15 Free and Cheap Universities in United States for International Students

Search Courses:

In United States, 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 United States, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 1,476 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in United States, make sure to read more!

Apply for 2026 Intake!

Applications for 2026 Intake are open. Search through the degrees around the world!

Apply Now

Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in United States for International Students

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
United States Naval Academy 0 USD 100%
College of the Ozarks 0 USD 100%
Curtis Institute of Music 0 USD 100%
United States Merchant Marine Academy 0 USD 100%
United States Military Academy 0 USD 100%
Berea College 0 USD 100%
United States Air Force Academy 0 USD 100%
Worcester State University 970 USD - 7,050 USD 97%
Seminole State College of Florida 1,915 USD - 7,594 USD 94%
Texas A&M University – San Antonio 4,624 USD 86%
Selma University 4,800 USD 85%
Chadron State College 4,845 USD - 6,057 USD 85%
University of North Carolina at Pembroke 5,000 USD 84%
Fayetteville State University 5,000 USD 84%
Midland College 5,319 USD - 6,480 USD 83%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 31,200 USD for universities in United States.

Search Bachelor's Courses for International Students!

Search through the bachelor's courses that are currently open for international students!

Apply Now

1. United States Naval Academy

United States Naval Academy provides undergraduate training to future leaders in the country’s Marine Corps and U.S. Navy. It competently prepares students by imposing a comprehensive curriculum and coursework. The institute is considered the second-oldest U.S. service academy and is very selective regarding admission.

2. College of the Ozarks

College of the Ozarks, not to be confused with the University of Ozarks, is a private college in Point Lookout, Missouri that was founded in 1906. It follows Christian beliefs to guide its students into a purposeful and quality education. The college has also received accreditations from various national organizations such as U.S. News and World Reports, Princeton Review, College Consensus 2021, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and Wall Street Journal 2021 to name a few. The 1565 students in the care of the school afford recreational activities and services such as camps, forums, and athletic events.

3. Curtis Institute of Music

Curtis Institute of Music is a private music school that offers tuition-free education to aspiring musicians. It was established in 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Students of the institute learn from several notable artists and music experts. 

4. United States Merchant Marine Academy

United States Merchant Marine Academy is a federal service academy that aims to train students who want to pursue a career in marine transportation, national security, and economics. It is known for its rigorous coursework with a heavy emphasis on practical learning. The academy is connected with multiple working commercial vessels abroad to allow students to gain real-world experiences during their stay.

5. United States Military Academy

The United States Military Academy, also known simply as West Point, was established in 1802 in West Point, New York as legislated by President Thomas Jefferson. It is among the service academies in the United States dedicated to educating future soldiers. The academy currently offers 36 majors in various disciplines designed to understand and serve the needs of society.

6. Berea College

Berea College was founded by Rev. John G. Fee to advocate for equality and excellence in education for men and women of all races. The college was named after a biblical town whose constituents were open and receptive to the gospel. It is also worth noting that Berea College is the only American College, consistently ranked at the top, that doesn’t charge tuition to its students through their No-Tuition Promise.

7. United States Air Force Academy

The United States Air Force Academy prepares the cadets that will serve in the Air Force and in the Space Force of the US. The academy provides a comprehensive education that prepares aspirants not only for serving in the military but also for being excellent professionals. Instruction in the Air Force Academy includes military training, academic education, research opportunities, development of leadership skills, and athletics. They offer a wide variety of bachelor’s programs in the areas of sciences, technology, social sciences, and humanities, but their programs in engineering have a great reputation because of the innovative courses and the high-quality education provided to students.

8. Worcester State University

As it strives to be a center for innovation, Worcester State University offers students academic programs that mold them to be future leaders of the community. Worcester is also known for its competitive curriculums that sharpen students’ skills. A dynamic and vibrant community is also present within the campus through various organizations, activities, and facilities.

9. Seminole State College of Florida

Interested individuals can choose from various undergraduate programs at Seminole State College of Florida. These include associate, certificate, and bachelor’s programs. The college is also accessible through its four campuses: Sanford/Lake Mary, Oviedo, The Center for Economic Development at Heathrow, and Altamonte Springs. Based on the US News rankings, Seminole State College is 61st among southern regional colleges.

10. Texas A&M University – San Antonio

Texas A and M University in San Antonio considers itself a contemporary institution that strives to provide equal and inclusive opportunities to all students, helping them become responsible and global citizens of tomorrow. It offers around 45 bachelor’s and master’s programs across its three schools. The university campus was built with historically-styled architecture combined with state-of-the-art facilities that meet the needs of today’s students.

11. Selma University

Established in 1878, Selma University has played a vital role in making education more accessible to the black community in Selma, Alabama. Through its educational and research programs, the university strives to produce future leaders who will serve the community and become catalysts for positive change. Selma University also offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help students and their families finance their education.

12. Chadron State College

Chadron State College was founded in 1911 and is located in Chadron, Nebraska. It is a public college that offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs to students in and out of Nebraska. Their vision and goal are to create students who volunteer and actively collaborate with their peers, as well as a diverse community on the campus. Various innovations and activities have been made to engage their students to excel in their lives as a student and individually. In its 100 years of service, Chadron State College aims to be the best educational institution in the United States.

13. University of North Carolina at Pembroke

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) was established in 1887. This public institution is part of the University of North Carolina system that provides top-class higher education programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition, UNCP has the safest learning environment among its member universities. It also has one of the most diverse communities as students and faculty members come from different US states and foreign countries.

14. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University is a historically black university providing quality education through a liberal arts foundation. The university offers over 78 student organizations, allowing students to enhance their academic skills and leadership potential. It maintains a safe space for everyone to study and achieve their dreams through academic excellence.

15. 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.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in United States for International Students

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
United States Merchant Marine Academy 0 USD 100%
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science 0 USD - 14,700 USD 100%
Curtis Institute of Music 0 USD 100%
Belhaven University 2,388 USD - 14,800 USD 86%
Worcester State University 3,042 USD 82%
Central Methodist University 3,300 USD - 7,200 USD 80%
Eastern University 3,600 USD - 14,300 USD 78%
Doane University 3,660 USD - 10,600 USD 78%
Buena Vista University 3,720 USD - 8,910 USD 78%
University of the Cumberlands 3,780 USD - 6,000 USD 77%
Point Loma Nazarene University 3,840 USD - 10,700 USD 77%
Evangel University 3,840 USD - 10,200 USD 77%
Arkansas Tech University 3,888 USD - 5,832 USD 77%
Clarke University 3,900 USD - 14,000 USD 77%
Chestnut Hill College 3,900 USD - 14,200 USD 77%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 16,400 USD for universities in United States.

Search Master's Courses for International Students!

Search through the master's courses that are currently open for international students!

Apply Now

1. United States Merchant Marine Academy

United States Merchant Marine Academy is a federal service academy that aims to train students who want to pursue a career in marine transportation, national security, and economics. It is known for its rigorous coursework with a heavy emphasis on practical learning. The academy is connected with multiple working commercial vessels abroad to allow students to gain real-world experiences during their stay.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, United States Merchant Marine Academy should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science is 0 USD to 14,700 USD.

Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science was established by the Mayo brothers, one of the first three-year university-based programs for the training of graduate physicians practicing their specialty. It is known to have the largest number of ACGME-accredited programs and the only graduate medical education institution in the world. Currently, the College has three campuses in Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota.

3. Curtis Institute of Music

Curtis Institute of Music is a private music school that offers tuition-free education to aspiring musicians. It was established in 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Students of the institute learn from several notable artists and music experts. 

The tuition fee at Curtis Institute of Music for incoming international master’s students is 0 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Belhaven University

Another affordable university to consider in United States is Belhaven University.

Belhaven College is a private evangelical Christian university located in Jackson, Mississippi, United States, founded in 1883. The university was founded on Peachtree Street by the merger of Mississippi Synodical College and McCob Female Institute. Belhaven University offers a total of 27 bachelor’s degrees and eight master’s degrees. In particular, in the arts fields such as the music department, the arts department, and the dance department, it is so famous that it is a member of the National Association of Arts Schools.

The tuition fee in Belhaven University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 2,388 USD.

5. Worcester State University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Worcester State 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 3,042 USD yearly.

As it strives to be a center for innovation, Worcester State University offers students academic programs that mold them to be future leaders of the community. Worcester is also known for its competitive curriculums that sharpen students’ skills. A dynamic and vibrant community is also present within the campus through various organizations, activities, and facilities.

6. Central Methodist University

Founded in 1854, Central Methodist University is a four-year, private liberal arts university. It aims to be a diverse and caring community, empowering students to become lifelong learners, committed to academic excellence, and prepared to engage in a complex world. Central Methodist University nurtures a spirit of community and caring among students, faculty, and staff.

7. Eastern University

Eastern University was initially founded as the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary by six Baptist Ministers on Chestnut Street. After the establishment of the Eastern Baptist College within the seminary, it was recognized as a separate institution, and it was relocated to St. Davids. The college was granted university status in 2001 and has grown to offer various programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

8. Doane University

Established in 1872, Doane University is a small private higher education school offering liberal arts programs at all levels. One of the university’s missions is to help students find success by equipping them with the proper knowledge and skills. It is dedicated to improving the lives of its students while helping them grow as leaders and experts in their chosen career paths. The university is always looking to find ways to provide good quality education by continuously improving its system and developing advanced future-oriented programs.

9. Buena Vista University

Buena Vista University provides several on-site, online, and hybrid courses for undergrad and grad students. Its quality of online education is backed by 15 years of experience teaching online classes. Many opportunities are open for BVU students, including internships, volunteering, teaching, research, and more.

10. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands (UC) is a private university in Williamsburg, Kentucky. It was founded in 1888 as Williamsburg Institute by Baptist ministers. UC provides students with a broad liberal arts curriculum that includes Christian teachings. Students at UC are encouraged to put their faith into action through a student-centered community and to think critically in order to grow professionally and intellectually.

11. Point Loma Nazarene University

As a Christian institution associated with the Church of the Nazarene, Point Loma Nazarene University rears students academically and spiritually. It is also centered around the liberal arts; thus, most of its programs are related to the social sciences, humanities, and sciences. PLNU is ranked 327th in the Times Higher Education US College Rankings 2022.

12. Evangel University

Evangel University is a Christian university that commits to delivering excellent academic and training programs. It aims to produce faithful and intelligent leaders who can all serve the community someday. The university is hopeful in its goal of creating an environment full of dedicated faculty that are willing to guide students in their academic and spiritual growth.

13. Arkansas Tech University

Arkansas Tech University is considered one of the most important and affordable universities in the state. It offers more than 50 bachelor’s degree programs and 25 master’s degree programs across its six colleges. The university has two campuses in Arkansas, a career center, and a virtual campus that offers multiple online undergraduate and graduate programs. Education here focuses on giving real-life experiences through service learning and has a stackable modality, which means that students that certain credits earned during a degree program can count towards a superior program if students graduate and want to continue their education.

14. Clarke University

Founded in 1843, Clarke University has been offering numerous possibilities to diverse students. Since its establishment, this private institution has always aimed to provide high-quality education to its students. Although already known for its academic excellence, the university continues to grow, make necessary improvements and develop innovative programs to ensure that only the highest standard of education is given to current and prospective students.

15. Chestnut Hill College

Chestnut Hill College (CHC) is a private Catholic college in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Sisters of St. Joseph established it as a women’s college in 1924. The college offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields such as arts, music, and science. CHC emphasizes the importance of providing students with a well-rounded college experience by providing them with an enjoyable social life, a healthy spiritual life, and a balanced life.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in United States 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 United States?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in United States. For example, one of the best affordable schools in United States is the Berea College, which offers Appalachian Studies, Biology, and Engineering Technologies and Applied Design to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Arkansas Tech University offers Instructional Technology, Teaching, Learning, and Leadership, and Student Affairs Administration.

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 United States, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

We hope that this article on free and affordable institutions in United States for international students was helpful!