Top 30 Cheapest Schools (by Tuition Costs) in the U.S 2024

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Top 10 Priciest Colleges In The US - by Tuition Cost

Cheapest Colleges in the US

How Much Does the Average College Tuition Cost In The U.S Today?

The cost of a college education in the United States has been rising at a much faster clip than the rate of inflation for decades.

U.S. colleges charge in-state and out-of-state students different tuition rates. The cost of attendance is typically higher for students from out of state. However, fees for international students tend to be significantly higher.

College tuition has increased as a result of cuts in state funding, forcing more students to seek financial aid in the form of scholarships and grants.

The average tuition for non-profit private colleges has reached $31,200 in recent years, a figure often brought up in discussions of the resulting student debt crisis. The average tuition and fees for in-state four-year public universities reached a new high of $9,100.

These days, the typical US undergraduate graduates with a debt load of $132,860.

This isn't to say there aren't any low-cost college choices; rather, it means you'll have to do some digging. Avoiding a mountain of student loan payments is crucial, but so is getting a good education.

That's why we here at KnowInsiders scour the United States for the best low-tuition colleges we can find.

Top 30 Lowest Tuition Colleges In The U.S Today

30. The University of Texas at El Paso

Website: www.utep.edu

The University of Texas at El Paso

Presently, 76% of students receive grants of some kind, which brings down the overall cost of attendance to $6,089 per year.

A four-year research university, the University of Texas at El Paso is situated in El Paso, Texas, not far from Suarez, Mexico. The campus's architecture is distinctively Bhutanese. Being the largest American university with a majority of Mexican-American students (70%) is another distinguishing feature.

The university currently offers 71 undergraduate degrees, 76 master's degrees, and 20 doctoral programs. It is one of the top recipients of research funding in the University of Texas system. The National Science Foundation named UTEP as one of only six Model Institutions of Excellence in the country. Additionally, UTEP is rated as the best university for social mobility in 2015.

Getting here is simple thanks to one of the lowest out-of-pocket costs of any research university in the United States and millions in grants and scholarships. Choose from more than 170 degree options once you arrive, including well-liked courses in biology, nursing, psychology, education, computer science, mechanical engineering, criminal justice, and finance.

Develop your skills by participating in an internship, a paid on-campus job, a study abroad program, or a research project in a field like aerospace, cancer, 3D printing, cybersecurity, bilingual education, or international trade.

29. Valencia College

Website: valenciacollege.edu

Currently, 77% of students receive grants of some kind, which brings down the annual net cost of attendance to $6,063.

The third-largest college in the Florida University System, Valencia College is situated in Orlando, Florida. The college, which enrolls more than 30,000 students each year, has the distinction of awarding more associate's degrees than any other college in the country.

Although Valencia College offers bachelor's degrees, one of its most well-liked programs is the UCF "Direct Connect" program, which enables associates-level students to quickly complete their general education requirements and transfer to UCF. One of the more well-known schools on campus, the school of public safety offers courses in criminal justice, fire rescue, and safety and security. There are also a lot of options for continuing education programs.

28. Lake Washington Technical College

Website: www.lwtech.edu

Currently, 50% of Lake Washington Tech students receive grants, making the average net cost of attendance per year $6,049.

A community college in Kirkland, Washington called Lake Washington Technical College grants bachelor's degrees in applied science and technology as well as a number of certifications. There are more than 100 certifications and academic tracks available, including a high school program based on technical skills for students between the ages of 16 and 20.

The mission of Lake Washington Tech also places a high priority on continuing education, English as a second language programs, and online education. The main goal of Lake Washington Tech is to get people ready for a job, a career change, or to improve their occupational skills.

The only public technology institute in the state of Washington is called Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech), which was established in 1949. LWTech offers 83 professional certificates, 41 associate degrees, 11 applied bachelor's degrees, and programs focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue, Kenmore, Mercer Island, Bothell, Woodinville, Carnation, North Bend, Fall City, Sammamish, Issaquah, Snoqualmie, Skykomish, Clyde Hill, and Medina are communities that LWTech directly serves. In addition to students in our service area, LWTech also helps students from other countries.

27. Fayetteville State University

Website: www.uncfsu.edu

Fayetteville State University

At this time, 94% of Fayetteville State University students receive grants, making the average net cost of attendance per year $5,914.

A historically black university, Fayetteville State University is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the University of North Carolina system. One doctoral program in education is among the nearly 70 undergraduate and graduate courses of study offered by the university.

Seven other programs of study, including the university's MBA program, are also available online.

26. Dalton State College

At Dalton State College, 88% of students currently receive grants, making the average net cost of attendance per year $5,914.

Located in Dalton, Georgia, Dalton State College is a part of the University of Georgia System and provides a variety of associate's degrees, 10 bachelor's degree programs, and a number of certifications. Almost 2,000 of the college's approximately 5,000 undergraduate students attend on a part-time basis.

The University of Georgia system's e-major program enables students to take courses at colleges of their choice while also offering online study options. Through online offerings, prior learning credit may be claimed and used to shorten the time until graduation.

25. York College, City University of New York

80% of students currently receive grants of some kind, bringing down the average net cost of attendance per year to $5,855.

One of the 11 senior colleges in the CUNY system, York College of the City University of New York is situated in Jamaica, Queens, New York City. The institution serves as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the CUNY system and was recognized in 2013 as the US university with the lowest national average student debt.

8,000 students are currently enrolled, and they are pursuing 40 different majors. The honors program, nursing, occupational therapy, the program for physician assistants, and aviation management are notable programs. Nearly 40% of students take part-time classes.

24. City College, City University of New York

Presently, 76% of students receive grants of some kind, which reduces the average net cost of attendance annually to $5,820.

The flagship campus of the City University of New York, City College is situated in Manhattan. The university provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Though the College as a whole has a significant number of recipients—10—three of its graduates from the physics program have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.

City College consistently ranks in the top 75 institutions in the country and is the school with the highest percentage of racial and ethnic minorities in the Northern US.

Top 20+ Colleges in the US Where Students Don’t Pay Tuition

23. Eastern Florida State College

The average net cost of attendance per year has decreased to $5,706 thanks to the grant aid that 68% of students currently receive.

The "space coast" of Florida is home to several campuses for Eastern Florida State College, in addition to online learning options and a campus for its aerospace program at the Kennedy Space Center. It belongs to the Florida College System and annually enrolls about 35,000 students for in-person or online courses.

There are almost 100 academic programs available, with classes averaging under 20 students. Joining an honors program up until one semester before graduation encourages more interaction between talented students and professors.

22. Midland College

At the moment, 42% of pupils receive grants of some kind, which reduces the average net cost of attendance annually to $5,579.

Over 7,000 students attend Midland College, a community college in Midland, Texas. Currently, they provide 11 other bachelor's degrees through partners, including Texas Tech University, Lubbock Christian University, The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, Sul Ross State University, Angelo State University, Howard Payne University, and Western Governors University. They also offer one bachelor's degree program in organizational management.

There are four master's degrees offered. There is also a high school early college program that allows students to graduate from high school with an associate's degree.

21. John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York

At the moment, 73% of students receive grants, which reduces the average net cost of attendance annually to $5,552.

A senior college of the City University of New York, the John Jay College of Criminal Justice is situated in midtown Manhattan, New York. It was the first liberal arts college in the country to be established with a focus on criminal justice, and it is now renowned for its programs in public affairs, forensic science, and criminal justice.

There are numerous undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certification programs that can be completed online or on-campus.

20. South Florida State College

At the moment, 78% of students receive grants of some kind, which reduces the average net cost of attendance annually to $5,536.

The Florida College System includes South Florida State College, which has three campuses. There are numerous associate's degrees and professional certifications available, in addition to bachelor's degrees in business management and supervision, nursing, and education.

Through collaborations with other Florida universities, a variety of specialized courses as well as additional bachelor's and master's level programs are accessible.

19. Seattle Central College

Currently, 62% of students receive grants of some kind, which brings down the annual net cost of attendance to $5,512.

Seattle Central College is a community college with a large selection of technical and vocational associate's degrees that is situated in the Capital Hill neighborhood of Seattle. Additionally, there are two bachelor's degrees in applied behavioral science and applied science in allied health.

A Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) enables any student to freely transfer to any Washington state college to finish a B.A. or B.S. after completing their two years at Seattle Central College. One of the most oppressive colleges in the US is this one.

18. Olympic College

Olympic College

The average net cost of attendance per year has decreased to $5,316 thanks to the grant aid that 51% of students currently receive.

Olympic College is seven miles from Seattle, but it primarily serves the more rural counties in the area. In addition to bachelor's degrees in nursing, information systems, organizational leadership, and technical management, it currently offers a wide range of certifications and associate's degrees.

After graduating from Olympic College, students can transfer all of their credits to any other public university in Washington to earn a BA or BS thanks to a direct transfer agreement between Olympic College and public universities in Washington.

17. Gulf Coast State College

At the moment, 81% of students receive grants of some kind, which reduces the average net cost of attendance annually to $5,070.

Florida's Gulf Coast State College, which has over 150 programs available right now, is situated in Panama City. Programs include 75 associate's degrees, several certifications, and four bachelor of applied science degrees in nursing, organizational management (with a number of specializations), technology management, and digital media.

Gulf Coast State College currently has more than 6,000 students enrolled. In-person, online, Corporate College, and continuing education courses are all available. In addition, Gulf Coast State College is regarded as one of the universities in the country that is most supportive of service members.

16. Brazosport College

The average net cost of attendance per year has decreased to $4,874 due to the fact that 55% of students currently receive grant aid.

A two- and four-year college offering degrees, Brazosport College is situated in Lake Jackson in the greater Houston, Texas, area. At the moment, over 4,000 students enroll, looking to earn a variety of associates degrees or the only bachelor's degree available: a bachelor of applied technology in industrial management.

Process Operations Management, Business Management, Safety, Health and Environmental Management, General Technology Management, or another customized specialization are the five specializations available for the Industrial Management degree.

15. Northern New Mexico College

At the moment, 91% of pupils receive grants of some kind, which reduces the average net cost of attendance per year to $4,821.

There are two campuses of North New Mexico College in Espaola and El Rito, both in the state of New Mexico. There is a wide range of associates-level and certifications available. There are also 14 bachelor's degree programs available. The college belongs to the Hipic Association of Colleges and Universities, and nearly 3/4 of its current students are Hipic.

14. Lehman College, City University of New York

Because 83% of students receive financial aid, the average net cost of attendance per year is $4,790.

In the Bronx, there is a liberal arts college called Lehman College that is a part of the City University of New York. The college provides a wide range of programs, including 46 graduate degree programs, 46 undergraduate majors and programs, and several certifications.

With the CUNY Graduate Center, 11 doctoral programs are available. The college currently has over 12,000 students enrolled. Recently, Lehman College was named as one of the top 5 public colleges in the North for producing graduates with the least amount of debt.

13. Chipola College

Website: www.chipola.edu

85% of students currently receive grants of some kind, bringing down the average net cost of attendance per year to $4,785.

Chipola College, which is based in Marianna, Florida, is a part of the Florida College System. There are numerous associates-level programs, certifications, and seven bachelor's of science programs available at the college. The school is well-known for its successful Brain Bowl team, which has garnered three national titles and six state titles.

Private Chipola College was founded in 1947.

Florida's 1947 Minimum Foundation Law mandated college funding. This law allowed a college district in Jackson, Calhoun, and Washington counties to operate as a public institution with funding from the three counties and Florida. The State Board of Education gave Chipola Junior College public status on September 1, 1948.

Later, Holmes and Liberty Counties were added to Calhoun, Jackson, and Washington Counties.

In 1953, Chipola moved from Marianna Army Air Base to its current location. 1954 saw the first permanent buildings completed and occupied. 17 buildings were added over time. Pools and outdoor PE fields are on campus. Vocational education began in 1967-68.

In 1957, the college joined the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and was fully accredited. 1968, 1978, 1988, 1998, 2008, and 2018 confirmed this accreditation.

On August 18, 2003, Chipola Junior College became Chipola College. The college now offers 4-year degrees in Education, Business, and Nursing, so the name was changed.

12. California State University, Los Angeles

The average net cost of attendance per year has decreased to $4,756 thanks to the grant aid that 76% of students currently receive.

A top-tier public research university, California State University, Los Angeles is situated in the Westwood section of the city. In the University of California System, it is the second-oldest university and offers more than 330 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a wide range of subjects.

UCLA consistently ranks among the top 30 universities in the world and is known for its top-notch faculty, curriculum, and facilities.

11. Florida Gateway College

Website: www.fgc.edu

Florida Gateway College

At the moment, 91% of students receive grants of some kind, which reduces the average net cost of attendance annually to $4,688.

The main campus of Florida Gateway College is in Bell City, Florida, and it is a part of the Florida College System. The campus is decorated with native azalea bushes and crepe myrtle trees, and it is frequently cited as the most beautiful college campus in the Florida College System.

The liberal arts and sciences, career preparation, and personal growth are the schools' main priorities. Florida Gateway College enrolls over 7,000 students, the majority of whom come from the area's surrounding five counties.

10. Lake-Sumter State College

Website: www.lssc.edu

The average net cost of attendance per year has decreased to $4,680 thanks to the grant aid that 73% of students currently receive.

The main campus of Lake-Sumter State College is located in Leesburg, Florida, and it is a part of the Florida College System. The school grants a variety of associates degrees in addition to a bachelor of science in organizational management.

There are also a variety of certifications available, especially in the vocational fields. Additionally, students may transfer under the 2+2 transfer policy, which allows them to finish their first two years at Lake-Sumter State College before continuing on to Saint Leo University or the University of Central Florida to finish the bachelor's-level courses of their choice.

The Paradox of College Tuition and Student Dropout in the US

9. Clinton College

Currently, all students receive financial aid in the form of grants, which reduces the average net cost of attendance per year to $4,669.

In Rock Hill, South Carolina, there is a historically black college called Clinton College that is connected to the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. In addition to bachelor of science degrees in business administration and bachelor of arts degrees in religious studies, the college currently awards five associates degrees. The liberal arts-focused Clinton College bases its curriculum primarily on Christian values.

8. Talladega College

Presently, 98% of students receive grants of some kind, which reduces the average net cost of attendance annually to $4,100.

The oldest private historically black college in the country is Talladega College, which is situated in Talladega, Alabama. Around 1,500 students are currently enrolled in the United Church of Christ-affiliated college.

Currently, 17 bachelor's degree programs are offered, along with a novel "FastTrack" program for working adults who want to finish their organizational studies degree.

7. California State University-Dominguez Hills

Presently, 78% of students receive grants of some kind, which reduces the average net cost of attendance annually to $2,791.

Located in Carson, California, in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County, California State University, Dominguez Hills is a public university. The school offers more than 60 bachelor's and master's degrees and is a part of the California State University system. The university does not, however, award doctoral degrees. The university currently has a relatively sparse student body of over 14,000 students.

6. Palm Beach State College

Currently, 68% of students receive grants of some kind, which brings down the annual net cost of attendance to $2,647.

In Florida's Palm Beach County, Palm Beach State College is a part of the Florida College System. Nearly 49,000 students are currently enrolled in the college, which offers over 100 programs of study, many of which are at the associates level. The college also offers a bachelor of applied science with seven concentrations and a bachelor of nursing. The college also supports distance learning and continuing education.

5. Berea College

Currently, all Berea students receive financial aid in the form of grants, which reduces the annual net cost of attendance to $2,323.

In Berea, Kentucky, there is a liberal arts college called Berea College. The college stands out among American higher education because all admitted students are required to work while receiving free tuition for the entire four-year program.

A four-year full-tuition scholarship is offered in exchange for this, but transfer students are not eligible. A top-tier liberal arts university, Berea offers 32 bachelor's degrees.

4. Georgia Regents University

The average net cost of attendance per year has decreased to $2,323 thanks to the grant aid that 73% of students currently receive.

The main campus of Georgia Regents University is in Augusta, Georgia, and it is a public academic health center. Over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students are currently enrolled there, and it is a part of the University System of Georgia.

Over 100 academic programs, ranging from associate's through M.D. and doctoral work, are offered by nine colleges. The university also offers highly regarded programs in business, the arts, humanities, and social sciences. It is home to the 13th-oldest and ninth-largest medical school in the nation.

3. Elizabeth City State University

Website: www.ecsu.edu

Elizabeth City State University

At the moment, 92% of students receive grants of some kind, which reduces the average net cost of attendance per student per year to $1,993.

Located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Elizabeth City State University is a historically black college and a part of the University of North Carolina System. There are currently forty baccalaureate and master's level academic programs available to about 2,000 students.

Elizabeth City State University also offers an active distance learning program, both online and through other distance learning formats like CDs and DVDs.

Excellent, student-centered, experiential education is available at Elizabeth City State University. ECSU grants bachelor's, master's, and professional degrees. We prepare a diverse student body for success in their personal and professional lives so they can have a positive impact on the community, state, country, and beyond. This is done through practical education, applied research, and public and private partnerships.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has granted Elizabeth City State University accreditation to grant baccalaureate and master's degrees.

2. Indian River State College

Website: irsc.edu

Indian River State College

At the moment, 75% of students receive grants of some kind, which reduces the average net cost of attendance annually to $1,846.

The Aspen Institute has praised Indian River State College, a state university with its headquarters in Fort Pierce, Florida, as one of the top 10 community colleges in the nation. There are ten bachelor's-level courses of study available in addition to a large number of associates-level programs. For students who are particularly motivated, there is an honors track available. Additionally, all bachelor's-level programs are entirely accessible online.

The Florida Legislature authorized Indian River State College in 1959, and since then, it has expanded from a single building to become the main educational and cultural hub in the neighborhood. The City of Fort Pierce gave IRSC 87 acres of land in 1963, and the College then relocated to that location on Virginia Avenue.

To better serve students in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties, Indian River Junior College and Lincoln Junior College merged in 1965 as integration became a reality. The Board of Trustees decided that Indian River Community College would better reflect the College's broad range of services as it continued to expand in both scope and role. This name change took place in 1970.

1. South Texas College

Website: www.southtexascollege.edu

Location: McAllen, Texas

South Texas College - Most Affordable School in the USA

At the moment, 87% of students receive financial aid in the form of grants, which reduces the average net cost of attendance annually to $1,483.

In McAllen, Texas, a city in the Rio South Texas region, there is a public community college called South Texas College. A number of associates-level programs are currently offered by the college, and it is the only community college in Texas accredited to offer three bachelor's-level programs in computer and information technologies, technology management, and medical and health services management.

One of the reasons South Texas College is praised as one of the more military-friendly colleges in the country is because it offers almost 30 degree programs online as well.

Is a Low Tuition a Sign of a Bad College? You might be tempted to assume that a school's inferior quality is the reason why it has a low tuition rate. It's critical to keep in mind that paying for college is not comparable to purchasing a pair of shoes. A pair of cheap shoes is probably of lower quality, while an expensive pair would be worthwhile. Whether or not a college is high quality depends on a lot more nuanced factors. It is possible for colleges with affordable tuition to be reputable schools where you can get a good education. In addition to tuition costs, there are other indicators you can look for to determine whether a college is bad or not. Why Are Small Public Colleges Cheaper? Tuition at small public colleges is frequently much lower than at larger ones. There are numerous variables that could affect this. A large school with a well-known name will typically cost more simply because of the name and status attached to that school. But it's crucial to remember that the school attained this brand recognition for particular factors. Numerous students who have had an impact on our nation and history could have graduated from the school.Perhaps the institution has simply maintained a reputation for offering a quality education that prepares students for successful careers over the years. Because they are less well-known, smaller schools are frequently less expensive. Because costs are lower due to the smaller size of the faculty and school, lower tuition is also passed on to the students. In order to save money, some schools might offer very basic housing options rather than more opulent lodgings. A school's location and surrounding community may influence whether or not it is less expensive.

Conclusion

The cost of attending college will undoubtedly influence your final college selection.

The first step is to determine how much financial assistance you will receive and how it will be distributed.

Once that is clear, calculate all of the additional costs of attending your college options, such as lodging, meals, textbooks, and transportation. These costs may appear minor at first, but they add up over time.

Finally, assess your readiness to apply for a student loan. Consider getting a student loan carefully—student debt is a serious issue for many students across the country, even after they graduate, so looking into a low-cost college is a great first step.

It can be difficult to figure out how to pay for college. Remember that your degree does not have to completely drain you; there are numerous steps you can take to remain comfortable while studying — finding a cheap college is just one of them!

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