Top Ten Cheapest Public Colleges and Universities

If you are taking a close look at in-state colleges to save money, you might be surprised to learn some out-of-state colleges will cost you less, according to a study published by US News and World Report. The article titled “10 Least Expensive Public Colleges for Out-Of-State Students,” says students might be able to find a cheaper college away from home.

U.S. News and World Report surveyed 452 colleges and Universities in 2010 and noticed schools like, New Mexico Highlands University cost about $4,632 dollars a year. If you take that $4,632 and compare it to, $16,678, the national average tuition for out-of-state students, the school in New Mexico sure seems appealing.

We’ve listed the cheapest schools along with some important factors when thinking about applying:

1. New Mexico Highland University. Out of State Tuition: $4.632

The New Mexico University is best noted for its programs in business, teacher education, engineering, and social work. There are 2,258 students enrolled at the university. The acceptance rate is 55.9%. Freshman retention rate is 47%.

2. Minnesota State University-Moorhead. Out of State Tuition: $6,918

The Minnesota University offers 69 undergraduate degree options, 15 graduate degrees. There are 6,950 students enrolled at the university. The acceptance rate is 77.3%. Freshman retention rate is 69%.

3. Minot State University. Out of State Tuition: $7,047

The North Dakota University is well know for being a teacher preparatory institution, and also for its program in Criminal Justice. There are 3,345 students enrolled at the university. The acceptance rate is 82.2%. Freshman retention rate is 65.5%.

4. Southwest Minnesota State University. Out of State Tuition: $7,240

The Minnesota University is best known for its comprehensive degree programs, taught in the liberal arts tradition. There are 6,221 students enrolled at the university. The acceptance rate is 65.0%. Freshman retention rate is 67.8%.

5. Bemidji State University. Out of State Tuition: $7,496

The Minnesota University is best known for its environmental stewardship, community service, and global understanding. There are 4,730 students enrolled at the university. The acceptance rate is 80.6%. Freshman retention rate is 70.2%.

6. Midwestern State University. Out of State Tuition: $7,620

The Texas University is best known for both traditional liberal arts areas and professional disciplines. There are 5,606 students enrolled at the university. The acceptance rate is 87.9%. Freshman retention rate is 71.0%.

7. Northern State University. Out of State Tuition: $7848

The South Dakota University is best known for both traditional liberal arts areas and professional disciplines. There are 2,300 students enrolled at the university. The acceptance rate is 93.5%. Freshman retention rate is 67.5%.

8. South Dakota State University. Out of State Tuition: $7,941

The South Dakota University is best known for its 7 colleges: Agriculture & Biological Sciences, Arts & Science, Education & Human Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, Pharmacy, and General Studies & Outreach Programming. There are 10,794 students enrolled at the university. The acceptance rate is 93.5%. Freshman retention rate is 77.2%.

9. Mayville State University. Out of State Tuition: $8,072

The North Dakota University is best known for its online programs in Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, and Early Childhood Education are offered. It also offers in-house programs in Early Elementary and Childhood Education, Applied Psychology and Communication . There are 887 students enrolled at the university. The acceptance rate is 57.4%. Freshman retention rate is 58.5%.

10. University of South Dakota. Out of State Tuition: $8259

The South Dakota University is best known for being South Dakota’s only designated liberal arts university. There are 7,098 students enrolled at the university. The acceptance rate is 87.0%. Freshman retention rate is 72.8%.

How To Pick A College From This List

Now that you have skimmed the cheapest colleges in the U.S., how do you know if these schools are as good for you as the ones you were first considering? While the decision is a tough one to make, it is best made by investigating each and every one of the schools you are seriously considering. The research begins on the internet, but it doesn’t stop there. We encourage you to read out guide titled: “How to Pick A College”.