The Top 50 Cheapest Colleges & Universities

We scoured the list of US Colleges, looking for the ones that offered the most affordable tuition rates. While the primary criterion was the lowest tuition cost, we looked at other aspects that made the schools special, unique, and beneficial to students. The survey excluded community colleges and four-year colleges that did not offer multiple bachelor’s degree programs.

We also noted some important trends. Many states have upgraded and expanded community colleges into four-year degree institutions. These expansions often took the form of inductions into State University Systems and State College Systems. The addition of state resources and education standards helps ensure that students get high-quality education.

Educational costs in the form of tuition expenses and post-graduate student debt are important issues in American education. This review offers students information about access to high quality low-cost education, both on campus and online. Our results are based on In-State Tuition.

1 South Georgia State College

South Georgia State College located in Douglas, and Waycross, Georgia is a public four-year higher educational institution. The state created the current college in 2013 by combining Waycross Junior College (founded, 1972) and the original South Georgia State College (founded, 1907) into a single institution. The student body, averaging around 2,500 students, is a diverse group from 22 states and 13 countries. The college offers six bachelor degree programs. There were five Bachelor of Science degrees in biological sciences (BSBS), management (BSM), nursing (BSN), early childhood/special education (P-5) (ELE/SPED), and long-term healthcare management (BSLTHM).

  • Tuition and fees:

  • In-State:$2,780

  • Out-of-State:$10,526

  • Retention Rate: NA

  • Graduation Rate:13%


2 College of Central Florida

The College of Central Florida is a public institution in the Florida College System. Founded in 1957, the College of Central Florida has campus locations in Ocala, Levy, Hampton Center, Citrus, and Vintage Farms. The school maintains an active online education program and offers small classes and a sense of community. Students can pursue Bachelor of Science degrees in early childhood education and nursing. They can get a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business and Organizational Management with many specializations including accounting. There is no graduate salary information available for this institution.

  • Tuition and fees:

  • In-State:$2,824

  • Out-of-State:$10,624

  • Retention Rate: NA

  • Graduation Rate:37%


3 Saint Johns River State College

Saint Johns River State College is a two- and four-year educational institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It offers three bachelor’s degrees in addition to its traditional role as a community college providing associate degrees and transfer programs. In 2011, the college began offering bachelor degrees in nursing (BSN), early childhood education, and organizational management. The organizational management degree has concentrations in supervision and management, healthcare administration, and computer information systems. Salary information is not available for recent graduates incomes in early-career and mid-career stages.

  • Tuition and fees:

  • In-State:$2,972

  • Out-of-State:$10,278

  • Retention Rate: NA

  • Graduation Rate:46%


4 Daytona State College

Daytona State College, situated near the vibrant Daytona Beach and Orlando areas, is an ideal Central Florida location. Students will study in a rapidly expanding area. Daytona State College offers seven bachelor degree programs in education, engineering, technology, and management. The school dedicates substantial resources for college counseling and career development including a virtual career center for student jobs, internships, and employment. The average early career salary for graduates is about $41,300 and it rises to $73,000 at the mid-career stage.

  • Tuition and fees:

  • In-State:$3,072

  • Out-of-State:$11,960

  • Retention Rate: NA

  • Graduation Rate:37%


5 State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota

State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota offers bachelor’s degree programs on campus and online. With small classes and individual attention, students can shape and customize their path to success. The BAS and BSN degrees require prior completion of 60 credit hours or an associate degree. The school offers bachelor’s degrees in in health services administration, international business and trade, public safety and emergency management, supervision and management, technology management, and early childhood education. The college also provides a bachelor’s in nursing. Recent graduates average $44,800 , and their incomes grow to $79,400 at the mid-career mark.

  • Tuition and fees:

  • In-State:$3,074

  • Out-of-State:$11,595

  • Retention Rate: NA

  • Graduation Rate:38%


6 Valencia College

Valencia College has grown from a junior college into a four-year degree institution. Located in Orlando, Florida, Valencia offers access to vibrant Central Florida communities. With an enrollment of over 70,000 students, Valencia is a large institution. The college offers five bachelor’s degree programs in health sciences and nursing, engineering, and technology. Valencia College has Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in business and organizational leadership, and computing technology and software design. It has Bachelor of Science degrees in cardiopulmonary sciences, electrical and computer engineering technology, radiologic and imaging sciences, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Graduates early-career salaries average $46,500, and late-career earnings average $82,300.

  • Tuition and fees:

  • In-State:$3,090

  • Out-of-State:$11,700

  • Retention Rate: NA

  • Graduation Rate: 44%