Affordable Universities for International Students in the USA

The USA is one of the most popular destinations for international students who want to pursue higher education. The country offers a world-class education system, a diverse and multicultural environment, and a wide range of academic and career opportunities. However, studying in the USA also comes with a high price tag. For many international students, especially those from developing countries, this can be a huge financial burden that limits their access to quality education in the USA. Fortunately, there are many affordable universities for international students in the USA to cater to every budget. These universities have lower tuition and fees, generous scholarships and financial aid, and excellent academic reputations and student services. They also have a diverse and supportive international student community that can help them adjust to the new culture and academic environment. In this article, we will look at some of the most budget-friendly universities in the USA, that also have high educational standards. 

Most Affordable Universities for International Students in the USA

University of Florida 

The University of Florida (UF) is a public land-grant research university in Gainesville, Florida. It is one of the largest and most comprehensive universities in the nation, with over 50,000 students and 16 colleges. UF is ranked #8 among national universities by U.S. News & World Report1, and 5 among public universities by Forbes. UF is also a leader in innovation, research, and online education. UF has received more than 1 billion USD in research expenditures in fiscal year 2022 and has been awarded the Best Global Incubator award three times for its Sid Martin Biotech incubator. UF has a reputation for excellence in many fields, such as engineering, business, computer science, psychology, and biology.  UF has also achieved many notable accomplishments in various fields, such as winning eight national championships in football, baseball, basketball, and softball; producing 45 Rhodes Scholars, 42 Goldwater Scholars, 32 Truman Scholars, and 19 Udall Scholars; hosting the world’s largest student-run philanthropy event, Dance Marathon at UF; being the birthplace of Gatorade, the world’s most popular sports drink; and being the first university to send an experiment to space on a NASA shuttle.

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CUNY, Hunter College 

CUNY, Hunter College is a public university in New York City that offers more than 100 undergraduate and postgraduate fields across five schools. It is one of the oldest and largest colleges of the City University of New York system. Hunter College is known for its affordability, as it has one of the lowest tuition rates in the country. its out-of-state tuition and fees are 19,050 USD. Hunter College is ranked 21 among regional universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report. It is also recognized as one of the top public colleges in the nation for the upward economic mobility of its students. Hunter College has a diverse and engaged student body, a dedicated and distinguished faculty, and a variety of research centers and institutes that contribute to the advancement of knowledge and public policy. Hunter College offers more than 170 undergraduate and postgraduate fields across five schools. Some of the most popular majors at Hunter College include Psychology, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, English Language and Literature/Letters, Communication, Journalism, etc. 

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California State University 

California State University (CSU) is a public university system that consists of 23 campuses and eight off-campus centers, enrolling 485,550 students with 55,909 faculty and staff. CSU is the largest four-year public university system in the United States and one of the most affordable options for higher education in the country. CSU offers a wide range of academic programs in various fields, such as business, engineering, education, health, arts, and humanities. Some of the popular fields at CSU are business administration, psychology, nursing, criminal justice, and computer science. CSU has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and public service. CSU ranks among the top public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. CSU also boasts many achievements, such as producing more than half of the state’s teachers, leading the nation in graduating students of color, and contributing more than $17 billion to the California economy annually.

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Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University (LSU) is a public land-grant research university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It is the flagship university of the state and the most comprehensive university in Louisiana. LSU offers more than 330 academic fields of study in 14 schools and colleges, with graduate degrees available in business, engineering, law, and several other fields. Some of the most popular programs at LSU are physical education teaching and coaching, biology, communications, sports management, agricultural sciences, architecture, engineering, and business.  LSU is also known for its athletic and student life programs. It has 16 Division I athletic teams that compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).  LSU is ranked 185 among national universities and 425 among global universities by U.S. News & World Report for 2024. LSU also offers various scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs to help students with financial aid. About 95% of LSU students receive some form of financial aid. 

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Dakota State University 

Dakota State University (DSU) is a public university located in Madison, South Dakota. It was founded in 1881 as a teacher’s college and later added a technology focus in 1984. DSU offers various graduate, associate, and undergraduate degree programs to students, with an emphasis on the integration of technology into all its fields of study.  DSU is an affordable option for students who are looking for a quality education in a rural setting. DSU also offers financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study to help students pay for their education. The average financial aid award for DSU students is $9,861 per year.  Some of the most popular fields of study at DSU are computer and information sciences and support services, education, business, management, marketing, and related support services, liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities, biological and biomedical sciences, and health professions and related programs.  DSU has a reputation for being a leader in education and cyber security. It is ranked 30 in the Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report. It is also recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. 

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Northwest Missouri State University 

Northwest Missouri State University (NWMSU) is a public university located in Maryville, Missouri. It was founded in 1905 as a teachers college and now offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs. NWMSU has an enrollment of about 8,000 students, of which about 500 are international students from more than 40 countries. NWMSU is known for its profession-based learning approach, which provides students with hands-on experiences and connects them to research and career opportunities.  NWMSU is ranked among the top schools in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report. It is also recognized as one of the most affordable four-year universities in the nation, with textbooks and laptops included for on-campus students. NWMSU offers more than 160 major programs, with some of the most popular fields being business, education, agriculture, computer science, and health sciences.  

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Minot State University 

Minot State University (MSU) is a public university in Minot, North Dakota, founded in 1913. It is the third-largest university in the state, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields of study. MSU is known for its affordability, as it has the same tuition for international students as for those from out of state. International students at MSU can expect to pay around 6,892 USD per year, before any scholarships or financial aid. MSU also offers several scholarships for international students, such as the I-20 Scholarship.  Some of the most popular fields at MSU include business, education, health professions, public administration, social service, and criminal justice. MSU has a student-faculty ratio of 10:1 and an average class size of 20 students. MSU has a reputation for academic excellence and student satisfaction, as it is ranked 120 among regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. MSU also has a diverse and vibrant campus life, with over 100 student organizations, clubs, and sports teams. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, affordable universities for international students in the USA offer a range of academic programs, career opportunities, and financial aid options for students who want to pursue higher education without breaking the bank. Spending less on college can have many benefits, such as reducing student debt, increasing savings, and allowing flexibility in future choices. However, cost is not the only factor to consider when choosing a college. You should also think about the location, size, reputation, accreditation, graduation rate, and campus life of the schools you are interested in. By carefully researching and comparing different affordable universities for international students in the USA, you can find the best fit for your goals and preferences. For more help with sorting out your options, reach out to us at  OneApply. Book your free video call appointment now!