The cost of college tuition has been rising steadily, making it more difficult for students to obtain a degree without incurring significant debt. However, numerous universities in the United States still offer affordable tuition rates and generous scholarships that help make education accessible. By selecting a cheaper university and combining that choice with available scholarships, students can significantly reduce their financial burden.
In this article, we will explore some of the cheapest universities in the USA that also offer scholarships to help students afford their education.
1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Average Tuition: $9,000 (in-state), $36,000 (out-of-state)
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Scholarships Available: Carolina Covenant, Morehead-Cain Scholarship, UNC Merit Scholarships
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the most prestigious public universities in the United States, and it is known for its relatively low in-state tuition rates. In addition to affordable tuition, UNC Chapel Hill offers a range of scholarships aimed at reducing the financial burden on students.
The Carolina Covenant is a well-known scholarship program that offers low-income students the ability to graduate debt-free by providing financial assistance through a combination of scholarships and work-study opportunities. The Morehead-Cain Scholarship, awarded to exceptional students, covers full tuition, room, board, and provides additional leadership training and global travel opportunities.
These programs, coupled with competitive in-state tuition, make UNC Chapel Hill an attractive choice for many students seeking both affordability and financial aid.
2. University of Wyoming
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Average Tuition: $9,000 (in-state), $17,000 (out-of-state)
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Scholarships Available: Trustees' Scholars Program, Cowboy Commitment Scholarship
The University of Wyoming is another excellent option for students seeking an affordable education. For in-state students, tuition is extremely low, and out-of-state students can still benefit from competitive scholarship offerings.
The Trustees' Scholars Program offers merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students, ranging from $3,000 to $12,000 per year. For students from low-income families, the Cowboy Commitment Scholarship is available, which helps cover tuition and fees for eligible students. This combination of low tuition and accessible scholarship options makes the University of Wyoming an appealing choice for cost-conscious students.
3. Clemson University
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Average Tuition: $15,000 (in-state), $38,000 (out-of-state)
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Scholarships Available: The National Scholars Program, Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
Located in South Carolina, Clemson University provides a relatively low-cost education for in-state students and offers a wide range of scholarships for both in-state and out-of-state students.
The National Scholars Program is a highly competitive merit-based scholarship program that covers full tuition, fees, room, and board. The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship provides significant tuition assistance for high-achieving South Carolina residents. This combination of affordable tuition rates for in-state students and comprehensive scholarships makes Clemson a great choice for students who want to reduce their overall educational costs.
4. University of Florida
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Average Tuition: $10,000 (in-state), $28,000 (out-of-state)
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Scholarships Available: Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, UF Merit Scholarships, UF Presidential Scholarships
The University of Florida (UF) is one of the largest public universities in the country, offering an array of opportunities for students seeking to minimize their tuition costs. For Florida residents, UF offers one of the best values for in-state students. Additionally, UF provides various merit-based scholarships to reduce tuition costs for both in-state and out-of-state students.
The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship is a state-funded program that helps cover the cost of tuition for Florida residents who meet academic and financial eligibility. UF’s Presidential Scholarships and other merit-based awards also provide substantial financial aid for top-performing students, covering tuition, fees, and additional expenses.
5. University of Alabama
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Average Tuition: $11,000 (in-state), $31,000 (out-of-state)
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Scholarships Available: Alabama Scholars Program, Capstone Scholarship
The University of Alabama offers a highly affordable education, especially for in-state students. It also provides a generous scholarship program that helps reduce the financial burden for out-of-state students.
The Alabama Scholars Program offers significant merit-based awards, ranging up to $20,000 per year, for high-achieving students. The Capstone Scholarship covers full tuition, room, and board for exceptional students. These scholarships, coupled with affordable in-state tuition, make the University of Alabama a top choice for many students looking for financial assistance.
6. Brigham Young University (BYU)
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Average Tuition: $5,000 (LDS students), $11,000 (non-LDS students)
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Scholarships Available: BYU Scholarship, Non-Resident Merit Scholarship
Brigham Young University (BYU), located in Provo, Utah, is known for offering one of the most affordable tuition rates among private universities in the U.S., especially for Latter-day Saint (LDS) students. Non-LDS students also benefit from competitive tuition rates.
BYU offers a variety of scholarships to both LDS and non-LDS students. The BYU Scholarship is available based on academic merit, financial need, and leadership potential. Additionally, the Non-Resident Merit Scholarship provides financial aid to out-of-state students who meet certain academic criteria. With affordable tuition and available scholarships, BYU offers a cost-effective option for students seeking private university education.
7. University of Texas at Austin
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Average Tuition: $11,000 (in-state), $40,000 (out-of-state)
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Scholarships Available: Forty Acres Scholars Program, Texas Excellence Scholarship
The University of Texas at Austin is a top-tier public university offering competitive tuition rates for in-state students and a broad array of scholarships for both in-state and out-of-state students.
The Forty Acres Scholars Program provides full tuition, fees, room and board, and leadership training for the most exceptional students. The Texas Excellence Scholarship is another merit-based award that provides significant financial aid to academically gifted students. These scholarships, combined with relatively affordable in-state tuition, make UT Austin a great choice for students who want to attend a prestigious university while minimizing costs.
8. University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
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Average Tuition: $9,000 (in-state), $25,000 (out-of-state)
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Scholarships Available: Ole Miss Opportunity Scholarship, Mississippi Resident Scholarship
The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) is an affordable university, particularly for in-state students. Ole Miss offers a range of scholarships that help both in-state and out-of-state students cover tuition costs.
The Ole Miss Opportunity Scholarship provides full tuition coverage for low-income students who meet certain academic requirements. Additionally, the Mississippi Resident Scholarship offers financial assistance for state residents, reducing the overall tuition burden. Ole Miss is a great choice for students seeking an affordable college experience.
9. University of Minnesota Twin Cities
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Average Tuition: $15,000 (in-state), $30,000 (out-of-state)
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Scholarships Available: Minnesota Commitment Scholarship, President’s Scholarship Program
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is another great option for students seeking an affordable education. With relatively low tuition for in-state students and a wide array of scholarship opportunities, the University of Minnesota provides excellent value.
The Minnesota Commitment Scholarship is a need-based program that helps reduce tuition for low-income students. The President’s Scholarship Program offers merit-based scholarships for high-achieving students, helping them cover tuition and fees. These scholarships, along with the affordable in-state tuition, make the University of Minnesota a cost-effective option for many students.
10. University of Iowa
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Average Tuition: $10,000 (in-state), $31,000 (out-of-state)
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Scholarships Available: Iowa Opportunity Scholarship, Regent Scholarship
The University of Iowa offers one of the most affordable tuition rates in the Big Ten conference for in-state students. It also provides various scholarships designed to help reduce the overall cost of a degree.
The Iowa Opportunity Scholarship is a need-based program aimed at helping low-income students attend the University of Iowa. Additionally, the Regent Scholarship offers merit-based awards to both in-state and out-of-state students. These scholarships, combined with competitive tuition rates, make the University of Iowa a solid choice for students seeking financial aid.