Most Affordable American Universities – Application Guide and Tuition Fees

While it is true that university education in America is costly, we are here to update you on some of the most affordable American universities. We understand how arduous and daunting it is to research for a university in America that you can afford. The cost is always discouraging and may squash your hope in realizing your ambition of earning a degree from an American university.

Here are the most affordable American universities.

Six Most Affordable American Universities

The details we provide here is only based on the tuition fees for an undergraduate degree. The universities listed here also offer graduate and post-graduate degrees, but that is not our focus. The link provided after our brief analysis will take you directly to the university homepage.

Don’t forget that there are also other auxiliary fee payments deem compulsory by the university. These may include application fees, enrollment fees, course materials, and textbook fees. It would help if you also remembered to include accommodation and transport expenses when considering which affordable American university you want to study in.

list of the most affordable American universities in no particular order:

Brooklyn College of The City University of New York

Commonly referred to as the poor man’s Harvard, Brooklyn College of The City University of New York is located in Brooklyn, New York. It is affiliated to The City University of New York. It was established in 1930 and was tuition-free till 1976.

Rates and Tuition

Nonresident and International Students
Full-time	$620 per credit (not eligible for full-time flat-rate)
Part-time	$620 per credit
Nondegree Students	$915 per credit (not eligible for full-time flat-rate)

Application Fee

$65
$70
$75
$65

Undergraduate First Year Matriculated and Non-Matriculated Student
Transfer Undergraduate Student
Graduate Matriculated and Non-Matriculated Student
Visiting Student (non-CUNY students only)

Lehman College School of Continuing and Professional Studies

Also sited in New York, Lehman College School of Continuing and Professional Studies is one of America’s most affordable universities. It offers up to 30 undergraduate degree programs. It was founded in 1931.

Tuition fees

In-State			Out-of-State
	Tuition and Fees	Book & Supplies	Living Costs	Tuition & Fees	Book & Supplies	Living Costs
Undergraduate	$7,410	$1,364	$19,884	$15,360	$1,364	$19,884
Graduate	$11,570	$1,364	$19,884	$21,000	$1,364	$19,884

South Texas College

South Texas College was founded in 1993. The community college is located in South Texas town. It offers the bachelor of applied technology degree programs in addition to other associate degree programs.

Tuition fees and rates

Year	In-State	Out-of-State	OFF Campus Room & Board, Other Expenses
2018-2019	$4,080	$7,680	$7,374
2019-2020	$4,140	$4,440	–
Change % 2019-2020	1.47%	-42.19%	-100.03%
2020-2021	$4,201	$2,567	$0

Minot State University

Located in Minot, North Dakota, Minot State University is one of the largest universities in North Dakota. It was founded in 1913 and had one of the most affordable tuition fees in America. There are over 55 majors at Minot University undergraduate level.

Tuition fees and rates

Undergraduate students (2020-2021)
Annual tuition & fees	$7,896
Residence halls	$2,700
Unlimited meal plan	$4,502
Total annual estimated costs	$15,098*

Alcorn State University

Alcorn State University was opened in 1871 to serve the African American community primarily. It is located in Mississippi. At the peak of the civil rights movement in America, the university students were at the forefront of the battle to eradicate inequality and racism.

Tuition rate

	Tuition	Fees	Total
Undergraduate	$5,910	$1,380	$7,290

California State University

California State University is located in California and is among the most affordable American universities. The university has a solid undergraduate program offering up to an 80-degree program.

Full-time tuition fees

Tuition & Mandatory Fees	Undergrad	Graduate	Teacher Credential	EdD Education	Doctorate Physical Therapy
Tuition Fee	$2,871.00	$3,588.00	$3,330.00	$5,919.00	$8,598.00
Facility	$5.00	$5.00	$5.00	$5.00	$5.00
Associated Students Inc.	$68.00	$68.00	$68.00	$68.00	$68.00
Instructionally Related Activities	$25.00	$25.00	$25.00	$25.00	$25.00
University Student Union	$201.00	$201.00	$201.00	$201.00	$201.00
Student ID Card	$5.00	$5.00	$5.00	$5.00	$5.00
Student Excellence Fee	$173.00	$173.00	$173.00	$173.00	$173.00
Student Health Center	$75.00	$75.00	$75.00	$75.00	$75.00
Student Representation Fee (Optional)*	$2.00	$2.00	$2.00	$2.00	$2.00
Total Tuition & Mandatory Fees Per Semester	$3,425.00

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Final thoughts

There are hundreds of degree-awarding institutions in America, and it can be quite tiresome picking the right one for you.

Regardless of whichever you pick based on affordability, don’t forget that additional expenses may increase the overall cost. Additional expenses like transport, accommodation and rent cost, books and textbooks, and other expenses. It may get higher when you include those costs, but you can always source for a scholarship or other funding opportunities.

We advise you to search for degrees and other career opportunities you are passionate about before applying for admission into the university.

Paul Demaster