All articles

The Cheapest U.S. Colleges for International Students

The Cheapest U.S. Colleges for International Students

International students studying in the United States often face higher tuition costs than in-state or U.S. citizen students. However, some U.S. colleges and universities are more affordable for international students compared to others. But keep in mind that affordability can still vary based on factors like location, scholarships, and the specific program of study.

To help you navigate the college search process as an international student, we compiled this list of affordable colleges for international students. In order to be included in this list, the school must satisfy the following criteria:

  • Enroll at least 400 international students as undergraduate students. The average international student enrollment was 1,207.
  • At least five percent of undergraduate enrollment must be international. The average percentage of international students was eight percent.
  • Charge less than $25,000 for out-of-state tuition and fees and less than $40,000 for out-of-state tuition, fees, room, board, books, and supplies, based on 2015-2016 published college costs. The average tuition and fees total was $18,010, and the average of the full college costs was $32,604.

Of the 82 colleges, 73 were public colleges, eight were non-profit, and one was for-profit. The most popular states were New York, California, and Texas.

Although these colleges charge low tuition, there are some colleges that charge higher tuition but also provide generous financial aid to international students. Many of the two dozen colleges that provide need-blind admission to international students also meet the full demonstrated financial need of these students, making them just as affordable as the low-cost colleges.

Least Expensive U.S. Schools for International Students

The name of each school is linked to their admissions office website. Look for a link labeled “International Students” or “International Admissions” on these web pages for information and forms for international students.

Compare the costs of different colleges.

Now that you know which schools tend to be cheaper, it's time to see side-by-side cost comparisons. Just click the button below to use Appily's college cost comparison tool. 

Create a free Cappex account to find, finance, and attend the college that’s right for you Get Started Now