, including bachelor’s degree programmes in:

• Business administration
• Civil engineering
• Computer science/Information systems & Software engineering
• Electrical/Electronic engineering technology
• Mechanical engineering technology
• Physics

Tuition fees: The tuition fees per year vary depending on the subject and course duration. Per year fees average around $20,799 a year for full-time undergraduate students

Admission Requirements:

• Non-refundable application fee of $70.
• Secondary School Graduation Certificate/Diploma/Attending Certificate
• A GPA of 2.5
• Transcripts/marksheets
• ACT/SAT scores if required for admission into specific programs such as medical school or law school
• English proficiency test scores: TOEFL – 71, IELTS – 6.0 and PTE – 48
• Proof of Financial Support

4.University of Minot

In Minot, North Dakota, there is a public institution called Minot State institution (MSU). Graduate programmes in nursing, administration of education, speech-language pathology, and other fields are also available through MSU.

Over its three campuses, the university enrols about 4,500 students. At Minot State University, graduation rates are high. This means students can enter the workforce sooner without having to stop their study! High graduation rates have another benefit in that job placement rates are also very high, at over 70%.

Tuition fees: The tuition and fees at MSU is USD $17,421.76 per year.

Admission Requirements:

• A $35 non-refundable application fee
• English proficiency test scores, TOEFL 71, IELTS 6.0, and PTE 50
• Official academic documents showing prior academic achievement
• Official Entrance Exam Score
• Supporting financial documents
• International Transfer Student Form (if required)
• Completed Form I-20 application and Certification of Financial Responsibility
• Details page of passport

5. Nicholls State University

In Thibodaux, Louisiana, there is a public institution called Nicholls State institution. It is a part of the Southeastern Louisiana University System and has roughly 6,000 students enrolled. It provides nearly 100 programmes in a variety of fields, including graduate nursing studies, bachelor’s degrees in business administration and computer science, and both.

The institution offers online courses in addition to its on-campus programmes for students who choose to study at home or outside of conventional classroom settings. In 2017, the school was recognised as one of the best options for students who struggle with reading.

The cost of tuition for overseas students is $12,393.06.

Admission Requirements:

• A $30 non-refundable application fee
• English proficiency test scores, TOEFL 71, IELTS 6.0, and PTE 50
• Proof of readiness in university-level Math and English
• Official academic documents showing prior academic achievement
• Supporting financial documents
• Provide proof that their college transcripts have been translated into English
• Proof of immunization compliance form

Cheap Universities in the USA (Masters)

Given that master’s degrees are typically of shorter duration than bachelor’s degrees, they may be less expensive. Many students use scholarships to pay for their master’s degrees, and some also receive government funding.

Here are the top five affordable American colleges that provide Master’s degree programmes to students from abroad:

1.California State University

California’s CSULB is a public university located in Long Beach. It has over 40,000 students and provides them with more than 200 majors and 70 minors.

Aside from professional degrees like an LLM from its Law School or a PhD programme in Engineering Management Management Science Technology Policy & Entrepreneurship Development, the school also offers graduate programmes like an MBA and a Master of Social Work.

International graduate students at the graduate school pay a yearly tuition range of $15,446 to $24,302. You should evaluate the course, prices, and structures before applying.

Admission Requirements:

• A $70 non-refundable application fee
• You must have an undergraduate degree from a relevant university
• Candidates must submit TOEFL scores between 80-100 (Internet-Based Test) or 550-600 (Paper-Based Test). Some campuses and programs may accept IELTS scores
• Show evidence that you have sufficient financial resources to complete your course of study
• You will be required to fill out a Health Evaluation Form on CSU. Ask the departments for their specific form

2. Alcorn State University

One of the USA’s most reasonably priced universities is ASU. It provides 15 graduate programmes, including classes in liberal arts, applied science and technology, biology, computer and information science, history, business administration, and biology.

Out-of-state graduate students at the graduate school must pay an annual tuition fee of $7,290 USD. Review the course, fees, and structures before applying. The college also provides low-income, intellectually gifted students with financial aid and scholarships. The fulfilment of specific prerequisites is necessary for students to qualify for these scholarships.

Admission Requirements:

• A completed application for admission
• Two letters of recommendation
• Submit all the academic records
• Scores from SAT (if required by the department)
• Provide evidence of having adequate financial support
• TOEFL – a minimum composite score of 525 on the Paper-based, 195 on the Computer-based, and 71 on the Internet-based.

3. Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

A private university called Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (CUASA) grants master’s degrees in liberal arts, engineering, architecture, and science.

The master’s degree programmes in engineering and architecture are its most well-known offerings. It’s interesting to note that in 1875, Thomas Edison enrolled in Cooper Union for a four-year chemistry study. Over 35 different countries now send students to this university.

Tuition: The Graduate School of Engineering’s tuition is $1,390 per credit for a total of 30 credits. The cost of tuition for its school of architecture is USD 23,635 a semester. The university also provides a number of merit-based grants and scholarships. Before making a choice, you can learn more about these scholarships.

Admission Requirements:

• Submit all the required documentation and transcripts from high school and/or colleges previously attended.
• Provide evidence of having adequate financial support (scholarships, affidavit of support, etc.)
• English Language Proficiency Score: TOEFL 600 (paper-based) 100 (internet-based)/IELTS 7.0/DET 120

4. San Diego State University

The largest and most established institution of higher learning in San Diego County is San Diego State University, a public research university in San Diego, California. There are more than 46,000 students there from all over the world, many of whom are from other countries and are looking for affordable universities.

One of the greatest public MBA programmes in the US is offered there. We advise getting in touch with an admissions counsellor directly if you don’t have enough information or need assistance filling out paperwork so they can guide you through the procedure!

The cost of tuition for graduate students from abroad ranges from $13,000 to $16,000 per year. International students who want to attend SDSU can apply for scholarships. Only a small number of the numerous scholarships offered each year are actually open, so if you want one, be sure to check back frequently.

Admission Requirements:

• Have a valid bachelor’s degree from a college or university-recognized institution
• Provide evidence of having adequate financial support
• Submit transcripts, attestations, or mark sheets showing courses and examination

5. The University of Texas at Dallas

International students frequently choose to study at the acclaimed and reasonably priced University of Texas at Dallas. UTD offers a wide variety of courses that are both numerous and varied. The school provides a wide range of programmes, including those in business, engineering, education, and the health sciences.

Tuition: Compared to other institutions in the region, the tuition for international students is less expensive. Out-of-state students at the graduate school pay an annual tuition fee of USD 31,352.

Admission Requirements:

• Basic information such as name, address, and date of birth
• Education history information, such as high school or Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) name, location, and completion dates
• English proficiency–completion and score, if relevant
• One-time non-refundable Application Fee

Financial Assistance/Scholarships for International Students

It might be incredibly challenging to secure money if you are an international student. However, there are numerous ways to be eligible for grants and scholarships to help defray some of your expenses while studying in the United States. A few of these are:

Financial help – Universities or colleges typically give out this kind of scholarship depending on financial need and family circumstances. Depending on your circumstances, the amount fluctuates, but it often falls between USD $500 and 5000 year. Although many financial aid programmes may only be available to citizens of the US, many schools will still take you into consideration for need-based scholarships.

Scholarships are available for many students, covering all or a portion of their living and educational expenses. Depending on your athletic and academic prowess, financial need, and leadership potential, you can apply for scholarships.

There are numerous scholarships available for students from other countries. The institution will make sure you are aware of all available scholarships before choosing your course of study. So, you have two application options: direct and university.