Studying in the United States is a dream for millions of students across the world — but the cost can often feel like a nightmare. With tuition fees sometimes reaching $60,000 per year, affordability is a major concern for international students.
The good news? There are several affordable and high-quality U.S. universities that provide excellent education, diverse programs, and even scholarships — all without breaking the bank.
This guide reveals the Top 10 Affordable Universities in the USA for International Students in 2025, including tuition fees, locations, and reasons they’re worth your investment.
1. University of the People (Online)
Tuition Fees: $0 (tuition-free)
Location: Online, headquartered in Pasadena, California
The University of the People (UoPeople) is the world’s first tuition-free accredited online university, making it one of the most affordable education options for international students.
Students only pay $120 per course assessment fee, meaning a bachelor’s degree can cost under $5,000 in total. UoPeople partners with renowned institutions like NYU, UC Berkeley, and Microsoft, offering programs in Business, Computer Science, Health Science, and Education.
Why Choose UoPeople:
- 100% online and flexible
- Accredited and recognized worldwide
- Zero tuition and minimal administrative fees
2. Minot State University
Tuition Fees: $7,500 – $9,000 per year
Location: North Dakota
Minot State University offers some of the lowest tuition rates in the United States. Despite its affordability, it delivers quality programs in Business, Education, and Information Systems.
The university also provides scholarships specifically for international students, which can further reduce tuition by up to $2,000 per year.
Why Choose Minot State:
- Small class sizes and personalized teaching
- Low living costs in North Dakota
- Scholarships available for international students
3. South Texas College
Tuition Fees: $8,500 – $9,500 per year
Location: McAllen, Texas
South Texas College (STC) is known for its community-focused education and affordable tuition fees. The college offers over 120 programs including STEM, Business, and Healthcare degrees.
With its strong international student support system and low living expenses, STC is a hidden gem for budget-conscious students.
Why Choose STC:
- Transfer programs to major U.S. universities
- Low cost of living in Texas
- Multicultural campus environment
4. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
Tuition Fees: $9,000 – $12,000 per year
Location: California
California might sound expensive, but CSU Long Beach offers one of the best value-for-money degrees in the state. It’s part of the California State University system, known for providing world-class education at public university prices.
Programs range from Engineering and Business to Art and Psychology, all taught in a vibrant, career-driven environment.
Why Choose CSULB:
- Located near Los Angeles — great job opportunities
- Strong alumni network
- Affordable for its location and prestige
5. The City College of New York (CCNY)
Tuition Fees: $10,000 – $12,000 per year
Location: New York City
CCNY offers a rare combination of academic excellence and affordability — right in the heart of Manhattan. It’s part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, which focuses on providing quality education to diverse communities.
The university has strong programs in Engineering, Architecture, and Liberal Arts, along with multiple scholarships for international students.
Why Choose CCNY:
- Located in NYC — access to internships and global firms
- Excellent reputation for STEM and arts programs
- Relatively low tuition compared to other NYC colleges
6. University of South Florida (USF)
Tuition Fees: $9,500 – $12,500 per year
Location: Tampa, Florida
USF consistently ranks among the top public universities in the U.S. and remains surprisingly affordable for international students.
With over 180 programs and strong research facilities, USF offers high-quality education and excellent post-graduation employment opportunities.
Why Choose USF:
- Affordable tuition for a major research university
- Beautiful coastal city campus
- Opportunities for on-campus jobs and internships
7. Arkansas State University
Tuition Fees: $8,500 – $11,000 per year
Location: Jonesboro, Arkansas
Arkansas State University (A-State) is ideal for students seeking a high-value education at a low cost. The university’s programs in Engineering, Business, and Health Sciences are well-regarded worldwide.
The cost of living in Arkansas is among the lowest in the U.S., making it even more budget-friendly for international students.
Why Choose A-State:
- Affordable housing and lifestyle
- Great academic support for international students
- High graduate employability rate
8. Brigham Young University (BYU)
Tuition Fees: $6,500 – $8,000 per year
Location: Provo, Utah
BYU is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but welcomes students of all backgrounds. The university offers exceptional academic quality at one of the lowest tuition rates in the country.
Its programs in Computer Science, Accounting, and Engineering are globally respected.
Why Choose BYU:
- World-class academic reputation
- Clean and safe campus
- Extremely affordable tuition
9. University of North Alabama (UNA)
Tuition Fees: $9,000 – $10,500 per year
Location: Florence, Alabama
UNA combines southern hospitality with affordable education. It offers scholarships worth up to $6,000 per year for international students, significantly lowering costs.
Popular programs include MBA, Computer Science, and Nursing. The campus community is known for being welcoming and diverse.
Why Choose UNA:
- Strong scholarship programs
- Supportive international student community
- Low tuition and cost of living
10. Northwest Missouri State University
Tuition Fees: $9,500 – $11,000 per year
Location: Maryville, Missouri
Northwest Missouri State University (NMSU) offers high-quality programs in Business, Technology, and Education. It also provides free laptops to all full-time students, reducing tech-related expenses.
The university’s tuition includes textbooks, which makes it even more affordable.
Why Choose NMSU:
- Inclusive of textbook and tech costs
- Low overall expenses
- Strong job placement rate
Bonus Tip: Apply for Scholarships
Even at affordable universities, scholarships can make your education almost free.
Some popular U.S. scholarships for international students in 2025 include:
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program – Fully funded master’s/PhD scholarships
- Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD)
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships
- American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
Always apply early — most deadlines for Fall 2025 intake are between December 2024 and March 2025.
Estimated Cost of Living in the USA (Per Year)
| Expense | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Housing | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| Food | $3,000 – $4,500 |
| Health Insurance | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Transportation | $800 – $1,200 |
| Miscellaneous | $1,000+ |
Choosing an affordable state like Texas, Arkansas, or Missouri can save you thousands every year compared to New York or California.