The United States of America is top on the list of countries sought after by international students in the pursuits of their educational careers. This is because the United States is known for its high educational standards, best universities, excellent research and learning facilities just to mention but a few. This write up therefore will provide a list of Cheap Universities in USA for International students.
As an international student, one of the major constraint of achieving one’s dream of studying abroad is the financial burden that comes with it. Between travel, visas and many universities charging higher tuition for international students, the cost to study in USA can be steep.
Enrolling for higher education abroad is a costly affair and students are constantly in search of universities that offer the best value for their tuition. Finding a University with low tuition is even more important when you are taking out a loan to fund your education. We are going to be listing Cheap Universities in USA for international students in this article.
Equally, Check: Top 25 Fully Funded Scholarships in USA for International students
Requirements for Admission into Universities in USA
Universities in the United States of America have their different admission requirements. However, the following are the basic requirements needed to apply for admission into a university in the US:
- Resume/ Curriculum Vitae
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Test scores (ACT, GRE, SAT, GMAT)
- Copy of writing sample
- Letter of Recommendation
List of Cheap Universities in USA 2025
The following comprise the list of affordable universities in USA for international students for the 2024/25 academic session:
- San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley
The College is known for providing transfers for international students into Ivy league universities. It has a variety of learning resources, such as the Learning and Writing Centers which are widely accessible to students. These resources are helpful in assisting international students to overcome academic challenges. The cost of studying here is about USD 7,744 per year, which is one of the cheapest universities in USA for international students.
- California State University
The California State University is known to advance and extend knowledge, learning, and culture amongst students by providing opportunities for individuals to develop intellectually, personally, and professionally. The University is made up of 23 campuses across the state of California and educates 485,550 students every year. It has one of the most diverse student bodies in the United States.
Tuition fee is about USD 8,320 per annum. With a yearly tuition under USD10,000, it is one of the cheap universities for international students in the United States.
- Sonoma State University
Sonoma State University (SSU) is a public institution in the California northern bay area that was founded in 1961. With a tradition of promoting intellectual and personal growth, leadership opportunities and technological proficiency, SSU offers its students a friendly, safe and informal atmosphere on a beautiful campus setting. The tuition for the university is USD 9,158 per annum, which makes it affordable for international students.
- Arkansas State University
Founded in 1909, Arkansas State meets the challenges of continuing as a destination university for more than 14,000 students through the combination of world-class research with a long tradition of student-friendly instruction. The second largest university in Arkansas, Arkansas State is a doctoral-level national institution with more than 150 degrees areas of study, including a robust online program, and a diverse student body from across the nation and the world. The tuition fee is USD 9,972 per year.
The University of Wisconsin is a top-ranked research institution located in Madison, Winsconsin, providing exceptional education opportunities to all. Since its founding in 1848, this campus has been a catalyst for the extraordinary. As a public land-grant university and major research institution, students, staff, and faculty engage in a world-class education while solving real-world problems. The tuition fee is about USD 12,820 per annum.
The University is home to bold, creative minds, using new technology and hands-on experiences to prepare a new generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. The University is among the top best online learning schools in the U.S. Undergraduate tuition for international students is about $12,050 while graduate tuition fee is $7,800. There is however, several scholarship schemes available for students at the university.
See Also: Top 10 Universities in USA Offering Fully Funded Admission [without IELTS]
Application Guide
How-to-Apply: If you are an international and wish to apply for admission into a university in USA, then you have to note the following:
- Most universities in the United States give applicants the option to apply directly on their websites. This makes it very easy for students to go through their requirements and submit their applications directly to the schools.
- Ensure to read and understand what the requirements mean when applying to American schools. Some schools will require standardized tests such as GRE, GMAT, LSAT etc while others will ask for documents such as writing samples, diplomas etc.
- Some US schools may require international students from some countries to supply proof of English language proficiency.
- Apply directly through the university website by using the links provided. Carefully follow the instructions provided to submit an application.
International students having the requirements for admission into a United States institution of higher learning but with limited funding can make use of the Several Scholarships in USA opportunities available in the listed schools to achieve their dreams of studying in USA.