Are you looking for the list of some of the best colleges & universities in the USA? Are you searching for cheap yet good or decent colleges & universities? If yes, this post will be of help to you. Here, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best colleges & universities under 30k USD. Yes, these colleges & universities in the USA charge tuition fees below $30000.
In this post, readers will find the following details –
- List of colleges & universities in the USA that are under 30k USD
- Location of the college or university
- And more…
After going through this post, readers will be able to find an ideal, decent & cheap college or university. The most important fact is that the colleges & universities mentioned in this list charge less than USD $30000 for various academic programs/degrees.
Come, let us check out the list of colleges & universities under 30K USD in the USA. Here’s the list –
Table of Contents
- List of best colleges & universities under 30k USD
- Alabama A & M University, Normal, Alabama
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama
- University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
- University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska
- University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona
- University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas
- Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas
- Harding University, Searcy, Arkansas
- California State University-Chico, Chico, California
- California State University-Fresno, Fresno, California
- California State University-Fullerton, Fullerton, California
- California State University-Long Beach, Long Beach, California
- California State University-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- California State University-Northridge, Northridge, California
- California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, Pomona, California
- California State University-Sacramento, Sacramento, California
- San Diego State University, San Diego, California
- San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California
- San Jose State University, San Jose, California
- University of Colorado Denver, Colorado
- Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, Connecticut
- University of the District of Columbia, Washington, District of Columbia
- Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida
- Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida
- University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida
- Florida International University, Miami, Florida
- Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico-Orlando, Orlando, Florida
- University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, Florida
- Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
- University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
- Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia
- Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia
- University of Guam, UOG Station, Mangilao, Guam
- Boise State University, Boise, Idaho
- University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
- Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho
- Brigham Young University-Idaho, Rexburg, Idaho
- Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Carbondale, Illinois
- University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Edwardsville, Illinois
- Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois
- University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, Indiana
- Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Purdue University Northwest, Hammond, Indiana
- Purdue University-Main Campus, West Lafayette, Indiana
- Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
- University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
- Kansas State University, Anderson Hall, Manhattan, Kansas
- Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky
- University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
- Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Southern University and A & M College, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana
- University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana
- Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland
- Cecil College, North East, Maryland
- Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan
- University of Minnesota-Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota
- Minnesota State University-Mankato, Mankato, Minnesota
- Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi
- Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi
- University of Mississippi, Mississippi, University, Mississippi
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
- William Jewell College, Liberty, Missouri
- Montana Technological University, Butte, Montana
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska
- College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada
- University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
- University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, Nevada
- The College of New Jersey, Ewing, New Jersey
- Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey
- University of New Mexico-Main Campus, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- New Mexico State University-Main Campus, Las Cruces, New Mexico
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, New Mexico
- CUNY Hostos Community College, Bronx, New York
- CUNY LaGuardia Community College, Long Island City, New York
- CUNY City College, New York, New York
- CUNY Graduate School and University Center, New York, New York
- SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Utica, New York
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina
- North Carolina A & T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina
- University of Mary, Bismarck, North Dakota
- North Dakota State University-Main Campus, Fargo, North Dakota
- University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota
- University of Akron Main Campus, Akron, Ohio
- Ohio University-Main Campus, Athens, Ohio
- Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus, Chillicothe, Ohio
- Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio
- Ohio University-Southern Campus, Ironton, Ohio
- Ohio University-Lancaster Campus, Lancaster, Ohio
- Ohio University-Eastern Campus, Saint Clairsville, Ohio
- University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
- Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio
- Ohio University-Zanesville Campus, Zanesville, Ohio
- University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus, Norman, Oklahoma
- Oklahoma State University-Main Campus, Stillwater, Oklahoma
- Rogue Community College, Grants Pass, Oregon
- Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona, Altoona, Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley, Center Valley, Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine, Media, Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg, Middletown, Pennsylvania
- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania
- Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport, Pennsylvania
- York College of Pennsylvania, York, Pennsylvania
- Community College of Rhode Island, Warwick, Rhode Island
- South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, South Carolina
- South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota
- South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, South Dakota
- The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee
- Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee
- University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee
- Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee
- The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas
- Austin Community College District, Austin, Texas
- Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas
- Blinn College District, Brenham, Texas
- West Texas A & M University, Canyon, Texas
- Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas
- Dallas College, Dallas, Texas
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas
- El Paso Community College, El Paso, Texas
- The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas
- Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas
- Texas A & M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas
- Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
- Collin County Community College District, McKinney, Texas
- Prairie View A & M University, Prairie View, Texas
- University of Houston, Houston, Texas
- Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas
- Palo Alto College, San Antonio, Texas
- The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas
- Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas
- The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
- McLennan Community College, Waco, Texas
- Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah
- Snow College, Ephraim, Utah
- Utah State University, Logan, Utah
- Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah
- Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia
- Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
- West Virginia University Institute of Technology, Beckley, West Virginia
- Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia
- West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Platteville, Wisconsin
- University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
- Types of colleges under 30k USD in the US
- Types of degrees available under USD $30000
- Why trust this list?
- Student loans: Availability, eligibility & more
- Student Insurance
List of best colleges & universities under 30k USD
| Sr No | Name of the college or university |
| 1 | Alabama A & M University, Normal, Alabama |
| 2 | University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama |
| 3 | University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama |
| 4 | University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama |
| 5 | University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska |
| 6 | University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska |
| 7 | Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona |
| 8 | University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas |
| 9 | Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas |
| 10 | Harding University, Searcy, Arkansas |
| 11 | California State University-Chico, Chico, California |
| 12 | California State University-Fresno, Fresno, California |
| 13 | California State University-Fullerton, Fullerton, California |
| 14 | California State University-Long Beach, Long Beach, California |
| 15 | California State University-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California |
| 16 | California State University-Northridge, Northridge, California |
| 17 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, Pomona, California |
| 18 | California State University-Sacramento, Sacramento, California |
| 19 | San Diego State University, San Diego, California |
| 20 | San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California |
| 21 | San Jose State University, San Jose, California |
| 22 | University of Colorado Denver, Colorado |
| 23 | Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, Connecticut |
| 24 | University of the District of Columbia, Washington, District of Columbia |
| 25 | Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida |
| 26 | Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida |
| 27 | University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida |
| 28 | University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida |
| 29 | Florida International University, Miami, Florida |
| 30 | Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico-Orlando, Orlando, Florida |
| 31 | University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida |
| 32 | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, Florida |
| 33 | Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida |
| 34 | University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida |
| 35 | Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia |
| 36 | Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia |
| 37 | University of Guam, UOG Station, Mangilao, Guam |
| 38 | Boise State University, Boise, Idaho |
| 39 | University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho |
| 40 | Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho |
| 41 | Brigham Young University-Idaho, Rexburg, Idaho |
| 42 | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Carbondale, Illinois |
| 43 | University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois |
| 44 | Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Edwardsville, Illinois |
| 45 | Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois |
| 46 | University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, Indiana |
| 47 | Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, Indiana |
| 48 | Purdue University Northwest, Hammond, Indiana |
| 49 | Purdue University-Main Campus, West Lafayette, Indiana |
| 50 | Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa |
| 51 | University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas |
| 52 | Kansas State University, Anderson Hall, Manhattan, Kansas |
| 53 | Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky |
| 54 | University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky |
| 55 | Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky |
| 56 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
| 57 | Southern University and A & M College, Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
| 58 | University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana |
| 59 | University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana |
| 60 | Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana |
| 61 | Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland |
| 62 | Cecil College, North East, Maryland |
| 63 | Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan |
| 64 | University of Minnesota-Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota |
| 65 | Minnesota State University-Mankato, Mankato, Minnesota |
| 66 | Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi |
| 67 | Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi |
| 68 | University of Mississippi, Mississippi, University, Mississippi |
| 69 | University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri |
| 70 | William Jewell College, Liberty, Missouri |
| 71 | Montana Technological University, Butte, Montana |
| 72 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska |
| 73 | College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 74 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 75 | University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, Nevada |
| 76 | The College of New Jersey, Ewing, New Jersey |
| 77 | Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey |
| 78 | University of New Mexico-Main Campus, Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| 79 | New Mexico State University-Main Campus, Las Cruces, New Mexico |
| 80 | New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, New Mexico |
| 81 | CUNY Hostos Community College, Bronx, New York |
| 82 | CUNY LaGuardia Community College, Long Island City, New York |
| 83 | CUNY City College, New York, New York |
| 84 | CUNY Graduate School and University Center, New York, New York |
| 85 | SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Utica, New York |
| 86 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 87 | North Carolina A & T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina |
| 88 | University of Mary, Bismarck, North Dakota |
| 89 | North Dakota State University-Main Campus, Fargo, North Dakota |
| 90 | University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota |
| 91 | University of Akron Main Campus, Akron, Ohio |
| 92 | Ohio University-Main Campus, Athens, Ohio |
| 93 | Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus, Chillicothe, Ohio |
| 94 | Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio |
| 95 | Ohio University-Southern Campus, Ironton, Ohio |
| 96 | Ohio University-Lancaster Campus, Lancaster, Ohio |
| 97 | Ohio University-Eastern Campus, Saint Clairsville, Ohio |
| 98 | University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio |
| 99 | Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio |
| 100 | Ohio University-Zanesville Campus, Zanesville, Ohio |
| 101 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus, Norman, Oklahoma |
| 102 | Oklahoma State University-Main Campus, Stillwater, Oklahoma |
| 103 | Rogue Community College, Grants Pass, Oregon |
| 104 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona, Altoona, Pennsylvania |
| 105 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley, Center Valley, Pennsylvania |
| 106 | University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown, Johnstown, Pennsylvania |
| 107 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine, Media, Pennsylvania |
| 108 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg, Middletown, Pennsylvania |
| 109 | Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania |
| 110 | Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania |
| 111 | Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport, Pennsylvania |
| 112 | York College of Pennsylvania, York, Pennsylvania |
| 113 | Community College of Rhode Island, Warwick, Rhode Island |
| 114 | South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, South Carolina |
| 115 | South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota |
| 116 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, South Dakota |
| 117 | The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee |
| 118 | Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee |
| 119 | Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee |
| 120 | University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee |
| 121 | Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee |
| 122 | The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas |
| 123 | Austin Community College District, Austin, Texas |
| 124 | Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas |
| 125 | Blinn College District, Brenham, Texas |
| 126 | West Texas A & M University, Canyon, Texas |
| 127 | Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas |
| 128 | Dallas College, Dallas, Texas |
| 129 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas |
| 130 | El Paso Community College, El Paso, Texas |
| 131 | The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas |
| 132 | Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas |
| 133 | Texas A & M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas |
| 134 | Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas |
| 135 | Collin County Community College District, McKinney, Texas |
| 136 | Prairie View A & M University, Prairie View, Texas |
| 137 | University of Houston, Houston, Texas |
| 138 | Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas |
| 139 | Palo Alto College, San Antonio, Texas |
| 140 | The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas |
| 141 | Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas |
| 142 | Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas |
| 143 | The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, Texas |
| 144 | McLennan Community College, Waco, Texas |
| 145 | Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah |
| 146 | Snow College, Ephraim, Utah |
| 147 | Utah State University, Logan, Utah |
| 148 | Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah |
| 149 | Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah |
| 150 | University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah |
| 151 | Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, Utah |
| 152 | Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia |
| 153 | Washington State University, Pullman, Washington |
| 154 | West Virginia University Institute of Technology, Beckley, West Virginia |
| 155 | Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia |
| 156 | West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia |
| 157 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| 158 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Platteville, Wisconsin |
| 159 | University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming |
Types of colleges under 30k USD in the US
Based on the type of ownership of the college or university, they can be classified into the following types –
- Public
- Private
Private colleges & universities can be further classified into the following types –
- Private (for-profit)
- Private (non-profit)
Based on the type of degree awarded by the college or university, they can be classified into the following types –
- 4 year-institute (awards Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree or higher academic awards)
- 2 year-institute (awards Associate Degree or certificate programs)
- Less than 2 year-institute (awards certificate programs)
Types of degrees available under USD $30000
Here are some of the popular degrees or qualifications available in-front of students –
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- Associate Degree
- Certificate
- Doctor’s Degree
- Post-master’s certificate
- Post-baccalaureate certificate
- Professional certificate
Why trust this list?
I’ve compiled this list with great care. I’ve included colleges & universities, which fare well in areas such as – quality of education, availability of amenities, experience & qualification of the teaching-staff, placement records & affordability. Colleges & universities listed here perform quite well in the above-mentioned areas. In other words, you may use this list to find a decent, ideal & affordable college or university in the US.
Let us check out all the important information about student loans in the USA now. Here is everything you need to know about it –
Student loans: Availability, eligibility & more
Availability of student-loan may vary from one college to another or from one university to another. Most reputed universities and colleges have their in-house financial aid products.
If you are keen on obtaining a student loan to finance your studies, you may have to rely on a federal loan or third-party private student loan providers. Here’s everything you need to know about it –
Federal student loan
In simple words, federal student loans are funded and managed by the Federal Government. As a result, these loans offer the following advantages –
- Fixed & lower interest rates
- Subsidized by the Federal Government
- Income-specific repayment plan
- Multiple refinancing options
- Optional credit check (exceptions exist though)
Private student loan providers
You may rely on a reputed third-party private student loan provider to finance your college or university education. Here are some such private student-loan providers –
- Banks
- Financial institutes
- Credit Unions
- Schools/Institutes
- State-based organizations
Private student loan lenders usually charge a higher interest rate. Moreover, they require applicants (students or parents) to have a decent credit score. Private lenders usually offer limited refinancing options.
If you are not interested in federal or private student loans, you may check out another form of financial aid – scholarships! Here is everything you need to know about it –
Other forms of financial aid
Scholarships and grants are popular forms of financial aid in the USA. Eligible candidates may apply for financial aid such as –
- Full-tuition scholarships
- Partial scholarships
- One-time grants
- And more…
Scholarships, grants and similar financial aid instruments are offered by entities such as –
- Universities
- Government
- State-based organizations
- Non-Government organizations
- Charitable institutes
- And other institutes
College & university admission applicants have access to different types of scholarships and grants. They can be broadly classified into the following types –
- Merit-based scholarship
- Need-based scholarship
- International student scholarship
How to check for financial aid availability?
Financial aid (loans, scholarships, grants and more) availability may vary from one university/college to another. The availability may also vary from one lender to another. When it comes to a lender, loan availability depends on the applicant’s credit score, status of the academic program (and the institute) and more. You may use the CEEB code of a university or college to check its accreditation status and find out whether you have access to any form of financial aid.
Student Insurance
International students, who are interested in studying in any college or university are supposed to have relevant insurance cover. International students are recommended to have the following types of insurance –
Student health insurance
Student health insurance covers accidents, health-related emergencies, illnesses and more. A good student health will take care of various types of health-related medical expenses. International students, exchange students and scholars are recommended to have a comprehensive student health insurance cover.
Student travel medical insurance
International students are recommended to have a comprehensive travel insurance cover. It covers medical expenses that may occur while traveling to the USA for studies.
Educational consultant at Courses After 10th
Arun is a passionate educationalist who started this blog in 2016. He has been helping students, their parents, and teachers through his posts, guides, and articles on this blog. He has 10+ years of work-experience in the field of education, career counseling, and training.
Latest posts by Arun Kallarackal (see all)
- High-Paying Nursing Jobs in USA - August 14, 2025
- High-Paying Banking Jobs in USA - August 14, 2025
- High-Paying Real Estate Jobs in USA - August 14, 2025
