Affordable and Cheapest Universities in USA 2025

The cheapest universities in the USA are California State University, Bringham Young University, Southwest Minnesota State University, Dakota State University, and Nicholls State University. The average cost of studying in these universities ranges from $5,969 to $29,440. Generally, the annual tuition fees in public/state universities in the USA range from $8,000 to $35,000, and private universities in the USA charge between $25,000 to $55,000, based on the program and duration. To reduce the financial burden, students can also benefit from scholarships in USA such as the Fulbright Nehru Research Fellowship, Tata Scholarship Fund, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships, Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships for Indian Students, etc.

The USA is a top destination for international students seeking higher education, with world-class universities offering academic flexibility and excellent career opportunities. According to the Open Doors 2024 Report on International Educational Exchange, a total of over 1.1 million (1,126,690) international students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities during the 2023/2024 academic year, 7% increase compared to the previous year. Despite the high costs in some of the well-known Ivy League universities, Indian students can explore affordable options, including scholarships, to pursue their education in the USA. In this article, you’ll find the list of affordable universities in the USA offering Bachelor's, Master's, and MBA programs.

The following infographic represents the top 10 cheapest universities in USA

1. California State University, San Bernardino

California State University (CSU) is a renowned public university based in California, USA. The annual tuition fee for California residents is low, averaging only $5,742. And, yearly tuition fee is under $10,000 for international students, making it one of the most affordable universities in the USA. The university is widely recognized as it is consistently ranked among the top universities in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges list. With 23 campuses throughout the state, its main campus is located in San Bernardino, one of California's largest cities. CSU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and online programs, including Asian studies, criminal justice,  biology, Arabic, art History, aerospace engineering, agriculture, education, medicine, STEM, and film. 

One of the notable highlights of CSU is its affordability, providing an economical and high-quality education to California residents and international students. Additionally, CSU offers a range of financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs, ensuring that students have access to the necessary support for their education. CSU also offers its own Scholarship Search Tool to assist students in finding additional funding sources for their studies.

Particulars	Undergraduate	Graduate
Tuition & Fees per year	$17,221	$8,858
Additional Expenses	$18,864	$18,864
Total	$36,085	$27,722

2. Bringham Young University, Provo

Brigham Young University is a private research university with campuses in Provo, Utah; Laie, Hawaii; and Rexburg, Idaho. BYU's main campus, located in Provo, Utah, is home to 32,823 undergraduates as of fall 2024. The university is renowned for its language education, providing courses in 62 languages, with around 65 percent of students being bilingual. The university ranks #109 in the National Universities category according to the U.S. News & World Report's 2025.

Brigham Young University houses several colleges offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in diverse fields such as Education and Human Development, Engineering & Technology, Fine Arts & Communications, Life Sciences, Management, Nursing & Health Sciences, and Physical & Mathematical Sciences. The university also has a wide-ranging online program, with over 500 courses available.

One of BYU's key strengths is its affordability, making it one of the cheapest universities in the United States. BYU offers a tuition payment plan and extends discounts to military personnel and their families. BYU offers scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to further assist students in financial matters. Additionally, there are external scholarship opportunities from organizations such as the Gates Millennium Scholarship and the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Particulars	Undergraduate	Graduate
Tuition per semester	$6,304	$7,932

3. Southwest Minnesota State University, Minnesota

Located in Marshall, Minnesota, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public university renowned for its focus on liberal arts majors and professions. The university offers a vibrant campus life with student residences, clubs, and organizations, providing a great personal and academic growth environment. The popular courses at this university are Business, Psychology, Exercise Science, and Kinesiology. Southwest Minnesota State University stands out as one of the top four-year public institutions in providing high-quality liberal arts degrees. Its commitment to providing quality education makes it an excellent choice for students seeking a cost-effective education in the USA.

Particulars	Undergraduate	Graduate
Tuition & Fees per credit	$305	$486

4. Dakota State University, Madison

Dakota State University (DSU) is a public university located in Madison, South Dakota, USA. Founded in 1881, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business administration, computer science, information systems management, nursing, and more. Dakota State University provides flexible learning options, including online courses and hybrid classes, catering to working professionals and homemakers seeking to advance their education. The university's commitment to student safety is commendable, with its campus ranked as the safest in the state for three consecutive years.

DSU takes pride in its commitment to providing affordable tuition fees, and making quality education accessible to students. The university offers various financial aid programs, such as need-based grants, work-study opportunities, federal loans, and scholarships, including those from the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship Program.

Particulars	Cost
Tuition & Fees per year	$5,969
Wireless Computing Fee	$399
Housing & Food Service	$3,732
Cost Per Semester (estimated)	$10,099.25
Total Cost Per Year (estimated)	$20,198.50

5. Nicholls State University, Thibodaux

Nicholls State University is a public university in Thibodaux, Louisiana, offering diverse programs ranging from culinary arts to nursing. Established in 1948, the university boasts a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,539 as of fall 2024. Nicholls State University stands out for its affordable tuition fees, which are $7,946 for in-state students and $9,039 for out-of-state students. Nicholls State University is ranked #72 on the list of best colleges according to U.S News World Report in the Regional Universities South 2025. With a commitment to providing a safe environment for students, the university's official website reports that 1,255 undergraduate students live on campus, further enhancing the campus experience. 

Particulars	Undergraduate	Graduate
Tuition Fees based on 15 hours per semester	$4,483	$4,220

6. University of Buffalo, New York

The University at Buffalo (UB), established in 1846, stands as one of the oldest public research universities in the country. With over 30,000 individuals from all 50 states and 120 countries, UB offers academic programs, including 135 undergraduate and over 170 graduate and professional degrees across its campuses.

UB has numerous research centers and institutes, which provide students with ample opportunities to delve into specialized areas of interest. The university's tuition fees range from $5,655 to over $25,000 annually for undergraduate students, varying based on the course. To assist eligible students, UB offers various scholarships, including merit-based awards, need-based grants, student employment opportunities, and specialized scholarships.

UB's three campuses at Buffalo, Amherst, and New York offer a rich educational experience, making it an attractive choice for both domestic and international students seeking a quality education at an affordable cost.

Particulars	Undergraduate	Graduate
Tuition & Fees per year	$24,990	$25,992

7. Northern State University, Aberdeen

Northern State University is a public university located in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The campus accommodates a total of 2,867 undergraduates, including 37 international students. The international student's 6-year graduation rate is 56%. This university has held the U.S. News rank of 85 in the Regional Universities. Northern State University provides a range of degrees, including certificates, associate's, bachelor's, and master's programs, covering areas such as accounting, banking, justice, science, education, and digital media. The university has a reasonable tuition of $10,717; scholarships are also available to assist students financially. 

The university offers diverse programs across four schools, and its students and faculty have received global recognition for their research endeavors. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1 and 55% of classes having fewer than 20 students, the university emphasizes personalized attention and an engaging learning environment.

Particulars	Undergraduate	Graduate
Tuition Fees per credit	$30	$55

8. Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell

Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public college located in Goodwell, Oklahoma. The university is organized into three colleges, providing various associate's and bachelor's degree programs. Students have the opportunity to pursue diverse fields such as agriculture, nursing, science, communication, music, social science, IT, and business administration. With an affordable tuition fee and scholarships available, it offers an accessible option for both in-state and out-of-state students. In the 2025 academic year, out-of-state tuition and fees were $7,961.

Oklahoma State University (OSU) is also a renowned public research university that has five campuses and offers over 200 undergraduate degree programs. The university takes pride in its student community, with students hailing from over 100 countries. Their student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1 and a significant percentage of classes have fewer than 20 students. With all these specialties, it has earned a reputation as one of the best and most affordable universities in the USA for international students.

Particulars	Undergraduate	Graduate
Tuition & Fees per year	$29,440	$25,200

9. Delta State University, Mississippi

Delta State University, located in Cleveland, Mississippi, is a highly-regarded institution in the Southern region. Cleveland offers a delightful experience for students with affordable living, a vibrant student community, a lively music scene, and diverse food options. The university holds a U.S. News rank of 63 among Regional Universities in the South. With a total of 2,041 undergraduates, Delta State University’s 77.2% of classes have fewer than 20 students with a student-faculty ratio of 10:1. 

Delta State University attracts international students, with 2227 enrolled in the fall of 2024. While it offers a variety of majors, the most popular ones include Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, Elementary Education and Teaching, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Psychology, General, General Studies, Business Administration and Management, General, Business/Commerce, General, Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General, and Social Work. The university's tuition fee is $8,605 for both in-state and out-of-state students, making it an attractive option, as the out-of-state tuition is significantly cheaper than the national average for such costs.

Particulars	Undergraduate	Graduate
International Student Non-Resident Tuition Fees (per semester)	$500	$500

10. Mississippi University of Women, Columbus

Mississippi University for Women, located in Columbus, Mississippi, holds a unique distinction as the first public college for women in the United States. This institution continues to offer an exceptional educational experience, with the added advantage of helping students graduate with less debt compared to other regional Southern universities. The university's commitment to affordable education is reflected in its tuition and fees, which stand at $7,866 for the 2025 academic year.

Ranking 26 among Regional Universities in the South according to U.S. News, Mississippi University for Women has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, and 82.2% of classes have fewer than 20 students. The university offers a diverse range of programs, including Registered Nursing, Business Administration and Management, General, Public Health Education and Promotion, Elementary Education and Teaching, Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist, Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Culinary Arts, Legal Assistant/Paralegal, and Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other.

Particulars	Undergraduate	Graduate
Tuition & Fees per year	$7,866	$7,866

How do you make your US education affordable?

If you've secured admission to an affordable university in USA but still need additional funds, consider these money-saving strategies:

1. Opt for student dormitories:

Living in university dorms provides an all-inclusive solution, so you can avoid additional expenses such as utility bills, groceries, and deposits while living abroad.

2. Choose student towns over major cities:

Opting for smaller college towns keeps you close to campus activities and events, reducing the need for long commutes in larger cities.

3. Utilize student discounts:

Take advantage of discounts available at restaurants, cafes, bars, bookstores, clothing outlets, cinemas, and other establishments catering to students.

4. Purchase used items:

Save money by buying used textbooks, furniture, and clothing from former students who often sell their belongings at affordable prices.

5. Explore scholarship opportunities:

Many universities offer scholarships in USA for international students based on merit or financial need. Additionally, platforms like ScholarshipPortal list over 1,000 scholarships.

6. Seek part-time job:

If you hold an F1 student visa, consider working part-time on campus for up to 20 hours per week. Job options may include tutoring, campus roles like ambassadors or receptionists, and positions in hospitality or retail, depending on visa restrictions.

7. Earn college credits

Earning college credits before enrolling can lower tuition costs and accelerate graduation. High schools offer dual enrollment and AP classes for credit, while nontraditional students may receive credit for work or military service. Students should consult with advisors to choose the best options for their goals.

Also check: Cheapest universities in the world

Conclusion

Are you an international student dreaming of pursuing higher education in the USA but worried about the high costs? Don't be discouraged! Instead of opting for private colleges which have high tuition fees, you can look for public universities for low tuition fees. This article will help you to find the cheapest universities in USA that provide quality education, wide choices of programs, and great facilities.

Related Resources

• Cost of studying in USA
• Student life in USA
• Intakes in USA
• Cost of living in USA
• Study in USA after 12th
• USA student visa
• MBA in USA
• Scholarships For MBA In USA

FAQ

1. What are the affordable universities in USA?

The top 10 affordable universities in USA are,

1. California State University
2. Bringham Young University
3. Southwest Minnesota State University
4. Dakota State University
5. Nicholls State University
6. University of Buffalo
7. Northern State University
8. Oklahoma Panhandle State University
9. Delta State University
10. Mississippi University of Women

2. Are public universities cheaper in USA?

Yes, public universities are cheaper in USA. Students seeking cost-effective alternatives can opt for public sector universities in the US that offer lower tuition fees. These universities are often part of state university systems, which consist of multiple colleges within a state. While each college operates as a separate institution, they share certain administrative aspects. Choosing a public university can provide students with quality education at a more affordable price.

3. Are there any free US universities?

There are five US Service Academies that are tuition-free universities in the USA. They are U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

4. Which Ivy League is the cheapest in USA?

Among the Ivy League universities in the USA, Princeton University is often recognized as the most affordable option due to its generous financial aid programs. 62% of admitted students at Princeton receive financial aid.

5. Which universities have no application fee in USA?

The universities in USA without application fees are:

1. Yale University
2. Wellesley College
3. Carleton College
4. Smith College    
5. Case Western Reserve University
6. Grinnell College
7. Tulane College
8. Colby College    
9. Macalester College
10. Reed College

6. Is Masters degree free in USA?

The Fulbright Program offers full scholarships for international students who want to pursue a Master's or Ph.D. degree in USA. The Fulbright scholarships cover a comprehensive range of expenses, including tuition fees, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance. This scholarship is also awarded for non-degree postgraduate studies. Check here to know best universities in USA for MS.