The Least and Most Expensive Colleges in the U.S. -

by Rita Cunha

Here’s something that is news to no one: college is expensive. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, attending a public university costs $18,383 per year before financial aid. That amount includes tuition, fees, room, and board. But there’s one thing that number hides—the outliers.

What are the cheapest and most expensive colleges? Some institutions charge incoming students a lot less or a lot more than the average cost. Let’s take a look at them—some will likely surprise you.

What Is the Real Cost of a College Education?

We had to come up with a system to rank schools based on how much they charge students interested in studying there. After many hours of research, we decided to compare costs for full-time undergraduate students for the school year of 2020/2021.

These price tags include fees and tuition. They don’t include other expenses students may have to incur, such as room and board or textbooks. Thus, this is not the total cost of getting a higher education. Rather, it can help you decide if you can afford an expensive college or if you’ll need to look at budget-friendly alternatives.

10 Cheapest (aka Best-Value) Colleges

When we write about cheap colleges, we’re writing about best-value colleges. These are schools where you can still get a good, accredited education without breaking the bank.

You’ll find a wide variety of schools on this list, from national universities and regional universities to public colleges and private institutions. These are the 15 least expensive colleges in the United States.

1) Brigham Young University

Bringham Young University is one of the most affordable schools out there. It is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints, making it a private non-profit university. Students from all states can get an education for $5,970 per year, as long as they’re affiliated with the LDS Church.

2) Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University is an affordable Historically Black College. Tuition and fees for the 2020/2021 school year are $5,694 for North Carolina residents and $16,882 for all other students.

3) University of Florida

The University of Florida is another great choice for cost-minded students. Two full-time semesters cost only $6,380 for state residents. Out-of-state students will need to shell out $28,658 if they want to study here.

4) California State University

There are affordable schools on the other side of the country, too. California State University has twenty-three campuses with different tuition rates, but they are all affordable. Tuition and fees range from $6,643 at Cal State — Fresno to $10,071 at Cal State — San Luis Obispo.

5) Florida State University

The Sunshine State has yet another card up its sleeve, so to say. With in-state tuition at just $6,516 for the 2020/2021 school year at Florida State University, this is one of the most budget-friendly schools in the U.S. Keep in mind that out-of-state tuition and fees are much more expensive, costing transplant students $21,683.

6) North Carolina State University — Raleigh

The North Carolina State University — Raleigh charges residents $9,130 for two full-time semesters. Out-of-state residents have to pay $29,916 to enroll in this specific campus. Other campuses linked to the university are not as affordable.

7) University of Iowa

Studying at the University of Iowa if you are a state resident can help you save money. Two full-time semesters’ worth of tuition and fees will cost you $9,830, while non-residents have to pay $31,793.

8) Purdue University — West Lafayette

Purdue University is famous for two things: its competitive engineering and sciences programs, and being affordable. Enrolling in the West Lafayette main campus costs Indiana residents $9,992 annually and non-residents $29,916.

9) State University of New York

The State University of New York network has plenty of campuses, namely in Buffalo, Stony Brook, Binghamton, and more. Tuition and fees for all of them start at $8,810 for New York residents and $18,630 for all other students.

10) University of Texas

The Lone Star State also has affordable higher education options. The University of Texas, comprising several schools and campuses, charges full-time students $10,858 and upwards (depending on the degree) annually.

How to Qualify for In-State Tuition Programs

As you have noticed, most of the public regional and national universities we’ve included in our list are only truly affordable for in-state students. If you want to pay the reduced rate, you need to qualify as a state resident.

Each state has its own guidelines for determining who is a resident. Typically, though, you need to prove that you’ve moved to that state for more than just college.

Finding a job, renting or buying a house, getting a new driver’s license, and working for a year or two in the state before applying for university is generally enough to qualify for in-state tuition.

5 Affordable Online Colleges: Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs

Attending an online college can help you cut down on costs even further. Although you won’t get to know the student body as closely, you can still get a great education.

These national and regional universities offer a wide variety of degrees, including STEM and liberal arts diplomas. You can also find fully online master’s programs (including MBAs) being offered by these institutions.

1) Great Basin College

You only have to pay $3,248 per year when you study at Great Basin College, in Nevada. If you’re not a state resident, though, you will be charged $10,603.

2) Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University, in Kansas, also offers a high-quality education at an affordable price. Full-time in-state students pay $3,450 per year, while non-residents pay $6,390.

3) Valley City State University

Valley City State University offers students from the Midwest and nearby provinces of Canada a best-value online starting at $6,364 per year. Students from other states pay $11,137 annually.

4) Wayne State College

$8,970 will buy you two full-time semesters at Wayne State College, in Nebraska. Out-of-state residents and in-state residents both pay the same for their online degrees at this public university where smaller student bodies allow for more one-on-one education.

5) Midwestern State University

One of the most affordable regional universities is the Midwestern State University. Two full-time semesters cost prospective students $9,796 at the public liberal arts school.

Top 5 Most Expensive Colleges in America

At the other end of the spectrum, we have the most expensive college educations in the United States. For most of these private schools, you’re paying for state-of-the-art facilities and prestige. And surprisingly enough, not all are Ivy League schools.

1) Columbia University

Columbia University has the most expensive college tuition in the country. This New York City-based Ivy League school charges full-time students $64,380 per year. That amount only includes tuition and fees. Unsurprisingly, Columbia University is also one of the best schools in the country, leaving many other private colleges behind.

2) Brown University

Studying at Brown University costs full-time undergraduates a whopping $62,304 per year. Of course, most students apply for financial aid and get it, which ends up cutting down on education costs. Still, the hefty price tag is not for most.

3) Colorado College

Would you be surprised to find non-Ivy League schools among the most expensive colleges in the country? It’s true, Colorado College charges students a total of $62,070 per two semesters in tuition and fees alone.

4) Boston College

Boston College is also among the priciest institutions of higher learning. Two full-time semesters’ worth of tuition and fees cost first-year students $61,951.

5) University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League school where schooling costs $61,710 per year for full-time undergrads. It’s one of the most expensive but prestigious private colleges in the U.S.

6) Tufts University

This private research university in Massachusetts charges students $61,646 per year. It’s well-known for its state-of-the-art facilities and for being in the top 100 of the QS World Report of University Rankings chart.

7) University of Southern California

Known for being extremely competitive and offering students a stellar education, the University of Southern California charges $61,461 annually.

8) University of Chicago

If you want to be based in Chicago throughout your degree and can afford to shell out $60,963 per year, the University of Chicago is perfect for you. At this price point, you’ll be getting a good education in one of the most vibrant and liberal arts-friendly cities in the country,

9) Duke University

Despite not being an Ivy League school, Duke University consistently ranks as one of the best colleges in the United States. That reputation comes at a price—$60,594 per year for two full-time semesters, to be exact.

10) Scripps College

Perhaps the most surprising expensive school for most on this list is Scripps College. This liberal arts college is located in Claremont, California, and is only open to women. It sets itself apart from other private universities for its small student body and vast liberal art curriculum. Oh, and for the fact that it charges full-time students a whopping $58,442 for tuition and fees per year.

How to Save Money at Any College or University: 3 Ways

Whether you attend the most expensive private colleges or the more affordable national universities, you can always lower the total cost of your degree. These three paths let you save and still get a quality education, wherever you decide to attend.

1. 529 Accounts and Upromise

Opening a 529 account can help you lower the amount you would need in financial aid. This special savings account comes with many tax benefits, including tax-free investment growth and state tax deductions. Use the free money you get for associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees or even doctoral programs.

When you join your 529 account with a Upromise account, you also get cashback and exclusive perks, all while saving for your future. As the years go by, Upromise and a 529 plan can bolster your college funds.

2. Need-Based Financial Aid

Low-income students can apply for need-based financial aid. These grants and scholarships are open to anyone who can prove a financial need.

For example, if your family’s income is much lower than your expensive college costs, most of the tuition and fees could be waived.

3. Merit-Based Scholarships

Lastly, there are also merit-based grants and scholarships that can help you afford college. If you can stand out from other prospective students (through sports or a high SAT score, for example), you could secure a sizable scholarship. That would then allow you to consider many schools that might have been outside your budget before.

The Least and Most Expensive Colleges in the U.S.