7 Cheapest Universities in San Antonio for International Students

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In San Antonio, 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 San Antonio, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 7 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in San Antonio, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in San Antonio for International Students

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Texas A&M University – San Antonio 4,624 USD 84%
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 17,000 USD - 25,100 USD 39%
University of Texas at San Antonio 26,400 USD 5%
Our Lady of the Lake University 30,200 USD -8%
University of the Incarnate Word 32,500 USD -17%
St. Mary’s University 34,200 USD -23%
Trinity University 49,300 USD -77%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 27,800 USD for universities in San Antonio.

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1. Texas A&M University – San Antonio

Texas A and M University in San Antonio considers itself a contemporary institution that strives to provide equal and inclusive opportunities to all students, helping them become responsible and global citizens of tomorrow. It offers around 45 bachelor’s and master’s programs across its three schools. The university campus was built with historically-styled architecture combined with state-of-the-art facilities that meet the needs of today’s students.

2. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Established to serve the residents of its surrounding region, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is a research institution that is situated in the southern parts of Texas. Also known as UT Health San Antonio, this university currently contains five academic colleges that involve medicine, nursing, dentistry, health professions, and biomedical sciences. Due to its comprehensive programs, many students have decided to study here at UT Health San Antonio.

3. University of Texas at San Antonio

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is a public institution founded in 1969. UTSA is a flourishing university that offers a broad spectrum of academic programs at all levels. Diversity is highly promoted on its campuses. It recruits students from across the globe regardless of ethnicity, with most of its student body being of Hispanic origin. Moreover, the university has a vibrant learning environment where students support each other while teachers assist in the academic needs of their students.

4. Our Lady of the Lake University

Our Lady of the Lake University is a higher education institution in San Antonio, Texas, that offers undergraduate and graduate level programs to the youth, either through on-campus or online learning. Founded in 1895 by a religious organization, its mission, vision, and values of Catholic intellect, inclusivity, integrity, trust, and service have entrenched themselves in its 100 years as a hub for learning. In their data for Fall of 2020, they recorded a total of 2550 enrolled students that afford exploration of faith and holistic learning in both fields of academics and sports.

5. University of the Incarnate Word

The University of the Incarnate Word is one of the biggest private Catholic universities in Texas. It has been nationally recognized for providing top-quality programs and research. It is also known as a Hispanic-serving university and has cultivated numerous Hispanic students since its inception. Today, the institution caters to all students regardless of nationality.

6. St. Mary’s University

St. Mary’s University aims to change learners’ life through education. It maintains a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone gets an equal chance to shape their future. The university coordinates with multiple educational institutions to expand the students’ learning experience.

7. Trinity University

Trinity University is a liberal arts university in Texas. It is part of interschool organizations Annapolis Group and the Associated Colleges of the South, both dedicated to the liberal arts. Most of the programs offered are for undergraduates; master’s students choose from a limited number of courses.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in San Antonio for International Students

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Texas A&M University – San Antonio 4,763 USD 67%
Trinity University 7,500 USD - 45,000 USD 48%
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 10,700 USD - 12,100 USD 26%
Our Lady of the Lake University 14,500 USD -0%
University of the Incarnate Word 15,800 USD -9%
St. Mary’s University 20,500 USD -41%
University of Texas at San Antonio 27,400 USD -89%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 14,500 USD for universities in San Antonio.

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1. Texas A&M University – San Antonio

Texas A and M University in San Antonio considers itself a contemporary institution that strives to provide equal and inclusive opportunities to all students, helping them become responsible and global citizens of tomorrow. It offers around 45 bachelor’s and master’s programs across its three schools. The university campus was built with historically-styled architecture combined with state-of-the-art facilities that meet the needs of today’s students.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Texas A&M University – San Antonio should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 4,763 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Trinity University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Trinity University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Trinity University is 7,500 USD to 45,000 USD.

Trinity University is a liberal arts university in Texas. It is part of interschool organizations Annapolis Group and the Associated Colleges of the South, both dedicated to the liberal arts. Most of the programs offered are for undergraduates; master’s students choose from a limited number of courses.

3. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Established to serve the residents of its surrounding region, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is a research institution that is situated in the southern parts of Texas. Also known as UT Health San Antonio, this university currently contains five academic colleges that involve medicine, nursing, dentistry, health professions, and biomedical sciences. Due to its comprehensive programs, many students have decided to study here at UT Health San Antonio.

The tuition fee at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio for incoming international master’s students is 10,696 USD to 12,032 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Our Lady of the Lake University

Another affordable university to consider in San Antonio is Our Lady of the Lake University.

Our Lady of the Lake University is a higher education institution in San Antonio, Texas, that offers undergraduate and graduate level programs to the youth, either through on-campus or online learning. Founded in 1895 by a religious organization, its mission, vision, and values of Catholic intellect, inclusivity, integrity, trust, and service have entrenched themselves in its 100 years as a hub for learning. In their data for Fall of 2020, they recorded a total of 2550 enrolled students that afford exploration of faith and holistic learning in both fields of academics and sports.

The tuition fee in Our Lady of the Lake University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 14,430 USD.

5. University of the Incarnate Word

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of the Incarnate Word 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 15,750 USD yearly.

The University of the Incarnate Word is one of the biggest private Catholic universities in Texas. It has been nationally recognized for providing top-quality programs and research. It is also known as a Hispanic-serving university and has cultivated numerous Hispanic students since its inception. Today, the institution caters to all students regardless of nationality.

6. St. Mary’s University

St. Mary’s University aims to change learners’ life through education. It maintains a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone gets an equal chance to shape their future. The university coordinates with multiple educational institutions to expand the students’ learning experience.

7. University of Texas at San Antonio

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is a public institution founded in 1969. UTSA is a flourishing university that offers a broad spectrum of academic programs at all levels. Diversity is highly promoted on its campuses. It recruits students from across the globe regardless of ethnicity, with most of its student body being of Hispanic origin. Moreover, the university has a vibrant learning environment where students support each other while teachers assist in the academic needs of their students.


Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in San Antonio 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 San Antonio?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in San Antonio. For example, one of the best affordable schools in San Antonio is the Our Lady of the Lake University, which offers Accounting , Biomathematics , and Business to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Our Lady of the Lake University offers Accounting, Counseling , and Teaching .


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 San Antonio, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

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