Affordable US Universities for International Students
- All Eyes on Africa
- Aug 17
- 3 min read

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:
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)
Brigham Young University (BYU) – Utah
Approx. $5,790/year for international students—a standout among affordable private universities
Alcorn State University – Mississippi
Approx. $7,290/year in tuition and inclusive environment
Minot State University – North Dakota
Approx. $7,592/year; more than 60 degree programs offered
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
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
Approx. $8,151/year, among the more affordable California options
Delta State University – Mississippi
Around $7,671/year, with scholarship opportunities and supportive campus culture
Southeast Missouri State University
Around $8,190–$8,200/year, plus in-state tuition waivers and work opportunities for international students
California State University San Bernardino
One of the cheapest public universities—approx. $8,320/year
University of Arkansas – Fayetteville
Approx. $25,000/year; still considered moderate for its academic and campus offerings
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)
Princeton University’s expanded financial aid program (families up to $150,000/year affected)
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.
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