Cheapest Universities in USA: Studying in USA is a dream for many Indian students, but the high cost of education can be a big challenge. Tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs often become a major concern for students and their families. However, some universities in the USA offer quality education at much lower fees, making it possible for international students to achieve their academic goals without spending too much.
If you are also looking for budget-friendly options to study in the USA, this guide will help you make the right choice. In this blog, we will explore the cheapest universities in the USA for international students. We will also discuss their tuition fees and the benefits of studying at these institutions.
Table of contents
- List of Cheapest Universities in the USA for International Students
- Details of 10 Cheapest Universities in USA
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)
- California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
- Wayne State University
- Birmingham-Southern College
- City University of New York (CUNY)
- Minot State University
- Duke University (Continuing Studies)
- Brigham Young University (BYU)
- University of Arkansas
- Southwest Minnesota State University
- Why Study in the USA
- Cost of Studying in USA
- Top Courses to Study in USA for Indian Students
- FAQs
List of Cheapest Universities in the USA for International Students
The USA is known for its high education costs, making it one of the most expensive countries for international students. However, many Cheapest Universities in the USA offer quality education at affordable prices, helping students achieve their academic goals without financial stress. If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, here are some of the cheapest universities in the USA that provide excellent education at lower tuition fees.
| University Name | Tuition Fees (Approx. per Year) | Location |
| University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) | USD 4,500 | Edinburg, Texas |
| Southwest Minnesota State University | USD 11,000 | Marshall, Minnesota |
| Minot State University | USD 8,000 | Minot, North Dakota |
| California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) | USD 18,000 | Long Beach, California |
| Wayne State University | USD 28,000 | Detroit, Michigan |
| Birmingham-Southern College | USD 16,200 | Birmingham, Alabama |
| City University of New York (CUNY) | USD 18,000 | New York City, New York |
| Duke University (Continuing Studies) | USD 29,000 | Durham, North Carolina |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) | USD 6,000 (LDS) / USD 12,000 (non-LDS) | Provo, Utah |
| University of Arkansas | USD 24,000 | Fayetteville, Arkansas |
Also Read:
Details of 10 Cheapest Universities in USA
The cheapest universities in the USA are California State University, Bringham Young University, Southwest Minnesota State University, University of Arkansas and more. Here are the details of the 10 Cheapest Universities in the USA that offer quality education at affordable tuition fees for international students.
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)
UTRGV is one of the most affordable universities in the USA for international students. It offers a variety of graduate programs at a significantly lower tuition fee compared to other universities. The institution is well-known for its quality education and research opportunities, making it an excellent choice for Indian students seeking an affordable study destination.
- Tuition Fees: Approximately USD 4,500 per year
- Programs Offered: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in various fields
- Location: Edinburg, Texas
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
- Tuition Fees: Approximately USD 18,000 per year for international students
- Programs Offered: Various undergraduate and graduate programs
- Location: Long Beach, California
CSULB is recognized for its diverse student body and relatively low tuition fees. It provides a range of academic programs and is located in one of the most vibrant cities in the USA. The university offers great networking opportunities, making it a desirable option for students looking for an affordable yet high-quality education.
Wayne State University
Wayne State University is another great option for students looking for cheapest universities in the USA with financial aid opportunities. The university provides various scholarships and assistantships that help students significantly reduce their education costs.
- Tuition Fees: Approximately USD 28,000 per year for international students
- Programs Offered: Over 350 academic programs
- Location: Detroit, Michigan
Birmingham-Southern College
Birmingham-Southern College is a renowned institution that focuses on liberal arts education. It offers high-quality programs at low tuition fees, making it a great option for students looking to study in the USA without spending too much. As one of the Cheapest Universities in the USA, it provides a good education at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for international students on a budget.
- Tuition Fees: Approximately USD 16,200 per year
- Programs Offered: Liberal arts programs, bachelor’s degrees
- Location: Birmingham, Alabama
City University of New York (CUNY)
CUNY (City University of New York) is one of the cheapest universities in the USA, offering high-quality education in a variety of disciplines. Located in New York City, it provides students with excellent academic programs and access to numerous professional and cultural opportunities, all at an affordable cost.
- Tuition Fees: Approximately USD 18,000 per year for international students
- Programs Offered: Wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs
- Location: New York City, New York
Minot State University
Minot State University is among the cheapest universities in the USA, offering low tuition fees and excellent academic programs. The university focuses on student success by providing high-quality education and career development services.
- Tuition Fees: Approximately USD 8,000 per year
- Programs Offered: Various graduate degrees
- Location: Minot, North Dakota
Duke University (Continuing Studies)
Duke University provides affordable continuing education programs for working professionals. The university offers various professional and master’s degree programs that cater to international students seeking quality education at a reasonable cost.
- Tuition Fees: Approximately USD 29,000 per year for international students
- Programs Offered: Professional programs, master’s degrees
- Location: Durham, North Carolina
Brigham Young University (BYU)
BYU (Brigham Young University) is recognized as one of the cheapest universities in the USA, offering strong academic programs at affordable tuition rates. Especially for LDS students, BYU provides a cost-effective way to receive quality education, making it an excellent choice for international students on a budget.
- Tuition Fees: Approximately USD 6,000 per year for LDS students and $12,000 for non-LDS students
- Programs Offered: Various graduate programs
- Location: Provo, Utah
University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas provides multiple scholarship opportunities to international students, helping them lower their tuition fees. The university’s high-quality education and affordable cost make it an attractive choice for students from India.
- Tuition Fees: Approximately USD 24,000 per year for international students
- Programs Offered: Wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs
- Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Southwest Minnesota State University
Southwest Minnesota State University is committed to providing affordable education to international students. The university offers a variety of undergraduate programs with relatively low tuition fees, making it an ideal choice for students looking for cheapest universities in the USA.
- Tuition Fees: Approximately USD 11,000 per year
- Programs Offered: Various undergraduate programs
- Location: Marshall, Minnesota
Why Study in the USA
Studying in the USA can be a life-changing opportunity for students worldwide. The country is home to some of the top colleges and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs. Here are some of the reasons why Indian students should consider studying in the USA:
- High-quality education at an affordable price
- Wide variety of academic programs to choose from
- Opportunities for research and innovation
- Strong career prospects after graduation
- Exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives
- English language skills development
- Personal growth and development opportunities
- Access to world-class resources and facilities
- Great networking and connection-building opportunities
Also Read:
- Types of Student Accommodation in the USA: Choose Wisely
- Largest Libraries in USA for Book Enthusiasts
Cost of Studying in USA
Studying in the USA can be costly, whether you’re earning a degree or taking a few classes. If you’re an out-of-state student at a public university, your tuition fees will be higher. In-state students pay less. Besides tuition, you’ll also need to cover costs like books, supplies, and living expenses, which can add up. Here’s a look at the top 5 universities and how much it costs to study there.
| University | Annual Cost of studying in the USA |
| Harvard University | USD 54,002 |
| Stanford University | USD 56,169 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | USD 53,790 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | USD 54,600 |
| University of Chicago | USD 57,642 |
Top Courses to Study in USA for Indian Students
The USA has always been a popular choice for higher education among Indian students. Studying in the USA gives students a chance to experience new cultures, gain different perspectives, and grow personally and professionally. Here are some of the best courses Indian students can pursue in the USA across various fields:
| Field | Courses |
| Business | BBA BMS MBA MS In Finance MS in Business Analytics |
| Engineering | Civil Engineering Mechanical Engineering MS in Computer Science MS in Electrical Engineering MS in Mechanical Engineering |
| Education | BEd Special Education BA (Hons) Childhood MS in Education MA in Teaching PhD in Education |
| Science and Technology | Computer Science BCA MS in Data Science MS in Biotechnology MS in Environmental Science |
| Healthcare | Pharmacy Medical Science MS in Public Health MS in Nursing MS in Healthcare Administration |
| Arts and Humanities | BA LLB BAJMC MA in English MA in History MFA in Creative Writing |
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FAQs
Some of the cheapest universities in the USA include California State University, Bringham Young University, Southwest Minnesota State University and University of Arkansas.
Yes, California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) offers a quality education at an affordable tuition fee of around USD 18,000 per year for international students, making it one of the Cheapest Universities in the USA for International Students.
Yes, Brigham Young University (BYU) offers tuition fees of approximately USD 6,000 per year for LDS (Latter-day Saint) students and USD 12,000 per year for non-LDS students, making it one of the Cheapest Universities in the USA for International Students [2025].
Living costs in the USA can range from USD 10,000 to USD 15,000 per year, depending on the location. Major cities like New York or California tend to have higher living costs, while smaller towns may be more affordable.
Studying at the Cheapest Universities in the USA for International Students offers various benefits, including affordable tuition, quality education, diverse cultural exposure, and excellent career opportunities after graduation.
Graduating from one of the Cheapest Universities in the USA provides access to excellent career opportunities, especially in fields like engineering, business, and healthcare. Many universities have career services to help students with internships and job placements.
Studying at the Cheapest Universities in the USA offers quality education comparable to more expensive institutions. The primary difference is the cost, but these universities still provide strong academic programs, research opportunities, and career prospects at a fraction of the price.
Yes, many of the Cheapest Universities in the USA for International Students [2025] offer a wide range of master’s programs. For example: Minot State University offers a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at affordable rates and Southwest Minnesota State University offers a variety of graduate programs at competitive prices.
Yes, many affordable universities like Minot State University and Southwest Minnesota State University provide on-campus housing options for international students at a reasonable cost, which can help save on living expenses.
Graduates from Cheapest Universities in the USA have good job prospects, especially in fields like engineering, business, computer science, and healthcare. The university’s career services and networking opportunities can help you secure a job after graduation.
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