The cheapest colleges in the US offer some exceptional graduate and undergraduate degrees. Many students require need-based financial aid for four-year degrees. Some of the cheapest universities in the US are online universities offering high-quality online courses.
If you need a college degree from an accredited public institution, you’ll find the information we provide in this article helpful. You’ll find a list of low-tuition colleges that offer associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
In-person and online learners will find information about scholarships and the best way to choose which of the cheapest universities in the US is right for them. We also give you information about the highest-paying jobs you can get with degrees from the most affordable colleges in the US.
How Much Does College Cost in the US?
The National Center for Education Statistics states that the annual tuition costs of colleges in the US for two-year degrees ranges between $3,900 and $18,000. Four-year college tuition costs range between $9,400 and $37,600. Tuition prices differ between private and public American universities, but it is possible to get a decent low-cost education.
Most Affordable Colleges in the US: The Basics
| School | Location | Undergraduate Tuition | Graduate Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth City State University | Elizabeth City, NC | $42/credit hour (in state), $208/credit hour (out of state) | $187/credit hour (in state), $913/credit hour (out of state) |
| South Texas College | McAllen, TX | $77/credit hour (in state), $250/credit hour (out of state) | N/A |
| St Petersburg College | Clearwater, FL | $112-$123/credit hour (in state), $387-$426/credit hour (out of state) | Varying tuition costs depending on the partner school |
| Chipola College | Marianna, FL | $115/credit hour (in state), $309/credit hour (out of state) | N/A |
| Indian River State College | Fort Pierce, FL | $117/credit hour (in state), $400/credit hour (out of state) | N/A |
| Palm Beach State College | Lake Worth, FL | $123/credit hour (in state), $558/credit hour (out of state) | N/A |
| Sitting Bull College | Fort Yates, ND | $125/credit hour | $350/credit hour |
| CUNY Lehman College | Bronx, NY | $305/credit hour (in state), $620/credit hour (out of state) | $470/credit hour (in state), $855/credit hour (out of state) |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, TX |
$667/credit hour (in state), $1,075/credit hour (out of state) | $724/credit hour (in state), $1,132/credit hour (out of state) |
| Berea College | Berea, KY | $21,450/semester | N/A |
Cheapest Universities in the US: A Closer Look
The tuition fee for the cheapest universities in the US still requires students to pay for textbooks and room and board. These additional costs can add up. That’s why it’s best to save some money by looking for low-tuition colleges and a cheaper tuition rates.
Another way to save money is to do an online bachelor’s degree program instead of an in-person program. The cheapest university is still going to give you a high-quality education. All the cheapest universities in the US that we have listed below are accredited academic institutions.
Cheapest Online Colleges in the US
| School | Online Tuition | Programs Available Online |
|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University-Idaho | $79/credit hour | Associate, Bachelor’s, Certificates |
| Fort Hays State University | $227/credit hour (undergrad) $299/credit hour (graduate) |
Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Certificates, Specialist in Education: EDS, Doctorate of Nursing |
| Oregon State University | $346/credit hour (undergrad) $560/credit hour (graduate) Programs vary |
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Certificates, PhDs |
| Florida International University | $333/credit hour | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Certificates |
| Thomas Edison State University | $411/credit hour | Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Certificates, Doctorates |
Cheapest Colleges in the US by In-State Tuition
- Elizabeth City State University | $42/credit
- South Texas College | $77/credit
- Brigham Young University-Idaho | $79/credit
- Chipola College | $115/credit
- Palm Beach State College | $123/credit
Cheapest Colleges in the US by Out-of-State Tuition
- Elizabeth City State University | $208/credit
- South Texas College | $250/credit
- Chipola College | $309/credit
- St Petersburg College | $387-$426/credit
- Palm Beach State College | $558/credit
Why Is College So Expensive?
Colleges and universities are expensive because they constantly work to keep up with the demand for degree education, the best campus locations, faculty, and facilities. These aspects of improvement cost money. Your cost of higher education goes to paying for all of these offerings. It is still possible to find an affordable college with a low annual cost.
Tuition
The cost of tuition varies between undergraduate and graduate studies. These costs are either paid upfront or covered by financial aid packages. In recent years overall state-level funding has decreased, which, unfortunately, means you pay more.
Fees
Public schools and private institutions charge fees over and above tuition rates, which can add up quickly. These fees include application, registration, learning support, student activity, and testing fees and help with the school’s running costs.
Housing and Food
Whether you opt to stay on-campus or off-campus, the average cost of housing and food may be one of the most expensive aspects. This is mainly due to the typical cost of housing in real estate and the cost of construction of new facilities at private and public colleges and universities.
Best Universities by State
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How to Save Money in College
- Get used textbooks. Buying used books instead of new ones will save money because new textbooks can be expensive. You can sell them and recoup some of the tuition costs when you complete your studies.
- Complete the FAFSA application every year. If you’re eligible, applying for state funding through the FAFSA process can help you save considerable money.
- Apply for scholarships and grants. Scholarships and grants can help save money too. Spending time to apply for these may provide you with ample funds for the cost of education.
- Use the Library. The library is usually accessible to students who will have access to books, computers, videos, software, and other resources.
- Print on campus. Printing is pretty expensive. Students may have access to the use of on-campus printers as a result of student fees. If this is the case, you can save hundreds of dollars.
How to Apply for Financial Aid in the US
- Research the school’s offerings. Schools provide various financial aid options, scholarships, and grants for on-campus or online students. Check them out and see if you are eligible to apply.
- Research online databases. Online student resources like the US News Scholarship Finder can help you find a scholarship with specific criteria such as a particular career field, demographic, or course of study.
- Research foundations. Private companies like Microsoft, Coca-cola, and others have foundations that help students access higher education. Check the eligibility requirements on their websites.
- Apply for financial aid. State and federal governments provide financial aid, and prospective students should apply to help save tuition costs on their education.
- Apply for private scholarships and grants. All students in colleges and universities should apply for private scholarships and grants, as these may be used in conjunction with government funding.
Scholarships for Students in the US
| Scholarship Title | Provider | Amount | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cleaver Stemons Scholarship | Zeta Phi Beta Sorority National Education Foundation | $125,000 | Female senior at a Title I high school, affiliation with any members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority |
| National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | $9,500 | Enrolled in a college or university for oceanic and atmospheric-related areas of study |
| ACS Scholars Program | American Chemical Society | $5,000 | US citizens or a legal permanent resident, African-Americans/Black, Hispanic/Latino, or American Indian |
| Tschudy Family Scholarship | Idaho State Board of Education | $2,500 | Idaho resident, Emmett High School senior or have graduated within the last seven years, full-time enrollment with at least 14 credits |
| Rochelle Nicolette Perry Memorial Scholarship (Est. 2014) | Society of Women Engineers (SWE) | $1,250 | SWE membership required, University or College in New York, or home location in Iowa, enrolled in an engineering degree |
| Alice May Anderson Memorial Scholarship Fund | Society of Women Engineers (SWE) | $1,200 | Must be a US resident pursuing an engineering degree in California |
| Curry Award for Girls and Young Women | Silicon Valley Community Foundation | $1,000 | 18 years old, GPA of 3.3, demonstrated financial hardship, San Mateo County resident |
| Advancement of Women in Sports and Entertainment Scholarship | The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation | $1,000 | Female US citizen or permanent legal resident, enrolled full-time at a four-year accredited university, public relations, or related major, demonstrate financial need |
| 180 Medical College Scholarship Program | 180 Medical | $1,000 | Legal resident of the US, accepted to a two-year, four-year school program full-time, under physician care for specific conditions |
| Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program | Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation | Varies | Demonstrate outstanding leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to Ventura County, 3.0 GPA, legal citizen of the US |
How to Choose a Cheap College in the US
Choosing a cheap college in the US may be challenging, but there are some factors to consider when choosing between the schools. These will help to whittle down your short and make decisions.
Rank Priorities
Make a list of the ideal things you want from affordable universities. Whether you’re looking for online programs, Bachelor of Science degrees, or private and public institutions, there are affordable tuition rates and schools to suit your needs.
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Consider Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship opportunities vary from school to school. Check if you’re eligible for any scholarships, and also look for previously awarded scholarships. This will give you an idea of your chances of getting a scholarship or grant at the cheapest schools.
Career Services
You will need to secure employment after studying in a graduate or undergraduate program and graduating from a two-year or four-year institution. Many public and private colleges provide career services to help you find a job in your field. Check the employment after graduation rates and the services they offer.
Best Community Colleges by State
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Highest-Paying Jobs for College Graduates in the US
| Job Title | Average Salary in the US | Minimum Education |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing Manager | $153,440 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Software Developer | $120,990 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Information Security Analyst | $113,270 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Computer Programmer | $96,650 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Occupational Therapist | $89,470 | Master’s degree |
| Network Administrator | $91,250 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Registered Nurse | $82,750 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Wildlife Biologist | $70,300 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Elementary Teacher | $67,030 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Paralegal | $58,330 | Associate degree |
Best Jobs for College Grads in the US: Explained
Accredited Online Colleges by State
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Is a Cheap College in the US Worth It?
Yes, a cheap college in the US is worth it. A private college, public university, or online program provides an excellent education in associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Online degrees are as respected as on-campus degrees.
Cheapest Colleges in the US FAQ
Yes, most of the cheapest colleges in the US accept international students as long as they meet the eligibility requirements, which you can find on their websites.
The cheapest city colleges in the US are Elizabeth City State University, South Texas College, Brigham Young University, Palm Beach State College, and Chipola College.
Yes, most of the cheapest colleges in the US have scholarships for international students as long as they meet the criteria for eligibility requirements.
Online students can find most degrees at online colleges and universities. Some have limited options, but you can find associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees by researching online.
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