Cheapest & Most Affordable Universities in the USA for 2025-26

Cheapest universities in the USA offer high-quality education at a fraction of the cost, making them a smart choice for international students.

Choosing an affordable university in the USA allows students to reduce financial burden while still benefiting from world-class faculty, strong industry connections, and global career opportunities.

But does a lower fee mean a compromise on quality? Absolutely not. Many cheap universities in the USA offer fully accredited programmes, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a diverse student community. Several institutions have partnerships with top employers like Google, Amazon, and Tesla, giving students access to internships and job placements.

Here are the top reasons to study at one of the cheapest universities in the USA.

• Keep your student debt in check: The USA is notorious for its high student loan debt, and it’s even higher for international students. Starting with a manageable debt load will set you up for long-term financial stability.
• Invest in more than just tuition: The costs you see online often only cover tuition fees and don’t include textbooks, living expenses, or other essentials. Attending an affordable university gives you more breathing room to invest in all aspects of your education, including resources, extracurricular activities, and personal development.
• Enjoy the same perks as high-cost universities: Just because you’re paying less doesn’t mean you’re getting less. Affordable universities in the USA still offer the same opportunities for research, internships, networking, and much more. You’ll get the same top-notch education and access to the same amazing opportunities.
• Lower Cost of Living: Many of the cheapest universities in USA are located in cities with a lower cost of living, allowing students to save on accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses.
• Smaller Class Sizes & Supportive Faculty: Many low-cost US universities have smaller class sizes, providing students with more interaction with professors and personalised academic support.
  

Some of the most affordable universities in the USA include the University of Wyoming, University of South Florida, Oklahoma State University, and Louisiana State University, with tuition fees ranging from INR 16-25 lakhs (USD 19,500-30,000) per year for international students. These universities offer quality education at a fraction of the cost of private institutions, making them excellent choices for students looking for an affordable degree.

Public universities in the USA are generally more budget-friendly compared to private ones, and they still provide world-class education, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.

Schools like University of North Dakota and Brigham Young University have acceptance rates above 70%, making them easier to get into, while institutions like Purdue University and University of Wisconsin-Madison offer a higher return on investment with strong graduate employability and high research output.

Here are some of the most affordable universities in the USA:

Now that we’ve got a solid list of the cheapest universities in the USA, let’s dive deeper into some of the best options!

1. University of Wyoming

The University of Wyoming is one of the most budget-friendly universities in the USA, with annual tuition fees as low as INR 16 lakhs (USD 19,500). It is known for its strong research in energy, environment, and engineering fields. The university offers small class sizes, ensuring personalised learning and better faculty interaction. It also boasts a 96% acceptance rate, making it a great option for international students. 

The city of Laramie is one of the most affordable college towns in the USA, reducing overall living costs.

2. University of South Florida

Florida is famous for sunshine, beaches, and some of the cheapest universities in USA. The University of South Florida (USF) is one of the best budget-friendly universities, especially if you’re aiming for a career in STEM or business.

With tuition fees starting at INR 18 lakhs (USD 21,000) per year, USF is a solid option for international students. What makes it stand out? Massive research funding, the university has a research budget of INR 5,200 crores (USD 625 million), meaning students have access to cutting-edge labs, projects, and faculty experts. It’s also ranked in the top 50 public universities in the USA for innovation, which means your degree will carry strong industry recognition. With 74% of students successfully graduating, USF ensures solid career outcomes and placement opportunities.

3. Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University (OSU) is one of the cheapest universities in USA, offering affordable tuition and strong career outcomes.

It’s a hidden gem for students pursuing aerospace, mechanical engineering, and agriculture, with strong industry ties to NASA, Boeing, and Fortune 500 companies. OSU also provides in-state tuition waivers for high-performing international students, making it even more budget-friendly. With an employment rate of over 88% within six months of graduation, it outperforms many Ivy League schools.

4. University of North Dakota

Ever thought of studying at a top-ranked aerospace and engineering university without spending a fortune? That’s exactly what the University of North Dakota (UND) offers. With tuition fees starting at just INR 17 lakhs (USD 20,500) per year, UND is one of the most affordable universities in USA for international students.

UND is one of the top aviation and energy research universities in the USA, making it a hotspot for engineering, space technology, and renewable energy students. The university has a direct partnership with NASA and Boeing, providing students with real-world exposure and high-paying internships.

5. Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University (LSU), located in Baton Rouge, ranks among the cheapest universities in USA for postgraduate students. Charging INR 18 lakhs (USD 21,000) annually, LSU excels in Petroleum Engineering, Data Science, and Finance. Its strong ties with companies like ExxonMobil, Deloitte, and IBM help graduates secure jobs in finance, tech, and energy sectors.

6. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)

If you're looking for one of the lowest-cost public universities in the USA, UTRGV should be on your radar. It offers a merit-based scholarship that automatically reduces tuition for eligible international students. As of 2024, UTRGV has a total enrollment of over 31,000 students, making it one of the fastest-growing universities in Texas.

One standout feature? It offers over 20 fully online degree programmes, allowing students to study remotely while reducing living expenses. UTRGV is also known for its bilingual education initiatives, making it an excellent choice for students interested in languages and cross-cultural studies.

7. Arkansas State University (A-State)

Ranked among the top 50 most affordable universities in the USA, Arkansas State University (A-State) has an annual tuition starting at INR 14.5 lakhs (USD 17,000). The university is a national leader in STEM education, particularly in biotechnology and engineering.

In 2023, A-State was awarded a $20 million federal grant to expand its research in renewable energy and smart grid technology. The university is also home to one of the largest college-based meteorology programmes in the country, making it a prime choice for students interested in climate science and environmental studies.

8. Eastern Michigan University (EMU)

EMU is a low tuition fee university in USA and an R2 research university, recognized for high research activity by the Carnegie Classification. It offers nationally ranked programs in forensic science and cybersecurity, ideal for students wanting hands-on research experience.

With a 90% acceptance rate, EMU is one of the easiest universities for international students to enter while maintaining strong academics. It also guarantees on-campus housing for all first-year students to help them settle in smoothly.

9. University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM)

ULM offers one of the most affordable MBA programmes in the USA, with tuition starting at INR 12 lakhs (USD 14,000). The business school has a direct partnership with Fortune 500 companies, giving students a clear pathway into high-paying corporate jobs.

What makes ULM unique? It has a one-of-a-kind Aviation Management programme, which allows students to earn a pilot’s license while completing their degree. The university is also a leading research hub in pharmaceutical sciences and healthcare administration, with significant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

10. Wichita State University (WSU)

WSU is a top choice for students looking for strong internship opportunities. The university is located in Kansas, one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the USA. This means students get direct access to internships and full-time jobs with Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems, and Textron Aviation.

WSU’s Cooperative Education and Internship Programme is one of the largest in the USA, with over 80% of students securing paid internships before graduation. The university has also received $50 million in research funding in 2023, making it an ideal place for students interested in engineering, robotics, and applied sciences.

Some of the most affordable universities in the USA for international undergraduate students include the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Arkansas State University, and the University of Louisiana at Monroe. All these universities have tuition fees significantly lower than the national average, making them ideal for international students on a budget.

Many universities, like the University of Wyoming (96%) and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (85%), have high acceptance rates, making it easier for international students to gain admission.

Here’s a list of the cheapest universities in the USA for Undergraduate studies

Top affordable universities for MS in the USA include the University of South Florida, University at Buffalo SUNY, and Oklahoma State University. These offer STEM-designated programs with a 3-year OPT benefit.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison and Texas A&M partner with Fortune 500 companies, giving students access to internships and research in AI, cybersecurity, and biotech.

These universities provide quality education at a lower cost.

Here’s a list of the cheapest universities in the USA for Postgraduate studies

Tuition fees in US universities aren’t fixed like a flat yearly cost, they are based on a credit-hour system. This means you pay for each course you take, rather than a single fee for the entire degree.

Each programme has a required number of credit hours to complete the degree. Typically:

• Bachelor’s degrees require 120-130 credit hours (4 years)
• Master’s degrees require 30-60 credit hours (1-2 years)

The cost per credit hour varies by university, state, and programme.

For example: If a university charges INR 85,000 (USD 1,000) per credit hour and you take 6 credit hours in a semester, your tuition for that semester would be: INR 4.98 lakhs (USD 6,000).

The cost of living in the USA for Indian students varies based on location, lifestyle, and university services. Students attending some of the cheapest universities in USA can manage living expenses between INR 12–24 lakhs (USD 14,500–29,000) per year on average.

Cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston are expensive, while Texas, Ohio, and North Carolina offer affordable living options. According to the Education Data Initiative (2024), housing takes up 40-50% of student expenses, followed by food, healthcare, and transportation.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the estimated monthly living costs for students in the USA:

Sioux Falls in South Dakota, Lubbock in Texas, and Knoxville in Tennessee are some of the cheapest places to study in the USA.

While searching for the most affordable city to study in the USA, consider locations with cheap universities, affordable housing, and a lower overall cost of living. Cities like Sioux Falls, Lubbock, and Knoxville stand out as budget-friendly options for international students.

According to the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER, 2024), the cost of living in Sioux Falls is 15% lower than the national average, making it one of the most affordable cities for students. Rent for a shared apartment in such cities can be as low as INR 33,000-50,000 (USD 400-600) per month, compared to INR 1.2-1.6 lakhs (USD 1,500-2,000) in New York or San Francisco.

Here are some more budget-friendly options for studying in USA:

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Known for the lowest overall living costs, Sioux Falls combines affordable tuition and housing. Public universities like South Dakota State University offer tuition fees 40-50% lower than those in major metropolitan areas, making them among the cheapest universities in USA.

Lubbock, Texas

Lubbock, home to Texas Tech University, has some of the lowest tuition fees in Texas. The cost of living is 25% below the U.S. average, with affordable transportation and utilities, making it a good choice for students.

Knoxville, Tennessee

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, provides affordable education, with lower food and transport costs. Students can access reduced public transport fares and university meal plans that cost 20-30% less than dining out.

Fayetteville, Arkansas

The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville is known for low tuition fees and generous financial aid. The city also has plenty of part-time job opportunities for students, helping them manage expenses.

Wichita, Kansas

Wichita State University offers one of the lowest tuition fees among universities in the USA. Rent for student apartments here is 50% cheaper than in California or New York.

If you’re aiming for some of the cheapest universities in the USA, scholarships can further reduce your financial burden. Top scholarships include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, which covers tuition, airfare, and living expenses, and the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship, designed for mid-career professionals studying for a year.

The AAUW International Fellowships provide up to $30,000 (INR 25 lakhs) for women pursuing higher education, while the Cornell University Tata Scholarship is an excellent choice for Indian students applying for undergraduate programs.

Other notable options include the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship, offering up to $100,000 (INR 83 lakhs), and the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship, which supports tuition and living costs through a 50% grant and 50% loan structure.

Here’s a list of top scholarships available for international students:

One of the best ways to save for education in the USA is to choose affordable universities in the USA. But that’s not the only way to keep your costs down. You can use many other strategies to reduce your overall expenses, whether by minimising tuition fees or managing living costs.

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.

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.

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.