List of Low-Fee Universities in USA for International Students

Top 10 Cheapest Universities in the USA for Undergrad

Studying in the USA can be an expensive endeavor, but several universities are offering affordable options for international students. To help you manage your budget without compromising on education quality, we've compiled a list of the top 10 cheapest universities in the USA for undergraduates:

Top 10 Cheapest Universities in the USA for MBA

If you're looking to pursue an MBA in the USA without hefty fees, several universities offer quality education at affordable tuition rates. These schools provide a great balance between cost and educational excellence, with many offering flexible learning options and recognized accreditations like AACSB. Below is a list of the top 10 cheapest universities for MBA programs:

Wish to study at these universities but don’t know how to get there? Yocket Premium is here to help you with that! With a dedicated counselor helping you through your application journey, with Yocket, you level up your game! So, without further ado, reach out to us, today!

Top 10 Cheapest Universities in the USA for MS

The US is one of the leading destinations for an MS. With an extensive curriculum, great career opportunities, and a high ROI %, these are the most affordable universities for an MS in the US:

• University at Buffalo SUNY
• University of South Florida
• University of Houston
• Florida State University
• University of Texas at Austin
• Texas A&M College Station
• Michigan Technological University
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Purdue University
• University of Florida

Let's learn about each of them in detail now

1. University at Buffalo SUNY

Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo (UB) is among the nation's oldest public research universities. UB offers academic programs, including 135 undergraduate and over 170 graduate and professional degrees, throughout its campuses. Its student body comprises over 30,000 individuals from all 50 states and 120 countries.

With so many research institutes and centres at UB, students have lots of chances to explore their areas of interest in depth. Depending on the subject, the university's annual tuition for undergraduate students can range from $5,655 (INR 4,68,000) to nearly $25,000 (INR 20,71,000). UB provides a range of scholarships, including need-based grants, student employment opportunities, and specialised scholarships, to help qualifying students.

Tuition Fees for International Students: $17,000 (INR 14,08,000) - $23,000 (INR 19,06,000) 

Popular Courses Offered:

• MS in Management Information Systems
• MS in Electrical Engineering
• MS in Aerospace Engineering
  

2. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida (USF) is a public research university with its main campus in Tampa, Florida, and other campuses in St. Petersburg and Sarasota. It is one of 12 members of the State University System of Florida. The University of South Florida is home to 14 colleges, offering more than 240 undergraduate, graduate, specialist, and doctoral-level degree programs. The University of South Florida is classified as "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" and is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Tuition Fees for International Students: $17,000 (INR 14,08,000) - $24,000 (INR 19,89,000)

Popular Courses Offered: 

• MS in Industrial Engineering
• MS in Business Analytics and Information Systems
  

3. University of Houston

The University of Houston is a public research university in Houston, Texas. It was founded in 1927 as Houston Junior College and later became the University of Houston in 1934. Today, the University of Houston is the third-largest university in Texas and boasts a global alumni base of around 310,000.

Tuition Fees for International Students: $18,000 (INR 14,91,000) - $22,000 (INR 18,23,000) 

Popular Courses Offered:

• MS in Computer Science
• MS in Civil Engineering
• MS in Information System Security
  

4. Florida State University

Florida State University is a highly ranked public research university, known for its rigorous curriculum and commitment to innovation. It offers over 360 programs of study, including professional school programs, and is ranked among the top universities in the US for many of its programs, including business, education, engineering, and the arts.

Tuition Fees for International Students: $20,100 (INR 16,65,000)- $2,020 (INR 18,40,234)

Popular Courses Offered: 

• MS in Industrial Engineering
• MS in Computer Science
  

5. University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin (UT) is a highly respected public research institution located in Austin, Texas. Established in 1883, UT offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs through its 18 colleges.

Tuition Fees for International Students: $21,000 (INR 17,40,000)- $25,000 (INR 20,71,000)

Popular Courses Offered: 

• MS in Computer Science
• MS in Management Information Systems
  

6. Texas A&M College Station

Texas A&M University is a public research university in College Station, Texas. It is one of the largest universities in Texas and the United States, with over 60,000 students across 11 colleges. Texas A&M was founded in 1876 as an all-male military college before becoming a coeducational institution in 1963. In 1976, it became one of four female-dominated schools to become coeducational.

Tuition Fees for International Students: $22,500 (INR 18,64,000) - $30,500 (INR 25,27,000)

Popular Courses Offered: 

• MS in Data Science
• MS in Electrical Engineering
• MS in Aerospace Engineering
  

7. Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University (MTU) is a public research university in Houghton, Michigan. Michigan Technological University was founded in 1885 as the Michigan Mining School and is one of the leading technological universities in the United States. Michigan Technological University has over 7,000 students and offers over 125 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Tuition Fees for International Students: $23,000 (INR 19,06,000) - $27,000 (INR 22,37,000)

Popular Courses Offered:

• MS in Computer Engineering
• MS in Civil Engineering
• MS in Environmental Engineering
  

8. University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University Of Wisconsin is one of the top and largest public universities in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The university enrols more than 174,000 students each year. The University of Wisconsin System is composed of two doctoral research universities, eleven comprehensive universities, and thirteen freshman-sophomore branch campuses.

Tuition Fees for International Students: $25,500 (INR 21,13,000) - $26,500 (INR 21,96,000)

Popular Courses Offered:

• MS in Industrial Engineering
• MS in Supply Chain Management
  

9. Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research university in West Lafayette, Indiana. It was founded in 1869 by John Purdue, a local businessman and philanthropist. Purdue is a land-grant university, and is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity".

Tuition Fees for International Students: $30,000 (INR 24,86,000) - $31,500 (26,10,000)

Popular Courses Offered:

• MS in Computer Science
• MS in Industrial Engineering

10. University of Florida

The University of Florida (UF) is a public research university located in Gainesville, Florida. It is the flagship university of the Florida System, and it is one of the largest universities in the United States, with an enrollment of over 50,000 students. UF is a member of the Association of American Universities, and it is classified as a research university (very high research activity) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Tuition Fees for International Students: $30,100 (INR 24,94,000) - $32,000 (INR 26,52,000)

Popular Courses Offered:

• MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• MS in Aerospace Engineering

Note: Keep in mind that tuition costs are estimates and can change at any time, depending on the university.

Wish to study at these universities but don’t know how to get there? Yocket Premium is here to help you with that! With a dedicated counsellor helping you through your application journey, with Yocket, you level up your game! So, without further ado, reach out to us, today!

What is the Cost of Studying in the USA?

The cost of getting your master’s degree in the USA can vary between $20,000 (INR 16,57,000) and $70,000 (INR 58,01,000) per year depending on the school and the program you choose.

When considering studying in the USA, it’s important to factor in the overall cost, which includes both tuition fees and living expenses. The total cost can vary widely depending on the university, location, and lifestyle. Below is a breakdown of tuition fees at some of the top universities in the USA:

Tuition Fees

When planning to study in the USA, one of the major factors to consider is the tuition fees, which can vary greatly depending on the university and program. Below is a table highlighting the tuition fees at some of the top universities in the USA:

Living Costs

Apart from tuition fees, the cost of living plays a crucial role in determining the overall expense of studying in the USA. Living costs can vary based on the city and lifestyle choices. The table below provides a breakdown of living expenses in the USA:

Suggested: Cost of Studying in USA in 2024

How Tuition Fees Are Calculated in the US?

Dreaming of getting into a top-notch university in the USA for your Master’s degree without breaking the bank? Well, you’re not alone. Before we discuss the list of affordable universities for international students in the USA, let’s first understand how tuition fees are calculated.

In US universities, a Master’s degree program typically requires you to take a certain number of credit hours, ranging from 30 to 60. The tuition fee you pay is directly linked to the number of credit hours you take each semester.

For instance, if the tuition fee for an MS in Computer Science at a particular university is $1000 per credit hour, and you take 6 credit hours in a semester, your total tuition fee for that semester would be $6000.

How to Save Money While Applying to Universities in the USA?

One of the best ways to save up for your master’s degree in the USA is to choose a university with low tuition fees. But that’s not the only way to keep your costs down. There are plenty of other strategies you can use to reduce your overall expenses, whether it’s minimising tuition fees or managing your living expenses.

1. Assistantships

An assistantship is a deal between you and your university where you take on specific responsibilities in exchange for financial aid. This aid can come in the form of a stipend, which is basically like a monthly allowance to help you cover your living costs.

There are three main types of assistantships available at most universities in the USA:

• Teaching Assistantships (TA): As a TA, you’ll be helping professors with their teaching duties, such as grading papers, leading discussion sections, or tutoring students.
• Research Assistantships (RA): If you’re more into hands-on research, then an RA position might be perfect for you. You’ll be working directly with professors on their research projects, conducting experiments, analysing data, and more.
• Graduate Assistantships (GA): These are the most general type of assistantship, and they can involve a combination of teaching, research, and administrative tasks.

2. Scholarships

Scholarships are like financial lifesavers for students pursuing higher education abroad. They can help you slash your expenses and make your dream of studying abroad a reality. Many scholarships are specifically geared toward students with excellent academic records or those facing financial constraints. 

Indian students applying for MS in the USA can tap into a variety of scholarships, such as the Cornell University Tata Scholarship, the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship, and the Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship. So, don’t let financial worries hold you back from pursuing your academic aspirations. Explore the scholarship options available and pave your way to a brighter future.

Suggested: Best Scholarships for MS in the USA

3. Loans

Many organisations in India offer education loans, both with and without collateral, at competitive interest rates. The trick is to find the right lenders, understand their terms and conditions, and apply before the deadlines.

We know you’re busy searching for the best interest rates on your education loan. And let’s be honest, it’s not easy. That’s why we’re here to help.

4. Public vs Private University

Public universities in the US usually receive funding from state governments and are, hence, much more affordable than private universities on average.

From the Desk of Yocket

There are tons of universities in the USA offering MS programs, and some of them have pretty affordable tuition fees. While saving money is always a good idea, don’t make it your top priority. Focus on finding the right program at the right university instead. Choosing the right program and university can give you a higher return on investment (ROI) in the long run, even if it means paying a bit more upfront.

A degree from a reputable university can set you apart from the competition and open doors to exciting career opportunities. And with easier access to loans than ever before, you can still get a top-notch education without breaking the bank. Think of it as an investment in your future; the rewards will pay off for years to come! Yocket Premium helps you find the best university for you and negotiate the best loans on your behalf. We’ll also help you with the paperwork so you can focus on your studies. Start your hassle-free study abroad journey today.