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
| Rank | School | Type | Out-of-state tuition and fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | United States Merchant Marine Academy | Public | $1008 |
| 2. | Brigham Young University-Idaho | Private | $4536 |
| 3. | City Vision University | Private | $6000 |
| 4. | Columbia Southern University | Private | $6015 |
| 5. | Warner Pacific University Professional and Graduate Studies | Private | $6240 |
| 6. | Brigham Young University-Hawaii | Private | $6250 |
| 7. | Brigham Young University-Provo | Private | $6304 |
| 8. | Bethesda University | Private | $6560 |
| 9. | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex | Public | $6750 |
| 10. | Baptist University of the Americas | Private | $6768 |
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
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
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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
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
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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
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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
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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.
| Institution | 2010-2011 | 2021-2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Public | $9100 | $9700 |
| Private Non-Profit | $34,000 | $38,800 |
| Private For-Profit | $19,400 | $17,800 |
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
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
