Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students

Studying in the United States has long been a dream for students around the world — thanks to its top-ranked universities, diverse academic programs, and countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. However, for international students, one of the biggest challenges remains the cost of education.

The good news? Not all universities in the U.S. come with a hefty price tag. In fact, there are many cheap universities in USA that offer high-quality programs at a fraction of the cost. These institutions are especially appealing in 2025, as tuition fees continue to rise at many private colleges and elite schools.

Whether you're searching for the cheapest universities in USA for international students or planning to pursue a graduate degree at an affordable institution, this guide is for you. In the sections below, we’ll highlight budget-friendly universities, explain why the U.S. remains a top destination, and offer tips on how to make the most of your education — without breaking the bank.

Contents:

• Why Study in the USA as an International Student?
• Why Choose Universities with Low Tuition Fees?
• Top 10 Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students (2025)
• Top 5 Affordable Universities in USA Without IELTS
• Factors to Consider Beyond Tuition

Why Study in the USA as an International Student?

The U.S. continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for international education — and not without reason. Even when studying at cheap universities for international students, you're likely to benefit from strong academics, global exposure, and valuable career opportunities.

Here are some key advantages:

Globally Recognized Degrees

American universities — whether Ivy League institutions or public state colleges — maintain rigorous academic standards. A degree from a U.S. institution is respected by employers and graduate schools worldwide, regardless of the university's tuition level.

Diverse Student Communities

One of the biggest draws of studying in the U.S. is the chance to meet peers from all over the world. This exposure fosters global friendships, cross-cultural communication, and a broader worldview — all valuable well beyond the classroom.

Career & Internship Opportunities

The U.S. offers multiple pathways for international students to gain work experience through Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Many universities maintain strong industry partnerships and have active career centers to support job placement.

Opportunities for Growth

Even if you're starting out at one of the cheapest universities in USA, there are plenty of ways to grow: through research, student leadership, internships, and networking events. Many smaller or lesser-known institutions still offer robust support for student development.

Why Choose Universities with Low Tuition?

• Exceptional affordability: many offer master’s programs for international students under $7,000–15,000/year, and the online University of the People charges no tuition — only course assessment fees.
• IELTS Optional / No IELTS: several schools accept alternatives like Duolingo English Test, prior English instruction, or explicitly waive IELTS for master’s applicants.
• International-friendly: these universities are known to host global students and offer support, flexible admissions, and clear tuition structures.
• Masters-oriented programs: all listed universities offer postgraduate degrees (MBA, MS in CS, engineering, education, health sciences).

Top 10 Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students (2025)

1. Minot State University
2. Alcorn State University
3. Southeast Missouri State University
4. Arkansas State University
5. California State University (CSU)
6. New Mexico Highlands University
7. University of Wyoming
8. Oklahoma State University
9. University of South Florida
10.  University of the People

1. Minot State University

Location: Minot, North Dakota

Acceptance Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 48%

Tuition & Fees (Per Year):

• Undergraduate: $8,634 (tuition $7,168 + mandatory fees $1,466) 
• Graduate: $10,817 (tuition $9,352 + fees $1,465) 

2. Alcorn State University

Location: Lorman, Mississippi

Acceptance Rate: 30%

Graduation Rate: 46%

Tuition & Fees (Per Year):

• Undergraduate: $8,549 (tuition $7,869 + fees $680). An additional $500 annual fee applies for international students
• Graduate: $9,263 (tuition $8,583 + fees $680). An additional $500 annual fee applies for international students

3. Southeast Missouri State University

Location: Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Acceptance Rate: 78.5%

Graduation Rate: 55.8%

Tuition & Fees (Per Year) — for international students:

• Undergraduate: $17,664 per year (based on 30 credit hours annually)
• Graduate: $13,622.40 per year (based on 18 credit hours annually)

4. Arkansas State University (Jonesboro)

Location: Jonesboro, Arkansas

Acceptance Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 55%

Tuition & Fees (Per Year) — for international students (non-resident rate):

• Undergraduate: $13,826 (tuition $13,248 + fees $578)
• Graduate: $12,416 (tuition $11,970 + fees $446)

5. California State University (CSU)

Location: California, USA (23 campuses; main campus in San Luis Obispo; university system)

Acceptance Rate: Varies by campus (e.g., from 33% to 97%)

Graduation Rate: Approximately 35% within 4 years across the system

Tuition & Fees (Per Year) — estimated for non-residents (including international students):

• Undergraduate: ≈ $19,770 (base in-state tuition $6,450 + $444 per unit per semester for non-residents)
• Graduate: ≈ $21,384 (base $8,064 + $444 per unit for non-residents)

6. New Mexico Highlands University

Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico

Acceptance Rate: 94.8%

Graduation Rate: 37% (6-year statistic)

Tuition & Fees (Per Year) — for international students:

• Undergraduate: $12,200 (tuition + fees for the full year, $6,100.20 per semester)
• Graduate: $13,112 (tuition + fees for the full year, $6,556.20 per semester)

7. University of Wyoming

Location: Laramie, Wyoming

Acceptance Rate: 97%

Graduation Rate: 60%

Tuition & Fees (Per Year) — for international students:

• Undergraduate: $22,718 (tuition $20,760 + fees $1,958)
• Graduate: $20,996 (tuition $19,340 + fees $1,656)

8. Oklahoma State University

Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma

Acceptance Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 66%

Tuition & Fees (Per Year) — for international students:

• Undergraduate: $25,754 (tuition $20,937 + fees $4,817)
• Graduate: $24,595 (tuition $21,114 + fees $3,481)

9. University of South Florida (Tampa)

Location: Tampa, Florida

Acceptance Rate: 41%

Graduation Rate: 75%

Tuition & Fees (Per Year) — for international students:

• Undergraduate: $17,324 (tuition $15,473 + fees $1,851)
• Graduate: $21,126 (tuition $19,048 + fees $2,078)

10. University of the People

Location: Online (headquartered in Pasadena, California, USA)

Acceptance Rate: ~50%

Graduation Rate: Varies by program; approximately 20–30% for undergraduate programs

Tuition & Fees (Per Year) — for international students (flat worldwide):

Undergraduate: $1,200 per year (based on $120 per course; total of 10 courses/year)

Graduate:

— MBA: $2,400 per year ($240 per course)

— Master of Education: $2,700 per year

— MS in IT: $2,940 per year

Note: University of the People has no tuition — only assessment fees per course. This makes it arguably the most affordable U.S.-accredited institution for international students.

Top 5 Affordable Universities in USA Without IELTS

1. Minot State University
2. Alcorn State University
3. University of New Orleans
4. Bellevue University
5. Minnesota State University, Moorhead

1. Minot State University

Location: Minot, North Dakota

Acceptance Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 48%

Tuition & Fees (Per Year):

• Undergraduate: $8,634 (tuition $7,168 + fees $1,466)
• Graduate: $10,817 (tuition $9,352 + fees $1,465)

Language Requirements: To apply, proof of English proficiency is required. Accepted tests include TOEFL (minimum 71 iBT), IELTS (6.0), Duolingo English Test (95), or PTE-A (50). This means IELTS is not mandatory — applicants can submit Duolingo or other equivalent tests instead, making admission without IELTS possible.

Waiver Available? Yes — in certain cases.

Conditions: Graduate applicants may have the English-test requirement waived if they have prior education in English. Specifically, MSU considers waiving TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo for an international applicant who earned a degree from a university where English is the primary language of instruction within the past 10 years. In practice, applicants from a long list of English‐speaking countries (including the US, UK, Canada except Quebec, Australia, Nigeria, etc.) are exempt from the English test requirement. (In other cases, 3+ years of U.S. schooling or a satisfactory interview may also be considered by the program.)

2. Alcorn State University

Location: Lorman, Mississippi

Acceptance Rate: 30%

Graduation Rate: 46%

Tuition & Fees (Per Year):

• Undergraduate: $8,549 (tuition $7,869 + fees $680). An additional $500 annual fee applies for international students
• Graduate: $9,263 (tuition $8,583 + fees $680). An additional $500 annual fee applies for international students

Language Requirements: Proof of English proficiency is required for admission. Acceptable tests include TOEFL iBT (minimum score of 61) or IELTS (minimum 6.0). This makes Alcorn State University one of the cheapest universities in the USA where students can be admitted without IELTS requirement.

Waiver Available? Yes — in limited cases.

Conditions: The Graduate School at Alcorn State requires TOEFL/IELTS of all non-native English speakers, except when the applicant has already earned a prior degree in an English-language program. The official Graduate Studies policy explicitly waives the TOEFL/IELTS requirement for any graduate applicant whose baccalaureate (or equivalent) was earned at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. In other words, if an international applicant’s prior degree was taught in English, the English test may be waived. 

3. University of New Orleans

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana (public university)

Acceptance Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 41%

Tuition & Fees (Per Year):

• Undergraduate: ~$9,829 (based on 15 credit hours per semester)
• Graduate: ~$9,948 (based on 12 credit hours per semester)

Language Requirements:  Alternative proof of English proficiency is accepted: TOEFL iBT (minimum score of 79), IELTS (minimum 6.5), or Duolingo English Test (minimum 100). The University of New Orleans is an affordable option — one of the cheapest universities in USA — where international students can study without IELTS, as long as they meet other English test requirements.

Waiver Available? Yes — under defined conditions.

Conditions: UNO’s Graduate School requires proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.), unless the applicant meets exemption criteria. The English-test requirement is waived if the applicant holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a U.S. institution accredited by a recognized agency. It is also waived automatically if the applicant is a citizen of (or studied in) one of several English-speaking countries. UNO publishes a long list of such countries (e.g. U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada except Quebec, New Zealand, Nigeria, etc.). 

In short, having a U.S. degree or being from an approved English-speaking nation exempts the applicant from TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo.

4. Bellevue University

Location: Bellevue, Nebraska

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Graduation Rate: ~37% (4-year rate)

Tuition & Fees (Per Year):

• Undergraduate: Approximately $13,770 (based on 30 credit hours)
• Graduate: Approximately $13,140 (based on 18 credit hours)

Language Requirements: International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency, but IELTS is not mandatory — TOEFL (minimum score of 61) or the Duolingo English Test (minimum 85) is accepted instead.

Waiver Available? Yes — alternatives to testing are accepted.

Conditions: Bellevue allows graduate applicants to prove English proficiency either by test or by prior education in English. Applicants can waive the test requirement by submitting transcripts from a U.S. accredited college or any institution where English is the primary language of instruction. Applicants from select English-speaking countries are automatically exempt. Waivers are also granted for completing 60+ U.S. credits or equivalent college English courses. 

In short, prior English education or being from an English-speaking country means no TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo is needed.

5. Minnesota State University, Moorhead

Location: Moorhead, Minnesota

Acceptance Rate: 57%

Graduation Rate: 57%

Tuition & Fees (Per Year):

• Undergraduate: ~$4,684 
• Graduate: ~$16,570 

Language Requirements: MSUM accepts TOEFL iBT (minimum 61), IELTS (minimum 5.5), Duolingo (minimum 95), or PTE (minimum 50) for admission. IELTS is not required since Duolingo or TOEFL scores are accepted. 

Waiver Available? Yes — for “English-educated” students.

Conditions: MSUM requires TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo for graduate applicants whose native language isn’t English and who can’t prove their last degree was taught in English. The test is waived for native English speakers or those with a degree from an English-language program. Applicants from countries where English is the sole official language of instruction (e.g., Australia, Canada except Quebec, UK, Nigeria) are generally exempt.

Factors to Consider Beyond Tuition

1. Living Expenses: Consider the cost of living in the specific location of the university. Larger cities generally have higher living costs. 

2. Scholarships and Financial Aid: Many universities offer scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Research these options thoroughly. 

3. Program Costs: Some programs, like those in the sciences or engineering, may have higher associated fees. 

4. Application Requirements: Each university has specific application requirements, including proof of English language proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL, discussed in the section above).

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