Top 10 Cheapest Universities in USA for Nigerian Students. Are you in search of budget-friendly universities in the United States? Are you contemplating pursuing your education abroad? If so, explore this list of the most economical universities in the USA tailored for Nigerian students.
Over the past ten years, there has been a significant surge in the expenses associated with higher education. The tuition fees at public colleges and universities witnessed an almost 50% increase from 2010 to 2020, which is anticipated to persist in the coming years.
Despite this, certain universities in the United States provide affordable tuition options, often catering to students with lower income levels. Moreover, these institutions prioritise imparting practical skills rather than focusing solely on academic accomplishments.
Reasons to study in USA as a Nigerian
There are numerous factors influencing the choice of Nigerian students to pursue education in the United States:
- Quality Education: The United States is renowned for hosting some of the world’s premier universities, celebrated for their exceptional education and research opportunities. Degrees obtained from US universities carry global recognition and are highly esteemed by employers internationally.
- Diverse Study Options: US universities present a broad spectrum of academic programs, encompassing traditional fields like engineering, medicine, and business, as well as specialised subjects such as film studies, hospitality, and sports management.
- Career Opportunities: Studying in the US opens doors to many career prospects. The thriving US economy offers opportunities across various sectors, and degrees earned in the country are highly respected by employers worldwide.
- Cultural Exposure: Immersing oneself in American culture while studying in the US provides students a valuable opportunity to broaden their perspectives and learn from diverse cultures.
- Networking Opportunities: US universities are an excellent platform for networking with professionals and fellow students. Through interactions with professors, workshops, internships, and co-op programs, students enhance their chances of securing employment upon graduation.
- Scholarship Opportunities: To alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad, US universities extend diverse scholarship opportunities to international students. In fact, some of the most cost-effective universities in the USA for Nigerian students offer various scholarship programs.
Studying in the United States gives Nigerian students access to quality education, diverse academic programs, career opportunities, cultural exposure, networking opportunities, and scholarship opportunities.
10 Cheapest Universities in USA for Nigerian Students
As mentioned in previous posts, several American universities offer Nigerian students scholarships and financial assistance. Hence, if you are seeking cost-effective options for universities in the USA suitable for Nigerian students, you need not search beyond the provided list.
| Cheapest Universities in USA for Nigerian Students | Tuition Fee |
| University of The People | $4.8K |
| Dickinson State University | $12K |
| University of Houston | $12K |
| Brigham Young University | $13K |
| Delta State University | $13K |
| Southwest Minnesota State Univer. | $14K |
| Saint Cloud State University | $14K |
| Iowa State University | $15K |
| University of Central Missouri | $15K |
| Truman State University | $15K |
1. University of The People ($4.8K)
- Type: Private Non-profit
- Location: Pasadena, California
- Application Fee: $60
- Average Cost After Aid: $4.8k
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
UOPeople tops the list of affordable U.S. universities for Nigerian students. As a non-profit online institution, it provides tuition-free education globally, prioritising accessibility regardless of financial, geographic, or personal constraints.
The university focuses on career-oriented graduate programs in business, information technology, and education, offering online accessibility worldwide. Committed to quality education, UOPeople stands out for its innovative approach and student support, providing programs like MBA, MEd, and MSIT.
2. Dickinson State University ($12K)
- Type: Public
- Location: Dickinson, North Dakota
- Application Fee: $35
- Average Cost After Aid: $12K
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
Dickinson State University (DSU) is a cost-effective public institution in Dickinson, North Dakota. Established in 1918, it transitioned into a university in 1987, offering 75+ study fields across 10 departments. Specialising in business management, teacher education, and nursing, DSU is recognised for its diverse academic options.
Popular majors include business management, education, nursing, natural science, and agriculture. DSU, part of the North Dakota University System, is dedicated to providing students with quality education and preparing them for successful careers through over 50 degree programs.
3. University of Houston ($12K)
- Type: Public
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Application Fee: $30
- Average Cost After Aid: $12K
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
The University of Houston (UH), an affordable choice for Nigerian students in the USA, is a prestigious public research institution established in 1927. As the third-largest university in Texas, UH serves over 47,000 students across its 894-acre main campus in southeast Houston and additional sites in Sugar Land and Katy.
Offering 276 degree programs through 16 academic colleges, including professional degrees in various fields, UH prioritises research with an annual expenditure of $203 million, fostering knowledge advancement and addressing societal challenges. Committed to providing quality education, UH prepares students for successful careers while contributing to global knowledge and community well-being.
4. Brigham Young University ($13K)
- Type: Private
- Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
- Application Fee: $35
- Average Cost After Aid: $13K
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
Founded in 1875 by Brigham Young, Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, is a private research university sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Offering 179 undergraduate, 62 master’s, and 26 doctoral programs, BYU prioritizes academic excellence and research.
Rooted in its religious heritage, the university fosters a faith-based learning environment, aiming to equip students for leadership roles and contributions to their communities and the global arena. BYU stands as an affordable choice for Nigerian students seeking quality education in the United States.
5. Delta State University $13k
Type: Public
- Location: Cleveland, Mississippi
- Application Fee: $100
- Average Cost After Aid: $13K
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
Founded in 1924, Delta State University in Mississippi, USA, is a public institution offering 12 baccalaureate degrees with 42 majors and various graduate programs, including eight master’s degrees, the Education Specialist degree, and the Doctor of Education degree.
The university originated from the former Bolivar County Agricultural High School in Cleveland, Mississippi, with its establishment authorized by Senate Bill No. 263, signed into law on April 9, 1924, by Mississippi Governor Henry L. Whitfield. Cosponsored by Senators William B. Roberts and Arthur Marshall, the bill was advanced in the Mississippi House of Representatives by Nellie Nugent Somerville, the state’s first woman legislator.
6. Southwest Minnesota State Univer ($14K)
- Type: Public
- Location: Marshall, Minnesota
- Application Fee: $30
- Average Cost After Aid: $14K
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
Situated in Marshall, Minnesota, Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) is recognized as one of the most affordable U.S. universities for Nigerian students. A public institution within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, SMSU has around 8,700 students and 148 faculty members. The university comprises two colleges, offering over 50 majors and minors that deliver high-quality undergraduate education in liberal arts and professional studies.
Known for its commitment to comprehensive education, SMSU’s national rankings reflect its success in shaping leaders and entrepreneurs for the future. Popular undergraduate majors include business administration and education, complemented by specialized graduate programs both onsite and online.
7. Saint Cloud State University ($14K)
- Type: Public
- Location: St. Cloud, Minnesota
- Application Fee: $30
- Average Cost After Aid: $14K
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
St. Cloud State University (SCSU), founded in 1869, stands as a prominent public institution in St. Cloud, Minnesota. As one of the largest and most cost-effective options in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, SCSU accommodates approximately 16,000 students with a diverse array of over 200 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs.
Notably, it holds the distinction of being the sole university in Minnesota offering an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited manufacturing engineering program, along with ABET-accredited programs in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science.
8. Iowa State University ($15K)
- Type: Public
- Location: Ames, Iowa
- Application Fee: $100
- Average Cost After Aid: $15K
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
9. Truman State University ($15K)
- Type: Public
- Location: Kirksville, Missouri
- Application Fee: $30
- Average Cost After Aid: $15K
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 72%
Truman State University, located in Kirksville, Missouri, provides 52 undergraduate and 11 graduate programs to a student body of 4,225 (as of fall 2021). Admission is based on a holistic review, emphasizing a combined ability score of 140 or higher.
With a 68% acceptance rate, an 88% retention rate, and an average high school GPA of 3.79, Truman State University is recognized as one of the most affordable options for Nigerian students in the USA.
10. University of Central Missouri ($15K)
- Type: Public
- Location: Warrensburg, Missouri
- Application Fee: $75
- Average Cost After Aid: $15K
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
The University of Central Missouri (UCM), situated in Warrensburg, Missouri, is a public university with 11,229 students from 49 states and 59 countries as of 2019. Spanning a 1,561-acre campus, UCM provides 150 study programs, including pre-professional, teacher certification, and graduate programs.
With over 200 student organizations, 16 residence halls are mandatory for freshmen and sophomores, aiding their high school to college transition. The campus also offers various intramural sports, free movie nights, and amenities like a bowling alley and a movie theatre in the student union.
How do you choose among cheap universities in the USA?
Selecting an affordable university in the USA might seem overwhelming for a Nigerian student, but it doesn’t need to be. When making your decision, keep a few key tips in mind.
- Firstly, assess your budget, taking into account tuition, fees, and the cost of living in the city.
- Secondly, opt for public universities in the USA, as they are typically less expensive than private counterparts.
- Thirdly, consider university rankings to gauge academic reputation, educational approach, infrastructure, faculty qualifications, and post-graduation opportunities.
- Lastly, factor in your personal preferences, such as school size and location.
By weighing these aspects, you can find a budget-friendly university that suits you.
What are the Requirements for a Nigerian to Study in USA?
For Nigerian students aspiring to study in the USA, the following criteria must be fulfilled:
- Valid Passport Copy.
- Negative COVID-19 Test Outcome.
- English Language Proficiency Certificate (IELTS & TOEFL), possibly with conditions.
- Senior Secondary School Certificate.
- Bank Statement as Proof of Financial Support.
- Submission of an Essay.
- Letter of Recommendation.
- Completion of DS-160 form.
Conclusion
Nigerian students can find affordable education in the USA at institutions such as the University of South Florida, California State University, Pennsylvania State University, and others. These universities provide outstanding programs and a range of scholarships and financial aid options. If you’re a Nigerian student seeking a cost-effective university in the USA, considering one of these top 10 economical options is highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which university has the cheapest fees in the USA?
Some U.S. universities offer remarkably affordable tuition, and the City University of New York is among them, providing a budget-friendly annual tuition of just $6,330 for in-state students.
How much does it cost for a Nigerian to study in the USA?
The expenses associated with studying in the United States differ based on the institution and program. Nigerian students should anticipate annual costs ranging from $20,000 to $50,000, covering both tuition and living expenses.
Which is the cheapest and best university in the USA for international students?
The ideal choice hinges on your preferences for a university. Opting for a highly-ranked institution may entail higher costs. Conversely, exploring lower-ranked schools presents numerous cost-effective alternatives. Our provided list highlights the most budget-friendly and excellent universities for your consideration!
Where can Nigerians study for free?
The ideal choice hinges on your preferences for a university. Opting for a highly-ranked institution may entail higher costs. Conversely, exploring lower-ranked schools presents numerous cost-effective alternatives. Our provided list highlights the most budget-friendly and excellent universities for your consideration!
Can I work and study in the US as a Nigerian?
Yes! A considerable number of students in the United States engage in employment alongside their studies. As a result, numerous job opportunities are accessible both on and off campus. Your U.S. student visa permits you to work on campus for up to twenty hours per week during the academic term and full-time (up to 40 hours per week) during breaks. Also, you have the option to seek work-study and internship opportunities.
