The United States has the largest economy and so offers more opportunities, especially to brilliant students. However, the standard of living may pose a threat to students who wish to undertake a program in the United States. So this leads us to bring you a good list of the cheapest universities in the US for international students to apply to. These cheap universities in the USA for international students offer both masters and undergraduate programs at an affordable rate. Also, these cheapest US schools for International Students offer incredibly programs cheaper programs compared to other US schools.
However, apart from the cheapest universities in the US we have mentioned here, the United States government and private organizations also provide adequate funding for students who can prove their academic outstanding abilities.
More so the best industries in the world situated their offer internship opportunities to students. In the long run, obtaining an academic degree in the US is worthwhile so no wonder many students aspire to study there.

Therefore if you fall under the category of students asking numerous questions like;
Then, you need not worry as you will find all the answers you seek on this page. All you need to do is take a deep breath and carefully go through this page to secure a spot in one of the cheapest schools in the US.
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Why should I study in the US?
The prestige of earning a degree from a US-accredited university continues to make the US the top choice for overseas students. The United States of America (USA) is thus a nation that has its main territory in North America. The quality of their instructional strategies, intellectual rigor, and educational experiences are held to incredibly high standards at US higher education institutions.
Furthermore, numerous international students choose to study at the cheapest University in the US for international students for a variety of reasons, including the high caliber of instruction, the distinctive curriculum, the wealth of opportunities, and the nation’s diversity.
Here are the top 5 reasons why choosing to study in the US can be the finest choice ever to make:
#1. Academic prowess
Numerous American colleges consistently rank well in global university rankings, making up some of the greatest universities in the world. 33 of the top 100 universities worldwide, according to the 2019 QS World Ranking, are in the US. Furthermore, American universities are widely known for their rigorous academic standards, adherence to policies that are set in place to assure quality, and financial stability that enables them to offer their students the best education possible.
#2. A flexible system of schooling
Universities and colleges in America provide a wide range of courses and activities. Both the course’s structure and its content are up to you. After your second year of undergraduate study, you can enroll in any courses you choose to take before announcing your major. This makes it simpler to learn more about your topic of interest before making a slow decision. Graduate school also gives you the opportunity to focus on your preferences. You can focus on the ideas you want to stress when writing your dissertation.
#3. Outstanding resources for overseas students
American universities often provide orientation programs, conferences, and training to assist overseas students since they are aware of the challenges they confront. In actuality, the Office for foreign students aids students in their efforts to acclimate to a new way of life. Staff members are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have concerning academics, culture, or social life.
#4. Diversity of cultures
In the US, there are a wide variety of cultures, races, and ethnicities. Due to its diversified environment, all communities are guaranteed acceptance, and discrimination of any form is not permitted. You will study with students from all around the world, which will make your education rich and intriguing. Due to your exposure to a variety of environments as a child, you will acquire strong personality characteristics and employable skills. The US would give you a great idea of how employers now accept students from varied backgrounds. As you get more familiar with a variety of foods, traditions, festivals, and artistic mediums, the US will provide you with genuinely unique international exposure.
#5. Lively and vibrant campus life
It is a well-known fact that college life in the US is unmatched. Regardless of the university you attend, you will come into contact with new cultural experiences and the American way of life. Accept it and be open to new ideas and acquaintances.
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How Many Universities Are in the US?
The University of Southern California Rossier School of Education’s Dean Emeritus, Guilbert C. Hentschke, asserts that “education is like any other sector in that there is an activity with firms expanding, launching, closing, changing, and combining continually.” In the US, there are more than 5,300 colleges and universities. These higher education institutions include everything from beauty schools to prestigious Ivy League research colleges like Harvard University.
The term “the American higher-education system” refers to the whole network of colleges and universities. Several colleges and universities around the country, USA have established satellite campuses. Additionally, you can enroll in the most affordable US university for foreign students. There are 1,626 public universities, 1,687 private nonprofit schools, and 985 for-profit colleges out of the 5,300 institutions in the USA.
These institutions are divided into two-year (community colleges and county colleges), four-year, and university-level schools.
How university branch campuses are assembled often affects how many universities there are. In the world of higher education, it is typical for this figure to fluctuate over time. Many colleges may consolidate or close.
How Much is the Cheapest University in the US Worth?
Depending on factors like location, institution type (public or private), and course of study, the tuition at the cheapest university in the US for international students might vary greatly. In-state students pay, on average, $10,000 a year in tuition at public universities while they pay up to $30,000 or more at private institutions.
However, some colleges charge as little as $5,000 in annual tuition. The University of North Texas, the University of Texas at San Antonio, the California State University, San Bernardino, Southeast Missouri State University, Arkansas State University, the University of Wisconsin, the University of Louisiana, Southwest Minnesota State University, Northwest Missouri State University, Dakota State University, and also the University of Alabama at Birmingham are some of the least expensive universities in the US for foreign students.
These universities provide a variety of academic programs and have reasonably affordable tuition rates for international students. It is important to keep in mind that this only covers tuition and fees and excludes other costs like board and lodging, books, and transportation. When determining the “value” of a university, it is also crucial to take into account elements like the standard of instruction and the resources offered at the facility.
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Eligible Nationality To Study In Cheapest University in the US
The cheapest University in the US for international students accepts students from all nations who want to study abroad. However, tuition and living expenses may vary depending on the specific university and locality.
In addition to satisfying the same admission requirements as domestic students, international students may be asked to take language tests like the TOEFL or IELTS to prove their proficiency in the English language. Foreign students must also get a student visa in order to study in the US. It is advisable that you visit the website of the particular university in which you are interested to find out more about the special requirements and processes for international students.
Which Course of Study is Cheaper To Study In The US?
Though you can find the cheapest University in the US for international students, without more details, it is difficult to conclude which degree of study is more affordable to pursue in the US. The price of attending a college or university might differ significantly based on the location, size, and reputation of the institution as well as the living situation and lifestyle of the student.
However, in general, community colleges charge less for tuition than four-year institutions. Furthermore, in-state tuition at public universities and colleges are typically less expensive than out-of-state tuition. Some online degree programs can even be more affordable than conventional on-campus ones.
Which Level of Study Is Cheaper To Study In the US?
In the US, undergraduate education is typically less expensive than graduate education. Tuition at state and community colleges is frequently less expensive than at private institutions. Additionally, undergraduate students have easier access to financial help, fellowships, and scholarships.
However, depending on the institution, location, and program, the price of a college education in the US varies greatly. Before making a choice, it is best to do some research and compare the prices of various programs and institutions.
How to Apply for Cheap Schools In The US
Depending on the particular institution, different affordable schools in the US may have different admissions standards. College applications themselves can be tiring, particularly for overseas students. They can find the entire application procedure to be rather demanding given their distance from home and participation in a completely different educational system.
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What is the Application Requirement For Cheap Schools In The US?
Time Needed : 5 minutes
Several application requirements are peculiar to various schools in the US. The cheapest university in the US for international students also has guidelines that every applicant must follow before he is admitted successfully. Such requirements include;
Make a list of colleges
One can find it difficult to decide between the thousands of universities available. What if I make this decision too quickly? What if a college offered better opportunities? These are merely some of the ideas that a typical learner might have. You will always find a college that is superior in many areas, thus they are not at fault. However, not all of them will turn out to be the best options for you, and the causes could fluctuate between the distance, the costs, and other relevant factors.
Although there are many other characteristics that admissions officers take into account, these are nonetheless very influential on your chances of acceptance even though they are not the most crucial parts of the puzzle. As much as you would desire to attend a specific university, you would not need to include it on your list whenever you cannot apply because you do not meet their standards. In light of this, consider their acceptance rate, required grade point averages and standardized test scores, and tuition costs.Evaluate your transcript
This step largely depends on the students' backgrounds. International students are typically required to evaluate their transcripts. Hence, to assess if a degree or other credentials obtained in a foreign country fulfill their enrollment standards, admission counselors need this official report. However, you can always acquire an official response from the admission office of a specific university if you want to be certain about this.
Thus, the supporting materials that complete a student's file are letters of recommendation. The admissions officers can learn more about you from the perspective of someone other than yourself with these letters. Similarly, your teachers, administrator, or counselors and people who have worked closely with you throughout your academic career and are qualified to speak highly of an individual's academic performance will be asked to write reference letters for you.Learn about the required language skills
Importantly, to gain admission into the cheapest University in the US for international students, you should learn the required language skills. Moreover, each university makes a list of the prerequisites students must fulfill to enroll in their programs.
High school graduation, a certain GPS, extracurricular activities, and other items might be at the top of the list. The demand for language is also one of the prerequisites. International students whose mother tongue is not English are subject to this requirement. This is typically done with a standardized test like the TOEFL or IELTS.
In either case, you need to confirm whether or not you must provide documentation of your English language ability. Just get to know the standardized tests you will be taking.
Also, students may be required to take a long variety of standardized examinations in addition to the TOEFL and IELTS exams that overseas students often take to demonstrate their language proficiency. From one university to the next, you can be asked to provide certain test scores. Because of this, you should take these criteria into account when making your selection of universities to apply to after doing your study.Applications should be sent
undefinedYou can start applying to colleges now that you have your list prepared. However, we also said that institutions look at both your academic record and the results of other standardized tests, such as the TOEFL, ACT, SAT, GRE, and GMAT. The admissions office will mail you this application form, or you can get it online on their website. Its charge, which ranges from $35 to $100, is non-refundable. You are ready to click submit once you have added any supporting papers, such as your transcript, test scores, and any other records the university may need to see.
Take the entrance exam
Another important requirement for admission to the cheapest University in the US for international students is the exam. It is a prerequisite for all aspiring college students at a specific institution. You should get ready to take it as an overseas student as well. There are numerous exams available, therefore before signing up for them, you should find out which entrance exams your target colleges require.Watch out for the letter of acceptance
If you adhered to all deadlines and promptly submitted your application form and supporting documentation, all that is left to do is wait to hear back from the institutions you have applied to. One by one, letters notifying you of the status of your application will start to arrive from the institutions. Some might immediately tell every contender, while others might postpone it for a while.
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Is Admission Processing For 2023-2024 Application Ongoing in the US?
Yes, admission processing for 2023-2024 is still ongoing in the US and at the cheapest University in the US for international students. Get your application fee ready first. Depending on the university, application costs for universities often range from $75 to $100 USD. If you are having problems paying your application fee, get in touch with the program or university directly.
What Can I Do to Obtain Admission to the US This Year?
The USA is the most desirable study location in the world for students from other countries. You can also access the cheapest University in the US for international students.
However, there are a few things you must bear in mind while applying to an American academic institution, even if American institutions have their own unique admissions process for overseas students!
Meanwhile, students from outside the US might need to provide documentation proving they have sufficient English language proficiency to participate in class. Toefl iBT, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or C1 Advanced certificates must be on hand.
Not all universities in the US now have an application process. Both domestic and foreign students should submit their applications through the institution. Utilize the links on the university websites and pay close attention to the guidelines.
You must also demonstrate that you have sufficient English language proficiency to be considered for admission to a U.S. university in order to ensure that you can learn and participate in your classes effectively. The minimum requirements will be heavily influenced by the university and the program. Most American colleges will accept one of the following exams:
To find out what minimal score is required, double-check the university and program criteria.
Universities typically provide two application deadlines for undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degrees in the US: Early admission and normal admission.
Your deadline depends on the semester you are enrolling in if you are applying to an American university for a postgraduate (Master’s or Ph.D.) degree (spring intake or fall intake).
Also, the deadline for fall admission applications can occur anywhere between January and March.
The deadline for spring admission applications is most likely between July and September of the preceding year. Depending on the program you are applying for or the university you want to attend, these deadlines can vary greatly. If you’re unsure of the proper deadline, make sure you get in touch with the program directly.
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Top 20 Cheapest Universities in the US for International Students 2023/2024
Methodology:
Before going through these cheapest universities in the US for International Students, keep in mind a few things:
#1. City University of New York
Location
New York
Tuition Fee
$17,400
Study Type
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
The name of the city’s public university system is the City University of New York. It was formed in 1961. It is the largest urban university system in the nation with 25 campuses, comprising eleven senior colleges, seven community colleges, and seven professional schools. We have recognized this school as one of the cheapest Universities in the US for International Students because of the quality of the programs offered in the school.
#2. California State University
Location
California
Tuition Fee
$8,151
Study Type
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
Also, one of the cheapest Universities in the US for International Students, California State University is the name of the state’s public university system. Its founding occurred in 1857. With 23 campuses, eight off-campus facilities, 485,550 students enrolled, and 55,909 employees, the California State University system is the biggest four-year public university system in the US.
#3. Minot State University
Location
North Dakota
Tuition Fee
$6,809
Study Type
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
The public Minot State University is located in Minot, North Dakota. Minot State Institution was founded in 1913 as a normal school and is the third-largest university in North Dakota. It provides undergraduate and graduate degree programs. This school offers cheaper programs compared to other schools offering similar programs. Hence, they are recognized as one of the cheapest Universities in the US for International Students.
#4. University of the People
Location
Pasadena, California
Tuition Fee
This university has no tuition. However, there is a per-course assessment cost. The total assessment price is specifically $2060 for an associate degree and $4060 for a bachelor’s degree. The institution thus charges the lowest tuition rates in the USA for foreign students.
Study Type
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
The University of the People is at the forefront of the revolution in education. The institution is the first tuition-free, non-profit online university of its sort in the whole globe. With its cutting-edge online learning methodology and teachers from the most esteemed academic volunteers globally, UoPeople offers the option to pursue a top-notch and precious American degree.
The institution provides two-year associate and four-year bachelor’s degree programs in business administration, computer science, and health science in addition to an MBA program. This school offers cheaper programs compared to other US schools, hence recognized as one of the cheapest US schools for International Students for masters and undergraduate programs.
#5. Brigham Young University
Location
Utah, USA
Tuition Fee
$6,304 – $7,932
Study Type
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
Brigham Young Institution, sometimes referred to as The Y[10], is a private research university in Provo, Utah. It was established in 1875 by notable religious figure Brigham Young and is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). This school offers cheaper programs compared to other US schools, hence recognized as one of the cheapest US schools for International Students for masters and undergraduate programs.
#6. Alcorn State University
Location
Mississippi
Tuition Fee
$6,888
Study Type
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
Alcorn State University is a historically black public land-grant institution located in Lorman, Mississippi. It was founded in 1871 and was the first black land grant university in the US. One of Alcorn University’s most renowned graduates is the civil rights leader Medgar Evers, who graduated from the school in 1952.
#7. University of Louisiana
Location
Lafayette
Tuition Fee
$9,551- $9,509
Study Type
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
The Institution of Louisiana at Lafayette is a public research university located in Lafayette, Louisiana. Just behind Louisiana State University, it has the second-largest enrollment in the state and the highest enrolment among the nine campuses of the University of Louisiana System. This school offers cheaper programs compared to other US schools, hence recognized as one of the cheapest US schools for International Students for masters and undergraduate programs.
#8. Sonoma State University
Location
Rohnert Park, California
Tuition Fee
$9,504
Study Type
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
Sonoma State University is a public university located in Rohnert Park, Sonoma County, California. It is one of the lesser colleges in the California State University system. Sonoma State offers 92 bachelor’s degree programs, 19 master’s degree programs, and 11 teaching certifications.
#9. Hillsborough Community College
Location
Hillsborough County, Florida
Tuition Fee
$9,111
Study Type
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
Hillsborough Community College (HCC) was founded in 1968. In Hillsborough County, Florida, five campuses of this reputable community college may be located, including the flourishing coastal city of Tampa, Florida. HCC is the ideal place for international students to begin their 4-year bachelor’s degree program. This school offers cheaper programs compared to other US schools, hence recognized as one of the cheapest US schools for International Students for masters and undergraduate programs.
#10. Cooper Union
Location
New York
Tuition Fee
$22,635
Study Type
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is a private university that is situated in Cooper Square in New York City. Peter Cooper founded the school in 1859 after learning about the government-sponsored École Polytechnique in France.
#11. Arkansas State University
Location
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Tuition Fee
$5,400
Study Type
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
The public research university known as Arkansas State University is located in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Ranks second in terms of size in the state and serves as the system’s flagship institution. The institution was started in 1909 on 1,376 acres of Crowley’s Ridge, and it is still in use today.
#12. Southeast Missouri State University
Location
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Tuition Fee
$14,205
Study Type
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
A public university by the name of Southeast Missouri State University is located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The organization has four regional campuses that provide full degree programs in addition to a secondary site that houses the Holland College of Arts and Media.
#13. Bradley University
Location
Peoria, Illinois
Tuition Fee
$17,100
Study Type
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
Illinois’s Peoria is home to the exclusive Bradley University. Since its inception in 1897, Bradley University has grown to accommodate 5,400 students who are pursuing degrees in five schools via more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs.
#14. Northwest Missouri State University
Location
Maryville, Missouri
Tuition Fee
$8,096.4 – $19,461.3
Study Type
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
The public Northwest Missouri State University is located in Maryville, Missouri. There are around 8,505 students enrolled. It was founded in 1905 as a teaching college and is now the recognized Missouri State Arboretum. The campus was fashioned after Forest Park in the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis.
#15. Westcliff University
Location
Irvine, California
Tuition Fee
$13,560
Study Type
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
Westcliff University is a private, for-profit college located in Irvine, California. It was founded in 1993 and offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, along with certificate programs, continuing education courses, and other credentials. This school offers cheaper programs compared to other US schools, hence recognized as one of the cheapest Universities in the US for International Students for masters and undergraduate programs.
#16. Ashland University
Location
Ohio
Tuition Fee
$22,990
Study Type
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
The private Christian school Ashland University is located in Ashland, Ohio. The university includes a 135-acre main campus in addition to other off-campus facilities spread out over northern and central Ohio. In 1878, Ashland was founded as Ashland College. The Brethren Church is involved in some way. This school offers cheaper programs compared to other US schools, hence recognized as one of the cheapest Universities in the US for International Students for masters and undergraduate programs.
#17. Pace University
Location
New York
Tuition Fee
$39,000
Study Type
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
In addition to its main campus in New York City, Pace University operates satellite campuses in Westchester County, New York. In 1906, Homer St. Clair and Charles A. Pace established it as a business school. This school offers cheaper programs compared to other US schools, hence recognized as one of the cheapest Universities in the US for International Students for masters and undergraduate programs.
#18. Metropolitan State University
Location
Minnesota
Tuition Fee
$17,552
Study Type
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
The public university Metropolitan State Institution is located in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area of Minnesota. It is a part of the Minnesota System of State Colleges and Universities. This school offers cheaper programs compared to other US schools, hence recognized as one of the cheapest Universities in the US for International Students for masters and undergraduate programs.
#19. Trine University
Location
Angola, Indiana
Tuition Fee
$33,490
Study Type
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
Trine University is a private institution with campuses in Fort Wayne and Angola, Indiana. Detroit and Phoenix are also major educational centers for it. Since its foundation in 1884, it has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This school offers cheaper programs compared to other US schools, hence recognized as one of the cheapest Universities in the US for International Students for master’s and undergraduate programs.
#20. Manhattanville College
Location
Harrison, New York
Tuition Fee
$19,440
Study Type
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees
There is a private university called Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York. In the heart of Manhattan’s financial district, at 412 Houston Street, the Academy of the Sacred Heart was founded in 1841. It became Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart after 1847. This school offers cheaper programs compared to other US schools, hence recognized as one of the cheapest Universities in the US for International Students for masters and undergraduate programs.
Full List Of Other Cheapest Universities in the US for International Students
Below we have given a comprehensive list of the cheapest US schools for international students. We recommend you carefully go through the list to see affordable schools you can choose from.
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You can choose from these lists provided to start your studies…
Most of these cheap schools in USA also offer scholarship opportunities
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cheapest Universities in the US for International Students
Are there any financial help or scholarships available for students from other countries?
International students can get financial aid and scholarships, yes. It’s crucial to explore these opportunities and submit applications as soon as you can. Scholarships are widely available from colleges and organizations, many of which cater to overseas students.
Can an overseas student who is studying in the US also work?
International students may work while they are studying in the US, but there are some limitations. For the most part, international students with F-1 visas are permitted to work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during breaks. Additionally, with the right approval from the office for international students at their institution, certain students can be qualified for off-campus employment.
How much does it cost for overseas students to live in the US?
Depending on where the university is located and the student’s lifestyle, the cost of living for overseas students in the US can change. International students should nevertheless budget $1,000 to $1,500 per month on average for housing, food, transportation, and other costs.
When they graduate, may international students request for permanent residency in the US?
After graduation, international students can apply for permanent residency in the US, albeit the procedure might be difficult and take a while. Understanding the criteria and the application process for permanent residence requires speaking with an immigration lawyer.
Is studying in the USA difficult?
A “work hard, play hard” culture can be used to describe American university students. There is a lot of homework and academically challenging classes, and many students have part-time jobs to help pay for their education. Outstanding athletic and academic facilities are available at many American institutions.
Conclusion
Finally, if you have carefully gone through this page to this point, you should have found a school deem fit you can choose from in the provided broad list of cheapest us schools for international students. Thus, ensure to start that study program of your choice today. Interestingly, most of those schools offer scholarship opportunities to also assist the students in their studies. While you can as well apply for other scholarships outside the school.
You can visit the school portal of your desired institution to check out their admission requirements. If you have further questions also ask us in the comment box below.