Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN THE-U.S.
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • In just the last 30 years, the cost of a four-year degree, from any institution, public or private, has increased from $26,902 ($52,892 adjusted for inflation) to $104,480.
  • Public universities are typically more affordable than private colleges.
  • Even though public universities are typically more affordable, private colleges may award more financial aid, scholarships, and grants, lowering the overall cost of tuition.

Most Affordable Colleges in the US for 2025

  1. University of California, Berkeley
  2. University of Michigan
  3. University of California, Los Angeles
  4. University of Texas at Austin
    +1
  5. University of Washington
    –1
  6. University of Minnesota
  7. University of Wisconsin–Madison
  8. University of Virginia
    +1
  9. University of California, San Diego
    +1
  10. Indiana University Bloomington
    +4

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

Indiana University Bloomington gained 4 positions to move into the top 10 in our 2025 ranking of the most affordable colleges in the U.S., while the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign slipped out of the top 10.

Indiana University Bloomington has made several improvements for the 2025 school year that are likely to appeal to students, including extensive renovations to key areas on campus which are expected to improve the overall learning environment. The school’s “Project Inspire” is targeting renovations to instructional spaces, with a focus on biology and chemistry labs.

What are the most affordable colleges in the U.S.? And is it possible to earn a four-year degree that is both affordable and excellent? Is there such a thing as a good “cheap” school?

These are the questions we asked before putting together the list below. Of course, we don’t like to use the phrase “cheapest colleges and universities” because we don’t want you to think of these as bargain-bin schools. In reality, we focused on colleges and universities that provide educational excellence at a reasonable cost. Think of this as a list of schools that give you the best return on your investment.

But we know that the final price tag is on your mind when you’re shopping for colleges. The cost of college is high and rising. In just the last 30 years, the cost of a four-year degree, from any institution, public or private, has increased from $26,902 ($52,892 adjusted for inflation) to $104,480. And of course, that assumes you finish college in just four years, which happened for just 52.8% of private university students and 33.3% of public school students. So with college costing more than ever, and taking longer than ever to complete, how can you get the best value out of your college experience?

Featured Programs

The Most Affordable Colleges and Universities

Start with a look at what we consider to be the “Best Value Colleges and Universities” – schools that charged under $20,000 per year in tuition and fees while rating at the top of our Influence Ranking. Technically, we consider schools “affordable” if tuition and fees are below the national average of $16,000 for public universities. Still, this sample of the best value colleges shows that many colleges and universities with excellent academic reputations can be reasonably priced.

These schools are ranked by academic excellence and all cost less than $20,000 a year.

  1. #1

    University of California, Berkeley

    Berkeley , CA
    #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    48K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Berkeley

    Cost of Degree: $14,850
    Expenses: $30,203
    Starting Salary: $79,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of California, Berkeley known for?

    University of California, Berkeley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Michigan

    Cost of Degree: $18,309
    Expenses: $17,554
    Starting Salary: $79,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Michigan known for?

    University of Michigan’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of California, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA
    #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #7 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    49K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Los Angeles

    Cost of Degree: $13,747
    Expenses: $24,284
    Starting Salary: $73,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of California, Los Angeles known for?

    University of California, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Texas at Austin

    Austin , TX
    #4 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #4 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #18 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    55K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1365/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Texas at Austin

    Cost of Degree: $11,678
    Expenses: $19,894
    Starting Salary: $73,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Texas at Austin known for?

    University of Texas at Austin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    University of Washington

    Seattle , WA
    #1 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #5 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #5 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #5 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    58K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington

    Cost of Degree: $12,643
    Expenses: $21,909
    Starting Salary: $69,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Washington known for?

    University of Washington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Minnesota

    Minneapolis , MN
    #6 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #6 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #21 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025 #21 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    61K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota

    Cost of Degree: $16,488
    Expenses: $16,378
    Starting Salary: $61,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Minnesota known for?

    University of Minnesota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Wisconsin–Madison

    Madison , WI
    #6 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #7 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #7 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #23 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    51K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Madison

    Cost of Degree: $11,205
    Expenses: $17,700
    Starting Salary: $68,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–Madison known for?

    University of Wisconsin–Madison’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of Virginia

    Charlottesville , VA
    #7 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #8 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Virginia

    Cost of Degree: $22,323
    Expenses: $18,940
    Starting Salary: $79,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Virginia known for?

    University of Virginia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Indiana University Bloomington

    Bloomington , IN
    #10 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #10 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    59K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University Bloomington

    Cost of Degree: $11,790
    Expenses: $17,110
    Starting Salary: $57,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Indiana University Bloomington known for?

    Indiana University Bloomington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill , NC
    #9 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #13 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #13 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Cost of Degree: $8,989
    Expenses: $17,120
    Starting Salary: $68,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill known for?

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  15. #13

    University of California, Santa Barbara

    Santa Barbara , CA
    #14 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #14 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in California 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    26%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    28K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Santa Barbara

    Cost of Degree: $14,965
    Expenses: $25,622
    Starting Salary: $62,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of California, Santa Barbara known for?

    University of California, Santa Barbara’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Ohio State University

    Columbus , OH
    #10 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #15 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #15 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    67K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Ohio State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,859
    Expenses: $18,372
    Starting Salary: $53,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Ohio State University known for?

    Ohio State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  18. #15

    Purdue University

    West Lafayette , IN
    #1 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #11 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #16 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #16 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    55K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1335/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Purdue University

    Cost of Degree: $9,992
    Expenses: $14,890
    Starting Salary: $62,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Purdue University known for?

    Purdue University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    University of Maryland, College Park

    College Park , MD
    #11 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #17 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #17 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland, College Park

    Cost of Degree: $11,505
    Expenses: $19,380
    Starting Salary: $70,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Maryland, College Park known for?

    University of Maryland, College Park’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  20. #17

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Champaign , IL
    #2 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #12 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #18 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #18 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    62K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Cost of Degree: $18,060
    Expenses: $17,638
    Starting Salary: $70,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign known for?

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  21. #18

    University of Arizona

    Tucson , AZ
    #3 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #20 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #20 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Arizona 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Arizona

    Cost of Degree: $13,277
    Expenses: $19,500
    Starting Salary: $56,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Arizona known for?

    University of Arizona’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Arizona’s Online Degrees

    BA in Africana Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Administration of Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Care, Health and Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Medical Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Cyber Operations
    Degree Concentrations
    • Engineering
    • Defense & Forensics
    • and Cyber Law & Policy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Early Childhood
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Economy and Industry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies, in Arts, Media and Entertainment
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Global and Intercultural Understanding
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Global Media
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Government and Public Service
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Rights Practice
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Literacy, Learning and Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Information Science and ESociety
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Law
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Regional Commerce
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Intelligence and Information Operations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy: Ethics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Biology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nutritional Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Spanish
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Sports and Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sustainable Built Environments
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Social Behavior and Human Understanding
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  24. #20

    University of Florida

    Gainesville , FL
    #2 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #2 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #3 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #6 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    23%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    63K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,381
    Expenses: $16,220
    Starting Salary: $65,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Florida known for?

    University of Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Arizona State University

    Tempe , AZ
    #3 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #3 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #12 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #2 Best Colleges in Arizona 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    85K

    Career Outlook for degree at Arizona State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,051
    Expenses: $21,219
    Starting Salary: $55,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Arizona State University known for?

    Arizona State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Arizona State University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Applied Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Project Management
    • Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 111-120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Communication
    • Sustainability
    • Required Credits: 114-120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Educational Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business
    • Community Health
    • Family and Human Development
    • Global Studies
    • Health Innovations
    • Personal Health
    • Political Science
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 114-120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  28. #24

    Texas A&M University

    College Station , TX
    #2 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    77K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Texas A&M University

    Cost of Degree: $12,841
    Expenses: $20,408
    Starting Salary: $67,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Texas A&M University known for?

    Texas A&M University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Texas A&M University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  30. #25

    Georgia Tech

    Atlanta , GA
    #13 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1460/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgia Tech

    Cost of Degree: $11,764
    Expenses: $16,760
    Starting Salary: $85,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Georgia Tech known for?

    Georgia Tech’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school

For another way of looking at gettng the best return on your investment, check out our groundbreaking new ranking of the schools with the Best Academic Stewardship. Here, we ask how effectively schools manage their financial and human resources to gain the influence that makes them academically excellent. Schools that are exemplary in Academic Stewardship are doing everything in their power to help students and faculty achieve their full potential. In other words, these schools are affordable considering what you’re getting in exchange.

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The Most Affordable Colleges and Universities By State

One of the best ways to save money on your college investment without sacrificing quality is to attend a school in your home state, or in your region. Public and state schools generally offer lower tuition rates for in-state applicants, while attending a private school in-state can provide you with savings on travel and housing. That’s why we’ve cataloged the most affordable colleges and universities by state.

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Affordable Online Degrees

A large number of fully accredited colleges and universities offer excellent online degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, and grad levels. This can be a great way to save money on your higher education by reducing costs such as housing, transportation, and certain campus fees:

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Top Community Colleges

Community College is another excellent way to save money on the way to a degree. In most cases, your community college will offer a two-year degree at a more affordable rate than the rate offered by the average four-year public college or university. This is a great way to reduce your student loan debt burden even if you plan to ultimately transfer into a four-year bachelor’s degree program.

Key Affordability Resources

How much should you spend on your college education? The answer is different for everybody. The best way to calculate the right budget for your degree is to gain a better understanding of the higher education economy. Take a look at our exhaustive, fact-based resources on everything from admission rates and tuition costs to scholarships and financial aid.

Tips for Lowering Your Cost of College

There are steps that you can take beginning as early as high school, and strategies that you enact throughout your college education, to minimize your costs and maximize the value of your degree.

Interviews On Admissions and Affordability

For deeper insights into the admissions process, the factors causing high tuition rates, and the best strategies for lowering the cost of your college education, check out our interviews with top experts in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions About College Affordability

College is expensive because of overlapping factors like the steady increase in the number of college applicants over the last several decades, significant cuts in public funding for state colleges, and increased costs for amenities, infrastructure, and administration. These factors have all contributed to a decades-long spike in the cost of college. Back to Top

Four years in college costs, on average, between $40,000 and $200,000. In 2020, the average yearly cost of tuition and fees for in-state public colleges was just over $10,000 while the average cost of tuition for a year in private school was $36,801. But costs can go up significantly from there, with more than 120 ranked private colleges charging an annual tuition and fees of at least $50,000. And this is only the sticker price. The net price includes an array of additional expenses, which would likely provide a more accurate picture of what you’ll spend on 4 years in college. Back to Top

The difference between the sticker price and net price of college is that the stricker price does not factor in all incidental costs (housing, fees, books, etc.) or credits (financial aid, scholarships, need-based grants, etc.) whereas the net price more accurately reflects what you’ll be paying for college. The “sticker price” does not account for an array of necessary incidentals including housing, college fees, text books, meal plans, and general living expenses. You’ll need to add these expenses to the sticker price to determine your net price. The good news is, you can also factor in your financial aid and any grants or scholarships you’ve been awarded, which will bring your net price down. For more on the difference between the sticker price and the net price, visit our general Guide to Paying for College Back to Top

The cost of college can vary widely depending on what you’re looking for in your higher education. A range of variables will determine your cost including whether you attend a public or private school, whether you take online or in-person classes, and whether or not you attend a school in-state or out-of-state. These factors will help to determine your base sticker price. After that, you’ll need to factor in major expenses including college fees and housing expenses. According to the Century Foundation, college housing prices “increased by just under 80 percent, inflation-adjusted” between 1975 and 2015. After that, you’ll need to factor in your financial aid–which may or may not be subsidized–as well as any need-based grants or scholarships. For more on how to make these calculations, check out How Much Should College Cost? Back to Top

If college is too expensive, consider a variety of more affordable options including community college and online education. The rankings and resources included here place an emphasis on affordability. But there are ways to cut your costs even further. For instance, many students will choose to begin their higher education in a community college. Earning your associate degree at one of these two-year institutions can save you a lot of money on tuition before you ultimately transfer into a four-year degree program. Most associate degree programs also offer online options, which means you can save on housing costs by completing your courses from your family’s home. Once you’ve completed your program, you’ll not only have the credentials to transfer into a four-year program, but you may also qualify for entry-level work in your field, which is a great way to gain experience and fund your education. For an affordable way to get started, check out the 50 Best Community Colleges. Back to Top

You can make college more affordable by starting at a community college or by looking for a public, in-state four-year school. Public and state universities are frequently more affordable than private colleges. If you’re receptive to a big-school experience, you can save a lot of money up front. You can save even more if you choose to go to a public college near home, because most state schools offer deep tuition discounts for in-state residents. You may also be able to offset some expenses by attending college, or at least completing some courses, online. While tuition for online college is generally in line with tuition for the traditional college experience, you may be able to save on college fees, housing, and transportation. Back to Top

You can cut your college costs by applying for financial aid, getting scholarships, and attending a public university in your state. And in some cases, the most expensive schools, including Ivy League colleges, are likely to be the most generous when it comes to both need-based grants and merit scholarships. Financial aid and scholarships are both important resources as you look for ways to cut your costs. There are also ways to save on additional expenses. Text books, for instance, can be quite expensive. Try shopping for used books online instead of going straight to your campus bookstore for the newest copy. Back to Top

Whether it’s worth going to an expensive college or not will depend on your financial situation, your professional goals and the kind of experience you want out of your university. Before you commit to an elite university or a school with fancy amenities, remember that you will likely be paying loans for these experiences well after graduation. Make sure you really need a degree from that expensive college to take the next step in your career. For some, only an elite college will do. This experience may place you in contact with the instructors, classmates, and credentials you need to pursue your selected career. But if you can achieve your personal, educational, and career goals at a well-regarded but affordable public university, it may be worth saving the money. Still not sure which is right for you? Read on for help answering the question, Should I go to an elite college? Back to Top

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