Delta State University has topped the list of American colleges with cheapest out-of-state tuition, according to an annual survey by US News.
The Mississippi University charged $6,187 to non-residents in tuition and fees for the 2014-2015 academic year. The same amount is charged for in-state students.
Among 413 ranked public colleges, the average resident tuition and fees in the 2014-2015 academic year is $8,812. The average tuition for out-of-state students among these 10 cheapest schools is slightly lower at $8,491.
"Some regional colleges and universities are so cheap, even for out-of-staters, that they give Home State University a run for its money," U.S. News said.
Experts said that most of these top 10 public institutions are regional colleges and universities in Midwestern or Western states that may not necessarily attract 18-year-olds in the same was a New York or California does.
Delta State is followed by Minot State University in second place with $6,224 in tuition. Beginning 2009, all Minot students, part of any on-campus course, pay North Dakota in-state tuition rate to receive top-notch education.
High school juniors and seniors find North Dakota universities inexpensive with modest-sized classes taught by faculty members rather than adjuncts or graduate students. For example, California residents enrolled in North Dakota colleges are charged about $10,000 a year in tuition and fees as compared to about $12,000 in the University of California system.
At No. 3 is Bemidji State University with tuition $8,134. The University also secured a place in the list of institutions with affordable online offerings.
"BSU's online programs offer the same standards in faculty and curriculum that our on-campus students find in a traditional classroom." Lynn Johnson, director of BSU's Center for Extended Learning, said in a statement. "This ranking illustrates how the quality of our support programs for ONLINE STUDENTS, the credentials of our faculty and the delivery of relevant programming combine to create an affordable, high-quality experience for our online students."
Top 10 American Universities with Cheapest Out-of-State Tuition:
School name (state) Tuition and fees (2014-2015)
Delta State University (MS) $6,187
Minot State University (ND) $6,224
Bemidji State University (MN) $8,134
Oklahoma Panhandle State University $8,293
West Texas A&M University $8,312
Mayville State University (ND) $8,894
Northern State University (SD) $9,563
Midwestern State University (TX) $9,703
South Dakota State University $9,795
Wayne State College (NE) $9,804
