Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students

Why Study in the USA? 

Studying in the USA offers numerous benefits to individuals seeking exclusive academic options. These aids include academic excellence, research opportunities and strong career choices. Here are a few key benefits in detail that will help you understand why study in USA is a good choice.

· Vast Academic Prospects: Being home to the world’s top-notch universities, the USA offers an extensive selection of scholarly courses, allowing flexibility to students while choosing their preferred courses.

· Strong Career Opportunities: Whether you are planning to work in your home country or want to reside in the USA, you can avail yourself of the best career opportunities with a USA university degree, especially if you apply to a global company.

· Global Exposure: Universities in the USA offer students a rich multicultural environment they might not encounter elsewhere. Additionally, studying in a different language allows learners to engage with diverse cultural perspectives within the classroom, enhancing both personal and academic growth.

· Innovation and Research Hub: USA is an international leader in innovation and research development, making it more desirable for students to pursue their careers in the research field. Moreover, it offers access to innovative technology, allowing you to be involved in revolutionary work.

· Networking Opportunities: Studying in the USA provides students with strong networking opportunities through internships, alumni connections, career fairs, and active student organisations—helping them build valuable industry connections for future success.

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List of the Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students

Students aiming to study in the USA on a budget can find numerous cheapest universities in the USA that offer affordable tuition fees. State-funded colleges in areas with lower living costs often make quality education more accessible to international students.  

Moreover, public US college fees for international students are more affordable than those at private universities, and these institutions still offer an excellent education, strong networking options, and research opportunities to the students. Students can use a college predictor if they are not sure about which college is best for them.

Below is the list of cheapest universities in USA for Bachelors and Masters:

Cheapest Universities in USA for Bachelors

The table shows cheapest universities in USA for international students to pursue Bachelors courses:

Universities in USA for Bachelors	Top Courses	Annual Fees
University of New Orleans	· Psychology   · Accounting · Computer Science · Electrical Engineering	$14,467 (INR 12.47 L)
Eastern New Mexico University	·  Communicative Disorders · Business Administration · Psychology	$8,831 (INR 7.58 L)
Arkansas State University	· Registered Nursing · Business Administration and      Management · Biological Sciences	$13,809 - $20,104 (INR 11.85 L - 17.25 L)
California State University	· Social Sciences · Criminalistics · Computer Science · Health Professions	$18,682 - $19,751 (INR 16.03 L - 16.95 L)
Brigham Young University	· Marketing · Biomedical Sciences · Social Sciences	$13,750 - $30,122 (INR 11.8 L - 25.85 L)

Cheapest Universities in USA for Masters

Read the table below to find affordable universities in USA for Master courses:

Universities in USA for Masters	Top Courses	Annual Fees
Murray State University	· Doctor of Nursing Practice · Business Administration · Public Administration	$9,823 - $33,660 (INR 8.44 L - 28.92 L)
University of Central Oklahoma	· Master of Science in Computer Science · Master of Public Administration · Master of Business Administration	$12,593 - $24,492 (INR 10.82 L - 21.04 L)
South Dakota State University	· Operations Management · Data Science · Computer Science	$22,985 - $37,939 (INR 19.74 – INR 32.59 L)
University of Houston	· Petroleum Engineering · Computer Science · Business Analytics · Healthcare Law	$16,837 to $52,428 (INR 14.46 L – INR 45.04 L)
University of Central Florida	· Engineering in Aerospace · Engineering Management · Cyber Security · Biomedical Sciences	$16,099 - $38,926 (INR 13.83 L - 33.44 L)

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Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA

Scholarships are vital for students looking for a university in the USA, as they considerably reduce the financial burden of education costs, making higher studies more accessible. Below, you will find scholarship for Indian students that can help you secure admission to the best institutes in the USA within your budget.

· Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program – This program is open to Indian students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. It aims to support scholars by providing funding, ranging between $2,000 (INR 1,71,922) $10,000 (INR 8,59,612).

· Fulbright-Nehru Research Fellowship – This grant provides comprehensive financial support to scholars, including a monthly stipend, visa assistance, travel expenses, enrollment fees, and health insurance for a period of 6 to 9 months to pursue research in the United States.

· Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships – In this scholarship, an amount of up to $100,000 (INR 85,96,120) is awarded in various fields, excluding engineering, medicine, and business. It aims to cover the study fees of students pursuing postgraduate studies in the USA.

· Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships for Indian Students – This program enables Indian students to pursue their MBA at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. It provides comprehensive financial support throughout the program, covering living costs, travel expenses, and tuition fees.

· Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship – Indian students who wish to pursue their postgraduate degree in the USA can apply for this scholarship. It is divided into two sections, which are 50% loan and 50% grant. The loan must be repaid upon completion of the course.

Eligibility Criteria for Avail Scholarships 

Each university in the USA may have different requirements that students must meet to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree. However, each university has general eligibility criteria, which are listed below.

· A strong academic score is essential. Many scholarships for Indian students may require a high GPA score of 3.0 or higher.  

· Students are also required to demonstrate their English proficiency through the scores of the IELTS or TOEFL exam.

· A letter of recommendation and statement of purpose are key requirements, along with the above documents.

· The application fee for the course you are applying to.

Students must review the specific requirements before applying for scholarships to ensure they meet all eligibility standards.

Cost of Living in The USA for Indian Students

One of the most common challenges faced by students studying in the USA is the high cost of living, which can significantly impact their monthly budget. The average living cost of an individual ranges between $1,500 (INR 1,28,943) $2,000 (INR 1,71,922) per month, but this amount can vary based on the lifestyle and location where you prefer to stay in the USA.

The key aspects that influence the cost of living to stay in the USA are cited in the table below:

Key Aspects	Monthly Cost (USD)	Monthly Cost (INR)
Accommodation	$450 - $1,000	INR 37,500 – INR 83,500
Food and Groceries	$150 - $300	INR 12,500 - INR 25,000
Transportation (Public)	$50 - $120	INR 4,200 - INR 10,000
Healthcare and Insurance	$700 - $1,500	INR 58,500 - INR 1,25,000
Utility Bills	$100 to $200	INR 8,582 – INR 17,165
Leisure Activities	$100 to $300	INR 8,582 – INR 25,746

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Final Thoughts 

Pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's from the USA can lead to career growth and increase networking opportunities. However, if you are worried about your budget, then opting for the cheapest universities in the USA can reduce your worries. While selecting an economical institution is important, finding the right course that aligns with your interests and career goals can be equally challenging. To simplify this process, you can seek guidance from expert study abroad consultants at Gradding.com and use their course finder tool to identify the program best suited to your aspirations.

FAQ’s: -

1. Which Country Do Most Indian Students Prefer for Higher Education?

The USA is the most preferred study abroad destination for higher studies among the students of India, followed by the United Kingdom and Canada. The USA is the top choice because of its world-class academies, vibrant multicultural environment and research-oriented learning.

2. Is IELTS Required for Indian Students to Study in The USA?

It is not mandatory to take the IELTS for Indians to study in the USA. Although IELTS is a common test to prove English language proficiency and is accepted by several institutes in the USA for global students, many colleges offer alternate options to show English proficiency, including Duolingo or the TOEFL exam.

3. Is It Affordable for Indian Students to Study in The USA?

No, studying in the USA is expensive for Indian students, but it is not unaffordable. Moreover, the cost may vary significantly based on the type of college, preferred study program and location. While tuition cost is a vital factor, scholarships and part-time work prospects can help you manage these expenses.

4. Can I Study in The USA with A Low Budget?

Yes, studying in the USA with a low budget is possible. Many institutes offer affordable education and financial grant options to international students to pursue degrees from top colleges in the USA. Moreover, public universities provide education at a more affordable cost than private institutions in the USA.