10 Most Affordable Universities in the UK and USA That Beat the Odds in 2023

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University is the state's public university (Penn State or PSU). It is a prestigious institution in the USA that provides undergraduate, graduate, professional, and doctoral programmes. There are 24 campuses of the institution located around Pennsylvania, in addition to an online college. PSU is ranked 96 by QS and 119 by THE list of the best universities. Furthermore, it is one of the more affordable American institutions for international students.

The Penn State (University Park Campus) undergraduate tuition charge for overseas students is USD 37,946; the Penn State (commonwealth campuses) undergraduate tuition fee is USD 27,100.

University at Buffalo

Three campuses in Buffalo, Amherst, and New York make up the public research institution known as the University Of Buffalo (UB). It offers 140+ undergraduate, 220 masters, 95 doctoral, and 55 combined degree programmes. Hence, making it one of the top and most affordable colleges in the USA for overseas students. 

The starting price for undergraduate tuition for overseas students is USD 24,990.International students living on campus pay a starting graduate tuition rate of USD 25,922.

University of South Florida

Public research University of South Florida (USF) has campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee. With 200 undergraduate programmes offered, it is one of the more affordable American colleges for international students. The average class size is 33 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1. Additionally, International students make up 42% of the student body.

For overseas students, the first year of undergraduate tuition costs USD 17,324. Graduate tuition for international students begins at USD 15,864.

Purdue University

In addition to being one of the most affordable universities in the USA for international students, Purdue University is a public research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana. Its 13 schools and colleges provide undergraduate students with 200 main programmes and 69 masters and doctoral degrees. 13 students for every faculty member means that 43% of classes have fewer than 20 students.

For international students, the first year of undergraduate tuition costs USD 31,104. For overseas students, graduate tuition starts at USD 30,504.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) Public research university is in the Phoenix Metropolitan region. With 350 undergraduate majors and more than 100 master's and doctoral programmes, ASU is one of the most affordable colleges in the USA for international students. There are six of ASU campuses. ASU is one of the top and least expensive institutions for international students in the United States, with 14.3% of international students and more than 150 countries represented.

The first year's undergraduate tuition for overseas students is USD 31,200. Graduate tuition for non-resident aliens begins at USD 25,200.

Teesside University

Teesside University is thought to be the least expensive university in the UK. It has approximately 28,000 students. Teesside has recorded an 84% satisfaction rate. Due to its low tuition rates, the university, which has two locations, primarily draws international students.

The average fee for international students is GBP 13,000, with the most popular courses offered at the university being Social sciences and management, Business and management, engineering and technology, and Natural sciences.

Leeds Beckett College

Leeds Beckett University is well-known for providing an excellent education that is both affordable and accessible. It is also listed as one of the least expensive universities in the UK for international students. The university is especially well-known for its partnerships with leading figures in numerous industries and other reputable organisations. Approximately 28,000 students attend Leeds Beckett University today, including over 100 international students from different parts of the world.

It is well-known for its popularity in the social sciences and management, biological sciences and medical, engineering, and technology fields and offers a wide range of graduate and undergraduate courses. The average fees is GBP 14,000 - GBP 15,000 per year.

University of Chester

The University of Chester is one of the UK institutions with affordable tuition that provides a highly sought-after education worldwide. The Whatuni Student Choice Awards rank the institution as the second-best university for international students, with approximately 15,000 students enrolled. The university is well-known for its alumni employment rate of 90.4%.

It is also known for its popularity in the social sciences and management, the arts and humanities, engineering and technology, and the natural sciences. It provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses. The average annual cost of tuition is GBP 12,950.

University of Cumbria

Cumbria University, which has 10,000 students, was founded in 2010. The research initiatives of the university are well-known. For international students, the University of Cumbria is regarded as one of the most affordable universities in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, each university's five campuses offer countless opportunities to prospective overseas students.

It is well known for its popularity in social sciences and management, biological sciences and medicine, engineering, and technology due to its large selection of graduate and undergraduate courses. The typical annual tuition is between GBP 10,000 and GBP 13,250.

Staffordshire University

Staffordshire University is widely recognised as one of the most affordable universities in the United Kingdom and has constantly been listed among the top 100 universities in the country.  There are 20,000 students at the university who come from 100 different countries.

Staffordshire University's international student population is mostly attracted by the university's strong industrial links and higher returns. In addition, the university has received various honours for its employability, student happiness, and teaching quality, among other things. The University of Staffordshire is well-known for its Engineering and Technology, Natural Sciences, and Medical Sciences programmes, with yearly tuition ranging from GBP 12,000 to GBP 14,500.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q.1) Is it cheaper to study in the UK or USA?

Studying in the UK is typically less expensive than at universities with comparable rankings, such as the US ones. Students are likely to receive more value for their money by pursuing a British education because degree programmes are frequently shorter than those in the US.

Q.2) Which university has the lowest fees in the UK?

• Teesside University
• Leeds Beckett College
• University of Chester
• Staffordshire University
• University of Cumbria

Q.3) Which is better, studying in UK or USA?

The UK offers more opportunities for exposure to other cultures than the US because more international students are studying there. The UK's dorm life, sports, clubs, bar crawls, theatres, and music festivals keep students entertained.

Q.4) Which university in the USA has the lowest tuition fee?

• Pennsylvania State University
• University at Buffalo
• University of South Florida
• Purdue University
• Arizona State University