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

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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.

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)
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$1,008
In-state tuition & fees
$1,008
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1023
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
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$6,015
In-state tuition & fees
$6,015
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
15948
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
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
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
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$6,750
In-state tuition & fees
$6,750
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
630
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
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
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
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,356
In-state tuition & fees
$3,356
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
2149
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,360
In-state tuition & fees
$7,360
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
48298
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,414
In-state tuition & fees
$7,414
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1879
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,495
In-state tuition & fees
$3,495
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
7666
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,786
In-state tuition & fees
$7,786
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
4773
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,834
In-state tuition & fees
$7,834
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
2260
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,866
In-state tuition & fees
$7,866
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
2339
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,906
In-state tuition & fees
$3,906
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
6787
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,920
In-state tuition & fees
$7,920
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
2067
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
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
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
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,280
In-state tuition & fees
$8,280
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
5445
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,385
In-state tuition & fees
$7,634
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1242
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,400
In-state tuition & fees
$8,400
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
9565
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,453
In-state tuition & fees
$4,453
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
11635
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,508
In-state tuition & fees
$8,508
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
2836
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,549
In-state tuition & fees
$8,549
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
3074
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,605
In-state tuition & fees
$8,605
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
2556
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
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,843
In-state tuition & fees
$6,863
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
5106
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,054
In-state tuition & fees
$9,054
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
473
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,150
In-state tuition & fees
$7,806
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1425
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,249
In-state tuition & fees
$8,156
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
5883
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,445
In-state tuition & fees
$8,445
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
6906
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,450
In-state tuition & fees
$9,450
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1309
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,552
In-state tuition & fees
$9,552
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
88891
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,556
In-state tuition & fees
$7,372
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
8248
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
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,596
In-state tuition & fees
$7,596
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
6044
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,684
In-state tuition & fees
$9,684
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
6914
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,768
In-state tuition & fees
$7,560
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
2919
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
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,940
In-state tuition & fees
$8,440
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
6230
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
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,122
In-state tuition & fees
$10,122
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
6986
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,130
In-state tuition & fees
$10,130
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
4279
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,189
In-state tuition & fees
$3,283
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
4527
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,200
In-state tuition & fees
$10,200
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
934
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
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,389
In-state tuition & fees
$3,483
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
3147
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,690
In-state tuition & fees
$6,058
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1210
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,724
In-state tuition & fees
$9,064
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1630
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,796
In-state tuition & fees
$8,254
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1602
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,838
In-state tuition & fees
$10,478
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
11071
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,996
In-state tuition & fees
$9,101
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
9242
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,131
In-state tuition & fees
$7,873
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1172
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,218
In-state tuition & fees
$9,118
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1473
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,291
In-state tuition & fees
$11,291
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
8166
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
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,450
In-state tuition & fees
$9,450
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
13526
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,664
In-state tuition & fees
$5,970
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
1852
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
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
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,947
In-state tuition & fees
$8,845
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
3344
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,988
In-state tuition & fees
$7,140
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
2677
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,018
In-state tuition & fees
$12,018
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
2366
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
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
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,100
In-state tuition & fees
$9,000
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
3539
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,183
In-state tuition & fees
$10,233
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
5797
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,336
In-state tuition & fees
$7,848
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
55838
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
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,422
In-state tuition & fees
$12,422
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
14333
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,430
In-state tuition & fees
$3,958
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
Enrollment
7688
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
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
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:

Best Value Colleges & Universities
Best Value Online Colleges & Universities
Most Affordable Online MBA Programs

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