One of the main factors that attract international students to the U.S. is good higher education programs to choose from. However, the dream to study in the U.S. can be hard to achieve, as not everyone can afford the expensive tuition fees of U.S. colleges.
Affordability is an important factor when choosing a college for higher education. Many universities around the United States offer scholarships that eventually lower tuition fees. However, you cannot take advantage of these scholarships if you are not eligible.
Here is a list of the 10 most affordable colleges in the U.S. that offer excellent programs for International Students.
The List Of 10 Affordable Colleges in the U.S.
1. Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah is supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The tuition costs are subsidized for all students. Although it is a religious university, it accepts non-Mormon students.
Average Tuition Cost:
The average cost of undergraduate programs for non-LDS students is $5,790 per semester.
International Students:
About 3.8% of the student body consists of international students.
2. Alabama State University
This diverse public university in Montgomery, Alabama offers various undergraduate and graduate programs.
Average Tuition Cost:
The on-campus tuition fee for undergraduate programs is approximately $19,936.
International Students:
The university welcomes approximately 1.3% international students every year.
3. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota is a public university with campuses in the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The most popular courses offered by the university are in social sciences, biology, engineering, and psychology.
Average Tuition Cost: Estimated costs for undergraduate programs is $28,910.
International Students: The university stats suggest that around 12% of its students come from outside the U.S.
4. Truman State University
Located in rural Kirksville, Missouri, Truman State University offers diverse courses in liberal arts and science. The student-to-faculty ratio in the university is 14:1.
Average Tuition Cost: It is approximately $14,842 for undergraduate students.
International Students: An estimated 6.7% of the total student body at the university is made up of international students.
5. California Polytechnic State University
Cal Poly lies between Los Angeles and San Francisco in San Luis Obispo, which is considered as one of the happiest cities in the United States. The university offers programs in business studies, engineering, biomedical, and agriculture.
Average Tuition Cost: It is approximately $23,349 for undergraduate students.
International Students: Approximately 7.5% of the student body is made up of international students.
6. Florida State University
Florida State University lies in Tallahassee, Florida. It is a public university that offers graduate and undergraduate programs in English, psychology, medicine, law, and more.
Average Tuition Cost: It is approximately $21,683 for undergraduate students.
International Students: About 8.4% of the university’s students come from outside the United States.
7. Purdue University
Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana is famous for its engineering programs. The university was founded in 1869 and offers great programs in math, science, and technology.
Average Tuition Cost: It is approximately $30,954 for undergraduate students.
International Students: Average annual enrollment consists of about 22% international students.
8. Binghamton University
Binghamton University is one of the most sought-after universities in the U.S. Students from all over the world come here to enroll in their popular programs. The university offers great campus culture to its students. It has more than 80 graduate and over 130 undergraduate programs to choose from.
Average Tuition Cost: It is approximately $26,328 for undergraduate students.
International Students: The university celebrates a diverse culture, as more than 2,500 international students enroll here every year.
9. University of Iowa
The University of Iowa was founded in 1847. It is one of the oldest universities in the state. The university is divided into 12 colleges, and offers more than 200 areas of study to its students.
Average Tuition Cost: It is approximately $29,770 for undergraduate students.
International Students: Approximately 10% of the total students in the university are international.
10. Cameron University
Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma offers more than 50 courses through two-year, four-year and undergraduate programs.
Average Tuition Cost: It is approximately $15,870 for undergraduate students.
International Students: Estimated 3.6% of the students in the university are non-U.S. students.
Additional Costs of Studying in the U.S.
There are expenses other than your tuition fees that might effectively increase your cost of living in the United States. These expenses include but are not limited to:
- Cost of transportation
- Cost of accommodation and food
- Cost of International student health insurance
- Cost of clothing, entertainment
How to Manage Expenses in the U.S.?
While a lot depends on your choice of lifestyle, there are a few expenses that you can easily control. Choose to live closer to your campus to save a considerable amount on transportation. Many international students also opt to cook at home instead of eating out to save on costs of food.
Most of the universities in the U.S. require their students to buy international student health insurance prior to attending classes. Make sure you understand the requirements for health insurance for yourself and any accompanying dependents before you purchase. You can choose a plan with maximum benefits and minimum premium costs.
