In the United States, colleges welcome students from around the world to join their diverse communities. But attending college in the US can be expensive for international students, ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 per year. Sadly, financial aid options are limited for these students because they can’t access the same help as US citizens. But don’t worry! We’ve found some budget-friendly US colleges for international students, making higher education more reachable.
What do we mean by the “Budget-Friendly” universities?
Sure, we could just list the colleges with the lowest tuition costs and call it a day. But that wouldn’t paint the whole picture. Instead, we’ve chosen universities that balance affordability with top-notch academic programs. While we’ve ranked them based on tuition and fees, it’s important to know that there’s no one-size-fits-all ranking for colleges. These schools vary in cost, but they all offer quality education. It’s up to you to research which one fits your academic, social, and financial needs best.
We get it, “affordable” means different things to different people. In this list, we’ve picked colleges where tuition for international students is below the national average. On average, out-of-state students at public colleges pay around $27,279, while it’s about $37,641 at private nonprofit universities. So, we’re calling “cheap” or “affordable” colleges those where tuition is under $32,460 per year. Based on that, we’ve listed the cheapest universities in the US for international students, starting from the least expensive.
Comparing Tuition Costs to the Total Expense of College
In this article, we highlight some of the most budget-friendly universities in the US for international students, focusing on tuition. However, it’s crucial to remember that tuition and fees are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to the overall cost of attending college. Alongside tuition, applicants should delve into their anticipated living expenses, covering factors like housing (on or off-campus), meal plans, and the price of textbooks and other educational materials. Location becomes a key player here, as urban universities often come with higher living expenses compared to those in suburban or rural settings. Additionally, students need to budget for expenses like health insurance, visa fees, and transportation. Fortunately, most colleges offer a net price calculator to assist prospective students in estimating their total expenses.
Universities with Need-Blind Admission Policies
Certain colleges in the United States practice need-blind admissions, meaning they evaluate applicants without considering their family’s financial situation or ability to pay tuition. While many universities follow this approach for domestic applicants, very few extend it to international students. Even fewer commit to need-blind admissions and meeting the full financial needs of international students through financial aid. Currently, only five colleges in the US offer this comprehensive support: Amherst College, Harvard, MIT, Princeton, and Yale. These institutions are among the most prestigious and selective in the nation. While their financial aid policies arguably make them some of the most affordable options in the US, their high level of selectivity poses significant challenges for applicants. As a result, we have excluded these colleges from our list of the most budget-friendly universities in the US.
Also read List of Universities in USA without Application Fees 2024
20 Budget-Friendly Universities in the US for International Students
Now that we’ve sorted out how different things can affect college costs, let’s dive into our choices for the cheapest colleges in the US for international students.
Western Carolina University
- Cost: $8,285 (Tuition and Fees)
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
Located in the scenic Appalachian Mountains in Cullowhee, North Carolina, Western Carolina University stands out as one of the cheapest colleges in the US for international students. Thanks to the NC Promise plan, both in-state and out-of-state students enjoy significant tuition savings here. WCU offers a range of academic programs, including education, nursing, and forensic science. Plus, its mountainous setting provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
The University of South Dakota
- Cost: $12,942 (Tuition and Fees)
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
As South Dakota’s flagship university in Vermillion, the University of South Dakota offers a well-rounded liberal arts education at an affordable price. It’s home to the state’s only law and medical schools, along with popular majors such as nursing, elementary education, and sports management.
California State University, Long Beach
- Cost: $17,304 (Tuition and Fees)
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
California State University, Long Beach, part of the CSU system, is known for its affordability and strong academic programs in fields like agriculture, life sciences, and media.
The University of South Florida
- Cost: $17,324 (Tuition and Fees)
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
Located in Tampa, Florida, the University of South Florida is a public research university offering diverse academic pathways, including top-notch programs in criminal justice, information technology, and public health. With students from over 140 countries, USF emphasizes diversity and offers various scholarships for international students.
San Jose State University
- Cost: $17,356 (Tuition and Fees)
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
Situated in Silicon Valley, San Jose State University is an excellent choice for aspiring engineers and computer science majors. Its location near major tech companies provides valuable opportunities for internships and careers after graduation. Plus, with its affordable tuition, SJSU offers a great return on investment for international students.
Florida State University
- Cost: $18,796 (Tuition and Fees)
- Acceptance Rate: 23.7%
Located in Tallahassee, Florida, Florida State University (FSU) is a public research university renowned for its athletic prowess and research initiatives. Over the years, FSU has become more selective, offering popular majors like finance, criminal justice, communication, and motion picture arts. Additionally, FSU provides tuition waivers to some international students, further easing the financial burden.
Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Cost: $18,812 (Tuition and Fees, reduced to $11,112 with International Maverick Scholarship)
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
Minnesota State University, Mankato offers a wide array of undergraduate programs across 130 areas of study. Popular majors include business administration, nursing, and aviation. It’s also home to the only accredited aviation program in Minnesota. Beyond academics, the university is recognized for its LBGT-friendly environment, earning accolades from The Advocate.
The University of Kansas
- Cost: $26,960 (Tuition and Fees)
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
Situated in Lawrence, Kansas, the University of Kansas is celebrated for its athletic programs, particularly men’s basketball. Offering over 190 majors and accelerated degree options, it caters to diverse academic interests. The university also provides numerous scholarships for international students, enhancing its affordability.
Also see Cheapest Universities in Italy for International Students
The University of Florida
- Cost: $28,660 (Tuition and Fees)
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
With over 60,000 students, the University of Florida is one of the largest public universities in Gainesville. It boasts renowned programs in engineering, business, and biological sciences, contributing significantly to scholarly research with over one billion dollars in research expenditures.
Stony Brook University
- Cost: $28,992 (Tuition and Fees)
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
Located near New York City, Stony Brook University offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with a focus on biology, psychology, and health sciences. As part of the State University of New York system, it provides affordable education options for international students, with other SUNY colleges like Binghamton University and the University at Buffalo also offering budget-friendly choices.
Iowa State University
- Cost: $29,523 (Tuition and Fees)
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
Nestled in Ames, Iowa, Iowa State University of Science and Technology is a public research institution offering a diverse selection of over 100 majors. Renowned for its agriculture and forestry programs, Iowa State is also recognized for its excellence in statistics and architecture. Notably, it hosts prestigious laboratories like the Ames Laboratory, affiliated with the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Biorenewables Research Laboratory.
The University of Oklahoma
- Cost: $30,368 (Tuition and Fees)
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
The University of Oklahoma, located in Norman, Oklahoma, is a public research university offering a wide array of majors, including meteorology, international business, and energy management. With a rich Native American heritage, OU also provides a comprehensive Native American Studies program. International applicants may benefit from merit-based scholarships, making OU an attractive option among the cheapest universities in the US.
Howard University
- Cost: $31,050 (Tuition and Fees)
- Acceptance Rate: 35%
Situated in Washington, D.C., Howard University is a private, historically black research institution. Offering a broad spectrum of academic programs, Howard is particularly popular for majors like biology, political science, and public relations. In an effort to enhance diversity in STEM fields, Howard initiated the Karsh STEM Scholars program, encouraging underrepresented minorities to pursue advanced degrees and careers in STEM.
Purdue University
- Cost: $31,104 (Tuition and Fees)
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a renowned public research institution offering over 200 undergraduate majors. Notably recognized for its exceptional engineering programs, Purdue boasts the School of Aeronautics among others. With a sizable international student community, Purdue ranks fourth among public universities in the U.S. for international student enrollment.
The University of Georgia
- Cost: $31,120 (Tuition and Fees)
- Acceptance Rate: 35%
Based in Athens, Georgia, The University of Georgia is a prestigious public research university. Known for its agricultural programs, including the nation’s inaugural School of Ecology, UGA offers a plethora of sought-after majors like finance, computer science, and psychology. Beyond academics, students at UGA revel in its robust athletics program and its distinction as one of the cheapest universities in the US for international students.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Cost: $31,664 (Tuition and Fees)
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, stands as the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system. Nestled in the Appalachian region, it offers undergraduates an impressive array of over 360 degree options. Renowned programs such as nuclear engineering, supply chain management, and accounting attract students seeking top-tier education. Beyond academics, the university boasts notable athletic programs, notably its women’s basketball team, a powerhouse in NCAA championships.
NC State University
- Cost: $31,980 (Tuition and Fees)
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
NC State University, situated in Raleigh, North Carolina, forms a vital part of the state’s Research Triangle alongside Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill. Renowned for its STEM majors, particularly engineering and statistics, NC State is a hub for science and technology innovation. Its strong programs in design and textiles further enhance its academic reputation.
The University of Alabama
- Cost: $32,260 (Tuition and Fees)
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
The University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa, offers over 70 academic pathways for undergraduates. Apart from being an affordable option for higher education, it distinguishes itself with a variety of scholarships available for international applicants. With a vibrant campus life centered around Greek life, athletics, and strong academics, it offers a quintessential American college experience.
James Madison University
- Cost: $32,300 (Tuition and Fees)
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
James Madison University, situated in Harrisonburg, Virginia, offers students a wealth of academic programs, totaling over 130. Its location in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, combined with proximity to Washington D.C., provides a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural opportunities.
The University of Iowa
- Cost: $32,316 (Tuition and Fees)
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
The University of Iowa, located in Iowa City, is celebrated for excellence in both arts and sciences. With standout programs like the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and a reputable medical school, it offers diverse academic avenues. Boasting over 200 academic programs, it’s not just about academics; living in one of the country’s best college towns ensures a rich social and recreational experience.
Budget-Friendly Universities in the US for International Students: Conclusion
While the cost of higher education can be a significant consideration for international students, there are many affordable options available in the United States. From public research universities to flagship campuses, these institutions offer top-notch academic programs, vibrant campus life, and valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. By exploring these options and considering factors beyond just tuition and fees, international students can find the right fit for their educational and financial needs. Whether it’s in the heart of Appalachia or the bustling Research Triangle, these universities offer a pathway to success without breaking the bank.