9 Cheapest Universities in Houston for International Students

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In Houston, Texas, 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 Houston, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 10 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Houston, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 12,900 USD - 19,300 USD 56%
University of Houston-Downtown 15,700 USD - 19,600 USD 47%
Texas Southern University 17,300 USD - 18,300 USD 41%
University of Houston-Clear Lake 26,000 USD 11%
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston 27,800 USD - 34,700 USD 5%
University of Houston 27,800 USD 5%
Houston Christian University 38,000 USD -31%
Rice University 66,600 USD -129%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 29,000 USD for universities in Houston.

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1. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

With a heavy emphasis on concepts relating to cancer, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is the largest cancer center in the country. It serves not only as a degree-granting institution but also as a cancer treatment and research institute. Aspiring students who want to pursue this aspect of the medical field will indeed find the institution a perfect and productive training ground.

2. University of Houston-Downtown

Since its establishment, the University of Houston-Downtown went through numerous changes to meet the educational needs of the fourth-largest city in America. The university is located in one of the most diverse communities in the country, which is why it is popular among international students. The university provides intensive supervision to clearly monitor the students’ academic progress.

3. Texas Southern University

Texas Southern University (TSU) was primarily established to educate Black Americans. Today, not only is it known for being one of the largest black universities but also for welcoming international students from across the globe, making it one of the most diverse communities in the state of Texas. TSU offers over 100 educational programs at all levels. Students have countless options as various fields of study are being offered.

4. University of Houston-Clear Lake

The University of Houston-Clear Lake is one of the four independent members of the University of Houston System. It comprises four colleges, one each for business; education; human sciences and humanities; and science and engineering. These four colleges offer 90+ undergrad and grad programs annually. Besides its main campus, UHCL has branches in Pearland and Texas Medical Center.

5. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is an academic institution that heavily focuses on degrees related to health, medicine, and more. It offers comprehensive training to aspiring students who want to pursue a career in the medical field. To intensify the students’ educational experience, the university has its own research centers and greatly coordinates with numerous public hospitals.

6. University of Houston

The University of Houston is one of the largest academic institutes in Texas, with a student population of over 40,000. UH is also home to the most innovative researchers contributing to advancements in artificial intelligence, biomedical sciences, and space exploration. The university offers over 300 degree programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

7. Houston Christian University

Houston Christian University is a private Baptist university located in Houston, Texas. It was established in 1960. Students at HCU are encouraged to participate in Christ-centered community and spiritual formation as part of the learning process. HCU’s mission is to provide a learning environment that inspires students to strive for academic, spiritual, and professional success.

8. Rice University

Rice University was named after the man whose fortune and last will led to the establishment of the university. This private institution in Texas is unique for having a small student population, such that the student-faculty ratio is 6:1. Such a ratio allows for a more focused, quality education and training for each student. While the university offers a variety of programs, it is most known for its applied sciences.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Texas Southern University 5,460 USD - 8,190 USD 73%
Houston Christian University 6,540 USD - 17,100 USD 67%
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston 7,836 USD - 19,700 USD 61%
University of Houston-Downtown 9,687 USD - 14,600 USD 51%
University of Houston 10,600 USD - 17,600 USD 47%
University of Houston-Clear Lake 19,400 USD 2%
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 20,500 USD - 30,700 USD -3%
South Texas College of Law Houston 37,900 USD -92%
Rice University 59,800 USD -203%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 19,800 USD for universities in Houston.

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1. Texas Southern University

Texas Southern University (TSU) was primarily established to educate Black Americans. Today, not only is it known for being one of the largest black universities but also for welcoming international students from across the globe, making it one of the most diverse communities in the state of Texas. TSU offers over 100 educational programs at all levels. Students have countless options as various fields of study are being offered.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Texas Southern University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 5,460 USD to 8,190 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Houston Christian University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Houston Christian University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Houston Christian University is 6,540 USD to 17,100 USD.

Houston Christian University is a private Baptist university located in Houston, Texas. It was established in 1960. Students at HCU are encouraged to participate in Christ-centered community and spiritual formation as part of the learning process. HCU’s mission is to provide a learning environment that inspires students to strive for academic, spiritual, and professional success.

3. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is an academic institution that heavily focuses on degrees related to health, medicine, and more. It offers comprehensive training to aspiring students who want to pursue a career in the medical field. To intensify the students’ educational experience, the university has its own research centers and greatly coordinates with numerous public hospitals.

The tuition fee at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston for incoming international master’s students is 7,836 USD to 19,674 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. University of Houston-Downtown

Another affordable university to consider in Houston is University of Houston-Downtown.

Since its establishment, the University of Houston-Downtown went through numerous changes to meet the educational needs of the fourth-largest city in America. The university is located in one of the most diverse communities in the country, which is why it is popular among international students. The university provides intensive supervision to clearly monitor the students’ academic progress.

The tuition fee in University of Houston-Downtown for master’s program for foreign students starts from 9,687 USD.

5. University of Houston

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of Houston 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 10,572 USD yearly.

The University of Houston is one of the largest academic institutes in Texas, with a student population of over 40,000. UH is also home to the most innovative researchers contributing to advancements in artificial intelligence, biomedical sciences, and space exploration. The university offers over 300 degree programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

6. University of Houston-Clear Lake

The University of Houston-Clear Lake is one of the four independent members of the University of Houston System. It comprises four colleges, one each for business; education; human sciences and humanities; and science and engineering. These four colleges offer 90+ undergrad and grad programs annually. Besides its main campus, UHCL has branches in Pearland and Texas Medical Center.

7. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

With a heavy emphasis on concepts relating to cancer, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is the largest cancer center in the country. It serves not only as a degree-granting institution but also as a cancer treatment and research institute. Aspiring students who want to pursue this aspect of the medical field will indeed find the institution a perfect and productive training ground.

8. South Texas College of Law Houston

South Texas College of Law Houston is a private law school in Houston, Texas, and the oldest law school in the city. The college has an outstanding reputation in its field. It is known especially for its trial advocacy program, which has consistently ranked in the top 10 nationwide, and the Moot Court program, which ranked first in the country in 2018. Students from South Texas College of Law Houston are offered various opportunities to study abroad, including in London, Ireland, and Malta.

9. Rice University

Rice University was named after the man whose fortune and last will led to the establishment of the university. This private institution in Texas is unique for having a small student population, such that the student-faculty ratio is 6:1. Such a ratio allows for a more focused, quality education and training for each student. While the university offers a variety of programs, it is most known for its applied sciences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Houston, Texas?

Applying to cheap universities in Houston 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 Houston?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Houston. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Houston is the Houston Christian University, which offers Animation, Biblical Languages, and Accounting to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Houston Christian University offers Apologetics, Christian Counseling, and Christian Psychological 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 Houston, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Houston for international students was helpful!