Studying at the cheapest colleges in the US may be one of the best ways to further study for those economically disadvantaged families. Knowledge changes fate. Relatively speaking, it is the easier path for people under financial stress to go to college to arm themselves and improve their professional skills. And they can make full use of opportunities and find better jobs, which is good for one’s development in the long term. Therefore, it’s important to balance quality education and financial feasibility. As the cost of higher education continues to rise, understanding the most economical options available is essential. Read on to learn more about the least expensive universities in the US.
What Are the Average College Costs?
Understanding the average college costs is crucial for anyone considering higher education in the United States, especially for those interested in the best affordable colleges. College expenses can be broadly categorized into tuition fees, room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition is the price that colleges charge for classes, which is the biggest part of the college cost. Additionally, students are required to pay other fees related to enrolling in and attending college. The cost of tuition and fees varies by college. Below are the average published yearly tuition and fees according to the College Board.
| Type of College | Average Tuition and Fees(2022-2023) |
|---|---|
| Public Two-Year College (in-district students) | $3,860 |
| Public Four-Year College (in-state students) | $10,940 |
| Public Four-Year College (out-of-state students) | $28,240 |
| Private Four-Year College | $39,400 |
Room and Board
Room and board typically refers to the cost of housing and meals at a college. These expenses vary widely based on several factors, such as the type of accommodation and the geographic location of the college. Some dorm rooms can accommodate two, three, or four students, while others are designed for one person. They have various degrees of amenities and privacy. The price often differs depending on what kind of rooms students choose. The average cost of room and board in 2022-2023 ranged from $12,310 at four-year public schools to $14,030 at private schools.
However, if students can not apply for the dorms the college offers, they can choose to live in student apartments. Prices for those opting for off-campus living also fluctuate based on the city or town where the college is situated. Urban areas are more expensive, while rural areas provide more affordable housing options.
Boarding plans include meal costs and can vary. Most colleges provide a variety of meal plans, ranging from unlimited dining options to more limited plans with a set number of meals per week. Typically, the costs for these meal plans are between $3,000 and $5,000 per year.
By understanding these various aspects of room and board, students can make informed decisions that best align with their financial situations and personal preferences to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Books and Supplies
Books and supplies are sometimes overlooked in a college budget. The cost of textbooks and supplies for courses can vary depending on the subject and level of specialization, with advanced courses typically requiring more expensive materials. The average cost for books and supplies for the 2022-2023 school year was $1,240 at both public colleges and private colleges.
To save money on textbooks, students can use second-hand bookstores, online retailers, or digital versions. Some schools offer rental programs or inclusive access schemes. Being proactive can help manage the financial burden.
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses are day-to-day costs of students that are often underestimated, including items such as clothing, personal care products, entertainment, dining out, and travel for holidays or weekends home. While these expenses can vary greatly depending on individual lifestyle and preferences, they are a necessary part of maintaining one’s well-being and balance between academic and social life. Expenses in this category for the 2022-23 school year ran from $2,900 at private colleges to $3,450 at public universities. Managing personal expenses wisely can not only alleviate financial stress but also improve valuable life skills in budgeting.
9 Cheapest Colleges in the US
The Top 50 universities in the United States with a total annual cost of $60,000 or less for out-of-state and international students are as follows:
| Intuition name | US news 2024 ranking | Tuition and fees/year | Room and board | Other expenses | Estimated total costs/year | Applicable academic year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | 28 | In-state students: $6,380 (tuition and fees included) Out-of-state students: $28,658(tuition and fees included) |
$12,120 | $5,030 | In-state students: $23,530 Out-of-state students: $45,808 |
2024-2025 |
| Purdue University | 43 | Indian students: $9,992 Other State students: $28,794 International students: $31,104 |
$10,030 | Indian students: $2,790 Other State students: $2,790 International students: $4,820 |
Indian students: $22,812 Other State students: $41,614 International students: $45,914 |
2023-2024 |
| University of Georgia | 47 | In-state students: $11,180 (tuition and fees included) Out-of-state students: $30,220(tuition and fees included) |
$11,246 | In-state students: $5,716 Out-of-state students: $7,072 |
In-state students: $28,142 Out-of-state students: $48,538 |
2023-2024 |
| Rutgers University New Brunswick | 40 | In-state students: $13,674 Out-of-state students: $32,436 |
$14,715 | $3,565 | In-state students: $31,954 Out-of-state students: $50,716 |
2023-2024 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 33 | In-state students: $10,710 Out-of-state students: $32,940 |
$13,400 | $5,780 | In-state students: $29,950 Out-of-state students: $52,120 |
2024-2025 |
| Ohio State University | 43 | In-state students: $13,244 (tuition and fees included) Out-of-state students: $40,032(tuition and fees included) |
$14,738 | In-state students: $4,100 Out-of-state students: $4,808 |
In-state students: $32,082 Out-of-state students: $59,568 |
2024-2025 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | 35 | Wisconsin students: $11,216 Minnesota students: $15,530 Other state and international students: $40,612 |
$14,124 | Wisconsin students: $4,278 Minnesota students:$4,528 Other state and international students: $4,878 |
Wisconsin students: $29,618 Minnesota students: $34,182 Other state and international students: $59,614 |
2024-2025 |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 22 | In-state students: $7,020 Out-of-state students: $39,228 |
$13,804 | In-state students: $6,212 Out-of-state students: $7,008 |
In-state students: $27,036 Out-of-state students: $60,040 |
2024-2025 |
| University of Maryland, College Park | 46 | In-state students: $10,086 Out-of-state students: $39,464 |
$15,958 | $5,686 | In-state students: $33,688 Out-of-state students: $61,108 |
2024-2025 |
University of Florida
12 colleges open to undergraduate students. It has more than 120 majors, among which agricultural science, education, sports management, criminal justice, design, media, public health, business, architecture, and psychology are particularly strong.
UF has strong academic strength and is a leader in the research of ethanol fuel, nuclear energy, solar energy and other energy sources. It also has a strong presence in the sports world. With a high ranking, low tuition and good employment prospects, UF is one of the cheapest universities in USA.
Purdue University
It consists of 13 schools without a medical school, law school, and school of architecture. It is also one of the most inexpensive universities in the US. However, it ranks eighth in engineering in the United States, has the reputation of “the leader of the engineering industry” and “the mother of American aerospace”, and has its own airport.
CS and Business of Purdue University are also strong, ranking 18th and 21st in the United States, respectively. Until 2025-26, Purdue’s tuition has not changed much for 13 consecutive years.
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is one of the earliest established public universities in the United States. It attaches great importance to foreign exchanges and scientific research cooperation and has a strong entrepreneurial atmosphere on campus. More than 200 companies were founded based on school research.
It offers more than 140 majors for undergraduates, including strong majors in business, sports management, accounting and finance, communication, agricultural science, and education. Double Dawgs features programs designed to help students earn bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in five years.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
It is the largest and best-ranked university in the Rutgers University system, offering more than 150 undergraduate majors, especially supply chain management/logistics, business analytics, business management, and nursing.
The professors’ strength is abundant. In the past five years, the faculty has written or co-authored 40,000 academic publications.
Georgia Institute of Technology
As its name suggests, the college is very strong in science and engineering, with engineering ranking No. 3 in the United States, CS ranking No. 6 in the United States, and the strength of many subdivisions is one of the best in the United States.
It is ideally located in the most bustling midtown area of Atlanta, USA, close to many Fortune 500 companies. Coupled with a quality alumni network, undergraduate students have excellent job prospects.
Ohio State University
The campus is huge, almost as large as the 52 Caltech. It has 18 colleges and more than 200 academic centres and institutes, offering more than 200 undergraduate majors and more than 250 graduate majors, with more than 12,000 courses to choose from.
The College of Engineering and Fisher School of Business are ranked among the top 20 in the United States for most of their majors. It has more than 500,000 alumni worldwide, and the happiness index of students is very high.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
The campus is very beautiful, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison has a good scientific research atmosphere.
The discipline system of this university is super sound, with 23 schools and departments providing more than 600 majors, of which real estate and insurance majors are second to none in the United States. Chemical engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, accounting, marketing, computer systems, programming, nursing, psychology, and economics are ranked in the top 20 in the United States.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
It is the research partner of Duke University and North Carolina State University. The three universities share educational resources and allow their students to choose courses from each other. Students only need to pay a tuition fee to enjoy the resources of the three universities.
UNC is very strong in liberal arts, science, medicine, and business and is also a strong rival in the sports world, which is called the “cradle of NBA stars.”
University of Maryland, College Park
The university offers 106 undergraduate majors, of which engineering and business are ranked 17th in the United States, and computer systems, network security, programming languages, nursing, psychology, and economics are ranked in the top 20.
University of Maryland, College Park, has a great strength and reputation in sports and entrepreneurial circles, and it offers not only low tuition fees but also generous scholarships. It is one of the cheapest colleges in USA in many people’s minds.
Conclusion
Selecting an affordable university does not mean compromising the quality of education or student experience. The ten cheapest colleges in the US we introduced above not only have both good education quality and accessible tuition and fee structures. Each of them has a diverse range of academic programs, robust student support services, and vibrant campus communities. By providing exceptional value, these colleges enable students from varying economic backgrounds to pursue higher education without incurring overwhelming debt. Choosing one of these economically-friendly colleges can be a strategic step towards achieving academic and professional goals while preserving financial well-being.
FAQ
What is the cheapest university in the USA?
The University of Florida.
The University of Florida (UF), located in Gainesville, is a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. Its estimated total costs for 2024-2025 are as follows:
In-state students: $23,530
Out-of-state students: $45,808
Which city is cheapest to study in USA?
Wichita.
It is often highlighted as one of the most affordable cities for students. The cost of housing, transportation, and other daily expenses in Wichita is lower compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Who has the lowest college tuition?
Florida.
According to US News, Florida ranks first in the average college tuition and fees required of in-state students at public four-year institutions.
