UNIVERSITY IN AMERICA

THE 25 MOST
AFFORDABLE
UNIVERSITIES
IN AMERICA
2019
Best Value Schools - Most Affordable-01
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The benefits of a college
education are well-known:
graduates see increased salaries,
greater job security, and have more opportunities to
advance in their careers. Unfortunately, the costs of
college are also well-known. According to the
Washington Post, tuition at four year public colleges
has risen 100 percent since 2001, while U.S. News
and World Report indicates a 200 percent increase
in college tuition over the last 20 years. Moreover,
the effects of this rising collegiate sticker price are
reflected in the sharp rise of student debt.
According to Vox, the total student debt has tripled
in the last 10 years and surpasses $1.2 billion. In
other words, while a college education is now more
necessary than ever, the increasing cost of one's
degree creates a significant burden for students. It
is important to consider colleges who attempt to
mitigate some of these costs — whether through
reduced tuition rates for in-state students; free
courses; or distribution of scholarships, grants, and
other monies. The list below reflects some of the
most affordable universities in the country.
Convenient Online Options
For those interested in online options, see our
ranking of best cheap online degrees .
The 25 Top Affordable Colleges
Ranking Methodology
Selection Criteria
To start, we created a list of all the public and
private (non-profit), four-year colleges and
universities in the U.S. that offer primarily bachelor's
degrees or above. (In other words, we didn't include
community colleges). Now, because we have
another article that focuses on the most affordable
small schools , we chose here to define
"universities" specifically as mid- to large-size
institutions. Therefore, we limited our search to
schools with an undergraduate enrollment greater
than 4,000 students. And since we wanted to focus
on traditional academic programs, we excluded
online and vocational colleges from our list as well.
Ranking Factors
There are nearly 600 schools that fit the above
criteria. So to identify the best cheap colleges, we
collected information on each one's net price. This
is a figure that the National Center for Education
Statistics calculates annually for all postsecondary
institutions in the United States. To do so, they
subtract "the average amount of federal, state/local
government, or institutional grant or scholarship aid
from the total cost of attendance." Note that "total
cost of attendance" = published tuition and required
fees (lower if in-district or in-state) + average cost
of books and supplies + the weighted average for
room/board + any other published expenses.
Only the 25 universities with the lowest net prices
made our final cut. Below you'll find a brief
description of each school, along with their
calculated net cost, location, and a link to their
website. Keep reading to see which of the nation's
best cheap colleges are near you!
Northeastern State University Most Affordable Universities in America
In addition to "The Big Event," this cheap accredited
college also hosts an annual book appreciation
program known as "The Big Read."
25. Northeastern State
University
Tahlequah, OK
Website
Founded in 1851 in Tahlequah, OK, Northeastern
State University (NSU) offers 54 undergraduate and
24 graduate programs in fields like elementary
education, criminal justice, and psychology. The
5,500 students complete coursework at one of three
NSU campuses in the state, but NSU has made
significant investments in online learning. Nearly
1,300 learners enroll in distance courses, students
can complete a certificate, bachelor's, or master's
degree in online or blended formats. Degree
seekers can apply for numerous scholarships and
grants, thereby significantly reducing the cost and
making NSU an affordable university.
Average Net Price : $8,148/yr
Student Body: : 8,245
California State University Fullerton Most Affordable Universities in America
It may be one of the nation's cheapest universities,
but CSU Fullerton doesn't cut corners on the quality
of its facilities – it even has seven L.E.E.D.-certified
buildings!
24. California State University-
Fullerton
Fullerton, CA
Website
Cal State Fullerton (CSF), located in sunny Southern
California, features nine schools across four different
campuses and online. The diverse student body of
nearly 40,000 have access to 110 undergraduate
and graduate programs, which includes a doctorate
in education and a doctor in nursing practice. In-
state students pay some of the lowest tuition rates
in the country, and the school distributes $5.8
million in loans, grants, and scholarships to learners
each year. Additionally, CSF offers several online
certificate and degree completion programs.
Average Net Price : $7,915/yr
Student Body: : 36,593
University of Louisiana Monroe Most Affordable Universities in America
If you're a high schooler eager to start earning an
affordable accredited degree, check out ULM's dual
enrollment and collegiate programs for high-ability
youth.
23. University of Louisiana-
Monroe
Monroe, LA
Website
Founded in 1931 — and situated in the lush Bayou
DeSiard — the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM)
hosts over 9,000 students on its 238 acre campus.
The school features small class sizes and over 90
undergraduate and graduate areas of study,
including biology, risk management, atmospheric
sciences, and nursing. Nearly 48% of incoming
students receive scholarships, which helps make
ULM an accessible and affordable university.
Additionally, ULM Online offers bachelor's, master's,
and doctoral degrees to students around the world,
and does not charge out-of-state tuition for online
learners outside of Louisiana.
Average Net Price : $7,912/yr
Student Body: : 8,344
New Jersey City University Most Affordable Universities in America
NJCU, the top cheapest university in New Jersey, is
located just 20 minutes outside of New York City.
22. New Jersey City University
Jersey City, NJ
Website
New Jersey City University (NJCU) offers 43
undergraduate degrees and over 30 graduate
degrees to to a diverse student body that hails from
around the world. Founded as a teacher training
college in 1927, NJCU now offers an array of
programs in criminal justice, economics, physics,
and nursing. More than 500 courses are also
offered completely online, providing learners a
convenient and flexible way to earn their degree.
Full-time students pay a flat tuition rate, thereby
significantly reducing costs for those who take
more than 12 credits per term.
Average Net Price : $7,753/yr
Student Body: : 7,469
CUNY City College Most Affordable Universities in America
With modern facilities like the City College Center
for Discovery and Innovation, CCNY is perhaps the
best cheap college for students interested in
scientific research.
21. CUNY City College
New York, NY
Website
As the founding institution of the City University of
New York, the City College houses several research
centers and leading programs in architecture,
engineering, education, and the liberal arts. With
seven different schools and divisions, City's 16,000
students can pursue a variety of undergraduate and
graduate degrees in art, anthropology, literature, and
urban design. City is also one of the most
affordable universities in the country, as they
distribute nearly $6 million in scholarships annually.
Over 60% of students at City attend tuition free, and
71% graduate debt-free.
Average Net Price : $7,696/yr
Student Body: : 15,744
Purdue University Northwest Most Affordable Universities in America
This top affordable university launches into 2019
with record-breaking student retention rates.
20. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
Website
Established in 1869 as an Indiana land grant
institution, Purdue is one of the nation's premier
public research universities. Students choose from
over 200 undergraduate majors and 40 graduate
programs at various locations throughout the state
and online. Programs over an array of disciplines
and include aeronautical engineering technology,
agriculture economics, industrial engineering, and
game development and design. As one of the most
affordable universities, in-state learners benefit from
reduced tuition and fees. Additionally, tuition costs
at Purdue have not risen since 2012, and are
projected to stay the same.
Average Net Price : $7,460/yr
Student Body: : 7,274
University of Arkansas Fort Smith Most Affordable Universities in America
Over 100 student-led organizations can attest to the
diverse interests that you'll find on campus at this
top affordable university.
19. University of Arkansas-Fort
Smith
Fort Smith, AR
Website
Founded in 1928 as Fort Smith Junior College, the
University of Arkansas – Fort Smith (UAFS) is now
a member of the University of Arkansas System and
features more than 60 undergraduate and graduate
degrees. Students can pursue an array of programs
in accounting, early childhood education, or
mechanical engineering. A small student population
of 6,600 provides small class sizes and plenty of
opportunities for social engagement through
intramural activities, Greek life, and academic and
cultural groups. UAFS is also one of the most
affordable universities in the state, with several
scholarship and grant opportunities available to
students.
Average Net Price : $7,447/yr
Student Body: : 7,688
University of Houston Downtown Most Affordable Universities in America
After graduating from this top cheap college, UHD
students won't have to travel far to find jobs –
thanks to Houston's busy and diverse economy.
18. University of Houston-
Downtown
Houston, TX
Website
The University of Houston Downtown lies in the
heart of one of the largest and most diverse cities
in the country. Established in 1974 as a member of
the University of Houston System, UHD now offers
over 40 bachelor's degrees and eight master's
degrees in fields like psychology, accounting, and
criminal justice. Students can also complete
numerous courses and degrees online or in a hybrid
model through UHD Online. UHD ranks as an
affordable university thanks to numerous scholarship
and grant opportunities, and low in-state tuition
rates.
Average Net Price : $7,409/yr
Student Body: : 16,129
California State University Stanislaus Most Affordable Universities in America
For its twelfth straight year, Stan State is one of the
most affordable universities in California to appear
on to The Princeton Review's college ranking.
17. California State University-
Stanislaus
Turlock, CA
Website
The 9,000 students at California State University,
Stanislaus pursue their degrees from two locations
in the Central Valley. Founded in 1960 as Stanislaus
State, the university is now part of the 23 campus
California State University system. Learners at CSUS
have 43 undergraduate majors from which to
choose in fields like business administration,
nursing, and teacher education. The university also
offers 15 master's programs, a doctoral degree, and
three fully online degrees.
Average Net Price : $7,387/yr
Student Body: : 8,745
CUNY York College Most Affordable Universities in America
Unique opportunities at this affordable college
include the chance to join a popular campus jazz
band and an award-winning college newspaper
staff.
16. CUNY York College
Jamaica, NY
Website
From the arts to business, New York City's
reputation for talent and liveliness is well-known.
The York College at CUNY offers learners looking to
study in this environment an affordable university
education from its vibrant Queens neighborhood.
Degree-seekers can choose from nearly 50
undergraduate disciplines such as computer
science, women's studies, and social work; while
three master's degrees are offered in
pharmaceutical science and business, physician
assistant studies, and social work (MSW). The
diverse student body hails from 80 different
countries, and graduates go on to careers in
medicine, law, public relations, and business.
Average Net Price : $7,202/yr
Student Body: : 10,664
CUNY Lehman College Most Affordable Universities in America
With a female-led student body, STEM majors need
not feel intimidated by the gender make-up of
CUNY Lehman's top affordable degree programs.
15. CUNY Lehman College
Bronx, NY
Website
Lehman College, located in the Bronx, is the only
four-year institution in the borough. Its 14,000
students benefit from small class sizes, generous
financial aid packages, and numerous community
resources and partnerships. Lehman is a liberal arts
college with more than 90 undergraduate and
graduate programs in fields like nursing, business
administration, social work, and psychology, and its
graduates go on to lead successful careers in
medicine, law, and the arts. Over half of all students
at Lehman receive grants, scholarships, or a Pell
grant, making a Lehman education affordable for
nearly everyone.
Average Net Price : $7,123/yr
Student Body: : 14,558
California State University Northridge Most Affordable Universities in America
Alumnus range from Grammy-award winners to
space shuttle astronauts at one of LA's most
affordable universities.
14. California State University-
Northridge
Northridge, CA
Website
Located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley
near Los Angeles, CA, CSUN hosts 38,000 students
on its 386 acre campus. The school offers over
120 undergraduate, graduate, and professional
certifications in fields like marketing, child and
adolescent development, and communications.
Given the school's proximity to Hollywood, CSUN's
Department of Cinema and Television Arts offer
seven programs of study to prepare the next
generation of talent. The regionally accredited
institution is one of the most affordable universities
in the state of California.
Average Net Price : $7,075/yr
Student Body: : 38,667
Indiana University Northwest Most Affordable Universities in America
A high-ranking business school and the region's
sole medical school make this top affordable
college one of Indiana's most valuable assets.
13. Indiana University-
Northwest
Gary, IN
Website
As the northwest campus of Indiana University, the
Gary, IN institution offers small class sizes within a
research-oriented environment. Students can select
from more than 70 undergraduate and graduate
programs in fields like social work, geology, and
education. Learners have even more degree options
through IU Online, which features flexible schedules;
fully online programs such as business, library
science, and music; and courses taught by on-
campus faculty. IU also offers over 200
scholarships and grants to its students, ensuring
most graduates leave with minimal student debt.
Average Net Price : $6,992/yr
Student Body: : 6,692
12. California State University-
San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA
Website
Situated in the the foothills of the San Bernardino
mountains, CSUSB features one of the most diverse
student populations in the state and a top 14
ranking by U.S. News and World Report. Among the
4,000 students who graduate per year, 70% of those
are first in their families to earn a degree. CSUSB
offers 70 degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and
doctoral level, along with numerous credential and
certificate programs. Additionally, competitive
tuition rates for in-state residents make CSUSB an
affordable university.
Average Net Price : $6,984/yr
Student Body: : 18,483
California State University Fresno Most Affordable Universities in America
High school honor students can earn an affordable
degree in engineering by applying for the fully
funded Husband-Boeing scholars program.
11. California State University-
Fresno
Fresno, CA
Website
Fresno State, located in the San Joaquin Valley of
Central California, began in 1911 with 150 students.
Today, more than 25,000 students are spread
across 66 bachelor's, 44 master's, and three
doctoral degrees. The school has been designated
by the Department of Education as a Hispanic-
Serving institution and an Asian American and
Native American Pacific Islander-Serving institution,
making Fresno State a culturally diverse and vibrant
community. Students can also complete several
partial or fully online programs through Cal State
Online. Fresno State is a regionally accredited
institution, and boasts a state high of 26 programs
that hold programmatic accreditation.
Average Net Price : $6,846/yr
Student Body: : 22,308
CUNY New York City College of Technology Most Affordable Universities in America
Industry leaders and students alike are interested in
the success of City Tech's best affordable degree
programs in tech.
10. CUNY New York City
College of Technology
Brooklyn, NY
Website
Based in Brooklyn, the New York City College of
Technology (NYCCT) offers 27 associate and 26
bachelor's degrees. Each program blends
technology instruction in areas like business,
engineering, and health care with a broad liberal arts
education. NYCCT is also committed to
affordability: the school distributes over $74 million
each year in grants to its 17,000 students, and 80%
of incoming freshman receive some kind of need-
based aid. The university is regionally accredited by
the Middle States Commission on Higher Education,
and the engineering program holds accreditation
from the prestigious Accreditation Board for
Engineering and Technology.
Average Net Price : $6,671/yr
Student Body: : 21,064
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice Most Affordable Universities in America
This top cheap college is a top choice for veterans
who want a public service-oriented education.
9. CUNY John Jay College of
Criminal Justice
New York, NY
Website
Founded in 1954 as a Police Science Program to
support the New York City Police Department, the
John Jay College of Criminal Justice is now a
diverse liberal arts institution with a focus on
justice. The school offers nearly 50 undergraduate
and graduate programs, with many students
pursuing a BA or BS in criminal justice or forensic
psychology, and master's degrees in public
administration and criminal justice. As a public
institution in the City University of New York system,
students benefit from affordable tuition rates and a
variety of options for financial aid.
Average Net Price : $6,641/yr
Student Body: : 15,452
East Central University Most Affordable Universities in America
Professors also serve as student advisors at ECU,
just one quirky trait of Oklahoma's most affordable
university.
8. East Central University
Ada, OK
Website
East Central University, a regionally accredited
public university, was established in 1909. Students
can choose from more than 85 undergraduate and
graduate degrees across seven different schools,
including programs in environmental health science,
medical physics, and cartography. Coursework is
available at ECU's home campus in Ada, OK, at five
regional sites in the area, and online. ECU's low
tuition makes this one of the most affordable online
universities in Oklahoma, and the school offers
several scholarship and financial aid opportunities.
Average Net Price : $6,590/yr
Student Body: : 4,367
Utah Valley University Most Affordable Universities in America
Intercultural dialogue is an important facet of this
top college's community engagement efforts.
7. Utah Valley University
Orem, UT
Website
UVU was established in 1941 as Central Utah
Vocational School to provide war production
training. Today the school offers over 208
undergraduate and graduate degrees to its 37,000
students. The school's flexible course scheduling
and open admissions policy means a higher
education is accessible to nearly everyone. UVU
boasts small class sizes and over 200 online
courses in topics like wildland fire management,
accounting, and behavioral science. Half of all
students receive some form of financial aid, while
250 available scholarships make this an affordable
university. UVU is regionally accredited by the
Northwest Commission on Colleges and
Universities.
Average Net Price : $6,565/yr
Student Body: : 43,017
California State University Bakersfield Most Affordable Universities in America
By using student feedback to design new programs,
CSUB has put itself on a path to become one of
California's largest and most affordable universities.
6. California State University-
Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA
Website
Located in the San Joaquin Valley, CSUB is a public
regional university that offers more than 50
bachelor's and master's degrees to its 10,500
students. The school, founded in 1965, features
small class sizes and tuition that ranks among the
lowest of any four-year institution. Students can
pursue a variety of majors in topics like psychology,
public policy and administration, and engineering.
CSUB also offers a variety of hybrid and online
degree programs via its Extended Education. The
university is regionally accredited through WSCUC,
and holds programmatic accreditation for its
nursing and engineering programs.
Average Net Price : $6,376/yr
Student Body: : 9,229
University of Texas-El Paso Most Affordable Universities in America
This top affordable university leads the way with a
combined 146 undergraduate and graduate
programs!
5. University of Texas-El Paso
El Paso, TX
Website
UTEP was established in 1914 in the heart of El
Paso, TX, and is the second oldest institution in the
University of Texas System. This affordable research
school has over 25,000 students spread across
more than 170 undergraduate and graduate degrees,
and a growing number of fully online bachelor's and
master's programs. As a public institution, UTEP
primarily serves residents of El Paso county and the
surrounding communities, and features a student
body that is majority Hispanic-American.
Additionally, the Brookings Institution ranked UTEP
#1 for research productivity and student social
mobility.
Average Net Price : $5,433/yr
Student Body: : 23,771
Fayetteville State University Most Affordable Universities in America
This top cheap college and HBCU has earned
recognition for the high number of first-time
students it enrolls.
4. Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, NC
Website
Founded in 1867 as an HBCU, FSU is a member of
the North Carolina University system and its second
oldest state assisted institution. The school offers
more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs
in areas like education, nursing, and economics,
while fully online degree completion tracks are
available in 10 different disciplines. On average,
over 90% of FSU's students receive some form of
grants or financial aid, making the cost of
attendance more affordable. FSU is regionally
accredited and the College of Education holds
program accreditation from the National Council for
Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Average Net Price : $5,170/yr
Student Body: : 6,633
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Most Affordable Universities in America
B3 initiatives (bilingual, bicultural, and bi-literate)
rule at the cheapest university in the southwest
region.
3. University of Texas-Rio
Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX
Website
Established in 2015, UTRGV was built for the
residents in the Rio Grande Valley, and is one of the
largest hispanic-serving institutions in the country.
This brand new university offers more than 120
degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral
level, including a state-of-the-art School of
Medicine. Students can also complete numerous
degrees, minors, and certificates either partially or
completely online, with some courses available in a
seven week accelerated format. Tuition and fees are
capped at 12 credits per term, which allows
students to take an additional 1-2 courses per term
for free.
Average Net Price : $4,335/yr
Student Body: : 27,811
California State University Dominguez Hills Most Affordable Universities in America
From its center for STEM education to its All-
Steinway designation, this top university affords its
applicants a truly high-class education.
2. California State University-
Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA
Website
Located in Carson, California, CSU Dominguez Hills
deserves its reputation as Los Angeles's second
best affordable degree. Both undergraduate and
graduate students can select programs from any
one of its six academic divisions, which include
traditional colleges (e.g. Arts and Humanities and
Education) as well as the industry-oriented College
of Health, Human Services, and Nursing. Another
point of distinction for CSUDH is its anthropology
program, which offers an impressive number of
international and local field opportunities for
undergrads. This also likely explains why the
university produces such a large number of Fulbright
Scholars, who work on research projects all over the
world.
Average Net Price : $3,764/yr
Student Body: : 13,040
California State University Los Angeles Most Affordable Universities in America
CSULA, where the degree programs are as diverse
as the students, is the top affordable college on our
list.
1. California State University-
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Website
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, CSUDH offers
numerous bachelor's, master's, credential, and
certificate programs across six schools. Students
can pursue coursework at the 346-acre South Bay
campus or via CSU's Fully Online Courses, with
majors available in communication, africana studies,
and public administration. CSUDH awards nearly
$88 million in scholarships and grants each year,
making this one of the most affordable online
universities in the country. The school is regionally
accredited by the Accrediting Commission for
Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western
Association of Schools and Colleges, and holds
numerous program-specific accreditations as well.
Average Net Price : $3,160/yr
Student Body: : 24,156
Sources:
IPEDS Data Center
College Navigator