4 Cheapest Universities in Columbus for International Students

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In Columbus, Ohio, 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 Columbus, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 4 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Columbus, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Franklin University 15,800 USD 50%
Ohio Dominican University 32,800 USD -5%
Columbus College of Art and Design 37,700 USD -21%
Ohio State University 38,000 USD -22%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 31,100 USD for universities in Columbus.

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1. Franklin University

Franklin University is a private institution that has been in the education industry since 1902. It was primarily established to educate adult learners who wish to obtain a degree. Today, the university offers online study programs to accommodate busy students and working professionals. Additionally, its main campus in Ohio provides on-site programs for students who prefer the traditional learning approach.

2. Ohio Dominican University

As a Catholic liberal arts university, Ohio Dominican University directed its educational mission by the Dominican slogan: to contemplate truth and share the fruits of this contemplation with others. Ohio Dominican enlightens individuals devoted to intellectual, spiritual, and professional development, which grow into lifelong learners, helping others in a global community. In turn, these students become virtuous and effective leaders grounded in the search for truth, justice, and peace.

3. Columbus College of Art and Design

Columbus College of Art and Design is a private art school located in Columbus, Ohio. It is one of the top private art and design schools in the country. They provide a studio-based curriculum and cutting-edge art facilities for students to reach their full potential.

4. Ohio State University

The Ohio State University has a consistent position in national and global rankings, proving its outstanding record of providing education to all levels. Also, as a comprehensive research institution, they have greatly contributed to the country’s research field and they continue to create innovations in the field. They are included in the top 20 public schools in the USA.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Ohio Dominican University 8,100 USD - 9,450 USD 59%
Franklin University 8,970 USD - 10,100 USD 55%
Columbus College of Art and Design 25,000 USD - 39,700 USD -28%
Ohio State University 36,000 USD - 53,900 USD -84%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 19,600 USD for universities in Columbus.

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1. Ohio Dominican University

As a Catholic liberal arts university, Ohio Dominican University directed its educational mission by the Dominican slogan: to contemplate truth and share the fruits of this contemplation with others. Ohio Dominican enlightens individuals devoted to intellectual, spiritual, and professional development, which grow into lifelong learners, helping others in a global community. In turn, these students become virtuous and effective leaders grounded in the search for truth, justice, and peace.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Ohio Dominican University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 8,100 USD to 9,450 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Franklin University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Franklin University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Franklin University is 8,970 USD to 10,050 USD.

Franklin University is a private institution that has been in the education industry since 1902. It was primarily established to educate adult learners who wish to obtain a degree. Today, the university offers online study programs to accommodate busy students and working professionals. Additionally, its main campus in Ohio provides on-site programs for students who prefer the traditional learning approach.

3. Columbus College of Art and Design

Columbus College of Art and Design is a private art school located in Columbus, Ohio. It is one of the top private art and design schools in the country. They provide a studio-based curriculum and cutting-edge art facilities for students to reach their full potential.

The tuition fee at Columbus College of Art and Design for incoming international master’s students is 25,000 USD to 39,650 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Ohio State University

Another affordable university to consider in Columbus is Ohio State University.

The Ohio State University has a consistent position in national and global rankings, proving its outstanding record of providing education to all levels. Also, as a comprehensive research institution, they have greatly contributed to the country’s research field and they continue to create innovations in the field. They are included in the top 20 public schools in the USA.

The tuition fee in Ohio State University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 35,948 USD.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Columbus, Ohio?

Applying to cheap universities in Columbus 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 Columbus?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Columbus. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Columbus is the Columbus College of Art and Design, which offers Advertising and Graphic Design, Animation, and Comics and Narrative Practice to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Columbus College of Art and Design offers Visual Arts, and Retail Design.

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 Columbus for international students was helpful!