- Tuition fees in the USA vary widely between public and private institutions, with public universities generally being more affordable, especially for in-state students.
- Numerous financial aid options and scholarships are available to help students manage tuition and living costs.
- While the cost of living in the US can be high, careful planning and budgeting can help manage expenses.
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Washington, Seattle
- University of Florida, Gainesville
- Florida State University (FSU), Tallahassee
- Purdue University, West Lafayette
- San Jose State University
- California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
- San Francisco State University
- CUNY (City University of New York)
- West Texas A&M University
- University of North Georgia (UNG)
- Worcester State University
- Fayetteville State University
- University of North Carolina at Pembroke
- Wayne State College
- The cheapest universities providing Bachelor's degrees cost between $0 and $18,000 for domestic students.
- By US standards, tuition fees between $18,000 and $30,000 can be considered moderately affordable Bachelor’s for local students.
- The cheapest Master’s programs for domestic students in the United States cost between $0 and $17,000.
- Tuition fees between $17,000 and $25,000 can be considered moderately affordable for local students in the US.
- The cheapest universities providing Bachelor's degrees for international students cost between $0 and $32,000.
- Half of the Bachelor’s degrees for international students in the United States cost less than $48,000.
- The cheapest Master’s programs for international students in the United States start at $0 and reach up to $18,000.
- When comparing study programs from the US, international student tuition fees between $18,000 and $25,000 can be considered moderately affordable.
- Stay in student dorms. As the cost of living rises worldwide, you might not want to worry about utility bills, groceries, or deposits while living abroad. Student dorms have all-inclusive facilities and are especially popular among first-year students.
- An alternative to university student dorms are private apartments for students. AmberStudent has a great variety of student housing options in the USA, as well as the UK and Australia, with 24x7 assistance and guaranteed price match, making accommodation hassle-free.
- Prioritise student towns over big cities. By studying in small college towns, you will be close to student activities, events, and of course, the campus. In commuter cities which are bigger residential towns, you would most likely need to commute to your classes.
- Look for student discounts. You can find discounted student prices at restaurants, cafes, bars, bookshops, clothing stores, cinemas, and many other places.
- Buy used textbooks, furniture, or clothes. When former students are moving out, they often sell their belongings to new students. This is a win-win situation that could save you so much money.
- Apply for a scholarship. Most of the affordable universities listed here also offer scholarship options for international students, based on merit or need. You can also find over 1,000 scholarships on our portal.
- Work part-time. If you have an F1 student visa, you can get a part-time job on campus for fewer than 20 hours per week. Depending on the type of visa, international students can work as tutors, campus ambassadors, baristas, receptionists, and sales assistants.
We used real data from Studyportals analysts to compile the list of universities and tuition fees for affordable degrees.
We examined all full-time Bachelor's and Master's degrees in this country that are listed on our portals for both domestic and international students.
In this article, "cheap" or "affordable" means that the tuition fees are lower than what 75% of other universities charge on our website.
Sometimes, we use the term “moderately affordable,” which means the tuition fees are cheaper than what half of the universities charge but more expensive than the lowest 25%.
For practical reasons, we've rounded up (or down) all tuition fee values.
It is true that the US is more expensive than most countries when it comes to higher education. But it’s also one of the top study abroad destinations for international students. If you want to do your Bachelor's or Master's degree at a university in the US, you probably already knew these. But did you also know that there are several affordable four-year universities and accredited Master’s programmes in the USA for international students?
The United States is a top destination for international students due to its high-quality education system and diverse range of programs. However, living costs in the US can be high, averaging around $1,000 to $1,500 per month, depending on the city. Higher education costs in the US are also among the highest in the world.
Public universities, which are state-funded, usually offer lower tuition fees compared to private universities. However, even public universities can be expensive for out-of-state and international students. The US does have various scholarships and financial aid options, but the overall cost remains substantial.
Explore affordable degrees in the USA
On our portals, you can explore 70,000 Bachelor's degrees and 40,000 Master's degrees in the United States, offering a wide range of academic options to suit various interests and career goals.
Most affordable universities in the United States, according to our data:
Here's a list of the universities in the USA that are listed on our portals and have the cheapest available degrees for both international and domestic students, in both Bachelor's and Master's levels:
One of the things you’ll notice in this list is that these colleges are not all Ivy League universities located in big cities. But this doesn’t mean that they won’t have a high-quality education. In fact, in these cheap US universities, you can get a more intimate learning environment, a strong student community, and a better quality of life thanks to the lower cost of living. Keep in mind that the tuition fees don’t include accommodation, books, and living expenses.
Other universities provide cheap degrees as well, but these are the ones that stand out thanks to the number of affordable degrees listed on our portals. Let's find out more about each of them:
1. University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is one of the leading public research universities in the United States. Known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and the liberal arts, UT Austin consistently ranks among the top public universities. It offers relatively affordable tuition for in-state students, with a variety of financial aid options available. The campus is lively, with a rich array of cultural, social, and athletic activities, making student life dynamic and engaging.
2. University of Washington, Seattle
The University of Washington is renowned for its cutting-edge research and strong programs in computer science, engineering, and health sciences. This public university offers a range of affordable tuition options, particularly for in-state students, and a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities. The campus is located in a bustling urban area, providing students with access to Seattle's vibrant cultural and tech scenes, enhancing both academic and extracurricular life.
3. University of Florida, Gainesville
The University of Florida is one of the largest public universities in the United States, known for its research prowess and strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and business. As a public institution, it provides affordable tuition, especially for Florida residents, along with numerous financial aid options. The campus is lively and offers a diverse range of student activities, including sports, clubs, and cultural events, making student life vibrant and enjoyable.
4. Florida State University (FSU), Tallahassee
Florida State University (FSU)is known for its excellent programs in the arts, business, and social sciences. This public university offers affordable tuition for in-state students and a variety of scholarships and financial aid. The university's active campus life, coupled with Tallahassee's rich cultural and political scene, provides students with a stimulating and engaging environment.
5. Purdue University, West Lafayette
Purdue University is renowned for its strong engineering, technology, and agricultural programs. This public research university offers affordable tuition, particularly for Indiana residents, and extensive financial aid opportunities. The campus is known for its robust student life, with numerous clubs, organizations, and athletic events, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere for students.
6. San Jose State University
San Jose State University, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and computer science. This public university offers relatively affordable tuition, especially for California residents, and various financial aid options. The university's location provides unique opportunities for internships and career connections in the tech industry, and student life is enriched by the vibrant cultural and social scene of San Jose.
7. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
California State University, Long Beach, is known for its diverse academic offerings and strong programs in business, engineering, and the arts. This public university provides affordable tuition, particularly for California residents, along with numerous financial aid options. The campus is lively, with a wide range of student activities and organizations, and the proximity to Los Angeles offers additional cultural and recreational opportunities.
8. San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University is known for its strong programs in cinema, creative writing, and business. As a public university, it offers affordable tuition, especially for California residents, with various financial aid options available. The university's urban campus provides a dynamic student life, enriched by the city's cultural diversity and numerous professional opportunities.
9. CUNY (City University of New York)
The (City University of New York) (CUNY) is a large public university system encompassing several campuses across New York City. Known for its affordability and strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and business, CUNY offers low tuition rates and extensive financial aid options. The vibrant and diverse setting of New York City provides a unique and enriching environment for students, with countless cultural, social, and professional opportunities.
10. West Texas A&M University
West Texas A&M University, located in Canyon, Texas, is known for its strong programs in agriculture, business, and education. This public university offers affordable tuition, particularly for Texas residents, and various financial aid opportunities. The campus provides a close-knit community feel, with numerous student activities and a supportive environment, making student life engaging and fulfilling.
11. University of North Georgia (UNG)
The University of North Georgia is known for its strong programs in nursing, education, and military science. As a public university, it offers affordable tuition, especially for Georgia residents, and a variety of financial aid options. The campus offers a supportive and vibrant student life, with numerous extracurricular activities and a strong sense of community.
12. Worcester State University
Worcester State University in Worcester, Massachusetts, is known for its strong programs in nursing, education, and business. This public university provides affordable tuition, particularly for Massachusetts residents, along with various financial aid options. The university's campus offers a lively and supportive student life, with numerous clubs, organizations, and events that create a vibrant community.
13. Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville State University is known for its strong programs in business, education, and nursing. This public university offers affordable tuition, particularly for North Carolina residents, and various financial aid opportunities. The campus provides a close-knit community feel, with numerous student activities and a supportive environment that enhances student life.
14. University of North Carolina at Pembroke
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is known for its strong programs in education, nursing, and business. This public university offers affordable tuition, especially for North Carolina residents, and various financial aid options. The campus is known for its inclusive and supportive environment, with a vibrant student life that includes numerous cultural and social activities.
15. Wayne State College
Wayne State College, located in Wayne, Nebraska, is known for its strong programs in education, business, and the arts. As a public institution, it offers very affordable tuition, particularly for Nebraska residents, and various financial aid opportunities. The campus provides a close-knit and supportive community, with numerous student activities and a friendly atmosphere that enhances student life.
What are the most affordable tuition fees for students in the United States
The US offers a diverse landscape for higher education with significant variations in tuition fees between public and private institutions. Public universities provide more affordable options, especially for in-state students, but tuition can still be high for out-of-state and international students. Private universities generally charge higher tuition fees, but they also offer substantial financial aid packages.
Free tuition in the United States
Free tuition programs in the US are rare, but some states and institutions offer tuition-free education or significant tuition discounts under specific conditions, such as New York's Excelsior Scholarship, which covers tuition for New York residents whose families earn less than $125,000 per year.
Affordable tuition fees for domestic students
The cheapest universities for domestic students in the United States have tuition fees ranging between $0 and $18,000. By US standards, tuition fees between $18,000 and $30,000 can be considered moderately affordable for local students. Half of the degrees for domestic students in the US cost less than $30,000, while most degrees range between $0 and $70,000.
Affordable fees for domestic Bachelor’s in the United States:
For domestic students in the United States, tuition fees are relatively high compared to other countries, such as Canada, the UK, and Australia. According to data from Studyportals:
Affordable fees for domestic Master’s in the United States:
Affordable degrees for International students
Tuition fees for international students in the United States are significantly higher compared to domestic students. However, many universities offer scholarships and financial aid specifically for international students. The cheapest universities for international students in the US have tuition fees ranging between $0 and $32,000. By US standards, tuition fees between $32,000 and $48,000 can be considered moderately affordable for international students since half of the existing degrees in the US are more expensive than this.
Affordable international Bachelor's in the United States:
Affordable international Master's in the United States:
NOTE: The values for domestic and international students presented above are based on tuition fees extracted from programmes listed on our portals at the date of publishing this article.
Public Universities vs Private Universities in the United States
Public universities in the United States are typically funded by state governments and offer lower tuition fees for in-state students compared to out-of-state and international students. They are known for their large student populations, extensive research facilities, and a wide range of programs. In contrast, private universities rely on tuition fees and private funding, resulting in higher costs. However, private institutions often provide substantial financial aid packages and scholarships, which can make them more affordable for some students. Private universities tend to have smaller class sizes, more personalized attention, and strong alumni networks.
How to make your US international student experience more affordable
You have found an affordable university, and got a scholarship, but still need more money to study in the United States? Here are some money-saving tips that can help:
Don't forget that distance learning is also an option
You can still get a US degree without being in the country, thanks to distance learning. This helps you skip the cost of living abroad and the hustle of getting a student visa while paying lower tuition fees. If this sparks your interest, you can consider checking out some online universities such as Walden University and Kettering University Online to see if they have programmes that fit your needs.
Make sure to do research on Bachelorsportal and Mastersportal to learn more about other cheap universities in the USA for international students. Depending on your field, you might be able to find other affordable on-site or online study options.
Methodology
Disclaimer: The information provided here is subject to change, so it is crucial to check the publication date of this article. Always confirm the current tuition fees directly with the universities, as they can vary.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Are there free tuition options available in the United States for students?
Free tuition options are rare in the United States. However, some states and institutions offer tuition-free education or significant discounts under specific conditions, such as the New York Excelsior Scholarship for residents whose families earn less than $125,000 per year.
2. How much do public universities in the United States charge for tuition?
Tuition fees at public universities vary widely. For in-state students, they can range from $0 to $18,000, while out-of-state and international students may pay higher fees. Private universities generally charge more but offer substantial financial aid packages.
3. What are the living costs for students in the United States?
Living costs in the US can be high, averaging between $1,000 and $1,500 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle of the student. This includes expenses for housing, food, transportation, and personal needs.
4. Can international students get financial aid in the United States?
Yes, many universities offer scholarships and financial aid specifically for international students. These can significantly reduce the cost of tuition and living expenses.