University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the best & cheapest college programs.
Finding an affordable college education is a priority for many students and families. While the cost of higher education can seem overwhelming, there are numerous colleges and universities in the United States that offer quality education at low tuition rates. These institutions provide an excellent academic experience without the hefty price tag, making them an attractive option for students looking to minimize debt while earning a degree. Below is a list of some of the top low-tuition colleges in the U.S., known for their strong academic programs, value, and commitment to accessible education.
What are the Lowest Cost Colleges in the U.S.?
We researched U.S. colleges to find those with the most affordable tuition rates and overall net prices. While the main focus was on low tuition, we also considered factors that make each school unique and beneficial for students. The survey excluded community colleges and four-year colleges without multiple bachelor’s degree programs.
We observed key trends, such as many states upgrading community colleges to four-year institutions within State University and College Systems. These expansions often provide enhanced resources and educational standards, ensuring quality education.
Tuition costs and post-graduate student debt are pressing issues in American education. This review offers students insights into affordable, high-quality education options, both on-campus and online. Our findings are based on In-State Tuition for undergraduate degrees, helping students find the most cost-effective universities and colleges in the U.S.
Top 25 Lowest Cost Tuition College and University Programs
Purdue University
Score: 84.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,992
- Out-of-State:$28,794
- Net Price: $12,576
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 51,528
- Undergrad Students: 38,593
- Graduate Students: 12,935
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Brigham Young University
Score: 81.9
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,496
- Out-of-State:$6,496
- Net Price: $13,521
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 79%
- Total Enrollment: 34,464
- Undergrad Students: 31,411
- Graduate Students: 3,053
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
University of Florida-Online
Score: 80.68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,876
- Out-of-State:$16,579
- Net Price: $10,791
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 79%
- Total Enrollment: 5,356
- Undergrad Students: 5,356
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 54:1
Virginia University of Lynchburg
Score: 72.83
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,248
- Out-of-State:$9,248
- Net Price: $17,093
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Total Enrollment: 837
- Undergrad Students: 479
- Graduate Students: 358
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
American Public University System
Score: 72.46
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,400
- Out-of-State:$8,400
- Net Price: $11,172
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 48,668
- Undergrad Students: 39,206
- Graduate Students: 9,462
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
Florida Atlantic University
Score: 72.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,879
- Out-of-State:$17,324
- Net Price: $9,711
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 29,592
- Undergrad Students: 24,191
- Graduate Students: 5,401
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
University of Wyoming
Score: 70.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,938
- Out-of-State:$22,718
- Net Price: $12,819
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 11,100
- Undergrad Students: 8,518
- Graduate Students: 2,582
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Aspen University
Score: 69.33
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,264
- Out-of-State:$6,264
- Net Price: $13,781
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 50%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 7,386
- Undergrad Students: 4,086
- Graduate Students: 3,300
- Grads Salary: $88,000
- Student-to-faculty: 5:1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,449
- Out-of-State:$33,717
- Net Price: $11,462
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 25,979
- Undergrad Students: 17,727
- Graduate Students: 8,252
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
McNeese State University
Score: 68.83
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,460
- Out-of-State:$9,960
- Net Price: $10,154
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 6,230
- Undergrad Students: 5,696
- Graduate Students: 534
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Western Governors University
Score: 68.66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,300
- Out-of-State:$8,300
- Net Price: $9,207
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 156,935
- Undergrad Students: 112,807
- Graduate Students: 44,128
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 42:1
Eastern New Mexico University
Score: 68.41
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,863
- Out-of-State:$8,843
- Net Price: $8,702
- Acceptance Rate: 28%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 5,106
- Undergrad Students: 3,833
- Graduate Students: 1,273
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Brigham Young University-Hawaii
Score: 68.39
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,438
- Out-of-State:$6,438
- Net Price: $15,835
- Acceptance Rate: 34%
- Retention Rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 2,735
- Undergrad Students: 2,735
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Score: 68.21
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,656
- Out-of-State:$4,656
- Net Price: $7,899
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 43,023
- Undergrad Students: 43,023
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Elizabeth City State University
Score: 67.85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,412
- Out-of-State:$7,412
- Net Price: $4,120
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 2,149
- Undergrad Students: 2,033
- Graduate Students: 116
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Bismarck State College
Score: 67.2
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,195
- Out-of-State:$7,279
- Net Price: $11,309
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 3,771
- Undergrad Students: 3,771
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Western Carolina University
Score: 66.74
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,532
- Out-of-State:$8,532
- Net Price: $13,022
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 11,635
- Undergrad Students: 9,956
- Graduate Students: 1,679
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Alcorn State University
Score: 66.58
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,549
- Out-of-State:$8,549
- Net Price: $14,864
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 2,933
- Undergrad Students: 2,431
- Graduate Students: 502
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Chipola College
Score: 66.28
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,120
- Out-of-State:$8,950
- Net Price: $3,316
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 1,826
- Undergrad Students: 1,826
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $61,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Purdue University Northwest
Score: 66.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,419
- Out-of-State:$15,620
- Net Price: $9,162
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 8,911
- Undergrad Students: 8,176
- Graduate Students: 735
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Fayetteville State University
Score: 65.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,969
- Out-of-State:$7,969
- Net Price: $6,355
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 6,787
- Undergrad Students: 5,748
- Graduate Students: 1,039
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,576
- Out-of-State:$9,576
- Net Price: $19,616
- Acceptance Rate: 24%
- Retention Rate: 50%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 4,344
- Undergrad Students: 470
- Graduate Students: 3,874
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
St. Petersburg College
Score: 64.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,682
- Out-of-State:$9,286
- Net Price: $2,132
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 23,501
- Undergrad Students: 23,501
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Score: 64.53
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,420
- Out-of-State:$9,124
- Net Price: $3,029
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Total Enrollment: 2,288
- Undergrad Students: 2,288
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Seminole State College of Florida
Score: 64.27
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,227
- Out-of-State:$11,447
- Net Price: $3,144
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 14,323
- Undergrad Students: 14,323
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 26:1
