Affordable Universities in the USA for Indian Students in 2025
The popularity of the USA education system continues to attract millions of international students every year. This has resulted in tough competition to secure the best opportunities in the country. Several factors contribute to the high tuition fees in USA universities, including reduced government funding for higher education, high operational costs, and strong demand for prestigious degrees.
However, international students can still pursue education in the USA at an affordable cost through scholarships, financial aid, assistantships, and selecting budget-friendly universities, as we have discussed in this blog.
- 10 Affordable Public Universities in the USA for International Students
- 10 Affordable Private Universities in the USA for International Students
- Popular Courses in Affordable Universities of the USA
- Eligibility Criteria to Study in Affordable Universities in the USA
- Required Documents for USA University Application
- How to Apply for Affordable Universities in the USA?
- Factors that Make Education Affordable in the USA
- Key Takeaways by AdmitX
- FAQs
10 Affordable Public Universities in the USA for International Students
- Some of the popular affordable public universities in the USA are listed below, along with their average annual tuition fees in 2025.
- Depending on the study level and academic programs, the tuition fees in these public universities vary between USD 10,305-43,702 or INR 9 Lakhs-37 Lakhs per year.
| University | Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| California State University at Los Angeles | USD 17,750-25,000 (INR 15 Lakh-21 Lakh) |
| University of Wisconsin | USD 22,209-43,702 (INR 19 Lakh-38 Lakh) |
| Brooklyn College | USD 7,440-10,260 (INR 6 Lakh-9 Lakh) |
| Southeast Missouri State University | USD 13,237-17,147 (INR 12 Lakh-15 Lakh) |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | USD 19,714-21,500 (INR 17 Lakh-18 Lakh) |
| South Dakota State University | USD 11,284-11,772 (INR 10 Lakh-11 Lakh) |
| Northwest Missouri State University | USD 7,102-15,663 (INR 6 Lakh-13 Lakh) |
| Southwest Minnesota State University | USD 10,362-10,782 (INR 9 Lakh-9.40 Lakh) |
| Henderson State University | USD 10,305-12,000 (INR 9 Lakh-10.46 Lakh) |
| Minot State University | USD 8,500-12,500 (INR 7 Lakh-10.90 Lakh) |
10 Affordable Private Universities in the USA for International Students
- Some of the popular affordable private universities in the USA for international students are listed below, along with their average annual tuition fees in 2025.
- Depending on the study level and academic programs, the tuition fees in these private universities might vary between USD 6,688-45,000 or INR 6 Lakhs-39 Lakhs per year.
| University | Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| Brigham Young University | USD 6,688-8,416 (INR 6 Lakh-7 Lakh) |
| Amity University | USD 47,270-50,000 (INR 41 Lakh-43 Lakh) |
| Tauro College | USD 20,960-50,000 (INR 18 Lakh-43 Lakh) |
| Baker University | USD 35,150-40,000 (INR 30 Lakh-34 Lakh) |
| Point University | USD 22,800-30,000 (INR 19 Lakh-26 Lakh) |
| Benedictine University | USD 24,500-35,000 (INR 21 Lakh-30 Lakh) |
| Lindsey Wilson College | USD 19,380-30,000 (INR 16 Lakh-26 Lakh) |
| Saint Augustine's University | USD 13,606-22,000 (INR 12 Lakh-19 Lakh) |
| College of Saint Mary | USD 25,000-45,000 (INR 21 Lakh-39 Lakh) |
| National Louis University | USD 13,000 (INR 11 Lakh) |
Popular Courses in Affordable Universities of the USA
Some of the popular courses in affordable universities in the USA are mentioned below.
- Agricultural Sciences
- Business Management
- Computer Science & AI
- Data Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- Engineering & Technology
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Social Sciences & Humanities
Eligibility Criteria to Study in Affordable Universities in the USA
USA universities prefer students with high academic prerequisites, depending on the course level and study program.
- For bachelor’s degree programs, Indian applicants must have completed their 10+2 education from a government-recognised school (CBSE/ISC/state board) with at least 70-90% marks.
- For master’s degree programs, Indian applicants must have completed their 3-4 year bachelor’s degree education from a government-recognised college/university with at least 65-85% marks.
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Required Documents for USA University Application
- All previous academic transcripts
- 1 CV/Resume
- 1-2 Statements of Purpose
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
- Standardised Test Scorecards (depending on course/study level)
- GMAT
- GRE
- ACT
- SAT
- Standardised Test Scorecards (depending on course/study level)
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- PTE
- DuolingoÂ
- Application Fee (depending on the university)
- WES Evaluation Report
- Work Experience Letter/Portfolio (if required)
- Certificate for Extracurricular Activities
- Passport
How to Apply for Affordable Universities in the USA?
- The application process for universities in the USA depends on the course level, academic program, and university.
- To apply for bachelor’s degree programs, applicants must apply through the Common App (for many public universities) or directly via the university’s website (for private universities).
- For master’s degree programs, applicants can apply directly through the university’s website for both public and private institutions.
Factors that Make Education Affordable in the USA
There are several factors that make education affordable for international students in the USA. This includes the type of university, program type, scholarships, financial aid, assistantship, stay preferences, employer sponsorship, etc., as we have discussed below.
Type of University
- In the USA, there are 2 types of universities for international students, private and public.
- The tuition fees at public universities are relatively low as compared to private institutions because they are funded by the government.
| Type of Institute | Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| Public University | USD 26,290-40,500 |
| Private University | USD 35,830-60,000 |
Program Type
The degree level, program type, and duration of the course also play significant factors in determining the tuition cost in the USA universities for international students.
Degree Level vs Cost Impact
- Depending on the degree type and type of institution, tuition fees might vary and can impact affordability differently.
- Longer programs, such as a bachelor’s degree (4 years), may cost you more, as they require higher tuition fees and additional living expenses, ultimately increasing your total study cost.
- Master’s degree programs (1-2 years) are relatively shorter courses that allow quick entry into the job market.
| Degree Type | Duration | Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) | Impact on Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 Years | USD 5,000,15,000 | Mostly affordable, can transfer to a 4-year bachelor’s program to save costs. |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 Years | 20,000-45,000 | Depending on the type of institution, tuition fees may vary and required to pay four times |
| Master’s Degree | 1-2 Years | USD 25,000-60,000 | Shorter duration than a bachelor’s, reducing overall cost |
| PhD | 4-6 Years | Fully Funded | Affordable due to stipend, research fellowship, and assistantship |
Degree Level and Funding Opportunities
- There are limited funding opportunities for bachelor’s degree programs, making them the most expensive.
- For master’s degree courses, there are abundant scholarships and financial aid opportunities available on the basis of merit and financial need.
- PhD courses are fully funded with stipends and assistantships.
Scholarships and Financial Aids for Indian Students
- Most of the USA universities offer scholarships and financial aid to needy Indian students so that they can pursue their higher education programs without any financial burden.
- Some examples of university-specific scholarships are the Clark Global Scholarship program by Clark University, the International Excellence Award by the University of Minnesota, and the Global Scholars Program by American University.
- Some external scholarships and financial aid options are also available for Indian students, which include Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship, Tata Scholarship, Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships, etc.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
The USA is a popular study-abroad destination for Indian students who desire to pursue higher degree programs in STEM, business management, law, humanities, etc. Public universities are generally more affordable than private universities because they are funded by the government and offer several scholarships.
International students can work on-campus (up to 20 hours per week) to cover their expenses. Some universities offer tuition waivers, graduate assistantships, or research positions that can cover part or all of the tuition fees.
FAQs
What are the cheapest universities in the USA for STEM courses?
Some of the cheapest universities in the USA for STEM courses are Minot State University, South Dakota State University, California State University, Los Angeles, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Missouri University of Science and Technology, etc.
What are the affordable universities in the USA for MBA programs?
Some of the affordable universities in the USA for MBA programs are the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, South East Missouri State University, California State University, San Bernardino, Fayetteville State University, University of Louisiana at Monroe, etc.
How much will it cost for Indian students to study in the USA?
The average cost of study in the USA for Indian students varies depending on the course level, program, and university. However, it ranges between USD 40,000-80,000 or INR 34,000-69,000.
Which USA state is the cheapest for international students?
The cheapest states in the USA for international students are those with lower tuition fees and cost of living. Some of the cheapest USA states are South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kentucky.
Which intake is best for the USA?
Fall intake is considered the best to pursue higher education in the USA because most universities offer more courses and specialisations than spring intake. Also, universities allocate a large number of scholarships, financial aid, and assistantships to fall applicants.
