15 Free and Cheap Universities in United States for International Students

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In United States, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in United States, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 1,474 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in United States, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in United States for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in United States ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
College of the Ozarks 0 USD 100%
United States Naval Academy 0 USD 100%
Curtis Institute of Music 0 USD 100%
United States Merchant Marine Academy 0 USD 100%
United States Military Academy 0 USD 100%
Berea College 0 USD 100%
United States Air Force Academy 0 USD 100%
Oklahoma Panhandle State University 4,128 USD - 5,160 USD 88%
Selma University 4,800 USD 86%
Chadron State College 4,845 USD - 6,057 USD 86%
Wayne State College 4,846 USD - 6,057 USD 86%
University of North Carolina at Pembroke 5,000 USD 85%
Fayetteville State University 5,000 USD 85%
Peru State College 5,760 USD 83%
South Texas College 6,096 USD - 7,620 USD 82%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 33,100 USD for universities in United States.

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1. College of the Ozarks

College of the Ozarks, not to be confused with the University of Ozarks, is a private college in Point Lookout, Missouri that was founded in 1906. It follows Christian beliefs to guide its students into a purposeful and quality education. The college has also received accreditations from various national organizations such as U.S. News and World Reports, Princeton Review, College Consensus 2021, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and Wall Street Journal 2021 to name a few. The 1565 students in the care of the school afford recreational activities and services such as camps, forums, and athletic events.

2. United States Naval Academy

United States Naval Academy provides undergraduate training to future leaders in the country’s Marine Corps and U.S. Navy. It competently prepares students by imposing a comprehensive curriculum and coursework. The institute is considered the second-oldest U.S. service academy and is very selective regarding admission.

3. Curtis Institute of Music

Curtis Institute of Music is a private music school that offers tuition-free education to aspiring musicians. It was established in 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Students of the institute learn from several notable artists and music experts. 

4. United States Merchant Marine Academy

United States Merchant Marine Academy is a federal service academy that aims to train students who want to pursue a career in marine transportation, national security, and economics. It is known for its rigorous coursework with a heavy emphasis on practical learning. The academy is connected with multiple working commercial vessels abroad to allow students to gain real-world experiences during their stay.

5. United States Military Academy

The United States Military Academy, also known simply as West Point, was established in 1802 in West Point, New York as legislated by President Thomas Jefferson. It is among the service academies in the United States dedicated to educating future soldiers. The academy currently offers 36 majors in various disciplines designed to understand and serve the needs of society.

6. Berea College

Berea College was founded by Rev. John G. Fee to advocate for equality and excellence in education for men and women of all races. The college was named after a biblical town whose constituents were open and receptive to the gospel. It is also worth noting that Berea College is the only American College, consistently ranked at the top, that doesn’t charge tuition to its students through their No-Tuition Promise.

7. United States Air Force Academy

The United States Air Force Academy prepares the cadets that will serve in the Air Force and in the Space Force of the US. The academy provides a comprehensive education that prepares aspirants not only for serving in the military but also for being excellent professionals. Instruction in the Air Force Academy includes military training, academic education, research opportunities, development of leadership skills, and athletics. They offer a wide variety of bachelor’s programs in the areas of sciences, technology, social sciences, and humanities, but their programs in engineering have a great reputation because of the innovative courses and the high-quality education provided to students.

8. Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public university located in Goodwell, Oklahoma, United States. The institution’s General Gerbernus is provided by the Regent Board of Directors of the Oklahoma University of Agriculture and Mechanics and specializes in awarding bachelor’s degrees. Oklahoma Panhandle State University consists of three departments offering a quasi-Bachelor’s Degree and Bachelor’s Degree in History, Education, Business, and Nursing.

9. Selma University

Established in 1878, Selma University has played a vital role in making education more accessible to the black community in Selma, Alabama. Through its educational and research programs, the university strives to produce future leaders who will serve the community and become catalysts for positive change. Selma University also offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help students and their families finance their education.

10. Chadron State College

Chadron State College was founded in 1911 and is located in Chadron, Nebraska. It is a public college that offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs to students in and out of Nebraska. Their vision and goal are to create students who volunteer and actively collaborate with their peers, as well as a diverse community on the campus. Various innovations and activities have been made to engage their students to excel in their lives as a student and individually. In its 100 years of service, Chadron State College aims to be the best educational institution in the United States.

11. Wayne State College

Wayne State College is higher education institution in Nebraska that offers over 130 online and on-campus programs on the undergraduate and graduate levels. It was founded in 1910 as Nebraska Normal College and continues to put forward highly competent education to its youth. For more than 120 years, they have become internationally recognized and persist as a center of learning despite recent turmoil in the world. The school also has numerous facilities that cater to different needs such as recreation, athletics, extracurricular interests, and many more. If finding your family outside blood relatives is a necessity, there are around 110 student clubs and organizations available here.

12. University of North Carolina at Pembroke

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) was established in 1887. This public institution is part of the University of North Carolina system that provides top-class higher education programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition, UNCP has the safest learning environment among its member universities. It also has one of the most diverse communities as students and faculty members come from different US states and foreign countries.

13. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University is a historically black university providing quality education through a liberal arts foundation. The university offers over 78 student organizations, allowing students to enhance their academic skills and leadership potential. It maintains a safe space for everyone to study and achieve their dreams through academic excellence.

14. Peru State College

Peru State College is a public college located in Peru, Nebraska. As the first institution in Nebraska, it was established in 1865 by the Methodist Episcopal Church. The college offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the following departments: School of Education, School of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Professional Studies.

15. South Texas College

South Texas College is a public institution that was established to address the educational needs in the Southern area of Texas, where it has six campuses. It offers five bachelor’s degree programs, dozens of associate degree programs, and certificates. It works in partnership with other universities to give opportunities to those students who would like to get a bachelor’s degree after they finish their associate’s program or a master’s degree after obtaining their bachelor’s degree. The university is known for its Manufacturing Institute, dedicated to research and providing training to businesses and employees.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in United States for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in United States ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
The Juilliard School 0 USD - 55,500 USD 100%
Curtis Institute of Music 0 USD 100%
United States Merchant Marine Academy 0 USD 100%
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science 0 USD - 14,700 USD 100%
Worcester State University 2,268 USD - 3,402 USD 86%
Belhaven University 2,388 USD - 14,800 USD 85%
University of the Cumberlands 2,640 USD - 3,960 USD 83%
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 2,724 USD - 4,937 USD 83%
Central Methodist University 3,300 USD - 7,200 USD 79%
Eastern University 3,600 USD - 14,300 USD 77%
Southwestern Oklahoma State University 3,630 USD - 6,955 USD 77%
Doane University 3,660 USD - 10,600 USD 77%
Buena Vista University 3,720 USD - 8,910 USD 76%
Western New Mexico University 3,762 USD - 5,644 USD 76%
Southeastern Oklahoma State University 3,792 USD - 5,688 USD 76%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 15,500 USD for universities in United States.

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1. The Juilliard School

Hailed among the world’s best performing arts universities is The Juilliard School. It features a competitive acceptance rate, with only 7% of applicants successfully getting in the prestigious university. The Juilliard School has won over 300 Emmy, Grammy, Tony, and Oscar awards through world-class performances and renowned alumni.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, The Juilliard School should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 USD to 55,500 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Curtis Institute of Music

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Curtis Institute of Music. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Curtis Institute of Music is 0 USD.

Curtis Institute of Music is a private music school that offers tuition-free education to aspiring musicians. It was established in 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Students of the institute learn from several notable artists and music experts. 

3. United States Merchant Marine Academy

United States Merchant Marine Academy is a federal service academy that aims to train students who want to pursue a career in marine transportation, national security, and economics. It is known for its rigorous coursework with a heavy emphasis on practical learning. The academy is connected with multiple working commercial vessels abroad to allow students to gain real-world experiences during their stay.

The tuition fee at United States Merchant Marine Academy for incoming international master’s students is 0 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science

Another affordable university to consider in United States is Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.

Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science was established by the Mayo brothers, one of the first three-year university-based programs for the training of graduate physicians practicing their specialty. It is known to have the largest number of ACGME-accredited programs and the only graduate medical education institution in the world. Currently, the College has three campuses in Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota.

The tuition fee in Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science for master’s program for foreign students starts from 0 USD.

5. Worcester State University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Worcester State University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 2,268 USD yearly.

As it strives to be a center for innovation, Worcester State University offers students academic programs that mold them to be future leaders of the community. Worcester is also known for its competitive curriculums that sharpen students’ skills. A dynamic and vibrant community is also present within the campus through various organizations, activities, and facilities.

6. Belhaven University

Belhaven College is a private evangelical Christian university located in Jackson, Mississippi, United States, founded in 1883. The university was founded on Peachtree Street by the merger of Mississippi Synodical College and McCob Female Institute. Belhaven University offers a total of 27 bachelor’s degrees and eight master’s degrees. In particular, in the arts fields such as the music department, the arts department, and the dance department, it is so famous that it is a member of the National Association of Arts Schools.

7. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands (UC) is a private university in Williamsburg, Kentucky. It was founded in 1888 as Williamsburg Institute by Baptist ministers. UC provides students with a broad liberal arts curriculum that includes Christian teachings. Students at UC are encouraged to put their faith into action through a student-centered community and to think critically in order to grow professionally and intellectually.

8. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts primarily offers undergrad programs. However, it also has a minimal number of grad programs, some of which are provided in online mode only. MCLA is a member of the state’s university system. It is ranked 601 among US colleges by Times Higher Education.

9. Central Methodist University

Founded in 1854, Central Methodist University is a four-year, private liberal arts university. It aims to be a diverse and caring community, empowering students to become lifelong learners, committed to academic excellence, and prepared to engage in a complex world. Central Methodist University nurtures a spirit of community and caring among students, faculty, and staff.

10. Eastern University

Eastern University was initially founded as the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary by six Baptist Ministers on Chestnut Street. After the establishment of the Eastern Baptist College within the seminary, it was recognized as a separate institution, and it was relocated to St. Davids. The college was granted university status in 2001 and has grown to offer various programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

11. Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University is one of the prominent public universities in the country. It provides undergraduate and graduate programs both on-campus and online. Throughout the years, the university has progressed and started to integrate technology into its educational curriculum.

12. Doane University

Established in 1872, Doane University is a small private higher education school offering liberal arts programs at all levels. One of the university’s missions is to help students find success by equipping them with the proper knowledge and skills. It is dedicated to improving the lives of its students while helping them grow as leaders and experts in their chosen career paths. The university is always looking to find ways to provide good quality education by continuously improving its system and developing advanced future-oriented programs.

13. Buena Vista University

Buena Vista University provides several on-site, online, and hybrid courses for undergrad and grad students. Its quality of online education is backed by 15 years of experience teaching online classes. Many opportunities are open for BVU students, including internships, volunteering, teaching, research, and more.

14. Western New Mexico University

Western New Mexico University is a public university in Silver City, New Mexico. Because a large portion of the student body is Hispanic, the school is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution. Undergraduate and graduate students can choose from more than 70 different fields of study at WNMU.

15. Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a public university in Durant, Oklahoma. The university provides undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines. Their curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, communication skills, and real-world application.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in United States?

Applying to cheap universities in United States requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in United States?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in United States. For example, one of the best affordable schools in United States is the Berea College, which offers Appalachian Studies, Biology, and Engineering Technologies and Applied Design to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Belhaven University offers Business Administration, Leadership, and Public Administration.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in United States, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in United States as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on free and affordable institutions in United States for international students was helpful!