Dreaming of studying in the USA but worried about the hefty costs? You are not alone. Many bright Nepali students are finding pathways to quality education without emptying their savings. This blog unveils the top 10 affordable universities in the US that are popular among international students, especially those from Nepal.
If you have been hunting for quality education without breaking the bank, this list will help you find budget-friendly options that still offer excellent academics and career outcomes. This blog gives you a curated list, step-by-step application guide, and insights on scholarships and financial aid to help you plan your study abroad journey without overspending. Explore your options, apply early, and choose the right fit.
Top 10 Affordable Universities in the United States
Quality education does not always mean sky-high fees. The following budget-friendly universities in the USA offer a balance of reputation, value, and support for international students. While tuition varies, these schools are considered cost-effective compared to many others in the US.
List of US Universities with low tuition fees
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University Name
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Cost of Studying in USA
|
Cost of Studying in USA (NPR)
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Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
|
UG – US $32,193 - $39,682 per year
PG – US $8,145 - $67,207 per year
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UG - NPR 4,365,902 - 5,381,982 per year
PG - NPR 1,104,005 - 9,104,898 per year
|
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University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
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UG/ PG – US $8,500 – $42,000 per year (Varies by programme)
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UG/PG - NPR 1,152,685 - 5,695,620 per year
|
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University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
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UG – US $39,340 - $44,858 per year
PG – US $16,145 - $53,525 per year (varies by programme)
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UG - NPR 5,334,477 - 6,083,916 per year
PG - NPR 2,189,194 - 7,258,587 per year
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University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
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UG – US $28,486 - $30,195 per year
PG – US $11,162 - $68,065 per year
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UG - NPR 3,863,586 - 4,095,988 per year
PG - NPR 1,513,539 - 9,220,877 per year
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University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
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UG – US $29,837 - $33,044 per year
PG – US $13,096 - $77,991 per year
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UG - NPR 4,046,446 - 4,481,630 per year
PG - NPR 1,776,782 - 10,577,776 per year
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University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut
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UG – US $39,000 - $43,034 per year
PG – US $9,534 - $74,739 per year
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UG - NPR 5,288,790 - 5,835,395 per year
PG - NPR 1,292,838 - 10,135,002 per year
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University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
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UG – US $20,811 - $38,181 per year
PG – US $9,780 - $80,132 per year
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UG - NPR 2,822,413 - 5,177,638 per year
PG - NPR 1,326,158 - 10,867,886 per year
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Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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UG & PG – US $28,631 - $30,369 per year (Varies by programme)
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UG & PG - NPR 3,883,249 - 4,119,506 per year
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Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
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UG & PG – US $25,290 - $36,100 per year (Varies by programme)
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UG & PG - NPR 3,430,869 - 4,895,561 per year
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University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
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UG – US $21,692 - $26,664 per year
PG – US $14,400 - $64,680 per year
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UG - NPR 2,941,437 - 3,615,300 per year
PG - NPR 1,952,784 - 8,761,061 per year
|
Note: The above selective list of affordable universities for Nepalese students has been curated from credible sources and provided to our readers for reference. For admission to your preferred university, feel free to get in touch with our counsellors. | US $1 = NPR 135.61
Low-cost universities in the USA for Nepali students - In Detail
Arizona State University
- QS Rank 2025: 200
- Location: Tempe, Arizona
- Renowned for: Its innovation across STEM fields (especially Engineering and Computer Science) and Business (W.P. Carey School of Business), along with strong international student support and a diverse campus environment popular among global learners.
- Average Tuition Fees: UG – US $32,193 - $39,682 per year | PG – US $8,145 - $67,207 per year
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Competitive merit-based scholarships and recognised for affordable tuition.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
- QS Rank 2025: 275
- Location: Amherst, Massachusetts
- Renowned for: Its strong research programmes in Engineering, Computer Science, and Business, offering opportunities for students interested in cutting-edge work and a vibrant academic community.
- Average Tuition Fees: UG/ PG – US $8,500 – $42,000 per year (varies by programme)
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Limited and competitive merit-based scholarships for international students.
University of Arizona
- QS Rank 2025: 293
- Location: Tucson, Arizona
- Renowned for: Its well-regarded programmes in Engineering (especially Optical Sciences and Mining Engineering), Business, and Health Sciences, providing a diverse campus experience in a city known for its student-friendly atmosphere and research focus.
- Average Tuition Fees: UG – US $39,340 - $44,858 per year | PG – US $16,145 - $53,525 per year (varies by programme)
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Merit-based scholarships are available, especially for strong academic profiles.
University of Kansas
- QS Rank 2025: 452
- Location: Lawrence, Kansas
- Renowned for: Its strong and accessible programmes in Engineering, Business (including its School of Business), and Pharmacy, known for its welcoming Midwestern culture and accessible tuition, making it a comfortable transition for international students.
- Average Tuition Fees: UG – US $28,486 - $30,195 per year | PG – US $11,162 - $68,065 per year
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Offers merit-based scholarships, including the International Excellence Award.
University of Utah
- QS Rank 2025: 531
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Renowned for: Its respected programmes in Engineering (particularly Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering), Business (David Eccles School of Business), and Health Sciences, offering a supportive international community and a good quality of life with access to outdoor recreational activities.
- Average Tuition Fees: UG – US $29,837 - $33,044 per year | PG – US $13,096 - $77,991 per year
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Limited scholarships are available for international students, including merit-based and departmental awards.
University of Connecticut
- QS Rank 2025: 565
- Location: Storrs, Connecticut
- Renowned for: Its strong academic programmes in Business (especially Finance and Insurance), Engineering, and Health Sciences, providing research opportunities and a traditional New England campus experience.
- Average Tuition Fees: UG – US $39,000 - $43,034 per year | PG – US $9,534 - $74,739 per year
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Limited merit-based scholarships available; highly competitive.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- QS Rank 2025: 901-950
- Location: Birmingham, Alabama
- Renowned for: Its nationally recognised Health Sciences programmes (Medicine, Nursing, Public Health), as well as strong offerings in Engineering and a diverse, research-focused campus.
- Average Tuition Fees: UG – US $20,811 - $38,181 per year | PG – US $9,780 - $80,132 per year
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Scholarships available for international students, including merit-based awards.
Louisiana State University
- QS Rank 2025: 901-950
- Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Renowned for: Its strong programmes in Engineering (particularly Petroleum and Chemical Engineering), Business, and Agriculture, offering a vibrant campus life and a unique cultural experience in the American South.
- Average Tuition Fees: UG & PG – US $28,631 - $30,369 per year (varies by programme)
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Limited merit-based scholarships available for international students.
Northern Arizona University
- QS Rank 2025: 1001-1200
- Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
- Renowned for: Its programmes in Environmental Science, Business (especially Hotel and Restaurant Management), and Engineering, set in a scenic mountain town offering a welcoming and supportive environment for international students.
- Average Tuition Fees: UG & PG – US $25,290 - $36,100 per year (varies by programme)
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Limited scholarships available for international students, including merit-based options.
University of South Alabama
- QS Rank 2025: 1201-1400
- Location: Mobile, Alabama
- Renowned for: Its growing reputation in Health Sciences, Engineering, and Business, providing a welcoming environment and affordable tuition along the Gulf Coast.
- Average Tuition Fees: UG – US $21,692 - $26,664 per year | PG – US $14,400 - $64,680 per year
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Scholarships are available for international students based on merit and academic achievement.
With so many affordable options available, choosing the right university for your studies in the United States can be a game-changer for your academic and career success. Worried that your preferred university does not make the list. If you are ready to take the next step, AECC Nepal is here to help. From expert guidance on the top 10 affordable universities in the United States for international students to offering personalised support, our team ensures you are on the right path at no additional cost.
How to Apply to Affordable Universities in the USA?
Applying to affordable universities in the USA for Nepalese students does not have to be overwhelming. Here is a step-by-step guide that is especially useful for those looking at budget-friendly universities in the USA, including universities with low tuition fees and low-cost universities in the USA for Nepali students.
Apply to Low-Cost Universities in the USA for Nepali students:
- Shortlist universities: Choose 5–7 affordable US universities that offer the right course, reasonable tuition, scholarships, and a location that suits your budget.
- Check admission deadlines: Fall intake deadlines often fall between November and January. Start early so you don't miss out.
- Take the required tests: TOEFL or IELTS are commonly needed. Undergraduates might also need SAT or ACT. Postgraduates may require GRE or GMAT. Check the required standardized tests or English language proficiency requirements and appear for them early.
- Prepare your documents: You will need academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), a valid passport, and financial proof.
- Apply online: Use the official university portals. Fill out the forms, upload documents, and pay the application fee (usually $50–$100).
- Apply for scholarships at the same time: Many low-cost universities in the USA for Nepali students offer merit-based aid you can apply for with your main application.
- Track your application status: Universities give access to an online portal to check progress and upload any extra paperwork.
- Get ready for the visa interview: Once you receive your I-20 form, schedule an appointment for an F-1 visa at the US Embassy in Kathmandu.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
- Missing deadlines
- Submitting incomplete forms or documents
- Not showing adequate financial proof
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Affordable Universities in the USA
While US universities with low tuition fees are more pocket-friendly, living expenses and other miscellaneous expenditures definitely add to the expense sheet. Therefore, it is always good to apply for scholarships and financial aid to ease the study abroad process. Candidates who have a solid academic record, good standardized scores, and an overall impressive application should look at applying for scholarships to study in the USA.
Not only are there US government scholarships for international students to encourage them to consider studying in the USA, but most universities also provide scholarships and discounts on a merit and need basis for students with exceptional academic records and who show promise.
Takeaway
While picking out the best universities we often tend to lean towards ranking as the sole indicator of quality education. However, one of the key tips for choosing affordable universities is to look beyond rankings.
While ranking is an important factor it should not be your sole factor. Candidates should look into other factors such as graduate employability, course reputation, faculty-students ratio, and the cost of studying among other factors when deciding on the best university to study in US.
Let our AECC counsellors secure your admission to the best universities, whether you are looking for affordability or aiming for the cream of the crop. Start your journey with us today.
Top 10 Affordable Universities in US FAQs
Can I work part-time while studying at affordable universities?
Yes. International students enrolled full-time at budget-friendly universities in the USA on an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during semesters and full-time during breaks. Some low-cost universities in the USA for Nepali students also help students find part-time roles on campus or nearby.
Can I apply to multiple affordable universities at the same time?
Definitely. In fact, one of the best tips for choosing affordable universities is to apply to at least 5–7 institutions. This increases your chances of admission, financial aid, and getting into a course that fits your goals. Most universities with low tuition fees have online application portals, making the process easier.
How do I know if I am eligible for scholarships at these affordable universities?
Each university outlines scholarship criteria on its website. Most affordable universities in the USA for Nepalese students offer merit-based or need-based aid. Check if your academic scores, English proficiency, or extra-curriculars match their requirements.
Are online degree options available at affordable universities in the USA?
Yes, several budget-friendly universities in the USA offer online degrees. These are a great option for students who want flexibility or lower living expenses.
Do these affordable universities offer internships for international students?
Yes. Many affordable universities in the USA for Nepalese students support internships through CPT (Curricular Practical Training) programmes. These internships are often linked to your course and can be paid or unpaid. It is a smart way to gain US work experience without extra cost.
