Top 10 Most Affordable Universities in the USA
Looking for most affordable universities in the USA? Check out our list of the top 10 affordable options for Indian students, along with top courses, scholarships, and cost-saving tips.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Study in the USA?
- Most Affordable Universities in the USA
- Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students Pursuing Undergraduate Programs:
- Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students Pursuing Postgraduate Programs:
- Why Do US Universities Offer Lower Tuition?
- Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA
- Final Thoughts
Limited-Time Offer : Access a FREE 10-Day IELTS Study Plan!
Introduction
Most Affordable Universities in the USA : The United States is a top choice for international students seeking affordable higher education. Public/state universities, such as California State University and Brigham Young University, have tuition fees ranging from $8,000 (INR 667,977) to $35,000 (INR 2,922,400) per year. In contrast, private universities like Harvard and Stanford charge between $25,000 (INR 2,087,429) and $55,000 (INR 4,592,343) and Community colleges offer an even more budget-friendly option, with fees between $6,000 and $20,000 (INR 500,000 and INR 1,667,977 ) annually.
As a result, Affordable options include California State University and Brigham Young University, with annual costs between $5,969 and $29,440 (INR 495,000 to INR 2,490,000). Scholarships such as the Fulbright Nehru Research Fellowship, Tata Scholarship Fund, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships, and Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships are available for Indian students.
Want to study in the USA? Confused about universities? Here's a comprehensive guide to some of the cheapest universities in the USA.
Why Study in the USA?
The USA is home to some of the world’s top colleges and universities, offering diverse academic programs and numerous benefits, such as:
- High-Quality Education: The USA ranks among the top globally for its well-funded institutions and rigorous academic standards. Institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Stanford lead in education excellence.
- STEM Focus: Popular among Indian students, STEM courses prepare for lucrative careers with salaries like those of a Data Scientist (approximately ₹1,03,62,866), IT Manager (approximately ₹78,99,464), and Software Developer (approximately ₹97,62,225).
- Career Advancement: The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows up to three years of work experience post-graduation, boosting career prospects significantly.
- Research Opportunities: The USA offers extensive research grants and scholarships, supporting academic pursuits and innovation in fields such as technology and healthcare.
- Vibrant Student Life: Beyond academics, the USA provides a vibrant student experience with diverse cultural activities and comprehensive support services for international students.
Most Affordable Universities in the USA
Indian students often seek affordable universities to manage costs while receiving a quality education. Here’s a list of some of the most affordable universities in the USA:
University |
Avg Undergraduate Tuition (2023/24) |
Avg Postgraduate Tuition (2023/24) |
University of Bolton |
£12,450 |
£12,450 |
University of the Highlands and Islands |
- |
£12,420 |
University of Suffolk |
£12,150 |
£12,150 |
Plymouth Marjon University |
- |
£12,000 |
Leeds Trinity University |
- |
£11,500 |
Liverpool Hope University |
- |
£11,400 |
Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts |
- |
£10,600 |
Royal Veterinary College |
- |
£10,240 |
Middlesex University |
- |
£8,000 |
University of Hull |
- |
£7,850 |
Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students Pursuing Undergraduate Programs:
Here’s a table showing our top picks for the most inexpensive universities in the USA for undergraduate studies with its average annual tuition fees.
Cheapest University in USA |
Popular Program |
Avg Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
Elizabeth City State University |
BE/ Btech, BA, BBA |
9L |
Brigham Young University |
BE/ Btech, BSc, BBA |
10L - 11L |
Arkansas Tech University |
BE/ Btech, BSc, BBA |
12L |
California State University |
BE/ Btech, BA, BBA |
12L - 15L |
Minot State University |
BSc, BA |
14L - 16L |
University of North Georgia |
BSc, BS |
16L - 18L |
University of Hawaii at Hilo |
BE/ Btech, BSc, BBA |
17L |
Dakota State University |
BE/ Btech, BSc, BBA, B.Ed, BA |
17L |
University of Louisiana-Monroe |
BE/ Btech, BSc, BBA, BA |
18L |
Northwest Missouri State University |
BE/ Btech, BSc, BBA, BA, B.Agri, B.Ed |
26.5L |
Preparing for the IELTS to enroll in the most affordable universities in the USA? Join our free webinars for expert strategies. Sign up now!
Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students Pursuing Postgraduate Programs:
Pursuing a postgraduate degree in the USA is an investment in your future. Below are the top 10 cheapest universities in the USA offering postgraduate programs, along with their average annual tuition fees.
University |
Popular Program |
Avg Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
New Mexico Highlands University |
MBA, MSW, MS, MA |
5L |
Arkansas Tech University |
M.S, M.Eng, M.B.A, M.N, M.A, M.Ed |
6L |
California State University |
M.S, M.B.A, M.P.H, M.A, M.P.A |
6L |
University of Louisiana-Monroe |
MBA, MS, MA |
6L - 8L |
West Texas A&M University |
MBA, MS |
11L - 15L |
South Dakota State University |
MBA, MS |
9L - 16L |
Northwest Missouri State University |
MBA, MS, MA, MIM, MPH, MSN, MFA |
14L |
Southeast Missouri State University |
MBA, MS, MA, MIM, MPA |
19L |
Middle Georgia State University |
MBA, MS, MA, MIM, MPH, MPA |
24L |
Brigham Young University |
MBA, MS, MA |
11L - 25L |
Why Do US Universities Offer Lower Tuition?
These US universities offer lower tuition for a few reasons:
- Public funding: Some universities, like the University of Wisconsin, are state-funded, making tuition lower overall for everyone.
- Religious affiliation: In some cases, like Brigham Young University, religious institutions subsidize tuition, lowering costs for students of all backgrounds.
Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA
Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying in the USA. These scholarships, grants, and fellowships assist both Indian and other international students with tuition expenses.
Here are some popular scholarships available to Indian students in the USA with their eligibility criteria and award:
Scholarship Name |
Qualification/Eligibility |
Award |
Fulbright-Nehru Research Fellowship |
Indian PhD/Postdoc research in US; Strong academic record, competitive GPA, research proposal; Minimum English proficiency scores (TOEFL or IELTS) |
Full funding for tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel |
Tata Scholarship Fund |
Indian students (undergrad/grad); Strong academic record; May require standardized tests (GRE/GMAT); Demonstrated financial need |
Varies depending on program and financial need |
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships |
Indian grad students abroad; Strong academic record, competitive GPA; Outstanding artistic talent/promise (for Arts applicants) |
Full tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare |
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships for Indian Students |
Indian grad students at Stanford; Strong academic record, exceptional achievements; Potential for leadership |
Full tuition, fees, living stipend, and travel |
Harvard Business School Boustany MBA Scholarship |
High-achieving developing countries MBA; Outstanding academic record, strong GMAT score; Proven work experience |
Full tuition and fees |
The Wharton School’s Joseph Wharton Fellowships |
Exceptional students for Wharton MBA; Exceptional academic credentials, outstanding GMAT score; Demonstrated leadership potential |
Full tuition, fees, and living stipend |
Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship |
Indian disadvantaged students (grad abroad); Strong academic record; Must belong to disadvantaged communities |
Up to Rs. 15 lakhs per year for tuition fees and living expenses |
Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program |
Deserving developing countries grad students (US); Strong academic record, potential for leadership; Commitment to public service |
Full tuition and fees |
.Remember, research each university's specific requirements to ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before applying. With scholarships, a US education can become a reality!
Final Thoughts
For international students considering higher education in the United States, affordability is a key factor in decision-making. By exploring these affordable options across various states, students can find universities that offer quality education, diverse programs, and a supportive environment without the burden of high tuition costs.
Whether pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies, these affordable universities in the USA provide pathways to academic success while minimizing financial strain.
Useful Resources
- MS in USA: Top Courses, Eligibility, Top Universities, Fees & Scholarships
- Study MBA in Canada: Top Universities, Tuition Fees, Visa Requirements
- Intakes in Australia for International Students: Process, Documents & Eligibility
- How to Prepare IELTS at Home?
- Cost of Living in UK: A Comprehensive Guide
- Intakes in Canada 2024-25: Deadlines, Process and Universities
Start Preparing for IELTS: Get Your 10-Day Study Plan Today!
Recent Articles
Nehasri Ravishenbagam
Haniya Yashfeen
Nehasri Ravishenbagam
Post your Comments