The USA is a popular location in which students wish to study. The cost of education in the USA is amongst the highest in the world. Every student at some point in their life might have thought of studying in the USA. However, many students might have given up on this plan, due to the high tuition and accommodation costs.
Education can be an expensive affair, especially when it comes to pursuing higher studies overseas. There is a vast difference between the tuition fees charged by public and private universities in the USA. Also, for international students, the cost of tuition fees is higher than that of resident students.
If you wish to study in the USA and want to be a part of a university that fits your budget, then do check out the list of public universities in the USA as their tuition fees are comparatively lower than the private universities. While several scholarship programs and education loans are available for students, there are also some cheap and affordable universities in the USA where students can study. These universities are known for their distinguished faculty, diverse academic curriculum, innovative research programs, and multicultural environment.
List of the Cheapest and Affordable Universities in the USA
Picking up the right university for what we wish to study, plays a crucial role especially when you are on a tight budget. Below is a list of some of the cheapest and most affordable universities in the USA which are well-known for their academic programs and teaching facilities.
- California State University, Bernardino
- Bringham Young University, Provo
- Southwest Minnesota State University, Minnesota
- Dakota State University, Madison
- Nicholls State University, Thibodaux
- University of Buffalo, New York
- Northern State University, Aberdeen
- Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell
- Delta State University, Mississippi
- Mississippi University of Women, Columbus
Now, we will see the specific details of the above-mentioned cheap, affordable public universities in the US.
1.California State University, Bernardino
California State University was established in 1965. It is located in San Bernardino, California. As per the Wall Street Journal, regarding Social Mobility, California State University has been ranked at the 3rd position in the US. It has been classified among the “R2 Doctoral Universities- High Research activity.”
It has an acceptance rate of 90% and a student-faculty ratio of 22:1. A student needs to obtain a minimum 3.0 GPA and a SAT score between 810-1030, to seek admission to this university. The university has 123 programs for bachelors, 61 courses for masters, two Doctor of Education (Ed. D) programs, and 23 teaching credentials.
It is divided into three liberal arts colleges and three vocational colleges. A notable feature of Cal State San Bernardino is its University Center for Developmental Disabilities which has a clinical training program for autistic children and their parents and siblings.
The most popular majors here are Business, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice and Safety Studies, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, Communications, and English. It also provides courses in Arabic language, Egyptology, and Islamic history.
The President’s Academic Excellence Scholarship Program was started in 2002 by the university’s President Albert K. Karnig and is offered to the top 1% of graduating high school seniors with an excellent academic award. It covers a full scholarship which includes books and tuition, a small stipend amount that is renewable for up to four academic years.
Academic Session–
a) Fall Term- mid-August to mid-December
b) Winter Intersession- mid-December to Early January
c) Spring Term- mid-January to mid-May
d) Summer Term- Early June to mid-August
Tuition Fees– $25,707 for in-state students and $32,339 for out-of-state students.
University website– https://www.csusb.edu/
2. Bringham Young University, Provo
The Bringham Young University is headquartered in Provo, Utah, US, and was built in 1875. It is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As per the U.S. News and World Reports, it has been placed at the 21st position in the category of ‘Best Value Schools’ in the U.S. It has an acceptance rate of 69% and a student-faculty ratio of 21:1. To study at this university, a student needs to get a minimum 3.0 GPA and a SAT score between 1290 and 1450.
It has 11 schools and 4 satellite campuses. It has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. All the students are a part of the Latter-day Saints Church and have to follow an honor code. The most popular programs offered here are Language and Culture, Computing and IT, Business, Health and Medicine, Art and Design, Performing Arts and Music, Engineering, Biological and Life Sciences, Economics, Political and Social Sciences, and Teaching and Education.
The Russell M. Nelson Scholarship is the most well-known scholarship offered by Brigham Young University. It is awarded to 50 meritorious freshman students who have not only done well in their academics but also shown good behavior and have been devoted to the Church values. Apart from this, another known scholarship offered by this university is the Heritage Scholarship. It is an eight-semester, full Latter-day Saint tuition scholarship which is given to freshman students.
Academic Session–
a) Fall Term- Early January to mid-April
b) Spring Term- Late April to mid-June
c) Summer Term- mid-June to Early August
d) Winter Term- Early September to mid-December
Tuition Fees– $22,992
University website– https://www.byu.edu/
3. Southwest Minnesota State University, Minnesota
The Southwest Minnesota State University was founded in 1964 in Minnesota, US. It comes under the Minnesota State Colleges and University Systems. In the list of ‘Top Public Schools’ in the US, it has been ranked at the 39th position according to the U.S. News and World Reports.
It has an acceptance rate of 92%. A student needs to have a GPA of 2.5 to be eligible to study at this university. Its student-faculty ratio is 15:1.
The Southwest Minnesota State University has two colleges:
- The College of Arts and Sciences
- The College of Business, Education, and Professional Studies
It is among the top four-year public universities in the USA known for its high-quality education in the field of liberal arts. A major component of the undergraduate and graduate programs is the Southwest Marketing Advisory Center, where students can research actual businesses. The university offers undergraduate majors like business administration and education which are quite well-known. It also has specialized graduate programs in education, special education, and business administration.
Every student of Southwest Minnesota University has to pay a 43% credit fee to fund the Minnesota State University Student Association which is a student-led non-profit organization.
Some well-known scholarships offered here are:
- The American Indian Scholars Program is offered to the members or citizens of any federally recognized tribe or Canadian First Nation who attend a Minnesota state institution. It provides first-dollar tuition and fee-free pathways for Minnesotans.
- The Continuing Undergraduate Student Scholarship is given to students enrolled in their first-year bachelor’s degree. It comprises an amount of $100, 000 donated by the alumni, businesses, foundations, and other friends of the university.
Academic Session–
a) Fall Term- Late August to mid-January
b) Winter Term- Early January to mid-February
c) Spring Term- mid-April to Early May
d) Summer Term- Late May to Late June
Tuition Fees– $25,712 for in-state students and $25,712 for international students.
University website– https://www.smsu.edu/index.html
4. Dakota State University, Madison (DSU)
Established in the year 1881, the Dakota State University is situated in Madison, South Dakota, US. It is in the 30th position, amongst the ‘Top Public Schools’ in the US, as per the U.S News and World Reports. It has an acceptance rate of 98%. Its student-faculty ratio is 19:1. A GPA of 2.60 and an SAT score between the range of 1020-1340 are required for admission here.
It has a total of four colleges which are:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Information and Business Systems
- The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences
- College of Education and Human Performance
The best courses offered here are in the subjects of Business, Computer Education, Computer Information Systems, Health Informatics and Information Management and Professional Accountancy. Also, the university is famous for its 4+1 program in which students within 5 years, can complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This proves to be quite cost-effective for students as it allows them to have 9 credits of graduate coursework to include in their undergraduate and graduate degrees.
A notable feature of DSU is its National Science Foundation CyberCorps: Scholarship which is the largest in the US for the service program. It covers 100% tuition fees and additional funding for professional projects and gives students, a stipend amount of $34,000 every year. As a part of this scholarship, the recipients will also receive paid summer internships and guaranteed cyber employment in the government. This scholarship can be renewed for up to 3 years and each year requires the students to have a government job after completing their graduate studies.
Academic Session–
a) Fall Semester- Starts from mid / Late August and ends in mid-December
b) Spring Semester- Early January to mid-May
c) Summer Semester- May to August
Tuition Fees– $24,980 for in-state students and $28,082 for overseas students.
University website– https://dsu.edu/
5. Nicholls State University, Thibodaux
The Nicholls State University formed in 1948, is headquartered in Thibodaux, Louisiana. It has been ranked fourth in the ‘Top Public Regional Universities’ in the US. It has constantly been recognized as a military-friendly school. The student-faculty ratio is 17:1. You need an average GPA of 3.2 and a SAT score between 928 and 1145 to study here. It has an acceptance rate of 96%.
Nicholls State University has 7 colleges, which are:
- College of Sciences and Technology
- College of Business Administration
- College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
- College of Nursing
- College of Liberal Arts
- University College
- University Graduate Studies
Its famous programs include Culinary Arts, geomatics, maritime management, marine and environmental science, petroleum services, and safety technology. It is one of the first institutes in the US to offer a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts in which students learn about Cajun and French cuisine. The Nicholls State University is popular for offering around 100 online courses through its Division of Distance Education.
A well-recognized scholarship initiative by this university is the Viviana Brenner Memorial Award for the Educational Advancement of Louisiana’s Indigenous Coastal People. It is given to the indigenous youth from the coastal communities of Louisiana who wish to be educated. You need to be enrolled as a full-time incoming freshman student at the Nicholls State University to be eligible for this scholarship. S/he should at least obtain a 3.0 GPA in the first semester so that they can avail of the scholarship in the second semester.
Academic Session–
a) Summer Semester- Late May to Late July
b) Fall Semester- mid-August to Early December
c) Winter Session- mid-December to mid-January
d) Spring Semester- Early January to mid-May
Tuition Fees– $8,173 for in-state and $9,266 for foreign students.
University website– https://www.nicholls.edu/
6. University of Buffalo, New York
The University of Buffalo was built in the year 1846 in New York. It was co-founded by the former US President Millard Fillmore and some other people. In the category of ‘Top Public Schools’ in the US, it is at the 36th position as per the U.S. News and World Reports. Its acceptance rate is 69%. To seek admission at this university, as student needs to obtain a GPA of an average of 3.8 and a SAT score between 1210 and 1380. It has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1.
Having 13 schools and colleges, the University of Buffalo is the largest public university in New York. The 13 academic schools and colleges under this university are:
- School of Architecture and Planning
- College of Arts and Sciences
- School of Dental Medicine
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
- School of Law
- School of Management
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
- School of Nursing
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- School of Public Health and Health Professions
- School of Social Work
- Roswell Park Graduate Division
The university has the largest schools of arts and sciences, medical, dentistry, education, business, engineering, and pharmacy operated by the state. It is also home to SUNY’s only law school. Amongst all the universities in the SUNY (State University of New York) system, it has received the most amount of research funding. Popular majors include Arts, Science, Architecture and Planning, Law Management, Nursing, Education, Dental Medicine, Social Work, and Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
The University of Buffalo offers several scholarships, out of which these two scholarships are quite famous:
- The Alfred E. and Irma T. Jones Pharmacy Scholarship is offered to senior students in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), be in dire need of financial assistance, and have a good academic record.
- The Welch-Ludwig Fund for International Study is given to students who have an excellent academic score and are full-time students of the University of Buffalo. S/he should have applied to the University of Buffalo or SUNY education program to receive this scholarship.
Academic Session–
a) Summer Semester- Late May to mid-August
b) Fall Semester- Late August to mid-December
c) Winter Session- Late January to mid-January
d) Spring Semester- mid-January to mid-May
Tuition Fees– $33,789 for in-state students and $53,579 for international students.
University website– https://www.buffalo.edu/
7. Northern State University, Aberdeen
Built in 1901, the Northern State University is situated in Aberdeen, South Dakota, US. The university is under the control of the South Dakota Board of Regents. For five consecutive years, it has been recognized as one of the one of the ‘Top Regional Public Colleges in the Midwest’ by the U.S. News and World Report. Also, it has been placed under the ‘Top 10 Most Affordable Universities’ in the US. It has a student-faculty ratio 17:1. Its acceptance rate is 93%. To stuidy here, you need to have an SAT score between the range of 830-1000 and a GPA of at least 2.6.
The university’s famous courses are Management Information Systems- E-Commerce and Data Analytics Emphasis, Master of Science in Banking and Financial Services, Art-Graphic Design (BA), Psychology (BS), Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Art-Fine Arts (BA), Management Information Systems- General MIS Emphasis, Economics (BS), Bachelor of Science in Management and Biology (BS).
Some of the popular scholarship initiatives undertaken by the Northern State University, Aberdeen are:
- The WolfPACT Unleashed Scholarship is in which a student receives a scholarship amount of $16,000 based on their high school GPA and ACT or SAT scores. If a student has a high school GPA higher than 3.0, then s/he can also get test-optional awards.
- Dakota Corps Scholarship is given to high school senior students who plan to major in and get a job in the following fields: special education, math education, foreign language education, science education, career and technical education, accountant/auditor, nursing, engineering (except mining), and information technology.
- S/he will get a full tuition-free scholarship for four years. To be eligible for this, you need to have a composite ACT score of 27 or more and must have been a graduate of a South Dakota high school with a GPA of 2.8 or more on a 4.0 scale.
Academic Session–
a) Fall Semester- Late August to mid-December
b) Spring Semester- Early January to Early May
c) Summer Term- Early July to Early August
Tuition Fees– $23,345 for in-state students and $26,447 for out-of-state students.
University website– https://northern.edu/
8. Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell
The Oklahoma Panhandle State University is headquartered in Goodwell, Oklahoma, US and was established in 1909. As per the Forbes List of ‘Top Public Universities’ in the US, it is ranked at the 82nd position. The Frankin Hall which is a part of the university is one of the oldest buildings in the US, which is listed under the National Register of Historic Places. It has a student-faculty ratio 19:1. The university’s acceptance rate is 98%. You need to obtain a 3.9 GPA and a SAT score between the ranges of 800 and 1160.
The Oklahoma Panhandle State University consists of:
- College of Agriculture, Science, and Nursing
- College of Business and Technology
- College of Arts and Education
Well-known majors offered by this university are a Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness, Agriculture Education, Agronomy, Animal Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science, Mathematics, and Nursing. Apart from these, other popular courses include Business Management, Strategy, Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Psychology and Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.
There are several scholarship programs available at the Oklahoma Panhandle State University. Below are a few of the important scholarships:
- The On-Campus Housing Scholarship of $500 is awarded to first-time freshmen and transfer students who live on the university campus and have a minimum GPA of 2.0. They receive a housing waiver. The amount may vary but a full waiver is available. The award is split between the Fall and Spring semesters.
- The Rising Aggis Scholarship consists of an amount of $9,600 for four years and is given to first-time freshmen students who have obtained a GPA of 3.75 or have ACT/SAT 26 ACT. It can be renewed each year and the award is divided between the Fall and Spring semesters.
Academic Session–
a) Fall Semester- mid-August to mid-December
b) Spring Semester- mid-January to Early May
c) Summer Term- mid-May to mid-August
Tuition Fees– $8,636 for in-state and $8,636 for overseas students.
University website– https://opsu.edu/
9. Delta State University, Mississippi (DSU)
Located in Cleveland, Mississippi, Delta State University was founded in the year 1924. Among the ‘Best Value Schools’ in the US, it is placed at the 13th rank according to the U.S. News and World Reports. It has an acceptance rate of 100%. You should get around a GPA of 3.48 and a SAT score between 940 and 1190, to study here. Its student-faculty ratio is 11:1.
The Delta State University is divided into four parts:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business
- College of Education
- School of Nursing
Popular majors offered by this university are Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, Nursing, and Elementary Education. Other courses here are Biology, Business, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Psychology, Social Work and Youth Services, Family Studies, and Consumer Sciences. It is also the only university in Mississippi to offer a degree in Commercial Aviation and has a large flight school.
Some of the prestigious scholarships given by DSU, Mississippi are:
- The Delta Chapter of CPAs Graduate Accounting Scholarship is awarded to a senior in the College of Business and Aviation who has majored in accounting, has been accepted into the DSU Graduate Accounting Program, is a resident of Mississippi, and has secured full attendance. It comprises a scholarship amount of $500. The applicant must have completed the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form.
- The Dr. Barbara Powell Memorial Scholarship is given to a junior or a senior in the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing and Health Sciences. S/he must have completed FAFSA, majored in Nursing with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and should have had full attendance.
Academic Session–
a) Summer Semester- mid-May to Early August
b) Fall Semester- mid-August to Early December
c) Spring Intersession- mid-December to mid-January
d) Spring Semester- Early January to Early May
Tuition Fees– $22,532 for in-state students and $22,532 for foreign students.
University website– https://www.deltastate.edu/
10. Mississippi University for Women, Columbus
The Mississippi University for Women was formed in the year 1884 in Columbus, Mississippi, US. As per the US News and World Reports, this university is among the ‘Best Value Schools’ in the US with a rank of 11. Its acceptance rate is 100% and the student-faculty ratio is 10:1. To seek admission here, you must have an average GPA of 3.49 out of 4.0.
Some of the most popular programs at this university are Creative Writing, Bachelors in Public Health Education, Nursing, and Business Administration. Other famous courses are Early Child Development, Kinesiology, Speech Pathology, Biology, Psychology, and Culinary Arts.
A few of the notable scholarships given by the Mississippi University for Women are:
- The Centennial Scholarship is awarded to freshmen students, who are required to be a part of the Ina E. Gordy Honors College, live in the Honors Residence Hall, and participate in the Honors Summer Study Abroad Program after their sophomore year. It covers the full tuition, room, and board and consists of a small book stipend. It also includes a one-time award of $5000 and is given every year.
- Students who are a part of the All-Academic Team are eligible to apply for the All-USA/ All-State Academic Team Scholarship of $2000 per year which can be renewed. You need to provide proof of your admission to the Mississippi University for Women, to receive the scholarship.
Academic Session–
a) Fall Semester- mid-August to Early October
b) Spring Semester- mid-October to Early December
c) Summer Semester- mid-May to mid-July
Tuition Fees– $22,704 for in-state students and $22,704 for out-of-state students
University website– https://www.muw.edu/
Conclusion
The USA is among the most favored countries for students who wish to pursue higher studies. It is also amongst those countries in the world which has a higher cost of living and expensive education costs. Studying in the USA is a dream of many students as it has the top-ranking universities and courses in the world. It provides students with access to cutting-edge research technology, and resources and prepares them for the future.
The USA has some of the most popular public and private universities in the world. Tuition costs in the private universities are comparatively higher than the private universities. Also, there is a vast difference in the tuition fees of domestic and international students. Despite the availability of scholarships and education loans, several students are not able to study in the USA due to a lack of funds. Such students can enroll themselves in some of the well-known public universities in the USA which offer quality education and facilities to students at a reasonable price.
To be a student at an affordable university in the US, you have to do proper research about your course, university, and tuition fees. Also, to be a part of the university and get a Student Visa for the US you have to come up with a well-structured Statement of Purpose (SOP). Writing a SOP involves a lot of time and effort. At times, you might need guidance regarding how to write an SOP, for which you can take the help of certain reputed study abroad consultants and professional SOP writers.
If you want any kind of help when it comes to SOP and LOR writing services, you can reach out to Contentholic, which has a team of the best SOP writers in India. We deliver one of the best SOP writing services in India which has been awarded by several prestigious media houses. So, the next time you need SOP writing services, do feel free to contact us.
