A lot of college graduates are struggling with student debt. Luckily, these colleges offer some of the most affordable degrees in the US.
From frat parties to football games to awesome adventures with great friends (and a little bit of studying, of course), college is an amazing experience. But all of the fun can come with a hefty price tag.
According to a U.S. News annual survey, the average tuition and fees for the 2017-2018 school year was $34,999 for private universities. The cost to attend a state university was $9,528 for residents and $21,632 for out-of-state students.
The exorbitant cost of college often forces families to make tough choices. Some students have had to give up on attending their dream school for a cheaper alternative. A study by the EAB found that 40% of students rejected their first choice college for financial reasons.
The other alternative is taking out massive student loans that students may end up paying for long after they earn their degree. Student loan debt is the second-highest consumer debt category, behind mortgage debt and ahead of credit cards and auto loans, according to Forbes.
But the prospect of massive debt doesn't have to keep you from having an amazing college experience. There are some colleges and universities across the country that are more affordable than the national average. With all of the money you'll save, you can eat more than ramen noodles while you're there.
The school has the lowest out-of-state tuition.
Chadron State College is a public college located in Chadron, Nebraska. Students can choose from over 50 undergraduate programs, including Criminal Justice and Graphic Design. Class sizes are small, with an average of 14 students. In 2017, a 12-hour course load was $2,872 for in-state students, $2,884 for non-residents, helping the school earn the title of lowest out-of-state tuition for 2017 from Bestcolleges.com.
The school serves underserved communities.
Bestcolleges.com ranked Minot State University 3rd in the nation for lowest out-of-state tuition. For the 2017 - 2018 school year, out of state tuition and fees were $6,809. The school, located in Minot, ND, offers a small campus environment, with just under 2,000 full-time undergraduate students enrolled.
There are a wide variety of academic majors, including Elementary Education, Theatre Arts, and International Business. The school also makes it a priority to help underserved communities, with a program which offers tutoring, academic advising, and career exploration workshops for first-generation college students and students with disabilities.
Mississippi Valley State University was established to train teachers.
Founded as Mississippi Vocational College in 1946, Mississippi Valley State University was established to train teachers and provide vocational training. Today, students can choose from a variety of academic programs, including Fine Arts, Social Work, and Mass Communications. Out of state tuition for the 2018-2019 school year is $3,275.
The school is made up of a primarily Navajo student body.
Located in Tsaile, AZ, Dine College was the first tribally-controlled and accredited collegiate institution in the United States. Because their mission is to advance the educational well-being of the Dine people, the school is made up of a primarily Navajo student body. Students can major in Humanities, Science, Business, or Dine Studies. The cost is reasonable at $55 per credit hour. Full-time tuition totals $660. Dine College offers a variety on campus including archery, cross country, track, and rodeo.
The campus is located in Fort Yates, ND.
Sitting Bull College is located in Fort Yates, ND. They will admit any student who is a graduate of an accredited high school or who has a GED certificate. Students can choose from a variety of Associate's, and Bachelor's degree programs including Business Administration, Information Technology, and Construction Technology. There are also several certificate programs available including CDL and Oil Drilling. Maintaining a course load between 12 - 18 credit hours will cost you $1,800 per semester.
Berea College is a liberal arts work college.
Located 35 miles from Lexington, KY, Berea College is a liberal arts work college. With 33 areas of study, students can choose from a variety of academic programs. The school's labor program gives students campus jobs to teach responsibility and help them cover the cost of room and board.
One of the most attractive features for prospective students is the Tuition Promise Scholarship, which guarantees that all enrolled students have 100% of their tuition costs covered. The program is funded through donations from alumni and friends of the university to make college accessible to all students, regardless of economic status.
Full-time tuition for the Fall 2018 semester is $3,371.25.
Minutes from downtown LA, Cal State University offers 115 academic programs and 60 majors for undergraduate study. In addition to the academic programs, there are a variety of student organizations including fraternities and sororities, cultural organizations, and academic clubs, offering students a well-rounded college experience. Full-time tuition for the fall 2018 semester is $3,371.25.
FSU offers 33 Bachelor's degrees.
Fayetteville State University is a historically black college that was established in 1867 in Fayetteville, NC. Over 150 years later, the 152-acre campus educates a diverse student body. For the 2017-2018 school year, in-state tuition was $2,982, $14,590 for out-of-state students.
FSU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The school offers 33 Bachelor's degrees, many of which are highly rated, including the #2 nursing program in the Eastern Region, by Nursejournal.org and the #8 Theatre program among Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
CUNY Lehman belongs to a network of 24 campuses.
CUNY Lehman is a liberal arts college located in the Bronx, NY. As part of the City University of New York system, the school belongs to a network of 24 campuses across New York City.
CUNY Lehman offers over 50 majors, as well as academic support to help students choose courses and stay on track towards graduation. Full-time tuition for residents for the 2018-2019 year will be $6,730.