Are These Schools A Bargain
The six-year graduation rate, for example, for students who started as full-time freshmen at Cal State LA is only 34%. I pulled that number off the school’s profile on the federal College Navigator, which is a great resource for evaluating universities. The four-year grad rate at this school is 8.8% You can find the four-year grad rates for any college or university at College Results Online.
Over at Cal State Dominguez Hill, the six-year grad rate is 35% while it’s four-year rate is a shocking 4.9%!
These schools attract a large percentage of poor students. At Cal State LA, 62% receive federal Pell Grants, which are aimed at low-income students. That should not be an excuse, however, for state universities to produce such miserable graduation rates.
Bottom Line:The longer students stay in school, the more expensive the price. But there’s also a hidden cost to the cheapest schools. If you can’t graduate, you are postponing the time when you can start on your career. And that’s a huge price to pay.
California State University Stanislaus
Average Net Price: $6,295
Graduation Rate: 55%20-year ROI: $380,000
Ranked at #48 in Regional Universities West by U.S. News and World Report, California State University-Stanislaus enrolls just over 9,000 students annually. The tuition rate for in-state students is currently $21,886 per year, while out-of-state students pay $33,766. More than 100 different degree program options make it easy for students to discover their perfect career paths in fields like accounting, anthropology, mathematics, applied behavioral science, archeology, language arts, and many more. The university was founded in 1957 in Turlock, and today it has one of the highest acceptance rates of all California colleges: a promising 71%.
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San Diego State University
Average Net Price: $14,030
Graduation Rate: 74%20-year ROI: $453,000
At its 1897 founding, San Diego State University was dubbed the San Diego Normal School, but it was renamed officially in 1974. Today, the 288-acre campus sees about 23,000 students each year. In-state tuition averages around $7,084, and out-of-state tuition sits at $18,244. The university offers 96 different bachelors, 80 masters, and 21 doctoral degrees. SDSU students take special interest in fields like aerospace engineering, aviation, finance, journalism and media studies, kinesiology, nursing, real estate, and many others. As a university, San Diego State operates primarily as a research institution, providing groundbreaking research on medical issues like autism, heart disease, and cancer. It is one of the top entrepreneurial schools in the country and is also nationally recognized for its veterans programs. SDSUs campus is a place of diversity, with more than half of the student population being people of color. Over 60 Fulbright scholars have come from SDSU . According to Niche.com, San Diego State University ranks #9 among Californias Top Public Universities.
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Cheapest State Universities And Colleges
Alaska University Of Alaska Fairbanks
- Out of state tuition cost:$19,183
- Total tuition cost: $32,563
The beautiful scenery of the Arctic is more than just amazing, its inspiring. This is why the University of Alaska Fairbanks believes in inspiring greatness and discovery naturally. UAF prides itself on being a school where students can come to discover who they truly are. This is entirely possible thanks to the schools rigorous academics, as well as the massive environmental laboratory that is Alaska. UAF attracts students that are not only academic superstars, but outdoor adventure seekers as well. UAF is home to more than 8500 students across seven campuses. This school boasts 177 different degrees and programs, a stunning 11 to 1 student to faculty ratio, and more than 35,000 alumni worldwide. Not bad for the wilderness of Alaska, huh?
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Cheapest Colleges In America By In State Tuition
If you’re looking for an affordable university these are the least expensive in state colleges to consider.
Affordable doesn’t simply mean finding a school with a low published in state tuition. It’s important to research the typical financial aid package offered by a school, the average net price actually paid and most importantly the quality of education you receive for your tuition dollar. Sometimes a school which appears cheap based on list price can be a poor relative value if it can’t award competitive financial aid or doesn’t offer a quality education. The list below is a ranking on published in state tuition with no consideration of actual average price paid or academic quality of the school. Please see the CollegeCalc best value colleges in America list for a ranking which considers school quality and average net price.
The most affordable four year colleges in America are listed by one year’s in state tuition list price for the 2018/2019 school year.
What is the cheapest college in America? Leading the colleges list is Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater with an in state tuition of $910.
All price data are reprinted from the U.S. Department of Education’s 2019/2020 IPEDS Survey and reflect reported costs for the 2019/2020 academic year.
San Jose State University
Average Net Price: $14,627
Graduation Rate: 59%20-year ROI: $632,000
Established in 1857 on 154 acres of the gorgeous California coast, San Jose University is home to approximately 26,800 students. This school upholds an acceptance rate of 67%. Tuition sits around $7,749 for in-state and $17,300 for out-of-state students, but about 63% receive financial aid to help offset those costs. The school hosts over 350 student organizations and maintains a graduation rate of 57%. Marketing, Business, Economics, and Management are among the most popular degrees pursued by SJSU students, although there are 145 different bachelors and masters degree options. This university is one of the top graduate suppliers in Silicon Valley. It also ranks as one of the most diverse colleges in the country. According to Niche.com, it earns an overall grade rating of B- based on academic factors, athletics, diversity, value, and other constituents. The school also sits at #33 among Regional Universities West, according to U.S. News and World Report.
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The 50 Cheapest Colleges In The Us
Because wages seem to be remaining stagnant and college costs continue to soar, financial concerns are weighing more heavily on families when students make their college decisions. Additionally, student loan debt is increasing and young people are worried about being saddled with astronomical debt when they graduate. That’s why so many students are interested in going to one of the cheapest colleges in America.
In this article, we provide you with a list of the 50 cheapest colleges in the United States. We also explain the costs of various colleges and how finances should influence your college selection process.
In its most recent survey of college pricing, the College Board reports the following:
- A moderate budget for an in-state, public college for 2021-2022 averaged $22,690
- A moderate budget for an out-of-state, public college for 2021-2022 averaged $39,510
- A moderate budget for a private, not-for-profit college for 2021-2022 averaged $51,690
These budgets are for the total cost of attendance to a college .
Total cost combines the following four things, which we go over in detail below:
- Tuition and fees
Most Affordable Community Colleges
To develop this list, we compared tuition cost among accredited universities and colleges, and also considered the student-to-teacher ratio as a tiebreaker when other factors made it tough to distinguish between schools. This information is accurate as of October 2020, but of course, tuition rates can change with time. Be sure to check with the schools youre considering to get up to date information on their current tuition rates. If youre on the search for the best community college for your needs, be sure to check out BestValueSchools.com to help you get all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Interested in having us review your school? Wed love to hear from you and take a look at your schools qualifications to see if youd be a good fit for one of our lists. If youre an admissions or registration professional at one of the schools listed above and youd like us to make edits to your information, feel free to let us know were happy to do so.
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University Of California Los Angeles
Average Net Price: $14,309
Graduation Rate: 91%20-year ROI: $649,000
The University of California-Los Angeles opened its doors in 1919. Today, around 45,428 students attend the university each year, making it the fourth largest of the UC campuses. The school accepts just 17% of applicants, making it one of the most competitive institutions in the state. Tuition rates for in-state students average $12,458 per year. UCLA is divided into six different undergraduate schools of study, four health science schools, and seven professional schools. Many students pursue degrees in fields like health and science, nursing, theater, biology, psychology, or journalism. The school graduates 91% of its students. Overall, the University of California-Los Angeles earned an overall grade rating of A+ based on criteria such as student life, academics, campus, location, and cost. It ranks #19 among National Universities and #1 among public universities, according to US News and World Report.
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The Average Cost Of College Tuition
Public colleges and universities in the United States receive state funding from taxes paid by residents, making them some of the cheapest universities in the USA. Public universities prioritize in-state students who are part of that tax-paying public. As such, out-of-state students generally pay much higher tuition.
Data from the National Center for Education Statistics show that in-state students paid an average of $9,212 in tuition and fees for the 2018-2019 academic year. Meanwhile, out-of-state students paid an average of $26,382.
Each state maintains its own criteria for determining a students residency status. Proof of residency may include a record of tax payments, full-time employment within the state, or an occupational or state license. Some states also participate in reciprocity agreements that allow each members students to enroll as in-state learners.
Research the in-state residency requirements at your chosen school. In-state tuition can make your college degree much more affordable.
Iowa University Of Northern Iowa
- Out of state tuition cost: $19,241
- Total tuition cost: $31,872
The University of Northern Iowa has consistently ranked among the top universities in the Midwest for years. Its easy to see why it regularly gets this prestigious ranking. What is now the university originally started life as an orphanage for children affected by the Civil War. The buildings purpose would change as the war ended and it became a school for training teachers. Since its foundation in the mid-1800s, UNI has emphasized hands-on service learning and still remains Iowas premier teacher education program. With more than 90 majors to choose from, students have the opportunity to begin their careers with the skills they need to succeed.
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California State University San Bernardino
Average Net Price: $8,519
Graduation Rate: 54%20-year ROI: $342,000
California State University-San Bernardino has offered education to approximately 22,000 students every year since it first opened its doors in 1965. The campus sits on 441 scenic acres within the university district of San Bernadino. A total of 138 different degree programs are offered at the school, including accounting and finance, business administration, early education, natural sciences, nursing, and several others. A separate campus location in Palm Desert hosts CSU-SBs graduate students. The average per-semester tuition rate for in-state students is $6,043, but more than 75% of all students receive financial aid to cover all or a portion of their tuition costs. Money magazine ranked the university #14 among 2014s Best Colleges.
Rankings:
U.S. News and World Report: 54
San Francisco State University
Average Net Price: $13,787
Graduation Rate: 53%20-year ROI: $458,000
Founded in 1899, San Francisco State University was first known as the San Francisco State Normal School but changed its name in 1974. At their six campus locations, the school offers 118 bachelors and 94 masters degrees, 26 teaching credentials, and five doctoral degree programs. The Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities certifies the institution, and PayScale and Collegenet rank it at #12 among top universities in the US. It is also one of the only schools in the state to offer a degree in professional and technical writing. The College of Liberal Arts, Cinema Department, was named as one of the Worlds Top Film Schools by Variety magazine. The university has a 70% acceptance rate and graduates 54% of its students. Biology, business, and psychology are among the most popular degrees SFSU students pursue.
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Nevada Great Basin College
- Out of state tuition cost: $9,793
- Total tuition cost: $22,163
Great Basin College covers a lot of ground literally. GBC covers 86,500 square miles, ten of Nevadas largest counties, and two time zones. But all that ground doesnt overshadow GBCs basic mission to enrich the lives of its students by providing educational, cultural and economic opportunities to the residents of rural Nevada. Since the school opened in 1967, GBC has benefitted from both hardworking students and expert faculty members. More than 3800 students call this school home and are enrolled in associate and bachelor degree programs.
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Louisiana Nicholls State University
- Out of state tuition cost: $8,979
- Total tuition cost: $23,013
Nicholls State University is located right at the heart of Cajun Country about 50 miles west of New Orleans and 60 miles southeast of Baton Rouge. With these two unique cities to draw inspiration from, the University has been able to reflect this culture in its award-winning academic programs in the culinary arts and geomatics. Because of its location in the Mississippi River delta, the school also provides unique opportunities for instruction in the fields of marine and environmental science. Nicholls is known for its academic chops in agriculture, fishing, petrochemical, and other oilfield related industries.
University Of California Riverside
Average Net Price: $12,344
Graduation Rate: 74%20-year ROI: $469,000
Founded in 1954, the University of California Riverside is a four-year public research institution with an average annual enrollment of 20,581 undergraduate students. It is one of the largest of nine schools within the UC system. The average tuition rate is just over $13,000 per year. The U.S. News and World Report ranked it at #85 among Top Public Universities and #5 among the most ethnically diverse colleges nationwide. UC-Riverside has a 50.3% acceptance rate, and some of its most popular majors are in fields like business, psychology, and biology. Niche.com gave it an overall grade rating of B+ based on student life, academics, costs, and a variety of other factors.
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California Institute Of Technology
Average Net Price: $24,245
Graduation Rate: 91%20-year ROI: $1,036,000
Founded in 1891 in Pasadena, California, the states Institute of Technology is a private institution that emphasizes education in the fields of business and technology. Tuition fees average $52,362 per year and, although on-campus housing is available, more than 80% of students live off-campus. The relatively small institute enrolls just under 1,000 students per year. The school also maintains an extremely competitive 8% acceptance rate. Physics, mechanical engineering, and computer science are among the most popular majors and degrees offered at CalTech, although students have 24 different majors. Approximately 89% of all students graduate from CalTech.
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Graduation Rate: 66%20-year ROI: $300,000
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University Of California Berkeley
Average Net Price: $15,859
Graduation Rate: 91%20-year ROI: $854,000
Established in 1868, the University of California-Berkeley offers more than 350 graduate and undergraduate programs. More than 29,000 students receive instruction at the university annually. It operates 14 different schools of study, including the School of Optometry and the colleges of engineering, chemistry, the School of Law, and the Goldman School of Public Safety. On the Academic Ranking of World Universities, UC-Berkeley placed fifth. Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings consistently named it as one of the top six most prestigious universities in the world. Average in-state tuition sits at around $13,509 annually, while out-of-state averages $40,191, but approximately 46% of students receive financial aid. According to Niche.com, UC-Berkeley earned an overall grade rating of A+, placing at #6 among Top Public Universities in America.
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Graduation Rate: 64%20-year ROI: $262,000
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