10 Cheapest Universities for International Students in USA 2026

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Cheapest Universities for International Students in USA 2026 – Studying in the USA offers Indian students a great chance to improve their professional chances and receive a top-notch education. The number of Indian students studying in the United States has significantly increased in recent years. The most recent statistics show that the number of international students travelling to the USA from India rose by 35% to an all-time high of 2,60,000 in 2022–2023. Along with this, in 2024, India became the top sender of international students for the first time since 2008-2009 academic year with more than 331,000 students overall studying in US as per the report by Indian express.

Furthermore, the USA is desirable for students wishing to start a profession due to its high employment rate. Enrolling in one of the most affordable universities for international students in USA can help Indian students reduce their tuition expenses without sacrificing the quality of their education. You can get a brief rundown of the blog’s most important features and access insightful details about the most affordable universities for international students in USA. Here is a small table to help you understand the cost of studying in the US and the cheapest universities for international students.

Cheapest Universities for International Students in USA

10 Cheapest Universities for International Students in USA 2026

How Many Universities are in USA 2026?

Around 4000 Universities

How Many Cheapest Universities Are There in USA 2026?

Approx. 100 to 200. Below are the few one –

What Are the Top In-demand Courses in USA 2026?

  • Civil Engineering
  • MS in Business Analytics
  • MS in Computers
  • MS in biotechnology

What Are the Average UG Tuition Fees in USA 2026?

Approx. $10000 to $30000 [INR 9 Lakhs to 26 Lakhs]

What Are the Average PG Tuition Fees in USA 2026?

Approx. $8000 to $29000 [INR 7 Lakhs to 25 Lakhs]

What Are the Approx. Cost per Living in USA 2026?

Approx. $1200 per month [INR 1 Lakh]

Why Study in USA 2026?

For students from around the world, studying in the USA has the potential to change their entire lives. The nation offers a wide range of academic programs and is home to some of the top colleges and institutions in the world. Apart from having affordable universities for international students in USA, you are getting quality education with that. Indian students should think about studying in the United States for the following reasons –

  • Superior Instruction
  • Various educational initiatives
  • Possibilities for innovation and research
  • Fantastic career opportunities
  • Exposure to a diversity of viewpoints and civilisations
  • You will get Fluent in English
  • Possibilities for developing oneself personally
  • Access to top-notch facilities and resources
  • Possibilities to network and form relationships

These are just a few of the numerous benefits that make studying in the United States of America a great option for Indian students.

List of Cheapest Universities for International Students in USA 2026

It can be difficult for Indian students wishing to study in the USA to discover reasonably priced universities. Still, several universities provide excellent education at less expensive prices. Based on tuition costs and other considerations, we have listed the top 10 least expensive US universities for Indian students in this area.

The top 10 Cheapest Universities in the US for international students are shown below:

Let’s discuss the cheapest universities for International Students in USA in detail.

John Hopkins University

One of the greatest and most prestigious private research universities, the University of Johns Hopkins provides highly regarded graduate and undergraduate programs. Johns Hopkins University’s Carey Business School is one of the first ten business schools in the United States to receive a STEM classification for its full-time MBA program. Johns Hopkins University is an extremely elite university with an acceptance rate of only 8%. A weighted average GPA of 3.9 is required for admission to Johns Hopkins University.

Johns Hopkins University charges annual tuition for MS courses ranging from INR 21.5 L to INR 64.21 L. On the Johns Hopkins University campus, a sophomore’s annual living expenses are about USD 12,710. Books, resources, equipment, and course materials will cost USD 1,345 yearly.

  • Average annual Tuition fee for PG: USD 58,700 / INR 49L
  • SMS Scholarships available: INR 50,000
  • Number of courses offered: 24

University of Wisconsin

Founded in 1848 and situated in Madison, USA, Wisconsin, Madison is the oldest and largest institution in the United States. The University of Wisconsin Madison was ranked #83 in 2022, but now it is #102 in the QS rating 2024. 60% of applicants are accepted to UW Madison.

Among the many centres and institutes of the University of Wisconsin, Madison are the Aquatic Sciences Center, Biotechnology Center, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, Institute on Aging, Data Science Institute Powered by American Family Insurance, Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, and Physical Sciences Laboratory.

  • The average annual Tuition fee for UG: USD 17,900 / INR 15L
  • Average annual Tuition fee for PG: USD 18,400 / INR 15.4L
  • SMS Scholarships available: INR 50,000
  • Number of courses offered: 54

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

For international students, Texas A&M Corpus Christi offers more than 25 graduate and more than 43 undergraduate programs (actual numbers may differ). Texas A&M Corpus Christi University requires foreign first-year candidates to have a 3.0 GPA from a secondary school to be admitted. In addition to meeting the entrance requirements, students must provide documentation of their English language skills. With an acceptance rate of about 80% for international students, admissions could be more competitive. Popular courses at Texas A&M Corpus Christi include business, education, social sciences, health and wellness, communication and languages, and the arts.

  • The average annual Tuition fee for UG: USD 17,600 / INR 14.75L
  • Average annual Tuition fee for PG: USD 12,300 / INR 10.3L
  • SMS Scholarships available: INR 50,000
  • Number of courses offered: 48

Arizona State University – Tempe

Arizona State University is a public research institution located in Phoenix, Arizona, founded in 1885. With 114,484 undergraduate students, 31,171 graduates, and professional students enrolled overall, Arizona State University is open to students from 157 different countries. While ASU is ranked #182 globally by THE Globe University Ranking 2024, it is ranked #179 globally by the ASU QS Ranking for 2024.

The university’s dedication to providing access to higher education is demonstrated by roughly 33% of its undergraduate students being first-generation college attendees. Over 400 undergraduate and graduate programs are available, with award-winning ASU faculty teaching them. 81 of ASU’s undergraduate and graduate programs, including those offered online, are rated among the top 25 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, with 37 of those programs placing in the top 10.

There are several different study options available to international students who want to attend ASU. More than 350 undergraduate and more than 400 graduate programs at Arizona State University provide courses in various disciplines. The cost of attendance at Arizona State University for foreign students varies by program.

  • The average annual Tuition fee for UG: USD 34,200 / INR 28.6L
  • Average annual Tuition fee for PG: USD 36,700 / INR 30.7L
  • SMS Scholarships available: INR 50,000
  • Number of courses offered: 353

University of Massachusetts

Amherst is the only public land-grant institution and a centre for public research in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Massachusetts. The QS World Rankings 2024 ranked UMass Amherst #245 in the world. The Princeton Review has classified the university as having the greatest on-campus meals and one of the top 50 best-value public colleges. According to U.S. News & World Report, the university is ranked #26 out of all national public universities.

International student applications to UMass Amherst are somewhat selective, with a 64% acceptance rate. The university does not need tests, and just 40% of candidates have submitted their standardised test results as of the Fall 2023 report. Over 23,000 undergraduate students from over 70 countries and around the US attend UMass Amherst. More than 2,600 graduate students from 101 countries made up 34% of UMass Amherst’s student body in the fall of 2023.

  • Average annual Tuition fee for PG: USD 35,700 / INR 29.9L
  • SMS Scholarships available: INR 50,000
  • Number of courses offered: 9

University of California

When the University of California, Irvine campus was founded in 1965, its goal was to use academics, committed public service, and innovative research to improve lives and spark the community. Every school at UCI receives national and worldwide recognition for being a leader in various subjects.

Admissions at the University of California Irvine are fairly selective, with an acceptance rate of about 21 per cent. UCI is one of the 71 US and Canadian colleges chosen to join the esteemed Association of American Colleges. The University of California, Irvine is ranked #268 in the world in the QS World Rankings 2024.

  • Average annual Tuition fee for PG: USD 57,600 / INR 48.2L
  • SMS Scholarships available: INR 50,000
  • Number of courses offered: 23

University of Illinois

Located in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana, the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is a public land-grant research university founded in 1867. The University of Illinois system’s flagship university is UIUC. Not only is the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign among the top universities in the United States, but it is also ranked among the top 100 worldwide. Regarding the UIUC rankings, it is ranked #42 in the World University Rankings 2024 by Times Higher Education (THE). It is renowned for being a global teaching, research, and public involvement leader.

International applicants must fulfil the entrance and English proficiency standards to be admitted to UIUC. The acceptance rate at UIUC is 45%, meaning there is some competition for admission.

  • Average annual Tuition fee for PG: USD 31,000 / INR 26L
  • SMS Scholarships available: INR 50,000
  • Number of courses offered: 23

Stony Brook University

Established in 1957, Stony Brook University is situated in Brookhaven, USA. It is ranked #396 in the QS World Rankings 2024, up from #416 in the QS World Rankings 2023.

With a 48% acceptance rate, Stony Brook University is a difficult institution to get into. Originally established in 1957 as a college to train secondary school math and science teachers, It has grown to become one of the nation’s most important hubs for research and education. This university joined the Association of American Universities in 2001. In addition, this university is a public research sea-grant and space-grant university. 2,330 inventions have been made on this university’s grounds. It currently has over 700 patents.

The Academic Success and Tutoring Center, Center for Clean Water Technology, Center for Behavioral Political Economy, Cancer Center, Center for Biotechnology, Institute for Energy Sustainability and Equity, and Center for Behavioral Finance are a few of Stony Brook University’s research centres and institutes.

  • The average annual Tuition fee for UG: USD 30,400 / INR 25.4L
  • SMS Scholarships available: INR 50,000
  • Number of courses offered: 23

Colorado State University

The University was known as Colorado Agricultural College when founded in 1870, is a rapidly growing public research university and one of the best in the country. It now ranks 409 in the QS World Rankings 2024.

The acceptance rate of the university is approximately 91%, suggesting that the university may be less selective. Over 27,000 students were enrolled at Colorado State University in the previous fall. Of them, twenty-five per cent were from different origins. Over 2,500 international students and scholars from more than 110 countries are currently enrolled at the university. Colorado State University is ranked #151 in National Universities in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges.

  • The average annual Tuition fee for UG: USD 30,500 / INR 25.4L
  • SMS Scholarships available: INR 28,100
  • Number of courses offered: 212

University of Kanas

Located in Lawrence, Kansas, the United States, the University of Kansas is a public university with international recognition that was founded in 1865. Only 26 US colleges have received national designation for their Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Alzheimer’s Disease Center, and Cancer Center from the National Institutes of Health. Kansas University is one of them. Kansas University is ranked #410 in the QS World University Rankings – Best Global Universities 2024, placing it among the top 500 universities in the world. Over 1700 international students from more than 100 countries are now enrolled at the university.

International applicants must fulfil the entrance and English proficiency standards to be admitted to Kansas University. At 92.5%, Kansas University’s acceptance rate for the class of 2027 suggests that getting into this university is a moderately competitive process.

  • The average annual Tuition fee for UG: USD 34,800 / INR 29.1L
  • SMS Scholarships available: INR 50,000
  • Number of courses offered: 471

Best Courses to Enroll in for Indian Students In the United States

Indian students have always regarded the USA as their top choice for higher education. The nation offers a wide range of academic programs and is home to some of the top institutions and colleges in the world. Students can have a unique and rewarding experience studying in the USA, where they will be exposed to various viewpoints and cultures and have the chance to advance personally and professionally.

  • Engineering:
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • MS in Computer Science
    • Civil Engineering
    • MS in Electrical Engineering
    • MS in Mechanics or Mechatronics
  • Arts and Humanities:
    • BA in LLB
    • BA in Journalism and Mass Communication
    • MA in English Literature
    • MA in History
    • MFA in Creative Writing
  • Business Administration:
    • BBA
    • BMA
    • Marketing, Business Analytics
    • Finance
    • Operations and Supply Chain
  • Masters in Healthcare Science and Technology:
    • MBBS
    • Medical Science
    • Nursing
    • Public Health
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Pharmacy
  • Other Master Degrees:
    • BCA
    • Computer Science
    • Data Science
    • Environmental Science
    • Biotechnology
    • Physics
    • Chemistry

Cheapest Universities for International Students in USA for Undergraduate 2026

Many Indian students choose to complete their undergraduate studies in the USA each year, drawn by the nation’s stellar reputation for high-quality education and promising employment prospects. The most recent data indicates a steady increase in the number of Indian students studying for undergraduate degrees in the USA in recent years. With more than 54,000 Indian students enrolled in undergraduate programs in the United States during the 2022–2023 academic year, India ranks second among all international sources of undergraduate students. For Indian students seeking their academic and professional goals, the USA remains a popular destination. Here are the top 10 cheapest universities for international students in USA for Undergraduate courses.

These are the cheapest universities for International Students in USA for PG, and if you contact us, you can easily get guaranteed admission and scholarships from SecuremyScholarship.

Cheapest Universities for International Students in USA for Postgraduate 2026

Indian students frequently pay expensive tuition when seeking postgraduate education in the United States. In the USA, postgraduate program tuition rates typically range from INR 16L to INR 54L annually. Postgraduate studies allow students to specialise in their area of interest, acquire in-depth information, and hone advanced abilities, while undergraduate studies offer a solid foundation. The best postgraduate institutions in the USA are affordable, provide top-notch instruction at a fair price, and let students use top-notch facilities and resources without worrying about money. Here are the top 10 cheapest universities for International Students in USA for Post Graduation

Why Do These Colleges Offer Such Low Tuition?

For Indian students, these US universities are less expensive for the following reasons –

  • One of the main causes is the availability of financial aid and scholarship programs provided by external organisations or institutions. For instance, the University of Louisiana at Monroe provides overseas students with a scholarship program that can lower their annual tuition by up to INR 5L.
  • California State University offers Similar financial aid programs to overseas students, with the criteria being financial need and academic merit. Certain universities receive financial support for research and educational initiatives from governmental or non-governmental organisations.
  • For example, the University of Wisconsin is a state-funded public university offering more reasonable tuition to domestic and foreign students.
  • Brigham Young University’s stakeholder and operator is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Church provides tuition subsidies to its students, lowering the cost of attendance for those from other countries. So, to help students get quality education, the US government and private institutions are helping students to get affordable universities for international students in the USA.

Scholarships for Indian students in the USA

Indian students can lessen the financial burden of pursuing higher education in the USA by applying for scholarships. Indian and other international students can get financial aid from numerous American colleges through grants, scholarships, and fellowships to help with their tuition costs. Here are some of the popular scholarships for Indian students in the USA –

  • Fulbright-Nehru Research Fellowship
  • Tata Scholarship Fund
  • Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
  • Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships for Indian Students
  • Harvard Business School Boustany MBA Scholarship
  • The Wharton School’s Joseph Wharton Fellowships
  • Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship
  • Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program

Qualifications For Scholarships In The USA 2026

Indian students must meet certain requirements to be eligible for scholarships to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate studies in the USA. While standards vary from university to university, there are some universal requirements for affordable universities for international students in USA. The following are some typical requirements for Indian students to be eligible for scholarships in the USA –

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college
  • A strong GRE or GMAT score
  • Two to three years minimum of job experience
  • Results of English proficiency exams (TOEFL or IELTS)
  • Letters of recommendation, or LORs
  • Statement of Purpose, or SOP
  • Curriculum Vitae Application Fee

Before applying, you must review each university’s requirements to meet all the qualifying standards.

Find Affordable Accommodation in the USA 2026

Are you trying to figure out how to afford your stay in the United States of America while you’re going to school? The following actions will help you reduce costs and increase the affordability of your stay –

  • Seek out choices for communal housing, like apartments or dorms.
  • Select public transit over ride-sharing services and taxis, such as buses and trains.
  • Make your meals at home rather than going out to eat frequently.
  • Benefit from the student discounts that many retailers and eateries are offering instead of buying in MRP.
  • Do not indulge in impulsive or pointless purchases.
  • To obtain better ticket or booking deals, plan your travels and excursions.
  • To obtain better ticket or booking deals, plan your travels and excursions.
  • Find part-time work or internships to supplement your income and obtain work experience.
  • Join student groups and organisations to take advantage of free or heavily discounted events and activities.
  • Consider applying for scholarships or financial help programs to lower your tuition costs.

By taking the measures listed below, you can reduce the cost of your stay in the USA without sacrificing your education or experience.

Cost of Living for Indian Students in the USA 2026

For Indian students who intend to study in the United States, living expenses are crucial. In the USA, the average monthly cost of living for an individual is about INR 1L. Budgeting might be difficult because of the high cost of living in the USA. However, students can better plan their budgets if they understand the typical prices of groceries, utilities, rent, and transportation. Here we are sharing the cost of living table with you, describing all the major costs –

Purpose Monthly Cost
Basic Requirement Rs. 20,000
Grocery INR 20,000 – INR 40,000
Accommodation Rent INR 1.5 L
Transportation Pass Cost INR 7,000

For Indian students, studying in the USA may be a thrilling and fulfilling experience. Despite the seemingly expensive cost of living, there are ways to lower your stay costs, like renting a room in a shared residence, using the bus, and using student discounts. USA colleges provide scholarships, financial aid programs, and outside funding sources to further assist students in lowering tuition costs.

In addition to offering you a wealth of options, pursuing higher education in the USA can equip you with critical abilities and knowledge to help you excel in the workplace. Thus, studying in the USA can be the best option if you’re an Indian student hoping to further your education and widen your horizons.

FAQs About Cheapest Universities For International Students in USA 2026

Is It Affordable for Indian Students to Study in the USA?

Yes, it is affordable for Indian students to study in the USA. Several universities offer low-cost tuition fees, scholarships, and fee waivers for your candidature. Apart from university fees, the cost of living in the USA is far more affordable than in the UK and Canada.

What is the Average Cost of Living in the USA 2026?

Several elements, such as your residence, books and study materials, travel, food, utilities, medical costs, etc. determine the cost of living in the United States. Depending on your area, you may spend between $1,000 and $3,000 monthly. The personal expenses that are expended based on individual preferences also affect the cost of living in the United States.

What is the Most Affordable Country to Study in the USA or the UK?

For most Indian students, the US will be more affordable than the UK. Many factors, such as the cost of living, usually depend on the locality of the university.

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Vipin Rana

Vipin Rana

The most exciting part of Vipin's role is having the opportunity to assist the students in fulfilling their education and career goals. Over the span of a year and a half he has spoken to almost 5000 students and parents and has a great understanding of their expectations and requirements. He has to be very fast in his outreach so that he can keep his students happy.

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