pexels karolina grabowska 4968652

Most Affordable Colleges & Uni­ver­si­ties for 2024 100 Cheapest Colleges & Uni­ver­si­ties in the U.S.

Ready to get started?

Get matched with affordable online schools that fit your needs

Managing Editor
B.A.
Carrie Sealey-Morris has covered bootcamps, careers, and higher education for College Consensus since 2017. Carrie is a graduate of the University of New Mexico where she earned a B.A. in American Studies. 
Founder/Senior Editor
B.A., M.Div.
Jeremy Alder has spent over a decade researching and writing about higher education to provided students with the information they need to achieve their goals. He has significant personal experience with career transitions, working as a freelance writer and editor, non-profit director, community organizer, preacher, teacher, retail manager, and carpenter prior to founding College Consensus. Homeschooled from the second grade, Jeremy is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin (B.A., Philosophy) and Duke University Divinity School (M.Div.). He currently lives in North Carolina with his wife, five kids, and a Labradoodle named Hank.
MostAffordable Colleges

In the age of rapidly rising tuition – college costs have risen far faster than the rate of inflation in the 21st century, and even faster than financial aid – affordability is no joke. With our ranking of the 100 Most Affordable Colleges & Universities, College Consensus is lighting up the way to a college education students can actually afford.

Student debt represents the second-largest consumer debt class (after mortgages). Earning a college degree without setting yourself up for a life of loan repayment is more important than ever. The cheapest accredited colleges and universities offer students the opportunity to earn their degree without taking on a mountain of debt.

Recommended Online Colleges u0026 Universities

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Colleges & Universities

Our ranking of the 100 Most Affordable Colleges & Universities is ordered from lowest to highest out-of-state tuition & fees for full-time undergraduate students. All of these schools are accredited and recognized by the National Center for Education Statistics. College Consensus is happy to show prospective students and their families where to find a school that not only won’t break the bank, but will also provide a quality, respected degree to take into the marketplace. If you’re interested in an affordable online degree, be sure to check out our ranking of the Most Affordable Online Colleges.

Summary of the Top 10 Cheapest Colleges in the United States

RankSchoolTypeOut-of-state tuition and fees
1.United States Merchant Marine AcademyPublic$1008
2.Brigham Young University-IdahoPrivate$4536
3.City Vision UniversityPrivate$6000
4.Columbia Southern UniversityPrivate$6015
5.Warner Pacific University Professional and Graduate StudiesPrivate$6240
6.Brigham Young University-HawaiiPrivate$6250
7.Brigham Young University-ProvoPrivate$6304
8.Bethesda UniversityPrivate$6560
9.University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee FlexPublic$6750
10.Baptist University of the AmericasPrivate$6768
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (January 2024)

1

United States Merchant Marine Academy
Kings Point, NY

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$1,008
In-state tuition & fees
$1,008
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1023

2

Brigham Young University-Idaho
Rexburg, ID

74.6
College Consensus
79.8
Student Consensus
69.4
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: March, 2024
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$4,536
In-state tuition & fees
$4,536
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Enrollment
43023

3

Private: City Vision University
Kansas City, MO

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$6,000
In-state tuition & fees
$6,000
School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
154

4

Private: Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$6,015
In-state tuition & fees
$6,015
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
15948

5

Private: Warner Pacific University Professional and Graduate Studies
Portland, OR

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$6,240
In-state tuition & fees
$6,240
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Church of God
Enrollment
382

Recommended Online Colleges & Universities

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

6

Private: Brigham Young University-Hawaii
Laie, HI

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$6,250
In-state tuition & fees
$6,250
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Enrollment
2735

7

Private: Brigham Young University
Provo, UT

82.1
College Consensus
87.4
Student Consensus
76.9
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: March, 2024
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$6,304
In-state tuition & fees
$6,304
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Enrollment
34464

8

Private: Bethesda University
Anaheim, CA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$6,560
In-state tuition & fees
$6,560
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Other (none of the above)
Enrollment
366

9

Private: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex
Milwaukee, WI

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$6,750
In-state tuition & fees
$6,750
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
630

10

Private: Baptist University of the Americas
San Antonio, TX

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$6,768
In-state tuition & fees
$6,768
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Baptist
Enrollment
156

11

Private: Manna University
Fayetteville, NC

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$6,863
In-state tuition & fees
$6,863
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Other Protestant
Enrollment
235

12

Private: Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies
Fayette, MO

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$6,960
In-state tuition & fees
$6,960
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
United Methodist
Enrollment
3145

13

Private: Gods Bible School and College
Cincinnati, OH

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,046
In-state tuition & fees
$7,046
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Other Protestant
Enrollment
348

14

Private: Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City, NC

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,356
In-state tuition & fees
$3,356
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
2149

15

Private: American Public University System
Charles Town, WV

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,360
In-state tuition & fees
$7,360
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
48298

16

Private: South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary
Deerfield Beach, FL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,380
In-state tuition & fees
$7,380
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Interdenominational
Enrollment
317

17

Private: Mississippi Valley State University
Itta Bena, MS

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,414
In-state tuition & fees
$7,414
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1879

18

Private: Urshan College
Wentzville, MO

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,420
In-state tuition & fees
$7,420
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Other Protestant
Enrollment
445

19

Private: University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, NC

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,495
In-state tuition & fees
$3,495
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
7666

20

Private: Wayne State College
Wayne, NE

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,786
In-state tuition & fees
$7,786
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
4773

21

Private: Chadron State College
Chadron, NE

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,834
In-state tuition & fees
$7,834
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
2260

22

Private: Mississippi University for Women
Columbus, MS

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,866
In-state tuition & fees
$7,866
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
2339

23

Private: Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, NC

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,906
In-state tuition & fees
$3,906
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
6787

24

Private: Peru State College
Peru, NE

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,920
In-state tuition & fees
$7,920
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
2067

25

Private: Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies
Springfield, MO

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,924
In-state tuition & fees
$7,924
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Enrollment
742

Recommended Online Colleges & Universities

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

26

Private: Hobe Sound Bible College
Hobe Sound, FL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,960
In-state tuition & fees
$7,960
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Wesleyan
Enrollment
160

27

Private: Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,010
In-state tuition & fees
$8,010
School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
156935

28

Private: Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
Marion, IN

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,120
In-state tuition & fees
$8,120
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Wesleyan
Enrollment
10008

29

Private: University of Arkansas Grantham
LIttle Rock, AR

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,280
In-state tuition & fees
$8,280
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
5445

30

Private: Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Goodwell, OK

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,385
In-state tuition & fees
$7,634
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1242

31

Private: Colorado State University Global
Aurora, CO

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,400
In-state tuition & fees
$8,400
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
9565

32

Private: Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,453
In-state tuition & fees
$4,453
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
11635

33

Private: Beulah Heights University
Atlanta, GA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,492
In-state tuition & fees
$8,492
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Interdenominational
Enrollment
410

34

Private: Minot State University
Minot, ND

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,508
In-state tuition & fees
$8,508
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
2836

35

Private: Alcorn State University
Alcorn State, MS

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,549
In-state tuition & fees
$8,549
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
3074

36

Private: Delta State University
Cleveland, MS

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,605
In-state tuition & fees
$8,605
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
2556

37

Private: Faith International University
Tacoma, WA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,685
In-state tuition & fees
$8,685
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Other Protestant
Enrollment
335

38

Private: Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,790
In-state tuition & fees
$8,790
School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
13841

39

Private: Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
Portales, NM

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,843
In-state tuition & fees
$6,863
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
5106

40

Private: California Intercontinental University
Irvine, CA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,054
In-state tuition & fees
$9,054
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
473

41

Private: Granite State College
Concord, NH

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,150
In-state tuition & fees
$7,806
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1425

42

Private: Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,249
In-state tuition & fees
$8,156
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
5883

43

Private: Holy Apostles College and Seminary
Cromwell, CT

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,440
In-state tuition & fees
$9,440
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Roman Catholic
Enrollment
695

44

Jackson State University
Jackson, MS

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,445
In-state tuition & fees
$8,445
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
6906

45

Private: University of Management and Technology
Arlington, VA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,450
In-state tuition & fees
$9,450
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1309

46

Private: University of Phoenix-Arizona
Phoenix, AZ

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,552
In-state tuition & fees
$9,552
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
88891

47

Private: Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, NJ

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,556
In-state tuition & fees
$7,372
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
8248

48

Private: Trine University
Angola, IN

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,576
In-state tuition & fees
$9,576
School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
4344

49

Private: Franklin University
Columbus, OH

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,577
In-state tuition & fees
$9,577
School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
6815

50

Private: Central State University
Wilberforce, OH

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,596
In-state tuition & fees
$7,596
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
6044

Recommended Online Colleges & Universities

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

51

Private: Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MN

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,684
In-state tuition & fees
$9,684
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
6914

52

Private: Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, AR

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,768
In-state tuition & fees
$7,560
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
2919

53

Private: University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,875
In-state tuition & fees
$9,875
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Baptist
Enrollment
18053

54

Private: Rust College
Holly Springs, MS

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,900
In-state tuition & fees
$9,900
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
United Methodist
Enrollment
755

55

Private: McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,940
In-state tuition & fees
$8,440
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
6230

56

Private: Texas College
Tyler, TX

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,008
In-state tuition & fees
$10,008
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Christian Methodist Episcopal
Enrollment
731

57

Private: Kentucky Mountain Bible College
Jackson, KY

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,060
In-state tuition & fees
$10,060
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Multiple Protestant Denomination
Enrollment
78

58

Private: Southwest Minnesota State University
Marshall, MN

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,122
In-state tuition & fees
$10,122
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
6986

59

Private: Fairfax University of America
Fairfax, VA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,128
In-state tuition & fees
$10,128
School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
17

60

Private: Bemidji State University
Bemidji, MN

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,130
In-state tuition & fees
$10,130
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
4279

61

Private: Dalton State College
Dalton, GA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,189
In-state tuition & fees
$3,283
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
4527

62

Private: The University of Tennessee Southern
Pulaski, TN

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,200
In-state tuition & fees
$10,200
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
934

63

Private: Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies
Fort Wayne, IN

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,224
In-state tuition & fees
$10,224
School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
2604

64

Private: Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Wake Forest, NC

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,234
In-state tuition & fees
$10,234
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Southern Baptist
Enrollment
2764

65

Private: College of Coastal Georgia
Brunswick, GA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,389
In-state tuition & fees
$3,483
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
3147

66

Private: Harris-Stowe State University
Saint Louis, MO

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,690
In-state tuition & fees
$6,058
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1210

67

Private: Glenville State University
Glenville, WV

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,724
In-state tuition & fees
$9,064
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1630

68

Private: Charter Oak State College
New Britain, CT

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,796
In-state tuition & fees
$8,254
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1602

69

Private: Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,838
In-state tuition & fees
$10,478
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
11071

70

Private: Tougaloo College
Tougaloo, MS

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,861
In-state tuition & fees
$10,861
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
United Church of Christ
Enrollment
713

71

Private: West Texas A & M University
Canyon, TX

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,996
In-state tuition & fees
$9,101
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
9242

72

Private: Thomas University
Thomasville, GA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,080
In-state tuition & fees
$11,080
School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1388

73

Private: Mayville State University
Mayville, ND

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,131
In-state tuition & fees
$7,873
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1172

74

Private: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
Daytona Beach, FL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,185
In-state tuition & fees
$11,185
School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
11574

75

Private: Dickinson State University
Dickinson, ND

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,218
In-state tuition & fees
$9,118
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1473

Recommended Online Colleges & Universities

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

76

Private: Rasmussen University-Florida
Ocala, FL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,291
In-state tuition & fees
$11,291
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
8166

77

Private: Stillman College
Tuscaloosa, AL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,392
In-state tuition & fees
$11,392
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Presbyterian Church (USA)
Enrollment
728

78

Private: Los Angeles Pacific University
San Dimas, CA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,400
In-state tuition & fees
$11,400
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Undenominational
Enrollment
1895

79

Private: University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,450
In-state tuition & fees
$9,450
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
13526

80

Private: National Louis University
Chicago, IL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,580
In-state tuition & fees
$11,580
School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
7525

81

Private: Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Alva, OK

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,664
In-state tuition & fees
$5,970
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1852

82

Private: Pacific Oaks College
Pasadena, CA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,692
In-state tuition & fees
$11,692
School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1175

83

Private: Jarvis Christian University
Hawkins, TX

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,720
In-state tuition & fees
$11,720
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Enrollment
729

84

Private: Lane College
Jackson, TN

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,790
In-state tuition & fees
$11,790
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Christian Methodist Episcopal
Enrollment
1010

85

Private: Northern State University
Aberdeen, SD

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,947
In-state tuition & fees
$8,845
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
3344

86

Private: New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NM

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,988
In-state tuition & fees
$7,140
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
2677

87

Private: Chicago State University
Chicago, IL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,018
In-state tuition & fees
$12,018
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
2366

88

Private: Boricua College
New York, NY

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,025
In-state tuition & fees
$12,025
School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
423

89

Private: Wilmington University
New Castle, DE

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,030
In-state tuition & fees
$12,030
School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
14020

90

Private: Le Moyne-Owen College
Memphis, TN

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,076
In-state tuition & fees
$12,076
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Multiple Protestant Denomination
Enrollment
609

91

Private: Black Hills State University
Spearfish, SD

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,100
In-state tuition & fees
$9,000
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
3539

92

Private: Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, TX

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,183
In-state tuition & fees
$10,233
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
5797

93

Private: North American University
Stafford, TX

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,300
In-state tuition & fees
$12,300
School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
821

94

Private: University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,336
In-state tuition & fees
$7,848
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
55838

95

Private: Pacific Rim Christian University
Honolulu, HI

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,380
In-state tuition & fees
$12,380
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Other Protestant
Enrollment
135

96

Private: American InterContinental University
Chandler, AZ

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,422
In-state tuition & fees
$12,422
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
14333

97

Private: Middle Georgia State University
Macon, GA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,430
In-state tuition & fees
$3,958
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
7688

98

Private: The Baptist College of Florida
Graceville, FL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,450
In-state tuition & fees
$12,450
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Southern Baptist
Enrollment
446

99

Private: American Baptist College
Nashville, TN

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,474
In-state tuition & fees
$12,474
School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
Religious affiliation
Baptist
Enrollment
57

100

Private: Walden University
Minneapolis, MN

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,483
In-state tuition & fees
$12,483
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
42312

What Makes the Most Affordable Colleges and Universities?

So how does College Consensus determine what makes the most affordable colleges and universities? It’s pretty easy to say what makes a college affordable: low tuition, obviously. But as for what makes an affordable college really worthwhile – that takes a little more explanation. After all, it’s no secret that college is more expensive than ever. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the total cost of attendence for public universities (living on-campus) in 2021-22 academic year was more than $26,000.

Institution2010-20112021-2022
Public$9100$9700
Private Non-Profit$34,000$38,800
Private For-Profit$19,400$17,800
Data: NCES – Average Semester Tuition and Fees

That raises the question: is a college degree still worth it? The short answer is, yes, almost without a doubt. Why? Because, on average, people still make a lot more money with a college degree than without – more than 60% higher, according to NCES data. Male and female, young and old, every race, the stats hold true: a college degree holder makes more money than a worker without a college degree. However, that average can be a bit misleading. For one, a Georgetown University study shows that the major you choose – and, therefore, the career you go into – makes a huge difference. Engineering and science majors make far more than the average, while social work and education majors make far lower; business majors fall right along the median. Some jobs just make more money than others.

Meanwhile, the average graduate is more than $37,000 in student debt, and considering that many people have no student debt, thanks to loans, grants, or helpful parents, that means plenty of graduates are entering with workforce with far more debt than that. So, when you’re thinking about an affordable college degree, the most affordable colleges and universities aren’t just the ones with the lowest tuition – they’re the ones with the most value.(And almost as good as a tuition-free college). So plan carefully; think very seriously about how you are preparing for college, because financial smarts are just as important as book smarts. Reasonable costs, market-ready skills, in-demand professions: these are the things that make the most affordable colleges in the US a smart investment for tomorrow’s professionals and leaders.

Related

most affordable online college savings students

Most Affordable Online Colleges for 2024

happy students

35 Best Tuition-Free Colleges in the United States

AdobeStock 139947148

Debtless Degrees: Community Colleges with $10K Bachelor’s Programs in 2025

The Takeaway for Students: The cost of college tuition and student loan debt have cause colleges to rethink their charges Community colleges are leading the way in providing affordable bachelor’s degrees Many schools now offer bachelor’s degrees for $10,000 or less We all know a few things about college:  We all know college tuition is . . . Read More
April 2, 2025

Ready to get started?

Get matched with affordable online schools that fit your needs

Ready to get started?

Get matched with affordable online schools that fit your needs