These Are the Cheapest Colleges in the US

The gradual decline in government funding for colleges has caused a hike in tuition fees. 

Expected to pay a heftier sticker price, more students now depend on scholarships, grants, and “free college” programs to fund their education. But being eligible for these options isn’t a walk in the park (and some essential expenses may not be covered). 🆓

Finding the cheapest colleges in the US might be the next best alternative to save you from student loans. 🚀

How Much Does the Average US College Cost?

The cost of going to college is nothing short of serious. In fact, the average undergraduate student debt in the US ranges from $37,000 to $55,000.  

The price varies between in-state and out-of-state students. Usually, out-of-state students end up spending more because they don’t receive the same subsidies as residents. 😱

International students often pay substantially higher tuition and fees than domestic students, due to factors such as non-resident tuition rates, health insurance costs, and living expenses — adding an extra layer of financial stress.   

What Are the Cheapest Colleges in the US?

Here are the 50 cheapest US colleges, public and private, that offer education at the lowest net price per year. 

What is a college’s “net price”? 

A college’s net price refers to the actual cost of tuition and fees after subtracting scholarships, grants, and education tax benefits you may receive. This gives you a clearer picture of what you’ll likely actually pay out of pocket. 💸

The net prices shown below are an average, meaning they could be higher or lower depending on a student’s financial aid package. 

15 Cheapest Public Colleges in the US

#	Institution	Location	Net Price per Year
1	Sitting Bull College	North Dakota	$496
2	South Texas College	Texas	$1,630
3	Oglala Lakota College	South Dakota	$2,068
4	St Petersburg College	Florida	$2,702
5	Elizabeth City State University	North Carolina	$3,270
6	Florida State College at Jacksonville	Florida	$3,306
7	Pensacola State College	Florida	$3,351
8	Chipola College	Florida	$3,554
9	California State University Los Angeles	California	$3,859
10	Indian River State College	Florida	$3,878
11	The University of Texas at Brownsville	Texas	$3,892
12	CUNY Bernard M Baruch College	New York	$3,913
13	CUNY Hunter College	New York	$4,014
14	Texas A & M International University	Texas	$4,165
15	CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice	New York	$4,221
16	The University of Texas-Pan American	Texas	$4,419
17	CUNY City College	New York	$4,546
18	California State University Dominguez Hills	California	$4,683
19	CUNY Brooklyn College	New York	$4,736
20	Colorado Mountain College	Colorado	$4,784
21	Valencia College	Florida	$4,901
22	Miami Dade College	Florida	$4,998
23	CUNY New York City College of Technology	New York	$5,097
24	Seattle Community College-Central Campus	Washington	$5,191
25	CUNY York College	New York	$5,228

25 Cheapest Private Colleges in the US

#	Institution	Location	Net Price per Year
1	Bethel College	Virginia	$148
2	Tri-State Bible College	Ohio	$768
3	Talmudical Seminary of Bobov	New York	$2,154
4	Yeshiva Karlin Stolin	New York	$2,537
5	Kehilath Yakov Rabbinical Seminary	New York	$2,666
6	Shasta Bible College and Graduate School	California	$2,781
7	Talmudical Institute of Upstate New York	New York	$3,230
8	Yeshiva of Nitra Rabbinical College	New York	$4,799
9	Rabbinical College Bobover Yeshiva Bnei Zion	New York	$5,173
10	Machzikei Hadath Rabbinical College	New York	$5,675
11	Mesivtha Tifereth Jerusalem of America	New York	$5,750
12	Yeshiva Toras Chaim	New Jersey	$5,774
13	Salish Kootenai College	Montana	$5,893
14	Western International University	Arizona	$5,911
15	Yeshiva Gedolah Imrei Yosef D’spinka	New York	$5,923
16	Jamestown Business College	New York	$6,121
17	Telshe Yeshiva Chicago	Illinois	$6,326
18	Sh’or Yoshuv Rabbinical College	New York	$6,340
19	California Christian College	California	$6,560
20	National American University Ellsworth AFB Extension	South Dakota	$6,675
21	Bais Medrash Toras Chesed	New Jersey	$6,745
22	Yeshiva D’monsey Rabbinical College	New York	$6,829
23	Brigham Young University Idaho	Idaho	$6,871
24	Carolina Christian College	North Carolina	$6,944
25	Beth Hamedrash Shaarei Yosher Institute	New York	$7,067

What Makes One College Cheaper Than Others?

Notice that more affordable colleges typically are public schools. That’s because these institutions receive more funding from state and city governments, which lessens the financial burden on students. 💰 

However, a few private colleges have made low-cost education a part of their mission, allocating more funding for grants and scholarships. Because of this, the advertised sticker price is significantly reduced, making it more affordable for college students. 

For example, Berea College, a private college in Berea, Kentucky, offers tuition-free education to qualified students through work-study opportunities and generous financial aid packages. 🆓

READ MORE: Public vs. Private College: Which One Is Right for You? 

Are Online Colleges a Cheaper Option?

Online colleges are more affordable than traditional brick-and-mortar universities since there’s no need to pay for physical facilities and support staff. Plus, you can eliminate expenses like living on campus and transportation costs. 🚗

But online learning can be a challenge. You need the necessary technology, like stable internet connection and a high-performing computer, while maintaining the discipline to study without supervision.

On the other hand, traditional face-to-face colleges may be pricier, but they provide a range of facilities, such as libraries, computer labs, writing centers, and tutoring services. 💻 

Interacting with professors, peers, and campus staff in person also allows for stronger relationship-building and networking opportunities. The personal connections you establish during your college years can open doors for future collaborations and friendships. 🤝

How to Make a Decision on College Costs

Imagine getting accepted into your dream college, only to find out that another option offers a more attractive financial package. What should you do? 💡

1️⃣ Carefully reviewing your offer letter and understanding the financial aid you’re being offered. Seek guidance from trusted individuals, like your parents or your high school guidance counselor, to ensure you grasp the full value of the aid package.  

2️⃣ Calculate the additional costs (accommodation, meals, textbooks, and transportation) associated with each college. These seemingly small expenses can accumulate over the course of your degree. ➕

3️⃣ Consider your willingness to apply for a student loan because it impacts the total cost of education. High loan amounts or interest rates can result in substantial monthly payments that need to be managed years or decades after graduation. 😮‍💨

Cracking the code of college finances seem like solving a mind-bending puzzle, but your quest for higher education doesn’t have to turn you into a financial contortionist. 🤯

Your degree doesn’t need to drain you (and your pocket) completely; find the best methods to get that degree without breaking the bank! 🧑‍🎓  

These Are the Cheapest Colleges in the US: Frequently Asked Questions