Embarking to study in the U.S. can be a dream come true for many international students, but the associated costs can be daunting.
From visa expenses to airfare, tuition, and additional living expenses, the financial burden can seem overwhelming. However, for those on a budget, there are several U.S. colleges offering affordable options. Among the 613 ranked colleges enrolling at least 25 international students, 15 institutions boast annual total costs below $12,500, according to U.S. News data. These costs encompass tuition, fees, room and board, books, and transportation, excluding financial aid.
Let's explore the 15 U.S. schools with the lowest reported total costs for international students in the 2023-2024 academic year, providing prospective students with viable options that won't break the bank.
1. Southwest Minnesota State University
Location: Marshall, Minnesota
Total Cost (2023-24): $12,423
U.S. News Rank: 103 (tie), Regional Universities (Midwest)
International Undergraduates (Fall 2022): 108
2. University of Minnesota Crookston
Location: Crookston, Minnesota
Total Cost (2023-24): $12,412
U.S. News Rank: 32 (tie), Regional Colleges (Midwest)
International Undergraduates (Fall 2022): 66
3. Northern State University (SD)
Location: Aberdeen, South Dakota
Total Cost (2023-24): $11,947
U.S. News Rank: 88 (tie), Regional Universities (Midwest)
International Undergraduates (Fall 2022): 31
4. Delta State University (MS)
Location: Cleveland, Mississippi
Total Cost (2023-24): $11,655
U.S. News Rank: 55 (tie), Regional Universities (South)
International Undergraduates (Fall 2022): 54
5. Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Location: Kingsville, Texas
Total Cost (2023-24): $11,445
U.S. News Rank: 352 (tie), National Universities
International Undergraduates (Fall 2022): 144
6. Dickinson State University (ND)
Location: Dickinson, North Dakota
Total Cost (2023-24): $11,218
U.S. News Rank: 49, Regional Colleges (Midwest)
International Undergraduates (Fall 2022): 38
7. Broward College (FL)
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Total Cost (2023-24): $10,329
U.S. News Rank: 47 (tie), Regional Colleges (South)
International Undergraduates (Fall 2022): 1,444
8. Central State University (OH)
Location: Wilberforce, Ohio
Total Cost (2023-24): $9,830
U.S. News Rank: 68-74, Regional Colleges (Midwest)
International Undergraduates (Fall 2022): 116
9. Nicholls State University (LA)
Location: Thibodaux, Louisiana
Total Cost (2023-24): $9,249
U.S. News Rank: 69 (tie), Regional Universities (South)
International Undergraduates (Fall 2022): 86
10. Minot State University (ND)
Location: Minot, North Dakota
Total Cost (2023-24): $8,634
U.S. News Rank: 120, Regional Universities (Midwest)
International Undergraduates (Fall 2022): 222
11. Western Carolina University (NC)
Location: Cullowhee, North Carolina
Total Cost (2023-24): $8,532
U.S. News Rank: 227 (tie), National Universities
International Undergraduates (Fall 2022): 176
12. Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Location: Goodwell, Oklahoma
Total Cost (2023-24): $8,426
U.S. News Rank: 37 (tie), Regional Colleges (West)
International Undergraduates (Fall 2022): 47
13. Wayne State College (NE)
Location: Wayne, Nebraska
Total Cost (2023-24): $7,923
U.S. News Rank: 92 (tie), Regional Universities (Midwest)
International Undergraduates (Fall 2022): 110
14. Brigham Young University-Provo (UT)
Location: Provo, Utah
Total Cost (2023-24): $6,496
U.S. News Rank: 115 (tie), National Universities
International Undergraduates (Fall 2022): 908
15. Fayetteville State University (NC)
Location: Fayetteville, North Carolina
Total Cost (2023-24): $6,262
U.S. News Rank: 69 (tie), Regional Universities (South)
International Undergraduates (Fall 2022): 29
These colleges not only offer affordable education but also cater to the diverse needs of international students. Aspiring scholars can now explore these budget-friendly options without compromising the quality of education.
