Most Affordable Universities in the USA: Courses, Fees, Scholarships & More

The USA is renowned for its world-class education, globally recognized universities, and thriving start-up ecosystem, making it a top destination for international students. In 2024, over 1.3 million students chose the USA for their higher education, a surge that has contributed to rising tuition fees nationwide. As a result, many students are now seeking affordable universities that offer quality education. Therefore, we have compiled a list of some of the most affordable universities in the USA, with their undergraduate and postgraduate program costs. Whether you want to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree, this guide will help you find a university in the US that fits your budget.

List of Most Affordable Universities in the USA 

Most of the universities in the US are state-funded, meaning they offer programs that are affordable for local and international students alike. Here is an overview of the most affordable universities in the USA:

University	UG Course Annual Tuition Fees for International Students (USD)	PG Course Annual Tuition Fees for International Students (USD)
University of Louisiana	$12,958 per year (₹10,94,735)	$13,342 per year (₹11,27,177)
California State University	$12,900 per year (₹10,89,835)	$21,690 per year (₹18,32,444)
Southeast Missouri State University	$9,902 per year (₹8,36,554)	$7,699 per year (₹ 6,60,437)
Mississippi University of Women	$8,492 per year (₹ 7,17,432)	$8,092 per year (₹ 6,83,639)
University of North Georgia	$21,898 per year (₹18,50,016)	$21,150 per year (₹17,86,823)
University of Buffalo	$33,800 per year (₹28,55,537)	$1,000 – $1,500 per semester (₹84,082 – ₹1,26,123)
Arkansas State University	$13,920 per year (₹ 11,76,008) for 12 credit hours	$12,564 per year (₹ 10,61,448)
Elizabeth City State University	$10,956 per year (₹9,25,599)	$21,672 per year (₹18,30,923)
University of Texas	$12,270 – $18,267 per year (₹ 10,36,610 – ₹ 15,43,357)	$ 8,847 – $11,610 per year (₹ 7,47,424 – ₹ 9,80,851)
Northern State University	$22,545 (₹ 19,04,677)	$11,226 per year (₹9,48,410)
Minot State University	$11,219 per year (₹9,32,299)	$10,682 per year (₹8,87,614)
Dakota State University	$5,968 per semester (₹5,04,196)	$11,930 per year (₹10,07,886)

Pro Tip: Dreaming of studying abroad? Enroll in Internshala’s study abroad program and get expert guidance from our experienced counselors to make your dream a reality.

1. University of Louisiana

The University of Louisiana is known for its state-of-the-art research facilities and community engagement initiatives. Founded in 1898 as an industrial institution, the university has achieved the status of ‘R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity.’ The University of Louisiana is renowned for its computer science, engineering, and art programs spread throughout nine distinct campuses.

UG Tuition Fees	$12,958 per year (₹10,94,735)
PG Tuition Fees	$13,342 per year (₹11,27,177)
Specializations Offered	– Computer Science – Geology – Psychology – Biology – Chemistry – Engineering

2. California State University

California State University is known for its largest public university system in the USA with 23 campuses and 7 off-campus centers. The university is committed to academic excellence and has ranked #158 amongst America’s Top Colleges 2023 according to Forbes, and #16 for 2024 Top Public Universities: West according to U.S. News. Moreover, California State University is focused on experiential learning and offers networking opportunities to students to enhance their career opportunities.

UG Tuition Fees	$12,900 per year (₹10,89,835)
PG Tuition Fees	$21,690 per year (₹18,32,444)
Specializations Offered	– Artificial Intelligence – Cybersecurity – Criminal Justice Management – Business Administration

3. Southeast Missouri State University

The Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) is one of the most affordable US universities for international students. It offers 175 undergraduate programs and 75 graduate degrees in business, health sciences, technology, and more. Known for its small class sizes and personalized learning, SEMO emphasizes hands-on experiences through internships and research, preparing students for regional and global career opportunities.

UG Tuition Fees	$9,902 per year (₹8,36,554)
PG Tuition Fees	$7,699 per year (₹ 6,60,437)
Specializations Offered	– Computer Science – Cybersecurity – Biomedical Science – Accounting – Athletic Training

4. Mississippi University of Women

Mississippi University for Women (MUW), despite its name, is a co-educational institution. Despite being one of the most inexpensive universities in the USA, MUW ranks among the top 15 public schools in the South according to US News & World Report. The university was founded in an era when educational training for women was not accepted and later became the first state-supported college for women in America. Moreover, it is known for a range of extracurricular and club activities.

UG Tuition Fees	$8,492 per year (₹ 7,17,432)
PG Tuition Fees	$8,092 per year (₹ 6,83,639)
Specializations Offered	– Public Health – Psychology – Speech Pathology – Biology – Kinesiology

Pro Tip: If you are planning on pursuing an MBA in the USA and are unsure which universities to apply to, check out our guide on top MBA colleges in the USA for quick tips.

5. University of North Georgia

The University of North Georgia (UNG) is one of the six senior military colleges in the United States. It offers leadership and military education programs, alongside more than 100 programs in business, health, and liberal arts. The university has an acceptance rate of 70% and is ideal for students aiming for public service or military careers. In 2023, around 4,677 students received financial aid through the Pell Grant scholarship, reflecting the university’s commitment to affordable education.

UG Tuition Fees	$21,898 per year (₹18,50,016)
PG Tuition Fees	$21,150 per year (₹17,86,823)
Specializations Offered	– Biology – Psychology – Marketing – Business Administration

6. University of Buffalo

University at Buffalo (UB) is a premier research institution within the State University of New York (SUNY) system. It offers world-class engineering, health sciences, business, and law degrees. UB is recognized as one of the most inexpensive universities in the USA. The University of Buffalo ranks #36 among the top public universities in the US, offering over 500 programs. 

According to the Institute of International Education, it is the 23rd-best university in the US for international students. The university also invests around $400 million annually in financial aid and scholarships for students to pursue quality education without worrying about tuition costs.

UG Tuition Fees	$33,800 per year (₹28,55,537)
PG Tuition Fees	$1,000 – $1,500 per semester (₹84,082 – ₹1,26,123)
Specializations Offered	– Computer Science – Engineering – Business – Criminology

7. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University (A-State) ranks #361 under the National Colleges category by U.S News and World Report 2024. In 2018, the university received the ‘Doctoral Universities: High-Research Activity’ title from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. A-State is committed to experiential learning, providing students with practical skills and opportunities for research and internships. Additionally, the university has an average acceptance rate of 70% and is one of the most affordable universities in the USA.

UG Tuition Fees	$13,920 per year (₹ 11,76,008) for 12 credit hours
PG Tuition Fees	$12,564 per year (₹ 10,61,448)
Specializations Offered	– Business – Computer Science – Engineering

8. Elizabeth City State University

Located in North Carolina, Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), offers affordable and high-quality education through 1:1 teaching methods. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in STEM, education, and business fields. Moreover, the university comes under the NC Promise Plan, according to which students pursuing an undergraduate program can pay reduced tuition costs. With a focus on community engagement, ECSU prepares students to take up impactful leadership roles upon graduation.

UG Tuition Fees	$10,956 per year (₹9,25,599)
PG Tuition Fees	$21,672 per year (₹18,30,923)
Specializations Offered	– History – Mathematics – Aviation Science – Kinesiology

9. University of Texas

The University of Texas (UT) is a research university in Austin, Texas. It is renowned for its flagship under the Univesity of Texas system. UT ranks #1 amongst other public universities in Texas and has emerged as a top 40 world university. Moreover, it is recognized for its excellence in engineering, business, law, and the sciences. UT fosters innovation and collaboration through a vibrant research community and strong industry connections.

UG Tuition Fees	$12,270 – $18,267 per year (₹ 10,36,610 – ₹ 15,43,357)  (The fee depends on the credit hours and course type)
PG Tuition Fees	$8,847 – $11,610 per year (₹ 7,47,424 – ₹ 9,80,851)  (The fee depends on the credit hours and course type)
Specializations Offered	– MBA – Computer Science – Business Analytics – Law – Engineering – Sociology

10. Northern State University

Northern State University (NSU) prides itself as the #82 ranked college in Regional Universities Midwest 2025 according to U.S News & World Report. Located in South Dakota, it is widely known as one of the budget-friendly colleges in the USA providing experiential learning through hands-on project experiences. NSU’s small class sizes facilitate 1:1 learning. Additionally, NSU is also known for its focus on extracurricular activities for students’ personal growth. The international students have to pay a $20 non-refundable application fee and submit either TOEFL, SAT, ACT, or IELTS tests to prove English language proficiency. 

UG Tuition Fees	$22,545 (₹ 19,04,677)
PG Tuition Fees	$11,226 per year (₹9,48,410)
Specializations Offered	– Business – Music – Education

11. Minot State University

Minot State University (MSU) is the third largest university in North Dakota and one of the most affordable universities in the US for international students. It was founded as Minot Normal School in 1913. MSU is an excellent choice for students pursuing degrees in mathematics, communication disorders, or management. It offers more than 100 areas of study for undergraduate and graduate programs. The university focuses on hands-on learning and active community involvement. 

UG Tuition Fees	$11,219 per year (₹9,32,299)
PG Tuition Fees	$10,682 per year (₹8,87,614)
Specializations Offered	– Journalism – English – Business Architecture

12. Dakota State University

Dakota State University (DSU) is one of the most prestigious institutions in the USA. It specializes in advanced programs like computer science, cybersecurity, and health informatics. At DSU, 76% of students receive financial aid. Moreover, the university boasts a 99.7% placement rate for its graduating class. DSU is known for its innovative approach to education, integrating cutting-edge technology into every program and preparing students for careers in high-demand tech fields.

UG Tuition Fees	$5,968 per semester (₹5,04,196)
PG Tuition Fees	$11,930 per year (₹10,07,886)
Specializations Offered	– Film and Cinematic – Arts – Cybersecurity – Mathematics

Common Eligibility Criteria for a Degree in the USA

Before applying to the most affordable universities in the USA, it’s important to understand the typical eligibility requirements for international students. While the specific eligibility criteria may vary by institution, here are the common criteria that you need to fulfill:

1. Academic Requirements:

Here are the academic requirements that you need to meet: 

• Undergraduate Programs: A high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., A-levels or IB) with a GPA of 2.5–3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Postgraduate Programs: A bachelor’s degree in a related field with a GPA of 3.0–3.5. Official transcripts are required, and some universities may request credential evaluations for foreign transcripts.

2. Standardized Test Scores: 

Here are the standardized tests you need to take to study in the USA: 

• Undergraduate: SAT or ACT scores are usually required, with a competitive SAT score between 1200 to 1500 out of 1600.
• Postgraduate: GRE scores (300–320) are commonly required, particularly for Computer Science, Engineering, and Business programs.
• English Proficiency Score: Non-native English speakers need to demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests:
  • TOEFL: A minimum score of 80 to 100.
  • IELTS: A minimum score of 6.5 to 7.0.

3. Additional Application Requirements:

Here are the additional requirements that you need to meet to study in the USA: 

• Statement of Purpose: A personal essay outlining your academic and career goals, and why you want to study at that university.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two or three letters from academic or professional mentors.
• Resume/CV: Detailing educational background, work experience, internships, and relevant skills.
• Passport: A valid copy is required.
• Proof of Financial Support: Bank statements, affidavits of support, or scholarship letters to prove the ability to finance education and living expenses.

4. Visa and Immigration Requirements:

Here are the immigration requirements that you need to meet to study in the USA:

• F-1 Student Visa: Proof of university acceptance, financial support, and intent to return home after completion of studies.
• SEVIS Fee: Payment of this fee is required to maintain your visa status.

Scholarships for Studying in the USA

Studying in the USA can come with a hefty price tag, but there are many scholarships available specifically for international students. These scholarships are provided by universities, government bodies, private organizations, and foundations to help support high achievers, gifted individuals, and those who require financial aid. Here’s a detailed guide to the various scholarships for pursuing education in the USA:

1. Merit-Based Scholarships:

Awarded based on academic performance, leadership qualities, or extracurricular achievements. Here are some of the merit-based scholarships that you can apply for: 

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Provides full funding for postgraduate students, including tuition, airfare, living stipend, and health insurance.
• Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program: For students from developing countries pursuing master’s degrees in fields related to economic development.
• Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program: Supports professionals with leadership potential to study non-degree programs in the USA.

2. Need-Based Scholarships:

These scholarships are designed for students with financial constraints. Here are the need-based scholarships that you can apply for:

• AAUW International Fellowships: For women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral studies in the USA.
• The United World Colleges (UWC) Scholarships: Helps international students, often from underprivileged backgrounds, attend UWC institutions before applying to U.S. colleges.

3. Scholarships for Specific Fields of Study:

These scholarships are for students in specialized areas such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), arts, or business. Here are the field-specific scholarships that you can apply for:

• AAAI Fellowship Program: For students pursuing studies in Artificial Intelligence.
• PEO International Peace Scholarship: For women pursuing graduate degrees.
• Rotary Foundation Global Study Grants: For students focusing on international development and peace studies.

4. Government-Funded Scholarships:

These scholarships are funded by the U.S. government or foreign governments for their citizens. Here are the government-funded scholarships that you can apply for:

• EducationUSA Opportunity Funds: Assists academically strong but financially disadvantaged students in covering application fees, travel expenses, and initial living costs.
• USAID Scholarships: Supports students from developing countries in fields that align with development goals.

5. Private and Corporate Scholarships:

These scholarships are offered by organizations and corporations to support students. Here are the corporate scholarships that you can apply for:

• Microsoft Tuition Scholarship: For students pursuing studies in technology fields.
• Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation: For high-achieving students with a focus on leadership and service.
• Google Lime Scholarship: For students with disabilities pursuing computer science degrees.

Pro Tip: Explore Indian government scholarships for studying abroad. 

Cost of Living in the USA

Once you get admission to an affordable university in the USA of your preference, consider the daily expenses you might incur. While estimated monthly costs can vary greatly depending on the region and your lifestyle, having a general idea of expenses will help you plan finances effectively. 

Here is an overview of the basic living expenses in the USA as a student: 

Expenses	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)	Estimated Monthly Cost (INR)
Accommodation	$750 – $1,250	₹63,058 – ₹1.05 Lakhs
Grocery	$200 – $400	₹16,815 – ₹33,631
Transportation	$30 – $100	₹2,522 – ₹8,407
Utilities	$100 – $200	₹8,407- ₹16,815
Phone and Internet	$30 – $70	₹2,522 – ₹5,885
Miscellaneous	$100 – $300	₹8,407 – ₹25,223

Conclusion

Studying in the USA can enhance your academic and professional experiences. It can open doors to advanced learning environments, an international network of students and professors, and better job opportunities. By carefully selecting the most affordable universities in the USA and strategically planning your finances, you can thrive without financial problems.  Additionally, several universities offer bursaries and scholarships to help you with your tuition fee. With proper planning, students can experience higher education at affordable rates and set themselves up for successful careers upon graduation.

If you’re planning to pursue an MBA and need insights to plan your study abroad journey effectively, explore our guide on the top MBA colleges in the world for international students.

FAQs