Pursuing a master’s degree in the United States can be expensive, especially for international students. However, several public universities offer high-quality education at a lower cost compared to private institutions.

These affordable options provide opportunities for students to gain valuable knowledge without accumulating excessive debt.

In this article, we explore some of the cheapest universities in the USA for international students pursuing a master’s degree in 2025, focusing on tuition rates, financial aid options, and overall affordability.

Highlights

Top 10 Cheapest Universities in the USA for Master’s for International Students

Going to the cheapest universities in the USA for a master’s as an international student is a smart move, as managing expenses might feel overwhelming. However, these universities offer great academic programmers, knowledgeable faculty, and opportunities to build your professional network.

Below are summary of the top 10 cheapest universities in the USA for master’s.

Minot State University (North Dakota)

Minot State University (MSU) is one of the cheapest Universities in the USA for Master’s for International Students. It started in 1913 as a small school in Minot, North Dakota, and has now grown into the third-largest university in the state. MSU offers many programs for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

The university has four main schools and provides nine master’s programs in subjects like communication disorders, management, and mathematics. It also has over 60 undergraduate programs, giving students many options to choose from.

Quick Facts About MSU

Sonoma State University

Sonoma State University (SSU) is a public university in Rohnert Park, California, about an hour from San Francisco. It was founded in 1960 and has a large 269-acre campus. In Fall 2023, about 5,412 undergraduate students were enrolled.

SSU offers around 45 bachelor’s degree programs and 15 master’s programs, including a unique program in the wine business. It ranked #25 in Regional Universities West for 2025 and is one of the most affordable universities in the USA for master’s students.

Quick Facts About SSU

Southeast Missouri State University 

Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) is a public university in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It has four regional campuses and a separate campus for the Holland College of Arts and Media. SEMO is one of the most affordable universities in the USA for a master’s degree.

Founded in 1873, SEMO offers over 175 undergraduate and 75 master’s programs. It is well-known for its strong teacher education programs. The university is divided into five academic colleges:
Arts and Media

Business and Computing

Education, Health, and Human Studies

Humanities and Social Sciences

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Quick Facts About SEMO

Missouri State University 

Missouri State University (MSU) is a public university in Springfield, Missouri. It was founded in 1905 as the Fourth District Normal School. Today, it is the second-largest university in the state, with around 26,001 students enrolled.

MSU has a campus in West Plains offering associate degrees, a fruit research station in Mountain Grove, and a Department of Defense program in Fairfax, Virginia. It also provides a business degree in China.

Quick Facts About MSU

California State University, Fresno

California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) is a public university in the California State University system. It offers 74 undergraduate, 49 master’s, and three doctoral programs. The university focuses on hands-on learning to prepare students for their careers.

Fresno State is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and qualifies for the Asian American Native American Pacific Islander designation (AANAPISI). It is one of the most affordable universities in the USA for a master’s degree.

Quick Facts About Fresno State

California State University, Northridge

California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is a diverse public university in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles. It is among the most affordable universities in the USA for a master’s degree.

CSUN has nine colleges and offers a wide variety of programs, including 149 bachelor’s degrees, 105 master’s degrees, three professional doctorates, and 26 teaching credential programs. It provides many learning opportunities for different career paths.

Quick Facts About CSUN

Alcorn State University

Alcorn State University (ASU) is a public, historically black land-grant institution near Lorman, Mississippi. Founded in 1871, it is the first black land-grant college in the United States. It is one of the most affordable universities in the USA for a master’s degree.

Alcorn State offers degree programs in over 50 fields across seven schools, including nursing and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). More than 3,000 students are currently enrolled at the university.

Quick Facts About ASU

California State University, San Bernardino

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is a public university founded in 1962, located on a 441-acre main campus in San Bernardino’s University District. It is one of the most sought-after and affordable universities in the USA for a master’s degree.

CSUSB follows a semester-based academic calendar and is ranked #171 among National Universities in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges. It also has a 40-acre branch campus in Palm Desert, California, offering additional educational opportunities.

Quick Facts About CSUSB

Dakota State University (South Dakota)

Dakota State University (DSU) is a public university in Madison, South Dakota, founded in 1881 as a teacher training institution. DSU offers courses in education, health, business, technology, digital media and communications, mathematics, and science. The university is also home to the Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences, one of the top programs in the nation.

Quick Facts About DSU

The City University of New York

The City University of New York (CUNY) is the largest urban public university in the USA. It was established in 1847 as the nation’s first free public institution of higher education. CUNY now comprises 25 colleges across New York City’s five boroughs, serving over 200,000 students and awarding 50,000 degrees annually.

Quick Facts About CUNY

Cost of Living in the USA

The cost of living in the USA is, on average, 229.5% higher than in India. While expenses are significantly higher, they often come with a better quality of life, including improved healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

With smart budgeting and proper financial planning, you can comfortably manage your rent, daily expenses, and lifestyle while making the most of the opportunities available in the country.

Estimated Cost Breakdown

These figures provide a general idea of the expenses you might encounter, but actual costs vary based on location, lifestyle, and personal spending habits.

Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in the USA

The U.S. job market offers a wide range of high-paying careers across various industries. Professionals with advanced degrees, such as a master’s or doctorate, often have strong job prospects, with an employment rate of around 90%.

Below are five of the highest-paying jobs in the USA, along with their average annual salaries:

These professions not only offer impressive salaries but also provide long-term career stability and growth opportunities. However, most require advanced education, training, and expertise to succeed.

FAQs

What are some of the cheapest universities in the USA for a master’s degree?

Some of the most affordable universities in the USA for master’s programs include:

• Minot State University
• Sonoma State University
• Southeastern Missouri State University
• Alcorn State University

These universities provide quality education at lower tuition rates while offering diverse learning experiences for international students across various fields of study.

What is the average tuition fee for affordable master’s programs in the USA?

The average tuition for international students at the most affordable U.S. universities ranges from USD 10,000 to USD 20,000 per year, especially at public institutions. However, the total cost may vary based on the program, university location, and additional student service fees. It’s essential to factor in living expenses, materials, and other costs while planning your budget.

Can international students apply for scholarships at U.S. universities?

Yes, many universities in the USA offer scholarships to international students. These include:

• Merit-based scholarships (for academic excellence)
• Need-based financial aid (for students requiring financial assistance)
• Diversity scholarships (to support students from different backgrounds)

Scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and deadlines vary by university. It’s advisable to research and apply early to increase your chances of securing financial aid.

Scholarship to Checkout:

Apply for the University of Miami Stamps Scholarship in the United States 2025/2026

USA Scholarships for International Students 2025 (Bachelors, Masters, PhD Programs)

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025 at Makerere University

Fulbright Romania Student Award in the USA 2026-27