Top 6 Cheapest Universities in the USA for International Students | 2017 Guide | Affordable Universities in the USA

2017 Guide: Take Advantage of an American Education with the Cheapest Universities in the USA

With over 4,500 higher education institutions in the United States, it makes sense for international students to consider coming to the U.S. for college. Whether searching for a public or private institution, there are endless opportunities in the United States.

The prestige of USA universities is also stronger than many international alternatives. When looking simply at business school rankings, 7 of the top 10 business schools in the world are located in the United States.

However, as appealing as USA universities and colleges are, they can also come at a steep cost. The cost of education has increased steeply over the last fifty years, but the upfront cost of tuition can have a strong payback if you attend highly touted universities.

Finding universities in theUSA with low tuition fees for international students is important to ensure that your investment is worth it in the end. It is important though, that you do not just consider the cheapest colleges in USA, as these might not be highly regarded.

Award Emblem: Top 6 Affordable Universities in USA for International Students

The trick is to find low tuition fee universities in USA for international students that also offer strong educational programs. This can be a frustrating and confusing process, though. When you are looking for affordable universities in USA for international students, chances are that you have questions, including:

• What are the cheapest colleges in USA for international students?
• What do you need to consider when comparing cheap universities for international students in USA?
• Do the cheapest colleges in USA for international students actually offer solid educational programs?
• Can you get a good job after attending one of the low tuition universities in USA?

Throughout this 2017 guide, we work to address the questions you may have surrounding universities in the USA with low tuition fees for international students. We will explain what to look for when comparing the cheapest colleges in the USA for international students before providing a detailed review of the six best low tuition fee universities in the USA for international students.

By the end of this article, you should have a much better idea of what to look for in cheap universities for international students in the USA, as well as which low-cost universities in the USA could be a good fit for you.

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AdvisoryHQ’s List of Top 6 Best Cheapest Universities in the USA

List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the low tuition fee universities in the USA for international students below to go directly to the detailed review section for that low tuition university in the USA site):

• Harvard University
• Illinois Institute of Technology
• Johns Hopkins University
• Purdue University
• Stanford University
• University at Buffalo – SUNY

Top 6 Best Affordable Universities in the USA | Brief Comparison    

Affordable Universities   in the USA	Location	Average Tuition Minus Grants & Scholarships
Harvard University	Cambridge, Massachusetts	$2,538
Illinois Institute of Technology	Chicago, Illinois	$16,685
Johns Hopkins University	Baltimore, Maryland	$11,666
Purdue University	West Lafayette, Indiana	$13,230
Stanford University	Stanford, California	$7,294
University at Buffalo – SUNY	Buffalo, New York	$8,573

Detailed Overview: What to Consider When Comparing the List of Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students 

Coming to the United States for higher education opportunities can be a great steps toward obtaining the job or career that you desire. Many American universities are highly regarded and excel in placing students in high-paying, high-impact positions.

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However, with over 4,500 higher education institutions in the United States, it can be difficult to choose the right one for you. There are many aspects that need to be taken into consideration when searching for low tuition fee universities in the USA for international students.  

When you are looking at the cheap universities for international students in the USA, it is important to consider the following:

• Cost of Tuition: The cost is perhaps the first figure you will look at when searching for the cheapest universities in the USA. 

  However, you can’t just look at the total cost of tuition. Many of the universities on this list are considered affordable universities in the USA because they offer hefty scholarship and grant packages.

• Courses/Majors Offered: Going to the cheapest universities in the USA for international students is pointless if they don’t offer the courses and programs that you are interested in. 

  Whether you want to major in photography or forensic accounting, be sure you look at the cheapest universities in the USA that offer those degrees.

• Availability of Scholarships: The cheapest universities in the USA for international students are often cheaper because students are offered grants and scholarships to cover some of the costs. 

  Be sure to look into these types of funding when looking for the cheapest universities in the USA.

• Percentage of International Students: You will already be far away from home, so attending a school with a strong population of international students is often a good idea. 

  When looking for the cheapest universities in the USA, be sure to look at international student population and groups that are offered.  

• Location: If you hate the cold, location might be something to consider when perusing a list of affordable universities in the USA. Be sure that you factor weather and climate into your decision.

The factors above are all important things to consider when looking for affordable universities in the USA for international students.

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Detailed Review – Top Ranking Affordable Universities in the USA

Below, please find the detailed review of each low-cost university in the USA option on our list of cheapest universities in the USA for international students. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these affordable universities in the USA for international students to score so highly in our selection ranking.

Harvard University Review

Set in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University is one of the best-known American universities throughout the country — and the world. Harvard University has many strong programs, but it can be a difficult school to get into.

While tuition runs about $42,292, with the abundance of grants and scholarships, the actual cost settles around $2,538. This makes Harvard one of the cheapest universities in the USA for international students.

When looking for affordable universities in USA, Harvard falls on the list not simply due to the low average tuition. Their international student population has been rising since 1998: currently, 11% of students are international.

Harvard University also has international offices, such as the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies located in Brazil and Chile. They also do extensive research on important global issues like economic development in developing nations and AIDS.

Bottom Line

When it comes to thinking about the cheapest universities in the USA for international students, Harvard University might not come to mind at first. However, with the abundance of grants and scholarships, if you can get in, Harvard can be the best of affordable universities in the USA.

Illinois Institute of Technology Review

The Illinois Institute of Technology is another one of the cheapest universities in the USA for international students. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this university is great for international students who don’t mind frigid winters and the hustle and bustle of busy city life.

Taking into account grants and scholarships, the average tuition falls from $40,117 to a more manageable $16,285. Though it is higher than some of the other affordable universities in USA, there are many benefits to attending the Illinois Institute of Technology.

IIT actually has an international student population of 23%, which is quite impressive. That’s almost a quarter of the population, which means that many students will be in the same situation as you.

As far as the cheapest universities in USA for international students, IIT can be considered one of the best. They offer advising for international students, assist with immigration and tax preparation, and even provide an English Conversation Program.

Bottom Line

If you are apprehensive about attending college away from home, IIT is one of the best cheapest universities in USA for international students. They offer guidance every step of the way, even with navigating through Chicago.

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Johns Hopkins University Review

Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins University is another one of the affordable universities in USA.

With an average tuition of $11,666 after grants and scholarships, the school is not just affordable. Over 3,000 international students make up 10% of the student population. Hailing from over 120 countries, this international body will allow you to truly immerse yourself in a unique culture at this university.

What sets Johns Hopkins University above some of the other cheapest universities in the USA is the fact that they have international campuses in China and Italy and encourage students to study abroad and conduct international research.

Bottom Line

If you want to attend a diverse school that often happens to be one of the most affordable universities in the USA, then John Hopkins might be a good fit for you.

Purdue University Review

Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana is not just known for a strong football program. The school also happens to be one of the cheapest universities in the USA for international students.

The school boasts a regular out-of-state tuition of $28,794, but with scholarships and grants, the average cost settles closer to $13,000. This is higher than some of the other affordable universities in the USA, but Purdue has other advantages. The school offers scholarships especially for international students.

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International students make up 17% of the total student population, which represents over 125 countries. Throughout International Education Week, students share cultures and even work with the great West Lafayette community.

Bottom Line

Purdue University is one of the best affordable universities in the USA, especially when it comes to integrating international students with the community that lies outside the University walls.

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Stanford University Review

Though all of the universities on our list are affordable universities in the USA, Stanford University might be among the cheapest universities in the USA to choose if you can’t stand bitterly cold winters.

Located in sunny California, Stanford boasts one of the top financial aid programs in all of the U.S. In fact, undergraduates with household incomes less than $60,000 receive full scholarships, and even 85% of graduate students receive substantial financial aid. These facts alone make Stanford University one of the cheapest universities in the USA for international students.

With an average tuition of $7,294, Stanford is also appealing since it offers a campus in Peking and offers classes and workshops tailored to international students.

Bottom Line

Though it only has a 7% international student population, if you come from a lesser off family and enjoy warm, sunny days, Stanford University is one of the best cheapest universities in the USA.

University at Buffalo – SUNY Review

With international students comprising 16% of the total student population, the University at Buffalo is one of the best affordable universities in the USA for international students. Located in Buffalo, New York, this might be one of the best cheapest universities in the USA for international students for those who can survive the brutal, snowy winters.

The average tuition before scholarships and grants is $20,151, but that number drops to around $8,500 after considering aid. Another reason this is one of the more affordable universities in the USA is the low cost of living that you will find in Buffalo. Low costs combined with a stellar food scene make the University at Buffalo a great school for international students.

Another great thing about the University at Buffalo is that it lies just 15 minutes from the border of Canada, so you can immerse yourself in more cultures than one. With over 5,000 international students and numerous cultural programs and groups, this is one of the best affordable universities in the USA for international students.

Bottom Line

The University at Buffalo is a great university for international students, especially those looking for the cheapest universities in USA. The school even offers a week-long orientation program for international students and provides a student service to help international students adjust to life in the United States.

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Conclusion – Top 6 Best Cheapest Universities in the USA for International Students

Planning to come to the United States to attend a university is a bold move. It can be difficult to move to a new country and adapt to the language, culture, and even the weather. However, certain universities in the USA are prestigious and worth the frustration, as they can affect your life and future career in a massive way.

The one drawback about American universities is that they can be costly. Tuition is rising, and aside from the cost of school, you’ll need to finance room, board, and transportation.

Thankfully, there are affordable universities in the USA for international students that can help make your dream of attending an American university a reality. Some universities in the USA with low tuition fees for international students have strong educational programs and reputations, which make them a great fit for international students.

When you are looking for low-cost universities in the USA, it is important to ask yourself the following:

• Can you afford even the low tuition universities in the USA?
• Do you want to find the absolute cheapest colleges in the USA, or affordable universities in the USA with strong reputations?
• Does location matter when searching for the cheapest colleges in the USA?
• Do the cheapest universities in the USA offer the programs you are interested in?

Be sure to ask yourself the questions listed above as you sort through the list of cheapest universities in the USA for international students. It is also important to do thorough research and not just consider the cheapest universities in the USA.

Before making the final decision, consider several options, especially those on our list of cheapest universities in the USA for international students. With your educational and occupational future on the line, it is important to consider your choices thoroughly.