These Are the Cheapest Colleges in the US

For many years, people viewed college as a one-way ticket to a great career. However, the cost of getting a post-secondary education has risen steadily throughout the years. A decline in state funding has made colleges more expensive, and more students are having to rely on scholarships and grants to fund themselves.

While “free college” programs have also been on the rise, most of these programs have strict eligibility requirements. Furthermore, since these programs generally only cover the cost of tuition and fees, many won’t provide for students’ basic needs — like a roof over their heads or food in their stomachs.

While society works toward making education more accessible, the first port of call for you is to choose a good, affordable college.

How Much Does the Average US College Cost?

Going to college isn’t easy, especially since the cost of education has risen continuously throughout the years. Nowadays, the average US undergraduate student ends up saddled with $132,860 worth of debt.

Universities in the US have different pricing between in-state and out-of-state students. Out-of-state students will typically spend more to attend. Meanwhile, international students are often subject to substantially higher fees.

What Are the Cheapest Colleges in the US?

Here are the 15 colleges in the US 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 sticker price for tuition and fees, minus any scholarships, grants, and education tax benefits you may receive. The results shown below are averaged across all students.

Cheapest Public Colleges in the US

Cheapest Private Colleges in the US

What Makes One College Cheaper Than Others?

Most colleges that appear more affordable are public institutions that receive their funding from state and city governments.

The reason private colleges may seem more expensive is that the state government does not fund them. However, a few private colleges have made low-cost education a part of their mission and usually have more funding for grants and scholarships. This significantly reduces the advertised sticker price.

Are Online Colleges a Cheaper Option?

Online colleges are typically more affordable than traditional physical universities because online colleges don’t need to pay for physical facilities and support staff. More so, you can reduce your expenses by not needing to live on campus or pay for transportation costs.

However, finding the right place and the proper setup for online learning can be challenging. From the right technologies to a stable internet connection, building a space for yourself could also be financially draining. Conversely, choosing a traditional face-to-face college may be more expensive, but you are paying for all the other facilities you may need to supplement your learning.

Private colleges may cost more since the state doesn’t fund them, but there are generally more scholarship and grant options that can help you cut down on the cost of education.  

How to Make a Decision on College Costs

The cost of going to college is definitely going to have an impact on your final college choice. For example, what if you managed to get into your first-choice college, but your second choice offered a more attractive financial package? 

The first port of call is to figure out how much financial aid you are getting and how it will be allocated. Make sure to read your offer letter carefully before making a decision. Consult someone you trust, like your parents, so that they can help you understand how much you are getting out of it.

Once that’s clear, calculate all the other extra costs of going to your college choices, such as accommodation, meals, textbooks, and transportation. These expenses may seem small, but they do add up over time.

Finally, evaluate your willingness to apply for a student loan. Student loans have a massive impact on the amount that you will pay for your education overall. It’s also the most common form of financial aid. Keep in mind that federal or state loans usually come with lower interest and more repayment alternatives than private loans from banks or other lenders. 

Think through getting a student loan carefully—student debt is a serious issue for many students around the country, even after they graduate, so considering a cheap college is a great first step. Make sure that you can support your college education with sound financial advice and good spending habits.

Figuring out how to pay for college can be tough. Keep in mind that your degree doesn’t need to drain you completely; there are plenty of steps you can take to remain comfortable while studying — finding a cheap college is just one of them!