top of page

Affordable US Universities for International Students

ree

Detailed overview of affordable U.S. universities and scholarship programs that are particularly friendly to international students—organized to help guide your decision-making effectively:



Affordable U.S. Universities for International Students


These institutions offer comparatively low tuition rates, supportive environments, and good academic programs:


  1. University of the People

Fully accredited online university with tuition-free programs. Students only pay assessment fees (approx. $2,060 for an associate degree; $4,060 for a bachelor’s)


  1. Brigham Young University (BYU) – Utah

Approx. $5,790/year for international students—a standout among affordable private universities


  1. Alcorn State University – Mississippi

Approx. $7,290/year in tuition and inclusive environment


  1. Minot State University – North Dakota

Approx. $7,592/year; more than 60 degree programs offered


  1. Fayetteville State University – North Carolina

Approx. $7,457/year, offering business, psychology, criminal justice, and more



Mississippi Valley State University – Mississippi

Approx. $6,550/year, particularly value-rich for arts, humanities, and social sciences



  1. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)

Approx. $8,151/year, among the more affordable California options



  1. Delta State University – Mississippi

Around $7,671/year, with scholarship opportunities and supportive campus culture



  1. Southeast Missouri State University

Around $8,190–$8,200/year, plus in-state tuition waivers and work opportunities for international students



  1. California State University San Bernardino

One of the cheapest public universities—approx. $8,320/year



  1. University of Arkansas – Fayetteville

Approx. $25,000/year; still considered moderate for its academic and campus offerings



  1. City University of New York (CUNY) System

Approx. $18,000/year, with access to merit-based aid, work-study, and the rich environment of NYC


Tip: Always check the university’s official website for the most current tuition, deadlines, and available aid for international students.



Scholarships & Funding Programs for International Students


Below are prominent scholarships and funding avenues available to international students (undergraduate and graduate):


1. Fulbright Program (Graduate-level)

Sponsored by U.S. government, supports graduate study or research in the U.S. for international students. Application occurs in your home country via the Fulbright Foreign Student Program.



2. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarships

Cooke College Scholars & Transfer Scholars: Up to $40,000/year for undergraduates (includes tuition, living expenses, books)


Graduate Scholarship: Up to $50,000/year, renewable


Includes advising, internships, study-abroad funding, and networking support


3. AAUW International Fellowships

For women from non-U.S. countries pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study:


Master’s: up to $18,000/year

PhD: up to $20,000/year

Postdoctoral: up to $30,000



4. Joint Japan–World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

Funds graduate-level studies in development-related fields. Partner universities in the U.S. include Harvard, Johns Hopkins, University of Chicago, Cornell, Columbia.


5. Jefferson Scholarship – University of Virginia

Prestigious full scholarship (covers tuition, room & board, travel, research, study abroad) for high school seniors. Admission by invitation only; extremely competitive.



Scholarships for U.S. Citizens or U.S.-Based Students (Not applicable to international students)


  1. Princeton University’s expanded financial aid program (families up to $150,000/year affected)



  1. Harvard’s need-blind aid model; generous packages help many students pay much less than sticker price



International students generally do not qualify for U.S. federal student loans, but can still pursue institutional aid, private scholarships, and funding from their home countries or international programs.



Quick Comparison: Affordable Universities vs. Key Scholarships


Category Examples & Benefits


Most Affordable Universities Brigham Young University, Alcorn State, Minot State, etc.—tuition ranges from ~$5,500 to ~$8,500/year; solid programs and welcoming environments

Top Scholarship Programs Fulbright (grad), Jack Kent Cooke, AAUW, World Bank–Japan Bos—significant funding, mostly at graduate level

Competitive Full Scholarships Jefferson Scholarship (University of Virginia)—merit-based, covers all costs, invitation-only


What You Can Do Next


1. Identify suitable universities, considering tuition, location, programs, and support for international students.

2. Explore scholarship eligibility—determine if you're applying as undergraduate or graduate.

3. Check application deadlines—some scholarships require applications well in advance.

4. Prepare strong materials—academic transcripts, essays, test scores, letters of recommendation.

5. Tap local or home-country resources—some governments or organizations also offer support to students studying abroad.

Comentarios


bottom of page