America’s Most Affordable Colleges That Still Offer Quality Education

When it comes to college in the U.S., most students and their families worry about the cost. Finding an affordable education is crucial, and several colleges have stepped up to provide high-quality learning without emptying your wallet.

The following institutions offer a great education without massive debt.

Undergraduate enrollment: 5,501

Location: Rolla, Missouri

At the top of the list of the most affordable U.S. colleges is the Missouri University of Science and Technology at $23,032 annually.

Rolla’s main programs are in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) degrees, including specialized engineering, computing, and technology. The school offers a wide range of engineering majors for undergrads, such as aerospace, mining, petroleum, and management. But if you’re not into engineering, you can also study humanities and liberal arts. 

One student revealed they “loved my time here at Missouri S&T so far… the opportunities and academics at this school are just awesome! I am not even an engineering major, and I have already gotten two job interviews as a sophomore.

“This school will prepare you very well for a career, no matter your degree. There’s also a plethora of STEM degrees (Bachelors, Masters or even PhDs!) to choose from, as well as some interesting minors.”

* Ranking is based on 2023 data from Research.com.

Undergraduate enrollment: 30,714

Location: Athens, Georgia

To go to the University of Georgia in Athens, it will be about $22,972 per year. UGA is a land and sea grant university, meaning it’s active in research related to agriculture and the sea. One unique aspect of UGA is the Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology, which was the first of its kind when it started in 2007.

Some famous UGA alumni include U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, Alton Brown from the Food Network, and members of the rock groups R.E.M and the B-52’s. One alumnus said of the school and its location: “Top academics. Top sports. Well-adjusted and attractive students. A music mecca. A great education (and) a wonderful downtown and city.”

Undergraduate enrollment: 26,254

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina

North Carolina State University (NC State), founded in 1887, is number 8 on our list and costs about $22,730 per year. This renowned public research university excels in academic disciplines, such as engineering, agriculture, and sciences. The school is part of the Research Triangle alongside Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

One religious studies major, who graduated in 2017, said, “The education I received continues to aid me in my work and in my continued studies as a graduate student. This, coupled with the university’s substantial double major and dual degree options, means that State is a university for those interested in just about any field.

Add that to a close academic connection with other prestigious schools like Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill and you have a recipe for a great education.”

Undergraduate enrollment: 26,355

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

If wide open, breathtaking spaces are your thing, the University of Utah is an inexpensive way to learn and enjoy the great outdoors all while living in the city. Situated on over 1,500 acres in Salt Lake City, this school ranks No. 7 on our list, boasting an average tuition and fees of $10,287, along with room and board charges averaging $11,437. Add in the cost of books and supplies, which comes to an average of $960, and the total annual cost reaches $22,684.

The “U of U” is the major academic and research hub in the state and is home to several research centers and institutes, including the Brain Institute, the American West Center, and the Center for High Performance Computing.

One former student give the school high marks: “I have had a great experience so far. The professors are awesome and actually excited to be teaching. Most are doing research in their fields at the school. TAs are all masters students or above.

The financial aid makes this school accessible for everyone —  they never turn away a student because of inability to pay.”