60+ Low Tuition Fees Universities in USA for International Students

While higher education in the US is generally known for being expensive, it remains a popular study-abroad destination for international students. If you are considering pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the US, you want to be aware of the available options that offer affordability. Despite the overall cost, there are several low tuition fees universities in USA for international students and accredited Master’s programs in the USA that provide affordable education for international students.

Low Tuition Fees Universities in USA for International Students [Semester Costs Between $3,000 and $20,000]

One notable aspect of this list is that it includes universities beyond the prestigious Ivy League institutions located in major cities. It is important to note that this does not diminish the quality of education offered by these institutions. These affordable US universities provide a more intimate learning environment, a vibrant student community, and a higher quality of life due to the lower cost of living. The tuition fees mentioned do not cover accommodation, books, and living expenses.

Here are the best low tuition fees universities in USA for international students:

1. Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University, a private research university, is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has campuses in Utah, Hawaii, and Idaho. While the majority of its student body consists of members of the Church, individuals with different religious affiliations are also welcome to attend BYU.

Location: Provo, Utah; Laie, Hawaii; Rexburg, Idaho

• Tuition fees:
  • $6,304 per semester for Bachelor’s
  • $14,636 per semester for Master’s students in Utah

2. Nicholls State University

Located in a small city in Louisiana, Nicholls State University is a public university offering diverse programs ranging from culinary arts to nursing. With 1,255 undergraduate students residing on campus, it boasts one of the safest campuses in the state.

Location: Thibodaux, Louisiana

• Tuition fees:
  • $4,482.90 based on 15 hours per semester for Bachelor’s
  • $4,440.36 based on 15 hours per semester for Master’s students

3. Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University stands out as one of the most affordable four-year universities in the Southwest US. It provides students with both on-site and distance learning options. The university’s small class sizes foster an intimate learning environment that facilitates closer interaction with professors.

Location: Portales, New Mexico

• Tuition fees:
  • $8,568 per year for Bachelor’s students
  • $7,110 per year for Master’s students

4. Bridgewater State University

Situated in the tranquil college town of Bridgewater, near the bustling city of Boston, Bridgewater State University is a public college renowned for its strong student community. The campus houses 11 residence halls accommodating over 2,000 students.

Location: Bridgewater, Massachusetts

• Tuition fees:
  • $7,050 per semester for Bachelor’s students
  • $488.50 per credit hour for Master’s students

5. Delta State University

Located in Cleveland, Mississippi, Delta State University is renowned for being one of the best Southern small towns. Students are drawn to Cleveland for its thriving student community, lively music scene, and diverse food options. Living in Cleveland is affordable.

Location: Cleveland, Mississippi

• Tuition fees:
  • $4,217 per semester for 12-19 hours

6. Mississippi University for Women

Located in Columbus, Mississippi, the Mississippi University for Women holds the distinction of being the first public college for women in the United States. As per the university’s website, students graduating from this institution carry less debt compared to graduates from other regional Southern universities.

The tuition fees for a semester consisting of 9-13 credits are set at $3,883.

7. Southwest Minnesota State University

Southwest Minnesota State University, with its focus on liberal arts majors, boasts a vibrant campus life that includes student residences, clubs, and organizations. The university offers degree programs in both liberal arts and professions.

Location: Marshall, Minnesota

• Tuition fees:
  • $10,116 per year for Bachelor’s students,
  • $9,324 per year for Master’s students

8. Minnesota State University-Moorhead

Situated in Moorhead, Minnesota, Minnesota State University-Moorhead attracts students from 58 countries and boasts a wide range of academic programs with 213 majors to choose from. The university offers online learning options for several courses.

• The tuition fees for a semester consisting of 12-18 credits amount to $8,837.

9. Bemidji State University

Situated adjacent to Bemidji Lake and the forests of Minnesota, Bemidji State University is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and winter lovers. It provides a wide range of educational opportunities, including 70 Bachelor’s and eight Master’s degree programs, as well as distance learning options. The university is renowned for its picturesque campus if you’re considering on-campus living.

Location: Bemidji, Minnesota

• Tuition fees:
  • $10,150 for two semesters

10. Henderson State University

Henderson State University offers scholarships for international students based on their GPA, which results in lower tuition fees. The university provides further financial assistance based on family income.

• Location: Arkadelphia, Arkansas
  • Tuition fees: $7,480 based on 15 hours per semester

11. National Louis University (NLU)

NLU is dedicated to supporting full-time international students through its annual scholarship, which amounts to $7,599 and is renewable. With a focus on career-oriented education, NLU has garnered the preference of more than 8,000 students in Illinois and Florida.

Locations: Chicago, Illinois; Tampa, Florida

• Tuition fees:
  • $19,350 per year (based on 14-18 credit hours)

12. South Dakota State University (SDSU)

With a wide range of 80 majors and 97 minors, South Dakota State University provides students with numerous academic options. Alongside the diverse academic offerings, the university boasts a vibrant campus life filled with various activities. Notably, SDSU has been recognized as the safest campus in the state for three consecutive years. Situated in the pleasant city of Brookings, South Dakota, it offers an appealing environment for students.

Location: Brookings, South Dakota

• Tuition fees:
  • $5,642 per semester (based on 15 credits)

1. San Francisco State University in San Francisco, California, offers education at USD 15,040 per year.
2. The University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, has an annual fee of USD 12,820.
3. California State University in San Bernardino, California, is a cheap choice with an annual tuition of USD 8,320, making it one of the more affordable colleges in California for international students.
4. Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas, with a yearly fee of USD 9,972, is known for being one of the most affordable universities for international students.
5. San Mateo College in Silicon Valley, located in San Mateo, California, charges USD 7,744 per year, making it one of the most budget-friendly universities in the USA for international students.
6. Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida, offers education at USD 9,111 per year, ranking it among the most economical community colleges in the USA for international students.
7. Manhattanville College in Harrison, New York, has an annual fee of USD 8,415, appealing to international students seeking affordable master’s degrees.
8. Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, California, at USD 9,158 per year, is recognized as a reputable and affordable state university for international students.
9. Shoreline Community College in Shoreline, Washington, charges USD 9,516 per year, making it the most budget-friendly college in the Greater Seattle area.
10. Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, has a yearly fee of USD 9,990 and is popular among international students for its affordability and higher chances of visa approval.
11. Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, and Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio, have similar annual fees of USD 10,170 and USD 10,080, respectively.
12. Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri, costs USD 10,108 per year.
13. Bellevue College in Bellevue, Washington, has an annual tuition of USD 11,050.
14. Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota, charges USD 11,600 per year.
15. Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas, has a fee of USD 11,656 per year.
16. Westcliff University in Irvine, California, at USD 11,700 per year, is known as the most affordable university in the Los Angeles Area and is popular among transfer students.
17. Pace University in New York City charges USD 11,745 per year, and Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph, Missouri, has a fee of USD 11,800 per year.
18. Metropolitan State University of Denver in Denver, Colorado, offers education at USD 12,000 per year.
19. Trine University in Angola, Indiana, and Tiffin University in Tiffin, Ohio, both charge USD 12,600 per year.
20. Alliant International University in San Diego, California, charges USD 13,050 per year.
21. Stratford University in Falls Church, Virginia, has a yearly fee of USD 13,365, and Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, charges USD 13,500 per year.
22. Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa, costs USD 13,536 per year.
23. Texas A & M University in Corpus Christi, Texas, has an annual fee of USD 13,850, and Saint Leo University in St. Leo, Florida, charges USD 13,860 per year.
24. Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio, has a fee of USD 13,900 per year.
25. California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California, charges USD 13,915 per year.
26. Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois, and Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama, both have annual fees of USD 14,400.
27. The University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma, charges USD 14,500 per year.
28. La Sierra University in Riverside, California, has a fee of USD 14,735 per year.
29. The University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, costs USD 14,961 per year.
30. Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana, charges USD 15,014 per year.
31. The Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, charges USD 15,120 per year.
32. California State University Channel Islands charges USD 15,200 per year.
33. Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana, has a fee of USD 15,228 per year.
34. California State University Northridge charges USD 15,432 per year.
35. New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, New Jersey, has a fee of USD 15,449 per year.
36. Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, charges USD 15,485 per year.
37. California State University Fresno has a fee of USD 15,489 per year.
38. California State University Los Angeles charges USD 15,490 per year, and California State University East Bay has a fee of USD 15,546 per year.
39. California State University Bakersfield charges USD 15,610 per year, and Monroe College in New York City has a fee of USD 15,624‬ per year.
40. California State University Monterey Bay charges USD 15,705 per year, and California Baptist University in Riverside, California, has a fee of USD 15,770 per year.
41. UCSC Silicon Valley Extension in Santa Clara, California, charges USD 16,000 per year, and Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, has a fee of USD 16,198 per year.
42. San Jose State University in San Jose, California, charges USD 16,283 per year.
43. Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, Kentucky, has a fee of USD 16,974 per year.
44. Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky, charges USD 17,154 per year, and Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, has a fee of USD 17,290 per year.
45. Metropolitan College of New York in New York City charges USD 17,620 per year, and Notre Dame De Namur University in Belmont, California, has a fee of USD 17,800 per year.
46. The University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Connecticut, charges USD 17,820 per year, as does Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, Missouri.
47. Webster University in Webster Groves, Missouri, has an annual fee of USD 18,000, and the University of Nebraska in Kearney, Nebraska, charges USD 18,027 per year.
48. The College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina, has a fee of USD 18,072 per year, and Florida International University in Miami, Florida, charges USD 18,429 per year.
49. Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida, has a fee of USD 18,447 per year, and Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia, charges USD 19,000 per year.
50. Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, has a fee of USD 19,154 per year, and Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, charges USD 19,665 per year.
51. Richard Bland College of William & Mary in Petersburg, Virginia, has a fee of USD 19,710 per year, and Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, Texas, charges USD 20,000 per year.
52. The University of Wisconsin in La Crosse, Wisconsin, has a fee of USD 20,030 per year, and Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio, charges USD 20,336 per year.
53. Roosevelt University in Chicago,
54. Illinois, has an annual fee of USD 20,858, and Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, charges USD 21,060 per year.
55. DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, charges USD 22,000 per year, and Long Island University Post in New York has a fee of USD 22,106 per year, as does Long Island University Brooklyn.
56. James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, has a fee of USD 22,158 per year, and Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, charges USD 22,298 per year.
57. Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, has an annual fee of USD 22,650, and the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida, charges USD 22,838 per year.
58. Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi, has a fee of USD 24,132 per year, and Berkeley College in Woodland Park, New Jersey, charges USD 24,200 per year.
59. Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, has a fee of USD 24,484 per year, and the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, charges USD 24,921 per year.
60. Arizona State University in Phoenix, Arizona, charges USD 25,200 per year, and Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, has a fee of USD 25,216 per year.
61. City University of Seattle in Seattle, Washington, charges USD 25,296 per year, and Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas, has a fee of USD 28,980 per year.
62. The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas, charges USD 29,700 per year.
63. The University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, has a fee of USD 33,794 per year.
64. Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, charges USD 36,056 per year.
65. The University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has a fee of USD 38,089 per year.

So, above are many low tuition fees universities in USA for international students that you can apply for right now. Some of them provide scholarships and other funding opportunities, so make sure to look out for that to help you cut your cost of education even further.

How Can I Save Money While Studying in the US?

If you’ve found low tuition fees universities in USA for international students or even secured a scholarship, here are some money-saving tips that can help:

1. Consider staying in student dorms

Living expenses are increasing globally, and worrying about utility bills, groceries, and deposits can be burdensome while living abroad. Student dorms provide all-inclusive facilities and are particularly popular among first-year students.

2. Prioritize student towns over big cities

Choosing to study in small college towns allows you to be close to student activities, events, and the campus. In larger residential towns, which are often commuter cities, you may need to commute to your classes.

3. Take advantage of student discounts

Many establishments offer discounted prices for students, including restaurants, cafes, bars, bookshops, clothing stores, cinemas, and more. Be sure to inquire about student discounts wherever you go.

4. Consider buying used textbooks, furniture, or clothes

When former students move out, they often sell their belongings to new students. This presents a win-win situation as you can save a significant amount of money by purchasing used textbooks, furniture, or clothes.

5. Apply for a scholarship

Many of the affordable universities mentioned here provide scholarship opportunities for international students based on merit or need. Consider applying for scholarships in the US for the following countries:

• 14 US Scholarship for Indian Students [Partially and 100% Funded]
• 11 Scholarships for Brazilian students in USA
• Fully funded scholarships for Pakistani students in USA

6. Work part-time

If you hold an F1 student visa, you can work part-time on campus for up to 20 hours per week. There are various job opportunities available to international students, such as tutoring, campus ambassador roles, baristas, receptionists, and sales assistants.

7. Consider distance learning

Don’t forget that distance learning is also a viable option. You can pursue a US degree without physically being in the country, which eliminates the cost of living abroad and the complexities of obtaining a student visa. Online universities like Walden University and Kettering University Online offer programs that cater to these needs.

Conclusion

If you have been admitted into any of the low tuition fees universities in USA for international students, that does not mean you should not save money. Instead, use this opportunity to save even more. Living in the US can quickly get expensive, especially regarding non-academic expenses. So make sure to do your best and avoid unnecessary expenses to help you go through your degree smoothly.

Read also: 15 US universities that accept international transfer students