When it comes to pursuing higher education, the rising cost of tuition is one of the most significant barriers students face. However, affordable options do exist. For many students, the goal is to find colleges that are not only affordable but also provide access to financial aid and scholarships that can help make their education more accessible. Fortunately, there are a number of colleges and universities across the U.S. that offer both low tuition costs and generous scholarship opportunities.
In this article, we will explore some of the cheapest colleges that offer scholarships, making it easier for students to receive a high-quality education without the burden of overwhelming debt.
1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Average Tuition: $9,000 (in-state), $36,000 (out-of-state)
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Scholarships Offered: Carolina Covenant, Morehead-Cain Scholarship, UNC Merit Scholarships
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the most affordable public universities in the country, particularly for in-state students. The Carolina Covenant provides low-income students with the opportunity to attend without taking on student loans. This program offers a combination of scholarships and work-study opportunities, ensuring students can graduate debt-free.
In addition to the Carolina Covenant, UNC Chapel Hill offers merit-based scholarships, such as the Morehead-Cain Scholarship, which covers full tuition, room, and board for exceptional students.
2. University of Wyoming
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Average Tuition: $9,000 (in-state), $17,000 (out-of-state)
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Scholarships Offered: Trustees' Scholars Program, Cowboy Commitment Scholarship
The University of Wyoming is known for its affordability, especially for students who reside in-state. It also offers generous scholarship programs for out-of-state students, such as the Trustees' Scholars Program, which provides merit-based scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $12,000 per year.
Additionally, Wyoming’s Cowboy Commitment Scholarship offers significant aid to students from families with a low income, ensuring that even students from underprivileged backgrounds have access to higher education.
3. University of Florida
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Average Tuition: $10,000 (in-state), $28,000 (out-of-state)
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Scholarships Offered: Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, UF Merit Scholarships, UF Presidential Scholarships
The University of Florida (UF) is an excellent option for students looking for affordable education combined with robust scholarship opportunities. The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship is a state-funded program that helps Florida residents with significant financial need cover tuition costs. In addition, UF offers merit scholarships such as the Presidential Scholarship, which can significantly reduce the cost of education for outstanding students.
With a combination of affordable tuition rates and multiple scholarship opportunities, UF remains a top choice for both in-state and out-of-state students.
4. Brigham Young University (BYU)
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Average Tuition: $5,000 (LDS students), $11,000 (non-LDS students)
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Scholarships Offered: BYU Scholarship, Non-Resident Merit Scholarship
Brigham Young University, located in Provo, Utah, is known for its affordable tuition and strong academic reputation. Tuition rates are especially low for Latter-day Saint (LDS) students, but non-LDS students can still benefit from competitive pricing. BYU offers several scholarships, including the BYU Scholarship and the Non-Resident Merit Scholarship, which are available based on academic achievement, financial need, and other criteria.
BYU’s combination of low tuition and scholarships makes it an attractive option for students looking for an affordable, high-quality education.
5. Clemson University
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Average Tuition: $15,000 (in-state), $38,000 (out-of-state)
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Scholarships Offered: The National Scholars Program, Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
Clemson University, located in South Carolina, offers a range of merit-based scholarships that help make the cost of tuition more manageable. The National Scholars Program is one of the most prestigious merit scholarships, offering full-tuition coverage along with other benefits. In addition, the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is available to high-achieving South Carolina residents, offering substantial funding based on academic performance.
With a relatively low cost for in-state students and generous scholarships, Clemson is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable college education.
6. University of Alabama
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Average Tuition: $11,000 (in-state), $31,000 (out-of-state)
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Scholarships Offered: Alabama Scholars, Capstone Scholarship
The University of Alabama is known for providing one of the best value-for-money college experiences in the U.S., particularly for out-of-state students. The Alabama Scholars Program offers up to $20,000 per year to highly qualified students, while the Capstone Scholarship provides full tuition, room, and board for exceptional students.
These programs, combined with relatively low tuition costs, make the University of Alabama an excellent choice for students looking for a quality education at an affordable price.
7. The City University of New York (CUNY)
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Average Tuition: $7,000 (in-state), $15,000 (out-of-state)
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Scholarships Offered: CUNY Scholarships, New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), CUNY Merit Scholarships
The City University of New York (CUNY) offers an affordable education for students in New York City. With multiple campuses and a low cost of living, CUNY provides a high-quality education at a fraction of the cost of other private universities. In addition to affordable tuition, CUNY offers various scholarships such as the CUNY Scholarships and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), which can cover a significant portion of tuition fees.
CUNY is an ideal choice for students who want to stay close to home in New York City while taking advantage of affordable tuition and scholarships.
8. University of Texas at Austin
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Average Tuition: $11,000 (in-state), $40,000 (out-of-state)
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Scholarships Offered: Forty Acres Scholars Program, Texas Excellence Scholarship
The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest public universities in the U.S., offering a robust range of programs and scholarships for students of all backgrounds. The Forty Acres Scholars Program is an elite merit-based scholarship that covers full tuition, room, and board, along with additional leadership development opportunities. The Texas Excellence Scholarship is another merit-based award that provides significant tuition assistance to high-achieving students.
While the cost for out-of-state students may be higher, the numerous scholarships available make UT Austin an affordable option for many.
9. University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
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Average Tuition: $9,000 (in-state), $25,000 (out-of-state)
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Scholarships Offered: The Ole Miss Opportunity Scholarship, Mississippi Resident Scholarship
The University of Mississippi offers an affordable education, particularly for in-state students, and several scholarship opportunities for both in-state and out-of-state learners. The Ole Miss Opportunity Scholarship is designed for low-income students who meet specific eligibility requirements, covering the full cost of tuition. The Mississippi Resident Scholarship is another option for residents of Mississippi, providing funding for tuition and fees.
With a focus on making education accessible for students from all financial backgrounds, Ole Miss is a great choice for students looking to save on tuition.
10. University of Utah
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Average Tuition: $10,000 (in-state), $30,000 (out-of-state)
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Scholarships Offered: Presidential Scholarship, Utah Opportunity Scholarship
The University of Utah is an affordable option for both in-state and out-of-state students. With competitive tuition rates and a variety of scholarship programs like the Presidential Scholarship and the Utah Opportunity Scholarship, the university makes it easier for students to pursue their academic goals without overwhelming costs. The Utah Opportunity Scholarship, in particular, provides significant financial support to students with financial need.