Studying at cheapest colleges in the US may be one of the best ways to get higher education for economically disadvantaged families. Knowledge changes fate. Only by receiving good education can you have the chance to improve your life. Therefore, it’s important to balance quality education and financial feasibility. As the cost of higher education continues to rise, understanding low price universities in USA is essential. Read on to learn more about the least expensive universities in the US.
Top 10 cheapest colleges in the US
The United States is recognized as the best country in the world for higher education. However, attending college in the United States is also very expensive. Even local American families may not be able to send their children to college. Nowadays, society is developing so fast that it is difficult to make a living without knowledge and skills. Therefore, many people want to pay less to receive better higher education in the United States. Below is a list of the top 10 universities in the United States with the cheapest out of state tuition.
| Rank | Colleges | Out-of-state tuition and fees (2023-2024) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fayetteville State University (NC) | $6,262 |
| 2 | Louisiana State University—Shreveport | $7,519 |
| 3 | Wayne State College (NE) | $7,923 |
| 4 | Mississippi University for Women | $8,092 |
| 5 | Oklahoma Panhandle State University | $8,426 |
| 6 | Western Carolina University (NC) | $8,532 |
| 7 | Alcorn State University (MS) | $8,549 |
| 8 | Delta State University | $8,605 |
| 9 | Minot State University (ND) | $8,634 |
| 10 | Bismarck State College (ND) | $8,790 |
Cheapest universities in USA 2024
1. Fayetteville State University (NC): $6,262
- Location: Fayetteville, North Carolina
- US News ranking: 69 (tie), Regional Universities (South)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 5,748
Fayetteville State University (NC) is a public university in North Carolina. In the United States, students generally spend less on public universities than on private ones. Fayetteville State University not only has a long history, but has also been committed to providing black Americans with affordable higher education. 80% of the school’s students are minorities, and 70% are women. Fayetteville State has made a great contribution to the goal of equality in the United States.
2. Louisiana State University—Shreveport: $7,519
- Location: Shreveport, Louisiana
- US News ranking: 93 (tie), Regional Universities (South)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 2,465
Louisiana State University — Shreveport is a public university in Louisiana, the United States. Thus, it is also one of the cheapest out of state tuition universities. At first, LSUS was just a two-year college. Now it has evolved into a major public university in Louisiana with 21 undergraduate programs and over 10 graduate degree programs.
3. Wayne State College (NE): $7,923
- Location: Wayne, Nebraska
- US News ranking: 92 (tie), Regional Universities (Midwest)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 3,860
Wayne State College became a four-year degree-granting institution in 1921. It is also an important part of the Nebraska university system. It is also a college with affordable out of state tuition because it is a public state university.
4. Mississippi University for Women: $8,092
- Location: Columbus, Mississippi
- US News ranking: 27 (tie), Regional Universities (South)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 2,080
Mississippi University for Women is a public university in Columbus, Mississippi, United States. Founded in 1884, it is the oldest public women’s university in the United States. In 1982, the US Supreme Court ruled that the school’s women-only policy violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. After that, all majors were opened to boys.
5. Oklahoma Panhandle State University: $8,426
- Location: Goodwell, Oklahoma
- US News ranking: 37, Regional Colleges (West)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,242
Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public baccalaureate degree-granting institution located in Goodwell, Oklahoma. The Board of Regents of the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges provides OPSU’s governance. Academic programs and financial support are authorized and coordinated through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
6. Western Carolina University (NC): $8,532
- Location: Cullowhee, North Carolina
- US News ranking: 227 (tie), National Universities
- Undergraduate enrollment: 9,956
Western Carolina University is a public university and therefore one of the most affordable universities in USA. Founded in 1889, Western Carolina University is the fifth oldest educational institution in the US educational system. The University is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina system. WCU has always focused on high-quality teaching and the development of responsible citizens. Since its inception, WCU has developed into a major regional cultural, scientific and educational force.
7. Alcorn State University (MS): $8,549
- Location: Lorman, Mississippi
- US News ranking: 52 (tie), Regional Universities (South)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 2,346
Alcorn State University is located in the Alcorn of southwest Mississippi. Founded in 1871, it is a small (less than 10,000) public comprehensive university. Alcorn State University covers approximately 1,700 acres, and the campus combines architectural history with modernity. Alcorn State University offers more than 30 academic disciplines.
8. Delta State University: $8,605
- Location: Cleveland, Mississippi
- US News ranking: 55 (tie)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,889
Delta State University, founded in 1924, is located in the center of the Delta in the United States of Mississippi, Cleveland. It is a regional public university, and one of the eight public institutions in Mississippi. The university also has a large aviation school, which makes Delta State University the only institution in Mississippi that grants degrees in commercial aviation.
9. Minot State University (ND): $8,634
- Location: Minot, North Dakota
- US News ranking: 120 (tie), Regional Universities (Midwest)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 2,530
Minot State University is a four-year institution of higher education. The school was first established in 1913 and is the third largest public school in North Dakota. Minot State University has evolved from Carnegie Master’s Institution’s normal college and is now ranked among the top three higher education institutions of all universities in North Dakota. The school is committed to the success and all-round development of its students.
10. Bismarck State College (ND): $8,790
- Location: Bismark, North Dakota
- US News ranking: 39, Regional Colleges (Midwest)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 3,771
Bismarck State College was founded in 1939 and is the fourth largest college in the North Dakota University system. It is a comprehensive community college and one of the cheapest colleges in America. The university has two- and four-year programs, about 35 majors and more than 150 online courses, including power and processing plant technology, nuclear power technology, and electric power technology.
Average college costs
Understanding the average college costs is crucial for anyone considering higher education in the United States, especially for those interested in USA low cost university. The average cost of US college is $38,270 per student per year.
- The average cost of in-state student attending a public 4-year institution and living on-campus is $27,146 (one academic year).
- The average cost of in-state tuition alone is $9,750.
- The average cost of out-of-state tuition alone is $27,457.
- The average private, nonprofit university student spends $58,628 per academic year living on campus, $38,768 on tuition and fees.
What kind of expenses do you need in college?
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 accommodation. 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.
Money-saving stategies for college students
Receiving higher education can make us develop better in the future. But the costs of college are very expensive and may not be affordable for our family. Even getting into the top 10 cheapest colleges in the US mentioned above may not be feasible. So, how to get quality education on a budget?
1. Apply for scholarships
Financial Aid is an amount of money that helps you pay for tuition. In most cases, the university will decide how much to give you based on your financial situation. However, some schools think that international students can afford to go abroad, so they can pay tuition. So, only locals are allowed to apply for financial aid. Therefore, as an international student, the most important thing to pay attention to should be scholarships, especially merit-based scholarships. Some merit-based scholarships are awarded by the school, and some are awarded by each school’s college.
2. Buy second-hand textbooks
American textbooks are very expensive. Usually, if you want to buy a new textbook, it will cost at least $40-80, sometimes even $200 for a textbook. Although some books can be borrowed in the library, they can only be borrowed for a limited time, and some books can only be borrowed, not taken out of the library. Therefore, the most cost-effective way is to buy second-hand books through online trading platforms, or some alumni communities.
3. Cook by yourself
Cooking by yourself can not only save money, but also suit your own taste. If you are a student from another country, you may not be used to American food. Then you can buy ingredients and cook the food you want. Raw materials are cheaper than finished products, helping you save a lot of money.
4. Rent a reasonably priced apartment
Accommodation is an important factor affecting the quality of life. You’d better rent a well-furnished apartment near the school with convenient transportation. This can save a sum of transportation costs, and it is also more convenient to buy daily necessities and food. But how to rent the best apartment at the best price? You can consult us.! We have a large number of US student accommodation that are still available for rent, with a full range of types to suit your every requirement. Feel free to ask us any questions. Our consultants will be available 24/7.
What are the cheapest colleges in the US?
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
Fayetteville State University is the cheapest college in the US, as its out-of-state tuition and fees is $6,262.
Northwestern University is the most expensive college in the US. The annual cost of attendance (2022-2023) is $89,394.
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.
New York is always the most expensive city to study in the USA.
Fayetteville State University.
According to US News, Fayetteville State University ranks first in the average college tuition and fees required of in-state students.
