Deciding where to go to college is a big choice that involves weighing many factors – programs offered, campus culture, location, and, of course, cost.
Tuition fees have been rising rapidly across North America making an affordable quality education seem out of reach. However, some excellent universities do offer low tuition, especially for in-state students, making them accessible.
This article shares the 10 cheapest tuition universities across the United States and Canada to consider when looking for an affordable bachelor’s degree. The costs, key details and student experiences are outlined to help you make an informed choice if finances are a concern.
10 Most Affordable Universities for Bachelor’s Degrees in North America
1. University of New Mexico
Tuition fees in-state students: $7,556
Tuition fees for out-of-state students: $24,012
Address: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Website: www.unm.edu
The University of New Mexico offers highly affordable in-state tuition just over $7,500 a year for bachelor’s programs across fields like business, education, engineering, arts and more. Out-of-state tuition remains low at $24,000 annually. UNM has a beautiful campus with excellent academic resources. Students find the university welcoming with a fun, vibrant atmosphere. With affordable tuition paired with strong programs, it’s a top choice.
2. University of Wyoming
Tuition fees in-state: $4,808
Tuition fees out-of-state: $15,660
Address: Laramie, Wyoming
Website: www.uwyo.edu
The University of Wyoming provides fantastic value with extremely low in-state tuition under $5,000 for bachelor’s degrees. For out-of-state students, it remains an affordable $15,660 a year. UW offers over 190-degree programs with unique options like Environment & Natural Resources, Petroleum Engineering, American Indian Studies and more. Students describe UW as a close-knit college town with school spirit and a community feel.
3. Florida International University
In-state tuition: $6,118
Out-of-state tuition: $18,790
Location: Miami, Florida
Website: www.fiu.edu
Florida International University offers direct access to a top urban campus and city for just over $6,000 a year for Florida residents pursuing bachelor’s degrees – a steal when you factor in the Miami location. With amazing cultural diversity, huge array of programs from Hospitality to Neuroscience, vibrant student life and still reasonable non-resident tuition under $19,000, FIU is a hidden gem.
4. Utah Valley University
In-state tuition: $5,280
Out-of-state tuition: $15,624
Location: Orem, Utah
Website: www.uvu.edu
For Utah residents, UVU provides fabulous value with tuition just above $5,000 annually for bachelor’s programs ranging from Digital Media to Construction Management. Even out-of-state tuition stays low at $15,624 per annum. Students praise UVU’s affordability combined with an expansive campus, abundant resources and inclusive culture. Plus the Wasatch Mountain views are a nice bonus!
5. Wayne State University
In-state tuition: $13,024
Out-of-state tuition: $30,048
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Website: www.wayne.edu
Located in the heart of Detroit, Wayne State University offers in-state students over 200 majors across fields like Business, Engineering, Education, Nursing and more for just above $13,000 a year. Out-of-state tuition remains reasonable under $30,500 too. Wayne State is lauded for diversity, urban campus spirit, passionate professors and research opportunities.
6. Arcadia University
Tuition fees in-state students: $42,500
Tuition fees for out-of-state students: $42,500
Address: Glenside, Pennsylvania
Website: www.arcadia.edu
Arcadia University manages to keep tuition costs below $43,000 a year for all students regardless of residency by offering generous institutional aid and scholarships. Students have access to small class sizes, 100+ degree options – from Actuarial Science to Global Public Health – and study abroad programs at their Scottish castle campus. Arcadia provides big opportunities at an affordable price.
7. Truman State University
In-state tuition: $7,863
Out-of-state tuition: $16,969
Location: Kirksville, Missouri
Website: www.truman.edu
Truman State keeps tuition under $8,000 for Missouri residents. Out-of-state tuition is also modest at $16,969 annually. This allows students to enjoy Truman’s highly ranked academics with small class sizes, dedicated professors and unique offerings like their Communications Disorder undergraduate program. The classic campus life and tightly knit community are a bonus.
8. St. Mary’s University
Tuition in-state: $9,240
Tuition out-of-state: $9,240
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Website: www.stmarytx.edu
St. Mary’s University maintains an affordable tuition rate of $9,240 for all students regardless of residence by meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need. This gives access to St. Mary’s values-driven education emphasizing community service, ethical leadership and more across an array of programs – from Electrical Engineering to International Relations. Students praise the tight-knit campus community.
9. Thompson Rivers University
Tuition fees in-province students: $5,772
Tuition fees for out-of-province students: $22,158
Address: Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
Website: www.tru.ca
Canadian students from British Columbia pay under $6,000 annually in tuition for TRU’s 60+ bachelor’s degrees ranging from Psychology to Sustainable Business. Their spectacular mountain town campus provides a close-knit educational community with smaller classes. Out-of-province tuition stays low too at around $22,158 per year.
10. Memorial University of Newfoundland
Tuition fees in-province students: $2,550
Tuition fees for out-of-province students: $9,690
Address: St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
Website: www.mun.ca
Newfoundland students pay only $2,550 per year in tuition for Memorial University’s bachelor’s programs! With over 120 degrees from Biochemistry to Folklore, it’s an incredible deal. Even out-of-province tuition is highly affordable at $9,690 annually. MUN offers a high-ranked education and vibrant campus life in picturesque eastern Canada.
Choosing the Right Affordable University
While tuition cost is crucial, also consider the academic programs offered, student life, location, class sizes and other elements that impact the college experience when choosing an affordable university. Prioritize your needs and financial realities.
Limited financial means should not be a barrier to accessing quality bachelor’s degree programs if you do your research. Look beyond big brand names – excellent affordable colleges and universities exist across North America.