15 Cheapest Universities in Texas for International Students

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In 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 Texas, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 77 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Texas, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
South Texas College 6,096 USD - 7,620 USD 79%
Midland College 6,180 USD - 7,350 USD 79%
Paul Quinn College 8,898 USD 70%
Huston-Tillotson University 10,100 USD - 12,700 USD 66%
Sam Houston State University 11,000 USD - 13,700 USD 63%
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center 11,400 USD - 30,900 USD 61%
Southwestern Christian College 12,600 USD 57%
Sul Ross State University 13,600 USD 54%
Texas Woman’s University 15,500 USD - 19,300 USD 47%
University of Houston-Downtown 15,700 USD - 19,600 USD 46%
University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston 15,700 USD 46%
Lamar University 16,000 USD - 20,000 USD 45%
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 16,800 USD 42%
Texas A&M University-Central Texas 17,200 USD 41%
Texas Southern University 17,300 USD - 18,300 USD 41%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 28,900 USD for universities in Texas.

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1. South Texas College

South Texas College is a public institution that was established to address the educational needs in the Southern area of Texas, where it has six campuses. It offers five bachelor’s degree programs, dozens of associate degree programs, and certificates. It works in partnership with other universities to give opportunities to those students who would like to get a bachelor’s degree after they finish their associate’s program or a master’s degree after obtaining their bachelor’s degree. The university is known for its Manufacturing Institute, dedicated to research and providing training to businesses and employees.

2. Midland College

Midland College is devoted to acceptance and inclusion. It embraces the value of diversity, the dignity and means of all individuals, and the educational, professional, and individual development of students and workers. Since Midland College started offering its first classes in 1972, it has welcomed those from diverse cultures, religions, nationalities, and ideologies.

3. Paul Quinn College

Paul Quinn College was founded in 1872 and is known as the first historically black institution in Texas. For over 150 years, the college has strived to pursue its mission to provide faith-based education and produce graduates who will help eliminate poverty and make a positive impact on society. All the activities at Paul Quinn College are guided by the ethos “We over Me”, which promotes selflessness and prioritizing the needs of one’s community.

4. Huston-Tillotson University

Huston-Tillotson University (HTU) is a private historically black university in Austin, Texas. It was founded in 1875 as the Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute. The university has two schools that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees: the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Business and Technology. Business, Liberal Arts, and Psychology are among the most popular majors at HTU.

5. Sam Houston State University

Known as the SHSU, Sam Houston State University is a highly-accredited institution that is funded by the federal government. Named after the famous hero who fought for the independence of Texas, the SHSU was established in the late nineteenth century, which made this institution to be one of the oldest universities in the state. When it comes to academics, Sam Houston State University receives enrollment from all over the world to fill the empty spots of nearly 150 academic programs.

6. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is composed of six schools: Medicine, Nursing, Health Professions, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, and Population and Public Health, offered on its campuses around Texas: Abilene, Amarillo, Dallas, Lubbock, and Midland/Odessa. The center is an independent institution that belongs to a larger union, the Texas Tech University System. It provides not only student education but also patient care as well as engages in biomedical and clinical research.

7. Southwestern Christian College

Southwestern Christian College is guided by the Christian Living principle, which means being able to effectively fulfill one’s role in the business and social world while simultaneously being ethical and grounded in the Word of God. The teachings in the institution are designed to holistically develop students and help them effectively participate in the community without degrading or belittling others. Southwestern Christian College seeks to produce graduates who do not just aim for individual accolades but also strive for the growth and development of the community it belongs in.

8. Sul Ross State University

Sul Ross State University boasts a mixture of small class sizes, an appreciation of fine arts and the sciences, and popular proficient programs in a relaxed, pleasant environment. Students at the university enjoy a gorgeous 93-acre main campus of exquisitely-detailed structures, a variety of equipment and training centers, and appreciate the most moderate state climate.

9. Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University (TWU) is the first gender-centered institution in the country with a mission to provide education and prepare young women “for the practical industries of the age.” It was only in 1972 since its inception that the institution started to accept the male gender into its programs. However, TWU remains the largest university for women in the United States.

10. 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.

11. University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston is the first public university in the United States to offer both medical education and medical services. The university currently has four campuses with hospitals and clinics that provide health care services and serve as training grounds for future medical professionals. The university is also known for its innovative medical research and for providing numerous job opportunities to over 46,000 Texans. 

12. Lamar University

Located on the southern coast of Texas, Lamar University (LU) is a fast-growing institution that is part of the Texas State University System. Housing nearly 20,000 students, the LU is a highly-accredited liberal arts college that offers over 150 selections in bachelor’s, master’s, and even Ph.D. courses. To further increase the student body while making its education more affordable, much funding has been spent on scholarships and financial aid for its prospective students.

13. 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.

14. Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Established in 2009, Texas A&M University-Central Texas is a rapidly growing institution that provides high-quality, accessible, and affordable education that focuses on serving the greater community. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of academic disciplines. The A&M-Central Texas Foundation also exists to provide different opportunities for its students to obtain assistance and support throughout their educational journey.

15. 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.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
East Texas Baptist University 5,160 USD - 7,740 USD 67%
Texas Southern University 5,460 USD - 8,190 USD 65%
Sam Houston State University 5,460 USD - 8,190 USD 65%
Lubbock Christian University 5,760 USD - 30,600 USD 63%
Texas A&M International University 5,784 USD - 8,676 USD 63%
Our Lady of the Lake University 5,964 USD - 17,900 USD 62%
Texas Lutheran University 6,000 USD - 37,000 USD 62%
Huston-Tillotson University 6,150 USD - 12,600 USD 61%
Houston Christian University 6,540 USD - 17,100 USD 58%
Howard Payne University 7,608 USD - 11,500 USD 52%
Concordia University Texas 7,680 USD - 14,200 USD 51%
Sul Ross State University 8,234 USD - 12,400 USD 48%
Texas Woman’s University 8,736 USD - 13,200 USD 44%
Lamar University 9,174 USD - 13,800 USD 41%
Wayland Baptist University 9,264 USD 41%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 15,600 USD for universities in Texas.

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1. East Texas Baptist University

East Texas Baptist University offers 45 bachelor’s degree programs and a wide range of online and on-campus master’s degree programs. Since this is a Baptist institution, Christian principles are at the core of education. These values are part of all programs, and students participate in a wide variety of activities, such as group prayers, chapel service, worships, and missions. That’s why the university is determined to provide a comprehensive transformative educational experience through which students will grow not only professionally but also spiritually and emotionally.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, East Texas Baptist University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 5,160 USD to 7,740 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Texas Southern University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Texas Southern University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Texas Southern University is 5,460 USD to 8,190 USD.

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.

3. Sam Houston State University

Known as the SHSU, Sam Houston State University is a highly-accredited institution that is funded by the federal government. Named after the famous hero who fought for the independence of Texas, the SHSU was established in the late nineteenth century, which made this institution to be one of the oldest universities in the state. When it comes to academics, Sam Houston State University receives enrollment from all over the world to fill the empty spots of nearly 150 academic programs.

The tuition fee at Sam Houston State University for incoming international master’s students is 5,460 USD to 8,190 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Lubbock Christian University

Another affordable university to consider in Texas is Lubbock Christian University.

Lubbock Christian University was established in 1957 by the Congregations of Christ fellows, who came together to designate a Christian university on the South Plains of Texas. The university was built to ready and equip students for the lives of Christian assistance. With over 65 undergraduate majors, LCU has been acknowledged by United States News & World Report as one of the leading comprehensive universities in the Western Region.

The tuition fee in Lubbock Christian University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 5,760 USD.

5. Texas A&M International University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Texas A&M International University 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 5,784 USD yearly.

With two schools and three colleges, Texas A&M International University offers around 70 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Since it’s located in Laredo, a city with one of the highest Hispanic populations in the US, the university offers some programs in Spanish and has an International Language Institute. It also has multiple dual degree options and 10 master’s degrees that are entirely taught online. The university has research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students across its 5 centers, like the Center for Earth and Environmental Studies and the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory.

6. 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.

7. Texas Lutheran University

Texas Lutheran University (TLU) is a private Evangelical university in Seguin, Texas. It began in 1891 as the Lutheran College of Seguin, Texas, with only 46 students. TLU learners will benefit from small class sizes of 19 students per class. Business, accounting, education, kinesiology, athletic training, and biology are the most popular majors at TLU.

8. Huston-Tillotson University

Huston-Tillotson University (HTU) is a private historically black university in Austin, Texas. It was founded in 1875 as the Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute. The university has two schools that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees: the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Business and Technology. Business, Liberal Arts, and Psychology are among the most popular majors at HTU.

9. 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.

10. Howard Payne University

Howard Payne University is a private Baptist university in Brownwood, Texas. It was founded in 1889 by the Pecan Valley Baptist Association and named after Edward Howard Payne, its first major donor. More than 100 fields of study are available at the university, including business, religious studies, education, humanities, fine arts, and health science.

11. Concordia University Texas

Concordia University Texas is a Lutheran university in Austin, Texas whose mission is to train future Christian leaders. Concordia University Texas has majors, minors, and learning programs within four fields of study: Business and Communication, Nursing, Education, and Arts and Sciences. The university campus is known for having a nature reserve with hot springs and wetlands.

12. Sul Ross State University

Sul Ross State University boasts a mixture of small class sizes, an appreciation of fine arts and the sciences, and popular proficient programs in a relaxed, pleasant environment. Students at the university enjoy a gorgeous 93-acre main campus of exquisitely-detailed structures, a variety of equipment and training centers, and appreciate the most moderate state climate.

13. Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University (TWU) is the first gender-centered institution in the country with a mission to provide education and prepare young women “for the practical industries of the age.” It was only in 1972 since its inception that the institution started to accept the male gender into its programs. However, TWU remains the largest university for women in the United States.

14. Lamar University

Located on the southern coast of Texas, Lamar University (LU) is a fast-growing institution that is part of the Texas State University System. Housing nearly 20,000 students, the LU is a highly-accredited liberal arts college that offers over 150 selections in bachelor’s, master’s, and even Ph.D. courses. To further increase the student body while making its education more affordable, much funding has been spent on scholarships and financial aid for its prospective students.

15. Wayland Baptist University

In the 1980s, Wayland transformed from college to the university level and began proposing graduate and lifelong learning agendas. Wayland Baptist University is committed to providing an innovative education proclaimed by a Christian worldview. Its devotion to a transformative background of faith and learning is affirmed in the university’s mission and core values. These declarations of purpose shape the growth of every Wayland student.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in Texas 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 Texas?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Texas. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Texas is the Huston-Tillotson University, which offers Biology, Communication, and Chemistry to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Concordia University Texas offers Business Administration, Education Degree, and Public Health.

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 Texas, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

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