If you’re a student considering college, you know that it’s a major investment. College tuition, fees, accommodation, books, supplies, and living costs quickly add up.
Furthermore, international students interested in attending public universities in the U.S. usually pay out-of-state tuition fees, unless there is a university agreement with their home country or local university.
In the United States, the average total cost of a 4-year bachelor’s degree from a public in-state college is $102,828. This increases to $176,056 for out-of-state colleges.
These are eye-watering costs, but it is possible to attain an excellent university degree at a much more affordable price by carefully choosing where to study.
Let’s take a look at the seven cheapest states in the U.S. for college tuition and examine their cost of living.
1. New Mexico
Attending college in New Mexico could be a smart move for students looking for a cost-effective educational experience.
In-state tuition and fees average just $3,344, and out-of-state students can expect to pay $7,074 per semester. Plus, rent and utilities are lower than the US average – the perfect added bonus.
With 27 public universities and colleges in New Mexico, state universities have an enrollment of over 102,000 students.
New Mexico has a diverse economy, with science, technology, and the arts being particularly important industries. This means graduates have excellent prospects in the job market which is another major bonus of studying in this state.
Top Public Universities in New Mexico
- Academics: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, and Doctorate Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Business, Engineering, Law, and Medicine
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $10,092
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $26,452
- Rankings*: #212 in National Universities, #107 in Top Public Schools, #87 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
- Academics: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, and Doctorate Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Veterinary Science
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $8,408
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $26,735
- Rankings*: #263 in National Universities, #132 in Top Public Schools, #123 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
- Academics: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, and Doctorate Degrees in Engineering and Science
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $9,058
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $26,312
- Rankings*: #18 in Regional Universities West, #5 in Top Public Schools, #165 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
*Source: U.S. News and World Report
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2. North Carolina
With 16 public universities and colleges, North Carolina is an excellent choice for college-bound students.
Average in-state college tuition and fees in North Carolina are $3,520. Out-of-state tuition and fees are $11,218 on average per semester.
Not only is it relatively inexpensive to study in this state, but the cost of living is also low. State taxes are lower than in many other states, plus North Carolina has affordable housing, utilities, and daily expenses.
Given the low cost of in-state tuition and fees, North Carolina is a very affordable place to get a college degree for those already living in the state.
Top Public Universities in North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Academics: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, and Doctorate Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Business, Engineering, Law, and Medicine
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $8,998
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $37,558
- Rankings*: #29 in National Universities, #5 in Top Public Schools, #15 in Best Value Schools
North Carolina State University
- Academics: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, and Doctorate Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Veterinary Science
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $9,128
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $30,869
- Rankings*: #72 in National Universities, #29 in Top Public Schools, #66 in Best Value Schools
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Academics: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, and Doctorate Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Nursing
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $7,238
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $21,858
- Rankings*: #202 in National Universities, #103 in Top Public Schools, #221 in Best Value Schools
*Source: U.S. News and World Report
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3. Wyoming
Another great state for college students is Wyoming, where the average in-state tuition and fees are $4,394 and out-of-state fees $11,115.
Wyoming is also a very affordable place to live. In fact, living costs in Wyoming are the lowest in the Rocky Mountain states, and there’s an added bonus – no state income tax!
Wyoming does not levy state income tax on residents, which means you have more money in your pocket if you plan to work and study at the same time.
Top Public Universities in Wyoming
- Academics: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, and Doctorate Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Business, Engineering, Law, and Medicine
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $6,621
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $21,771
- Rankings*: #202 in National Universities, #103 in Top Public Schools, #187 in Best Value Schools
- Academics: Associate’s Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Business, Aviation, Nursing, and Equine Studies. Bachelor in Applied Sciences.
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $3,740
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $11,708
*Source: U.S. News and World Report
4. Nevada
Although Nevada’s in-state tuition and fees average $5,237, living costs can be expensive, depending on where you settle. However, keep in mind that Nevada is another tax-free state where you can save on taxes.
Out-of-state and international students should keep in mind that out-of-state tuition fees average $15,822 for Nevada public universities.
Las Vegas is a particularly costly city, but it has the benefit of a growing job market. Opportunities for part-time work are high in Las Vegas given its vast hospitality industry, so it’s easy to earn and study while in college.
Top Public Universities in Nevada
- Academics: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, and Doctorate Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Medicine
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $8,798
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $25,340
- Rankings*: #263 in National Universities, #132 in Top Public Schools, #137 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Academics: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, and Doctorate Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Business, Engineering, Law, and Health Professions
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $10,215
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $26,220
- Rankings*: #285 in National Universities, #146 in Top Public Schools, #150 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
- Academics: Bachelor’s Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Nursing. Master’s in Speech-Langage Pathology
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $6,075
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $19,236
- Rankings*: #35-46 in Regional Colleges West, #13 in Top Public Schools, #413 in Nursing
*Source: U.S. News and World Report
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5. Montana
Montana also has relatively low tuition fees – $5,320 in-state and $11,297 out-of-state.
It’s an affordable place to study, but living costs aren’t as cheap as other states on this list, with housing being a particularly high expense in Montana.
The state saw a surge in real estate demand during the Covid-19 pandemic, and property prices remain high now. This might not be a problem for students who plan to live in college dorms, but it’s definitely something to consider if you plan to remain in the state after graduating.
Of course, you could always pursue a career in real estate, which can be advantageous in this market.
Top Public Universities in Montana
- Academics: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, and Doctorate Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Business, Engineering, Health, and Law
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $7,727
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $27,990
- Rankings*: #263 in National Universities, #132 in Top Public Schools, #150 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
- Academics: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, and Doctorate Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Business, Engineering, Law, and Pharmacy
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $7,720
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $29,622
- Rankings*: #285 in National Universities, #146 in Top Public Schools
- Academics: Bachelor’s Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Business, Health, and Equestrian Studies
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $5,876
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $17,608
- Rankings*: #8 in Regional Colleges West, #3 in Top Public Schools, #8 in Best Value Schools
*Source: U.S. News and World Report
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6. Idaho
Idaho’s average tuition and fees are $5,684 in-state and $15,074 out-of-state. Living costs in Idaho are slightly below average, so students don’t have to worry about breaking the bank here.
Employment rates are excellent and the job market is expected to continue growing which is good news for anyone in search of a student job.
Top Public Universities in Idaho
- Academics: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, and Doctorate Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Business, Engineering, Health, and Law
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $8,396
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $27,632
- Rankings*: #176 in National Universities, #87 in Top Public Schools, #26 in Best Value Schools
- Academics: Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Business, Engineering, Health, and Pre-Law
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $6,996
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $20,252
- Rankings*: #23 in Regional Colleges West, #10 in Top Public Schools, #7 in Best Value Schools
- Academics: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, and Doctorate Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Health
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $8,364
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $25,701
- Rankings*: #331 in National Universities, #169 in Top Public Schools, #123 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
*Source: U.S. News and World Report
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7. Alaska
Alaska’s average tuition and fees are $6,110 in-state and $14,622 out-of-state, making it an affordable option. Unfortunately, living costs here are significantly less so.
Housing in Alaska is 18% higher than the national average, and utilities are 36% higher. As a result, living on campus may work out cheaper than renting property off-campus.
In-state students who can live with their parents throughout college are best suited to taking advantage of Alaska’s affordable college fees.
Top Public Universities in Alaska
University of Alaska – Anchorage
- Academics: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, and Doctorate Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Nursing
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $8,418
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $25,398
- Rankings*: #64 in Regional Colleges West, #32 in Top Public Schools, #87 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
University of Alaska – Fairbanks
- Academics: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, and Doctorate Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Business, Engineering, Oceanography, Fisheries, and Health
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $7,248
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $28,470
- Rankings*: #331 in National Universities, #169 in Top Public Schools
University of Alaska – Southwest
- Academics: Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Business, Engineering, Marine Studies, and Health
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $6,960
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $21,558
- Rankings*: #90 in Regional Colleges West, #45 in Top Public Schools
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Choose the right college at the right cost
Affordability is a huge factor when deciding where to go to college, but it’s just one part of the equation. Quality of education, personal values, and career goals are all important factors when deciding where to go to college.
Consider the quality of a college and the type of lifestyle it offers you in addition to its tuition and fees. Make sure to weigh all your options and take the time to find the right choice for you!
