Some of the cheapest universities in USA for international students include Dickinson State University (approx. USD 6.8K–12.4K/year), Eastern New Mexico University (approx. USD 7.5K–9.1K/year), Dakota State University (approx. USD 8.4K–12.6K/year), Valley City State University (approx. USD 8.9K–15K/year), and Minot State University (approx. USD 9.2K–9.7K/year). State university systems such as California State University, along with community colleges, can also offer more affordable study options for international students.
In the sections below, we will learn about the top affordable universities, undergraduate and postgraduate options, low-cost courses, scholarships, ways to reduce costs, and the application process in detail.
Top 10 Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students
Tuition at affordableuniversities in USA can range from around USD 7K (INR 6.7L) to USD 20K (INR 19.1L) per year, depending on the course, study level, and number of credits.
Several public and state universities offer comparatively lower tuition fees for Indian students, especially when compared with large private universities.
Here are the top 10 cheapest universities in USA for international students:
Note: Tuition fees can change depending on the program, study level, and credit load. Housing, food, health insurance, books, and other living costs are not included.
Affordable Universities in USA by Study Level
The cost can be different for undergraduate and postgraduate study. At some affordable universities, undergraduate tuition and fees are around USD 9K–14K (INR 8.7L–13L) per year, while postgraduate costs can be around USD 6.8K–13.4K (INR 6.5L–12.9L) for a standard yearly credit load.
Cheapest Undergraduate Universities in USA for International Students
Some affordable options for a bachelor’s degree are:
Eastern New Mexico University: Around USD 9.1K (INR 8.7L) per year for full-time non-resident tuition and fees.
Minot State University: Around USD 9.6K (INR 9.2L) per year for 12–18 credits per semester.
Dickinson State University: Around USD 9.9K–12.4K (INR 9.5L–11.9L) per year, depending on the number of credits.
Southwest Minnesota State University: Around USD 11.5K (INR 11L) per year for full-time undergraduate tuition and fees.
University of South Dakota: Around USD 13.6K (INR 13L) per year for 30 undergraduate credits.
Cheapest Postgraduate Universities in USA for International Students
For master’s programs, the fee often depends on the course and number of credits taken.
Some lower-cost options are:
Dickinson State University: Around USD 6.8K (INR 6.5L) for 18 credits, including mandatory fees.
Minot State University: Around USD 9.2K (INR 8.8L) per year for international graduate tuition and fees based on its listed full-time load.
Southwest Minnesota State University: Around USD 11.3K (INR 10.8L) per year in graduate tuition and fees.
Bemidji State University: Graduate tuition is around USD 570 (INR 54.6K) per credit, plus university fees.
University of South Dakota: Around USD 13.4K (INR 12.9L) per year for 18 graduate credits.
Note: Fees can change based on the course, number of credits, and additional program charges.
Popular Courses at the Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students
Students do not have to limit themselves to less popular subjects to study at a lower cost in US. Affordable universities offer programs in fields such as business, computer science, education, finance, and health sciences, with tuition at some universities starting from around USD 9K–12K (INR 8.6L–11.5L) per year.
Here are some popular courses that students can study at a comparatively lower cost:
Course/Field
Affordable University Options
Approx. Annual Tuition (USD/INR)
Computer Science
Eastern New Mexico University
Minot State University
Around USD 9K–12K (INR 8.6L–11.5L)
Business Administration
Eastern New Mexico University
Minot State University
Southwest Minnesota State University
Around USD 9K–12K (INR 8.6L–11.5L)
Accounting & Finance
Minot State University
Southwest Minnesota State University
Around USD 10K–12K (INR 9.6L–11.5L)
Marketing & Management
Minot State University
Southwest Minnesota State University
Around USD 10K–12K (INR 9.6L–11.5L)
Education
Eastern New Mexico University
Minot State University
Around USD 9K–12K (INR 8.6L–11.5L)
Health Sciences
Minot State University
University of South Dakota
Around USD 10K–14K (INR 9.6L–13.4L)
Note: The exact tuition can vary by university, study level, credit load, and course-specific fees.
Scholarships and Financial Support at Affordable Universities in USA
International students can get financial help through scholarships, tuition waivers, grants, and assistantships. Depending on the university, this support may lower tuition fees or provide awards of up to around USD 4K (INR 3.8L) per year.
The amount you receive usually depends on your academic record, study level, and the rules of the university.
Here are the top ooptions:
Eastern New Mexico University International Programs Non-Resident Tuition Waiver
Eligibility: Incoming international students can qualify with a 3.0 GPA and 25 ACT/1130–1169 SAT, a 3.2 GPA and 23 ACT/1060–1089 SAT, or a 3.5 college transfer GPA.
Coverage: Eligible students can pay the in-state tuition rate instead of the higher non-resident tuition rate.
Bemidji State University Foundation Scholarships
Eligibility: International students can apply through the Foundation Scholarship Application. Students returning to BSU for a second degree are not eligible.
Coverage: More than USD 3K (INR 2.9L) in scholarships is available for international students. The amount depends on the scholarship received.
University of South Dakota Coyote Beginnings Scholarship
Eligibility: Available to first-time undergraduate students. Students are automatically considered when they apply for admission, mainly based on their high school GPA.
Coverage: Students can receive up to USD 4K (INR 3.8L) per year. No separate scholarship application is required.
University of South Dakota Coyote Beginnings Grant
Eligibility: First-time undergraduate students with qualifying SAT or ACT scores are automatically considered.
Coverage: The grant offers around USD 1.5K–2.5K (INR 1.4L–2.4L) per year. It can also be combined with the Coyote Beginnings Scholarship.
Dickinson State University Heritage Foundation Scholarships
Eligibility: Incoming and returning students can apply through the DSU Heritage Foundation Scholarship application. Some scholarships may have their own requirements.
Coverage: The amount varies by scholarship. Awards may be based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, and other criteria.
Scholarship amounts and eligibility can change, so students should check the latest details before applying.
Other Ways to Reduce the Cost of Studying in USA
Apart from scholarships, students can also save money in a few other ways:
Choose public or state universities: Their tuition can be lower than many private universities.
Check for graduate assistantships: Some universities offer a tuition reduction and stipend to eligible postgraduate students.
Compare fees by credit: Check the fee per credit as well as the total number of credits needed to complete the course.
Choose a lower-cost city: Rent, food, and transport can be much cheaper outside major US cities.
Look for on-campus work: Eligible F-1 students can work on campus within the allowed limits. At ENMU, eligible students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year.
How to Apply to the Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students?
International students usually apply directly through the university’s online application portal.
Along with meeting the academic and English language requirements, students may need to submit their transcripts, test scores, proof of funds, and other course-specific documents before the university can issue an admission offer and Form I-20.
Here is the usual application process:
Shortlist universities and courses: Compare tuition fees, courses, eligibility requirements, scholarships, and living costs.
Check the admission requirements: Make sure you meet the academic, English language, and any course-specific requirements.
Prepare your documents: Keep your academic transcripts, passport, English test scores, SOP, letters of recommendation, resume, and other required documents ready. (Check out: Statement of Purpose Format| Letter of Recommendation Format)
Submit your application: Apply through the university’s official application portal and pay the application fee, if required.
Apply for scholarships: Check whether you need to submit a separate scholarship application or if you will be considered automatically.
Accept your admission offer: Once selected, follow the university’s instructions to confirm your place and pay any required deposit.
Get your Form I-20: After completing the required admission and financial steps, the university can issue your Form I-20.
Apply for an F-1 student visa: Pay the SEVIS fee, complete the visa application, and attend your visa interview.
It is better to start early, especially if you are also planning to apply for scholarships or financial support.
Conclusion
Affordable universities in US can be a good option for students who want to keep tuition costs under control. Tuition can range from around USD 7K to USD 20K (INR 6.7L–19.1L) per year, depending on the course, study level, and credit load.
Students can lower the overall cost further by choosing public or state universities, applying for scholarships, checking assistantships, and comparing living costs across locations. Before making a final choice, it is best to compare the total cost of study along with the course, university support, and financial aid available.
1. Which are the cheapest public universities in USA for international students?
Some affordable public options include Eastern New Mexico University, Minot State University, Dickinson State University, Southwest Minnesota State University, and the University of South Dakota. Tuition can vary by course, credits, and study level.
2. Which are the cheapest state universities in USA for international students?
Students can consider universities such as Minot State University, Dakota State University, Dickinson State University, and Southwest Minnesota State University. These state universities can have comparatively lower tuition than many large private universities in US.
3. Can international students study in USA for less than USD 10K per year?
Yes, some universities have tuition and fees starting below or around USD 10K (INR 9.6L) per year for certain study levels and credit loads. However, housing, food, insurance, books, and other expenses are charged separately.
4. Are cheaper universities in USA good for international students?
Yes. A lower tuition fee does not always mean lower academic quality. Many affordable public universities offer recognised degree programs, student support, campus facilities, and career services. Students should compare the course, accreditation, location, and outcomes before choosing.
5. Is a public university always cheaper than a private university in USA?
Not always, but public and state universities often have lower tuition than private universities. The final cost depends on the university, course, scholarships, number of credits, and whether international students receive any tuition waiver or financial support.
6. Can international students get in-state tuition at US universities?
In some cases, yes. Certain universities offer non-resident tuition waivers that allow eligible international students to pay a lower tuition rate. Eligibility can depend on academic performance, test scores, transfer GPA, or other university requirements.
7. Do affordable universities in USA offer scholarships?
Yes. Many lower-cost universities also offer merit scholarships, grants, tuition waivers, foundation scholarships, and graduate assistantships. Some awards are given automatically during admission, while others require a separate application.
8. Are undergraduate programs cheaper than postgraduate programs in USA?
It depends on the university and course. Undergraduate programs may have a fixed full-time or credit-based fee, while postgraduate tuition can vary more by subject and credits. Some affordable universities offer both UG and PG programs at comparatively low rates.
9. Do cheaper US universities have application fees?
Many universities charge an application fee, but the amount differs by institution. Some may also offer fee waivers in certain cases. Students should check the official admission page because application fees are separate from tuition and are usually non-refundable.
10. What costs should I consider apart from tuition in USA?
Students should also budget for housing, food, health insurance, books, transport, university fees, and personal expenses. These costs can vary a lot by location, so a university with low tuition may not always have the lowest total cost.
11. How can I choose the right affordable university in USA?
Compare more than just tuition. Look at the course offered, total cost of attendance, scholarships, location, admission requirements, university support, and career opportunities. This will help you find an option that fits both your budget and study plans.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4930 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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