4 Cheapest Universities in Richmond for International Students

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

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Virginia Union University 10,600 USD 70%
ECPI University 31,400 USD - 69,700 USD 11%
Virginia Commonwealth University 37,600 USD -7%
University of Richmond 60,400 USD -72%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 35,000 USD for universities in Richmond.

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1. Virginia Union University

Virginia Union University is a private historically black Baptist university in Richmond, Virginia. It was established in 1865 by the American Baptist Home Mission Society as the Richmond Theological Institute. Undergraduate and graduate programs are available in the arts, business, education, science, and theology. Divinity/Ministry, Criminology, Biology, and Business Administration are the most popular majors at Virginia Union.

2. ECPI University

ECPI University was founded in 1966 with campuses all around Virginia State. The educational opportunities they have are not bound by the campuses, as online programs can also be taken by students in and out of the United States. Accelerated programs are also available to students, allowing them to work and earn money as soon as or even before they graduate. Tuition fees are also affordable despite being a private university with excellent service and opportunities. More than the low tuition fees, financial assistance is also available for those who extremely need it.

3. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University is an urban public university located in Richmond, Virginia. It was established in 1838 and is known as the first university in the southern states for social work. Over the years, the university has received numerous academic recognitions and research breakthroughs which made it one of the top research universities in America. 

4. University of Richmond

The University of Richmond ensures that students from all over the world will experience magnificent education through intensive training and research opportunities. The university offers a welcoming environment where anyone can feel at home despite being miles away from their families. In recent years, the University of Richmond began strengthening its internationalization by hosting conferences and exhibits.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Virginia Union University 6,765 USD 68%
University of Richmond 24,500 USD -16%
ECPI University 26,000 USD -23%
Virginia Commonwealth University 26,800 USD -27%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 21,000 USD for universities in Richmond.

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1. Virginia Union University

Virginia Union University is a private historically black Baptist university in Richmond, Virginia. It was established in 1865 by the American Baptist Home Mission Society as the Richmond Theological Institute. Undergraduate and graduate programs are available in the arts, business, education, science, and theology. Divinity/Ministry, Criminology, Biology, and Business Administration are the most popular majors at Virginia Union.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Virginia Union University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 6,765 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. University of Richmond

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is University of Richmond. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at University of Richmond is 24,480 USD.

The University of Richmond ensures that students from all over the world will experience magnificent education through intensive training and research opportunities. The university offers a welcoming environment where anyone can feel at home despite being miles away from their families. In recent years, the University of Richmond began strengthening its internationalization by hosting conferences and exhibits.

3. ECPI University

ECPI University was founded in 1966 with campuses all around Virginia State. The educational opportunities they have are not bound by the campuses, as online programs can also be taken by students in and out of the United States. Accelerated programs are also available to students, allowing them to work and earn money as soon as or even before they graduate. Tuition fees are also affordable despite being a private university with excellent service and opportunities. More than the low tuition fees, financial assistance is also available for those who extremely need it.

The tuition fee at ECPI University for incoming international master’s students is 25,920 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Virginia Commonwealth University

Another affordable university to consider in Richmond is Virginia Commonwealth University.

Virginia Commonwealth University is an urban public university located in Richmond, Virginia. It was established in 1838 and is known as the first university in the southern states for social work. Over the years, the university has received numerous academic recognitions and research breakthroughs which made it one of the top research universities in America. 

The tuition fee in Virginia Commonwealth University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 26,748 USD.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Richmond, Virginia?

Applying to cheap universities in Richmond 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 Richmond?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Richmond. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Richmond is the ECPI University, which offers Data Analytic , Software Development , and Mechatronics to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the ECPI University offers Cybersecurity , Healthcare Administration , and Information Systems .


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 Richmond for international students was helpful!