Are you looking for the cheapest universities in the USA for international students? The expense of studying overseas is the first thing international students need to consider when they plan to pursue higher education abroad. With numerous universities offering various programs, the United States is the most popular country for international students. Many people think they can not afford the tuition and fees in the US, so they give up the idea of studying abroad. In fact, there are still American universities offering quality education at reasonable prices. This article prepares the 10 most affordable universities in the USA for international students, from public institutions to private ones.
What Are International College Admissions Requirements?
According to Open Doors international students data, in the 2023/2024 academic year, India and China accounted for the largest number of international students in the United States. 29% of students are from India, and 25% of students come from China. Once you decide to study at the cheapest colleges in the USA for international students, you must make good preparations for your application. Below are the typical international college admissions requirements.
- Get your graduation certificate
- Certificate of English Language Proficiency: TOEFL≥79 or IELTS≥0
- Personal statement and letters of recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Supplementary materials
- Financial statement
How much does it cost to study in USA for international students?
The cost of studying at universities in the US is higher than in other countries. That is one of the reasons that students choose to look for less expensive universities in the USA for international students. The average cost of in-state tuition is $12,201 in 2024, higher than that of out-of-state tuition of $29,084. This is because in-state students may qualify for appropriate educational subsidies.
In addition, the average university/college school fees in the USA for international students are higher than that for domestic students because they do not benefit from educational benefits for in-state students, and they may also face higher administration and service costs.
As an example, Penn State Parker’s tuition for 2024 is as follows:
| Student Type | Tuition ($) |
|---|---|
| In-state students | 20,706 |
| Out-of-state students | 40,660 |
| International Students | 41,126 |
As you can see from the above data, international students have the highest tuition, out-of-state students have the second highest tuition, and in-state students have the lowest tuition.
The additional costs associated with college
In addition to the basic cost of tuition, there are some additional costs involved in attending college. These additional costs may vary depending on the school, program, region, and individual needs. The following are some of the major additional costs associated with attending college:
1. Living expenses
For students renting off-campus housing, housing costs can be a significant expense. This includes dormitory fees, apartment rent, and associated utilities. Some off-campus student apartments are more cost-effective than on-campus student housing, and they also allow you to have your own personal space to help you grow better and more independent.
Whether you are dining on your own or going out to socialize, meals and transportation are also essential expenses for international students.
2. Study Material Fees
To study better and quickly keep up with the teacher’s teaching rhythm, students need to buy the required textbooks, reference books and books for the courses, and these fees may vary depending on the courses and majors. However, this does not account for a large percentage of living expenses.
3. Insurance Fees
Many schools require students to have health insurance to ensure medical attention in the event of illness or injury. Students may also purchase other types of insurance, such as dental, vision, or accident insurance, depending on their individual needs.
20 Cheapest Schools for International Students
| No. | University | Total cost(2024-25) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minot State University | $19,788 |
| 2 | Fayetteville State University | $19,857 |
| 3 | Delta State University | $20,336 |
| 4 | La Roche University | $21,818 |
| 5 | Western Carolina University | $22,042 |
| 6 | Dickinson State University | $22,252 |
| 7 | Washburn University | $23,205 |
| 8 | Northern State University | $24,347 |
| 9 | Voorhees University | $24,476 |
| 10 | Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | $24,634 |
| 11 | Nicholls State University | $24,704 |
| 12 | University of South Dakota | $25,206 |
| 13 | University of Maine—Fort Kent | $25,405 |
| 14 | University of Wisconsin—Superior | $25,604 |
| 15 | South Dakota State University | $25,910 |
| 16 | Dakota State University | $26,143 |
| 17 | University of the Virgin Islands | $26,864 |
| 18 | Alabama State University | $27,286 |
| 19 | University of New Orleans | $27,462 |
| 20 | Lake Superior State University | $27,511 |
1.Minot State University
Minot State University is a four-year public institution of higher education. It is located in Minot, North Dakota, USA, founded in 1913. Developed from a normal college at Carnegie College, the university has become a top-three university in North Dakota. It offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including the arts, sciences, business, and education. Thanks to its cheap tuition and fees, it is on the list of colleges for international students.
2.Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville State University is a historically black institution of higher education located in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The university places emphasis on community service activities by students and faculty in partnership with the military, local businesses, and non-profit organizations. It is an affordable top school for international students. Besides clubs and more than 60 programs, the school also has a Bronco-iRadio station run by the students.
3.Delta State University
Delta State University, a Carnegie research university, also serves as the educational and cultural centre of the Mississippi Delta. Its two campuses are located in Clarksdale and Greenville. The university has a total of 4,031 domestic students and international students from 24 different countries. with friendly people, a safe community, and low costs, international students will find that Delta State University is a great choice for a degree in the U.S.
4.La Roche University
La Roche University is a private liberal arts college in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, founded in 1963. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in many fields, such as business, education, and engineering. The school puts an emphasis on student-faculty interaction and the development of students’ liberal arts skills. It is on the list of cheapest colleges in the USA due to its convenient location and surrounding life, as well as its low tuition and fees.
5.Western Carolina University
Founded in 1889, Western Carolina University is the fifth oldest educational institution in the U.S. It is one of the affordable universities in the USA for international students. Besides more than 11,000 full-time undergraduate and graduate students, WCU has about 200 international students from 32 countries. WCU’s main campus is located in Cullowhee, N.C., with easy access to public transportation and modern amenities. The Cullowhee community is about three hours from the major cities of Atlanta, Charlotte, and Knoxville.
6.Dickinson State University
Dickinson State University, also translated as Dickson State University, located in Dixon, North Dakota, in the north-central United States, is a public comprehensive university offering undergraduate degrees and specialized degrees. Founded in 1916, the university has a long history of promoting local educational, social, and cultural development and is home to a number of colleges and departments, including the College of Science and Arts, Business Education, and the College of Applied Science.
7.Washburn University
Washburn University is a public university located in Kansas. It has approximately 7,000 students, including international students from more than 30 countries. The university features small class sizes, legal education, and a law school with a national reputation. In addition, the university focuses on international education maintains cooperative relationships with nearly 40 international colleges and universities, and has established friendly relationships with a number of renowned colleges and universities in China.
8.Northern State University
Northern State University, a four-year public university, was founded in 1901 and is located in the Aberdeen area of South Dakota. Operated by the South Dakota Board of Regents, Northern State University offers undergraduate and master’s degrees in a wide range of majors. Northern State University, the premier residential liberal arts educational institution, is especially known for the school’s outstanding teaching, excellent community relations, and unparalleled co-curricular opportunities.
9. Voorhees University
Voorhees University was founded by Elizabeth Evelyn Wright-Menafee in 1897. It is a historically black liberal arts college and offers degrees in 12 disciplines. The university is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and the United Negro College Fund. Its mission is to offer students good quality education and carry forward the value-centered liberal arts tradition.
10.Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock University is a four-year public, regional university offering undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 8,000 students. Founded in 1889, the university grew out of its Normal School. For more than 130 years, SRU has been committed to providing students with a well-rounded learning experience that helps them succeed in their lives and careers. Located on a 660-acre campus in western Pennsylvania, the university is less than an hour’s drive to Pittsburgh.
11.Nicholls State University
Nicholls State University is a public university. It opened doors in 1948 as a college of higher learning at Louisiana State University. The university has an enrollment of more than 7,000 students. Among cheap colleges for international students, Nicholls State University is a nice choice for students studying in America. and a rich faculty and staff. Moreover, The school’s library is well-stocked and can cater to a wide range of student needs.
12.University of South Dakota
The 216-acre University of South Dakota is a small public university and one of the member universities of the South Dakota State System (SDSU). It has the only law school, medical school, and college of fine arts in the state. The University of South Dakota is one of the affordable universities for international students with a wide range of disciplines and low costs. The popular disciplines are business administration and health sciences.
13.University of Maine—Fort Kent
Founded in 1878, the University of Maine at Fort Kent is a public liberal arts university. Its official French name is Université du Maine à Fort Kent, demonstrating the concentration of French Americans and their cultural heritage in Maine. Besides, it is also an affordable college for international students in USA. The University offers distance learning programs. It is convenient for international students to learn in the school.
14.University of Wisconsin—Superior
Founded in 1893, the University of Wisconsin-Superior is a public university in the University of Wisconsin System. The university’s campus is located in a residential neighbourhood just minutes from the beautiful Lake Superior, the largest lake in the world. With the low tuition for foreign students and good service, the University of Wisconsin-Superior is a suitable college for international students.
15.South Dakota State University
Founded in 1881, South Dakota State University offers five-degree types: bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, associate’s, and diploma programs (Certificates). Some of its graduates have won the Nobel Prize in Literature and the office of the Governor. The university has a reputation for research in the areas of biological sciences, environmental sciences and computational sciences. It is also a cheap university for international students.
16.Dakota State University
Dakota State University is a publicly funded university located in Madison, South Dakota. It offers students a wide range of courses and programs that are technology-based and designed to prepare students for the modern job market. With the opening of the state-of-the-art Madison Cyber Lab and the university’s ties to numerous industries, DSU has become an excellent choice for applicants who are looking for careers related to technology and research.
17.University of the Virgin Islands
The University of the Virgin Islands is a medium-sized public institution established on March 16, 1962. The University consists of five colleges: the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Human and Social Sciences, the College of Mathematics and the College of Nursing. The University of the Virgin Islands maintains excellent international exchanges with many universities.
18.Alabama State University
Founded in 1867, Alabama State University is a regional public university and a historically black university. The current enrollment of Alabama State University is about 12,000 students. As one of the least expensive universities in the USA for international students, it has dozens of departments and research institutes, and its Graduate School of Business and Management is highly rated. The College of Education is the oldest college at the university.
19.University of New Orleans
The University of New Orleans is located in Louisiana, USA. It was founded in 1958. This public university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. The buildings in the university are in a French architectural style. The University of New Orleans is an affordable college for international students in the USA. Studying here, you can also experience exciting cultural activities in the city.
20.Lake Superior State University
Lake Superior State University is a public university located on the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan. Founded in 1946, the university is committed to providing high-quality undergraduate and graduate education. LSSU is the most affordable college in Michigan. It is known for its small class sizes and personalized approach to teaching. The student-to-faculty ratio of LSSU is low, so students have many chances to interact with their teachers.
How to Make US International Student Experience More Affordable?
Considering the high cost of studying and living in America, it’s necessary to master some strategies to make the international student experience more affordable. Some practical tips are given as follows:
- Apply for Scholarships: There are numerous scholarships available for international students based on academic merit, financial need, or specific backgrounds. Research and apply for scholarships offered by the university, private organizations, and foundations.
- Live an Affordable Life: you can choose on-campus housing or look for cheap student apartments with roommates, which can help you save money on rentals. Cooking by yourself is more cost-effective, and going out by public transportation is also a good way to help you manage your money.
- Manage Your Finances Wisely: Create a budget and stick to it. Track your expenses and make adjustments as needed. What’s more, getting a part-time job on campus or in the community to earn extra income is also a practical way to make you finish your studies in the US.
- Consider Alternative Paths to a US Degree: A degree can enhance your job prospects. Consider studying abroad for a semester or a year at a US university through your home university’s program, as it may be more affordable than a full degree. Some US universities also offer flexible and affordable online courses and degrees for international students.
Conclusion
This blog is about the cheapest universities in the USA for international students for international students. It’s important to know that the cost of studying in the US for international students is high. You can do thorough research before applying for affordable universities in America for international students. Affordability does not compromise the quality of education. In the article, we have compiled the cheapest university for international students. By comparing their tuition fees, cost of living, scholarships, and financial aid options, you may know which school you want to attend.
FAQ
Are there free universities in the USA?
There are several free universities charging no tuition from all students in the USA, such as the University of Rochester School of Nursing, the University of Olivet, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
What is the cheapest university in USA for international students?
Here are some of the cheapest universities in the USA for international students:
| 1. Minot State University |
| 2. Fayetteville State University |
| 3. Delta State University |
| 4. La Roche University |
| 5. Western Carolina University |
Can international students in the us get financial aid?
It’s very difficult for international students in the US to get financial aid. Need-based aid is also less available for international students compared to domestic students. But there are numerous scholarships fin US universities for international students, which is based on academic merit, financial need, or specific backgrounds.
