5 Cheapest Universities in Columbia for International Students

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In Columbia, South Carolina, there are a handful 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, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Columbia, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 5 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Columbia, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Columbia for International Students

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Allen University 12,600 USD 42%
Benedict College 15,400 USD 29%
Columbia College, South Carolina 20,700 USD 5%
Columbia International University 25,700 USD -18%
University of South Carolina 33,600 USD -55%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 21,600 USD for universities in Columbia, Sc.

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1. Allen University

Allen University was established in 1870 through the efforts of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to educate and train aspiring ministers and lawyers in South Carolina. Despite several challenges, the university continued to grow and develop in pursuit of its mission to make a positive impact on society by providing excellent and faith-based education. Some of the most well-known degrees offered at the university are its programs in theology, business, and social sciences.

2. Benedict College

Benedict College was primarily an educational institution that offered undergraduate degrees. Recently, it has decided to open master’s courses in order to attract and train more students worldwide. The institution actively participates in national and foreign research activities, enabling its students to gain exposure to the actual industry and explore more career opportunities.

3. Columbia College, South Carolina

Columbia College in South Carolina provides online, hybrid, and on-campus undergraduate and graduate level programs for students in and out of the United States. Founded in 1854, its 167 longstanding higher educational services have allowed them to be regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized by various organizations like the U.S. News and World Reports. The vision of the school is to empower students capable of innovation, commitment, social justice, service, and leadership as translated by their academic excellence and experience in the community.

4. Columbia International University

For those who are interested in receiving an education that follows the values of Christianity, Columbia International University is the perfect place for obtaining a degree. This private institution offers 22 bachelor’s degree programs and about 30 master’s degree programs that are available in multiple Christian-related areas, like Chaplaincy and Ministry Studies. Its five colleges have small-sized classes for all majors, which are focused on covering biblical studies and exploring Christian principles. This means that no matter what area of study you choose, Columbia International University will show you the path to explore your faith with the support of its closed-knitted community.

5. University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina is the state’s oldest educational institution, granting access to quality tertiary education since 1801. A prominent university with a global influence in research and innovation, the University of South Carolina offers over 350 degree programs in medicine, engineering, business, and social sciences. It also houses the largest Ernest Hemingway literary collection.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Columbia for International Students

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Allen University 8,100 USD 45%
Columbia International University 8,175 USD - 8,925 USD 44%
Benedict College 12,200 USD 17%
University of South Carolina 29,800 USD -104%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 14,600 USD for universities in Columbia, Sc.

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1. Allen University

Allen University was established in 1870 through the efforts of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to educate and train aspiring ministers and lawyers in South Carolina. Despite several challenges, the university continued to grow and develop in pursuit of its mission to make a positive impact on society by providing excellent and faith-based education. Some of the most well-known degrees offered at the university are its programs in theology, business, and social sciences.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Allen University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 8,100 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Columbia International University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Columbia International University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Columbia International University is 8,175 USD to 8,925 USD.

For those who are interested in receiving an education that follows the values of Christianity, Columbia International University is the perfect place for obtaining a degree. This private institution offers 22 bachelor’s degree programs and about 30 master’s degree programs that are available in multiple Christian-related areas, like Chaplaincy and Ministry Studies. Its five colleges have small-sized classes for all majors, which are focused on covering biblical studies and exploring Christian principles. This means that no matter what area of study you choose, Columbia International University will show you the path to explore your faith with the support of its closed-knitted community.

3. Benedict College

Benedict College was primarily an educational institution that offered undergraduate degrees. Recently, it has decided to open master’s courses in order to attract and train more students worldwide. The institution actively participates in national and foreign research activities, enabling its students to gain exposure to the actual industry and explore more career opportunities.

The tuition fee at Benedict College for incoming international master’s students is 12,120 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. University of South Carolina

Another affordable university to consider in Columbia is University of South Carolina.

The University of South Carolina is the state’s oldest educational institution, granting access to quality tertiary education since 1801. A prominent university with a global influence in research and innovation, the University of South Carolina offers over 350 degree programs in medicine, engineering, business, and social sciences. It also houses the largest Ernest Hemingway literary collection.

The tuition fee in University of South Carolina for master’s program for foreign students starts from 29,760 USD.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Columbia, South Carolina?

Applying to cheap universities in Columbia 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 Columbia?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Columbia. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Columbia is the Allen University, which offers Sports Management, Social Science, and Criminal Justice to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Allen University offers Divinity, and Religious Studies.

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 affordable institutions in Columbia for international students was helpful!