1) Berea College, Kentucky (tuition-free model for all students, including internationals)

Why it’s on this list: Berea’s model makes it one of the most affordable options in the U.S. for international undergraduates admitted students do not pay tuition; costs are covered through a combination of institutional funding, scholarships and a required student work program.

Estimated cost for international students
Berea’s tuition is covered. Students should plan for modest personal expenses; the college recommends having some funds for personal needs (their site suggests an approximate minimum for incidental personal expenses). Work-study jobs on campus are available to help cover those costs. Berea College

Scholarships & what’s covered
Berea’s financial model provides 100% funding for tuition for all admitted students; additional aid and institutional support offset housing, food and fees to a large degree. International applicants are eligible for this support once admitted. Berea CollegeWEduShare

Who this fits
High-achieving students who want a small-campus liberal-arts experience and can commit to Berea’s student work program. Great for students who want to minimize or eliminate tuition debt. Berea College

How to apply / tips

• Apply early and carefully follow Berea’s international admissions instructions.

• Demonstrate academic readiness and readiness for the college work program.

• Provide required evidence of ability to cover minimal personal expenses and meet visa-related requirements. Berea College

Pros / Cons
Pros: Tuition-free, strong student support, transformative affordability.
Cons: Highly competitive; small student body; requires on-campus work commitment.

2) University of the People (UoPeople): fully online, tuition-free model with small assessment fees

Why it’s on this list: UoPeople is an accredited, tuition-free online university — there are no traditional tuition charges; students pay relatively small assessment fees per course and scholarships are available to cover those fees for students with financial need. This makes it one of the cheapest routes to a U.S. accredited degree from outside the U.S.

Estimated cost for international students
UoPeople charges minimal exam/assessment fees instead of tuition; the total cost depends on number of courses and level (Associate/Bachelor/Master), and scholarships are offered to reduce or waive those fees. The model is designed to be far cheaper than brick-and-mortar degrees.

Scholarships & what’s covered
UoPeople offers a range of scholarships (donor-funded, institution-funded) to offset assessment fees; awards vary and are often granted on a first-come/merit/need basis. They also collaborate with organizations to provide scholarship spots for students from particular countries or backgrounds.

Who this fits
Students who need maximum affordability, flexibility, and who are comfortable with an online learning environment (and who do not require an on-campus U.S. experience). Useful for working students or those who want internationally recognized degrees without typical campus costs. University of the People

How to apply / tips

• Apply for admission and then apply early for UoPeople scholarships (many are first-come).

• Prepare to explain financial need; provide required documentation per scholarship.

• Confirm whether your intended employer or professional body accepts an online degree from UoPeople for your career goals. University of the People

Pros / Cons
Pros: Lowest-cost accredited pathway to U.S. degrees; highly flexible.
Cons: Online-only (no on-campus life); assessments/fees still exist unless fully waived.

3) Minot State University (MSU), North Dakota

Why it’s on this list: Minot State consistently appears on affordability lists for international students (low total cost for the academic year) and advertises institutional scholarships for admitted students.

Estimated cost for international students
U.S. News and Minot State’s own pages list annual total costs for international students among the lowest on many affordability lists (~$19–20k total cost estimates depending on year and program). Use MSU’s net-price estimator for personalized numbers.

Scholarships & what’s covered
MSU offers scholarships and a general scholarship application; amounts and eligibility vary by merit and program. Incoming internationals should complete the general scholarship application after admission for consideration. Deadlines often fall in winter/early spring for fall intake. Minot State University

Who this fits
Students seeking a traditional campus experience in a smaller university with lower living costs and strong community; attractive for programs like nursing and education where MSU has solid offerings. Minot State University

How to apply / tips

• Apply for admission and the MSU scholarship application (check deadlines; priority dates may apply).

• Contact International Admissions to confirm required financial documents and scholarship timelines.

• Consider program-specific scholarships (e.g., for teacher ed, sciences). Minot State University

Pros / Cons
Pros: Low total cost; personal attention; scholarship opportunities for internationals.
Cons: Remote location (North Dakota) may mean fewer off-campus job and internship options compared with big cities.

4) Fayetteville State University (FSU), North Carolina

Why it’s on this list: FSU appears on lists of U.S. schools with relatively low international student costs and explicitly states it offers merit-based scholarships to international students.

Estimated cost for international students
Public data and the university’s cost pages show FSU’s overall cost of attendance for out-of-state/international students is significantly lower than many U.S. alternatives (total cost estimates vary but are competitive in affordability rankings). Use FSU’s cost calculator for precise, personalized estimates.

Scholarships & what’s covered
FSU provides institutional scholarships, including merit scholarships that international students can qualify for; scholarship amounts and whether they cover full tuition depend on the award and student’s profile (GPA, test scores, activities). UNC Fayetteville State University

Who this fits
Students who want an HBCU environment (FSU is a public HBCU), a supportive campus community, and relatively low tuition for non-resident/international students. Good option for students seeking value and cultural community. UNC Fayetteville State University

How to apply / tips

• Complete FSU’s international admissions process and the scholarship application(s).

• Provide strong academic evidence (GPA, test scores if needed) to maximize merit scholarship chances.

• Use the cost calculator to plan expected total cost (tuition + housing + fees).

Pros / Cons
Pros: Relatively low cost; institutional scholarships available; diverse HBCU community.
Cons: Scholarship packages vary; international student numbers are smaller than at big public universities.

5) University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM), Louisiana

Why it’s on this list: ULM publishes an explicit set of International Freshman Scholarships with ranges of awards tied to academic achievement (GPA/SAT ranges), making it a strong affordable option for qualifying international applicants. University of Louisiana Monroe

Estimated cost for international students
ULM’s cost pages and scholarship tables show a structured scholarship program that can substantially reduce out-of-state/international costs; total net cost depends on the scholarship level awarded. Consult ULM’s cost of attendance and scholarship pages for exact year-to-year totals. University of Louisiana MonroeBigFuture

Scholarships & what’s covered
ULM’s international freshman scholarship page lists awards for different academic bands (examples include larger awards for higher SAT/GPA ranges and housing support on some awards). Scholarships can be combined with other institutional aid up to published limits. University of Louisiana Monroeulm.catalog.acalog.com

Who this fits
High-performing international high school graduates who can meet scholarship thresholds (GPA/SAT or equivalent). Also good for students seeking affordable regional public university options in the South. University of Louisiana Monroe

How to apply / tips

• Apply for admission early and submit all academic credentials and test scores (if required) to be considered for top scholarship bands.

• Ask ULM International Admissions which scholarships you’re automatically considered for and whether any separate scholarship application is required.

• Confirm whether housing awards or stipends are bundled with scholarship packages.

Pros / Cons
Pros: Transparent scholarship bands, opportunities to significantly lower cost, campus life in a college town.
Cons: Top scholarships require stronger academic credentials; award totals vary by year.