Which are the cheapest universities in USA for Nigerian students? Studying in the United States can be an exciting and fulfilling experience for Nigerian students. However, tuition fees and living expenses can be quite expensive, which can make it difficult for many students to afford higher education in the US.
Fortunately, there are several universities in the United States that offer affordable tuition rates and low cost of living for international students, including Nigerian students.
According to recent data from HSBC, the average total cost for undergraduate study in the United States is $99,440. This cost is inclusive of tuition fees, accommodation, and other living expenses that students incur during their course of study.
However, the National Centre for Education Statistics has provided more detailed figures on the average cost of attending different types of institutions in the US.
Public institutions have an average cost of $18,383, private non-profit institutions have an average cost of $47,419, and private for-profit institutions have an average cost of $27,040. These varying costs reflect the differences in tuition fees, living expenses, and other factors that are specific to each institution.
One of the reasons we’ve compiled the top 10 cheapest community colleges in USA for international students is cost. It is important for students to carefully consider their options and weigh the costs and benefits of attending different types of institutions before making a decision on where to pursue their higher education in the US.
In this article, we will explore the 10 cheapest universities in USA for Nigerian students, taking into account tuition fees, and other factors that can impact the overall cost of attending college in the US.
Reasons to study in USA as a Nigerian
There are several reasons why Nigerian students may choose to study in the United States:
- Quality Education: The United States is home to some of the best universities in the world, with a reputation for providing high-quality education and research opportunities. US universities are recognized globally, and degrees earned from them are highly valued by employers worldwide.
- Diverse Study Options: US universities offer a wide range of academic programs, from traditional subjects such as engineering, medicine, and business to niche subjects like film studies, hospitality, and sports management.
- Career Opportunities: Studying in the US can provide students with access to a broad range of career opportunities. The US has a thriving economy with opportunities in different sectors, and US degrees are highly regarded by employers worldwide.
- Cultural Exposure: Studying in the US provides students with the opportunity to experience American culture and way of life, making it an excellent chance to broaden one’s horizons and learn from different cultures.
- Networking Opportunities: US universities provide an excellent platform for networking with professionals and other students. Students can interact with professors, attend workshops, and participate in internships and co-op programs, making it easier to secure job opportunities upon graduation.
- Scholarship Opportunities: US universities offer various scholarship opportunities to international students to help ease the financial burden of studying abroad. In fact, some of the cheapest universities in USA for Nigerian students offer different scholarship opportunities.
Overall, studying in the United States provides Nigerian students with access to quality education, diverse academic programs, career opportunities, cultural exposure, networking opportunities, and scholarship opportunities.
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10 Cheapest Universities in USA for Nigerian students
These universities have been selected based on their commitment to providing quality education at an affordable cost, as well as their support for international students.
By attending one of these affordable universities, Nigerian students can save money on tuition and living expenses while still receiving a top-notch education in the United States. So, let’s take a look at 10 of them.
| 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%
First on the list of the cheapest universities in USA for Nigerian students is UOPeople. The University of the People is a non-profit, American, online university that offers tuition-free education to students worldwide. It is the first accredited online university that aims to provide access to higher education to all qualified students regardless of their financial, geographic, political, or personal constraints. Interestingly, it is listed as one of the top colleges that pay you to attend online.
With a focus on career-oriented graduate programs, the University of the People prepares students for success in various fields such as business, information technology, and education.
As an online distance learning institution, students can access their courses and study materials from anywhere in the world, making it an ideal option for those who cannot attend a traditional brick-and-mortar university.
The University of the People is committed to providing quality education that is accessible to all, and it achieves this goal through its innovative approach to online learning and the support it offers to students.
Related: 16 Best Free Online Courses in UK With Certificates
University of the People offers the following programs:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Education in Advanced Teaching (MEd)
- Master of Science in Information Technology (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%
Located in Dickinson, North Dakota, Dickinson State University (DSU) is a public university, and one of the cheapest universities in USA for Nigerian students. It was established in 1918 as Dickinson State Normal School. It became a full-fledged university in 1987 and is now part of the North Dakota University System.
The university offers more than 75 fields of study, including bachelor’s degrees, certificates, and associate degrees through its 10 academic departments. While DSU provides a wide range of academic options, it specializes in business management, teacher education, and nursing.
Business management is the most popular major among students at DSU, followed by education (elementary and secondary), nursing, natural science, and agriculture.
With its diverse offerings and focus on key areas of study, DSU is committed to providing students with a quality education and preparing them for successful careers in various fields.
DSU offers over 50 degree programs including Bachelor of Applied Science Degree, Master of Sport Administration Degree – Athletic Leadership, Master of Education in Elementary Education Degree, Master of Arts in Teaching Degree.
Related: Cheapest Community Colleges In Canada For International Students
3. University of Houston ($12K)
- Type: Public
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Application Fee: $30
- Average Cost After Aid: $12K
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
As one of the cheapest universities in USA for Nigerian students, The University of Houston (UH) is a renowned public research university located in Houston, Texas. Founded in 1927, UH is part of the University of Houston System and is recognized as the third-largest university in Texas, serving over 47,000 students.
The university’s main campus, which is primarily located in southeast Houston, encompasses 894 acres (3.62 km2), and includes additional sites in Sugar Land and Katy.
With its 16 academic colleges and schools, including an interdisciplinary Honors College, UH offers more than 276 degree programs, including professional degrees in architecture, law, optometry, medicine, and pharmacy.
The university places a strong emphasis on research, with an annual research expenditure of $203 million and more than 35 research centers and institutes located on campus. Through its research initiatives, UH is dedicated to advancing knowledge and addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges.
UH is committed to providing its students with a quality education that prepares them for successful careers in various fields, while contributing to the advancement of knowledge and improving the quality of life for individuals and communities around the world.
4. Brigham Young University ($13K)
- Type: Private
- Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
- Application Fee: $35
- Average Cost After Aid: $13K
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
Brigham Young University, also known colloquially as The Y, is a private research university located in Provo, Utah. The university was founded in 1875 by religious leader Brigham Young and is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).
As a private research university, BYU offers a wide range of academic programs, including 179 undergraduate, 62 master’s, and 26 doctoral degree programs. With its commitment to academic excellence, BYU provides students with a rigorous education that prepares them for successful careers in various fields. No doubt, BYU is one of the cheapest universities in USA for Nigerian students
In addition to its academic programs, BYU places a strong emphasis on research, with a focus on advancing knowledge and addressing important issues facing society.
The university is deeply rooted in its religious heritage and seeks to provide a faith-based learning environment that promotes both academic and spiritual growth.
Through its commitment to academic excellence and spiritual development, Brigham Young University is dedicated to preparing students to be leaders and contributors in their communities and in the world at large.
Also Read: Cheapest Private Universities in Nigeria and their Tuition
5. Delta State University $13k
- Type: Public
- Location: Cleveland, Mississippi
- Application Fee: $100
- Average Cost After Aid: $13K
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
Delta State University, established in 1924, is a public university in Mississippi, USA. The university offers 12 baccalaureate degrees in 42 majors and several graduate programs, including eight master’s degrees, the Education Specialist degree, and the Doctor of Education degree.
Delta State University was founded using the facilities of the former Bolivar County Agricultural High School in Cleveland, Mississippi. The establishment of the university was facilitated by Senate Bill No. 263, cosponsored by Senators William B. Roberts and Arthur Marshall on February 19, 1924.
The bill was signed into law on April 9, 1924, by Mississippi Governor Henry L. Whitfield, and was sponsored in the Mississippi House of Representatives by Nellie Nugent Somerville, the first woman to serve in the Mississippi state legislature.
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%
Listed as one of the cheapest universities in USA for Nigerian students, located in Marshall, Minnesota, Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) is a public institution that forms part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.
With an enrollment of approximately 8,700 students, the university employs 148 faculty members and is divided into two colleges: the College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences and the College of Business, Education, and Professional Studies.
SMSU offers high-quality undergraduate education in the liberal arts and professional studies, with over 50 majors and minors to choose from. The university is committed to providing a comprehensive education that prepares students for successful personal and professional lives.
With high national rankings, SMSU produces leaders, thinkers, and entrepreneurs that are essential to the future. SMSU’s undergraduate programs include business administration and education, which are the most popular majors.
Additionally, the university offers specialized graduate programs in education, special education, and business administration, with the MBA program providing degree options in marketing, leadership, and the general MBA. Students have the option to take classes onsite or 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) is a public institution located in St. Cloud, Minnesota. It is one of the largest and most affordable universities for Nigerian students, in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, having been established in 1869.
With over 120,000 alumni, the university had an enrollment of approximately 16,000 students in 2020. SCSU offers over 200 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs across six colleges and schools.
Notably, SCSU is the only university in Minnesota to offer an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited manufacturing engineering program, in addition to ABET-accredited programs in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science.
Related: Top 10 Cheapest Universities in UK for International Students
8. Iowa State University ($15K)
- Type: Public
- Location: Ames, Iowa
- Application Fee: $100
- Average Cost After Aid: $15K
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
Iowa State University of Science and Technology, also known as Iowa State University or ISU, is a public land-grant research university located in Ames, Iowa.
It was established in 1858 as the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm, and is one of the first designated land-grant institutions in the United States, after the Iowa Legislature accepted the provisions of the 1862 Morrill Act on September 11, 1862. On July 4, 1959, the college officially changed its name to Iowa State University of Science and Technology.
Iowa State University is recognized as one of the top international universities. As of 2022, it is ranked between 401-500 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and 501-600 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities. It is one of the cheapest universities in USA for Nigerian students to enroll in.
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 (TSU or Truman) is a public university located in Kirksville, Missouri. It offers 52 undergraduate and 11 graduate programs to a student body of 4,225 as of fall 2021.
Admission to Truman State University is based on a holistic review of a candidate’s academic record, with a combined ability score of 140 or higher given the strongest consideration. The combined ability score is calculated by adding the percentage of students in the applicant’s graduating class that the applicant outranks and the percentage of students the applicant outscored on a nationally standardized test such as the ACT or SAT.
Truman State University has an acceptance rate of 68% and a selectivity rating of 88. Applicants have an average high school GPA of 3.79, and the university has an 88% retention rate after freshman year. It is deserving of our list of the cheapest universities in USA for Nigerian students.
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) is a public university located in Warrensburg, Missouri. As of 2019, the university has an enrollment of 11,229 students from 49 states and 59 countries, and occupies a 1,561-acre campus. UCM offers 150 programs of study, which includes 10 pre-professional programs, 27 areas of teacher certification, and 37 graduate programs.
UCM is home to over 200 student organizations that cater to academic, cultural, recreational, community service, and special interest clubs and associations. The university also offers more than 20 intramural sports programs, as well as free movie nights on campus, and a bowling alley and movie theater located in the student union.
Freshman and sophomore students are required to live in one of the 16 residence halls during their first year to facilitate their transition from high school to college.
Now that you have the option to choose from any of the cheapest universities in USA for Nigerian students on this list, how do you study in the USA?
What are the Requirements for a Nigerian to Study in USA?
To study in USA as a Nigerian student, you must meet these requirements:
- Copy of your Valid Passport.
- Negative COVID19 Test Result.
- English Language Proficiency Certificate (IELTS & TOEFL). This may be conditional.
- Senior Secondary School Certificate.
- Bank Statement (Evidence of Financial Support)
- Essay.
- Letter of Recommendation.
- A completed DS-160.
Summary of the Cheapest Universities in USA for Nigerian Students
There are a number of affordable universities in the United States that Nigerian students can consider. It’s important for Nigerian students to research and compare the tuition fees, cost of living, and available scholarships at each university to make an informed decision.
Additionally, students should consider factors such as location, academic programs, and campus culture to ensure they find a university that is the right fit for them.
