It’s well-known that the US can be quite expensive for higher education, yet it remains one of the top destinations for international students. If you’re considering pursuing your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the US, you might be aware of this. But did you know there are several affordable four-year universities and accredited Master’s programs in the US for international students?
The Low Cost Universities in the USA for International Students (Between $3,000 and $20,000 per Semester)
While many of these institutions are not Ivy League schools located in major cities, they still offer high-quality education. In fact, these affordable US universities provide a more intimate learning environment, a strong student community, and a better quality of life due to the lower cost of living.
Here are some budget-friendly US universities we recommend for international students:
(Note: Tuition fees listed here do not include accommodation, books, and living expenses.)
1. Nicholls State University
- Location: Thibodaux, Louisiana
- Tuition Fees: $4,482.90 per semester (Bachelor’s), $4,440.36 per semester (Master’s)
- Nestled in a quaint Louisiana city, Nicholls State University provides a wide range of programs, including culinary arts and nursing. With a student body of 1,255 undergraduates, its campus is recognized as one of the safest in the state.
2. Eastern New Mexico University
- Location: Portales, New Mexico
- Tuition Fees: $8,568 per year (Bachelor’s), $7,110 per year (Master’s)
- This university provides on-site and distance learning options with small class sizes, ensuring a more personalized learning experience.
3. Brigham Young University
- Location: Provo, Utah; Laie, Hawaii; Rexburg, Idaho
- Tuition Fees: $6,304 per semester (Bachelor’s), $14,636 per semester (Master’s) in Utah
- BYU, sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, welcomes students from all faiths.
4. Bridgewater State University
- Location: Bridgewater, Massachusetts
- Tuition Fees: $7,050 per semester (Bachelor’s), $488.50 per credit hour (Master’s)
- Near Boston, this public university fosters a strong student community, with over 2,000 students across 11 residence halls.
5. Minnesota State University-Moorhead
- Location: Moorhead, Minnesota
- Tuition Fees: $8,837 per semester (12-18 credits)
- Hosting students from 58 countries, this university offers 213 different majors and numerous online learning opportunities.
6. Mississippi University for Women
- Location: Columbus, Mississippi
- Tuition Fees: $3,883 per semester (9-13 credits)
- As the first public college for women in the U.S., this Southern university enables students to graduate with less debt than other regional universities.
7. Southwest Minnesota State University
- Location: Marshall, Minnesota
- Tuition Fees: $10,116 per year (Bachelor’s), $9,324 per year (Master’s)
- Focused on liberal arts, this university offers a lively campus with multiple student residences, clubs, and organizations.
8. Delta State University
- Location: Cleveland, Mississippi
- Tuition Fees: $4,217 per semester (12-19 hours)
- Delta State University, located in a top Southern small town, is renowned for its vibrant student community, music scene, and dining options.
9. Bemidji State University
- Location: Bemidji, Minnesota
- Tuition Fees: $10,150 for two semesters
- Nestled by Lake Bemidji and surrounded by Minnesota’s forests, this university appeals to outdoorsy students, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, and distance programs.
10. Henderson State University
- Location: Arkadelphia, Arkansas
- Tuition Fees: $7,480 per semester (15 hours)
- Offering scholarships and additional financial aid based on GPA and family income, Henderson State University provides affordable education for international students.
11. South Dakota State University
- Location: Brookings, South Dakota
- Tuition Fees: $5,642 per semester (15 credits)
- With a campus ranked as the safest in the state, this university offers 80 majors, 97 minors, and numerous campus activities.
12. National Louis University
- Location: Chicago, Illinois; Tampa, Florida
- Tuition Fees: $19,350 per year (14-18 hours)
- Providing a career-focused education, National Louis University offers annual renewable scholarships for full-time international students.
Tips to Make Your US Study Experience More Affordable: Discover Low-Cost Universities in the USA
Finding an affordable university and securing a scholarship are great steps, but here are additional money-saving tips to help manage your expenses:
- Stay in Student Dorms: With rising living costs, student dorms can save you from worrying about utility bills, groceries, or deposits. They often provide all-inclusive facilities and are popular among first-year students.
- Choose Student Towns Over Big Cities: Smaller college towns keep you close to campus life, reducing commute time.
- Look for Student Discounts: Take advantage of student discounts at restaurants, cafes, bookshops, and other places.
- Buy Used Textbooks, Furniture, or Clothes: Save money by purchasing items from former students.
- Apply for Scholarships: Many affordable universities offer merit- or need-based scholarships. Explore 1,000+ scholarships on Scholarship Portal.
- Work Part-Time: F1 visa students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus. Consider jobs like tutoring, campus ambassadorships, or working as a barista.
By leveraging these strategies, you can make your study experience in the US more affordable and rewarding.