The Most Affordable Four-Year College in Each State
From the mid-1990s to 2024, tuition and fees increased by more than 100% at public four-year institutions and almost doubled at private four-year institutions.
However, tuition has dipped slightly at both public and private colleges in the last few school years — possibly in response to widespread concerns about the cost of higher education. That’s good news for prospective students, but college tuition remains pricey.
Because affordability is one of the most important things you may be looking for in a college, we’ve compiled a list of the most economical four-year schools in each state.
Cheapest Four-Year College in Each State
Alabama - Athens State University
Athens, AL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Athens State University is the most affordable four-year college in Alabama. A public university focused on upper-level education, Athens State enrolls junior and senior undergraduates in education, arts and sciences, and business programs. The university offers over 50 academic programs that cater to students seeking a flexible, affordable path to completing their bachelor's degree. Students can complete bachelor's degrees in areas like:
- Accounting
- Criminal Justice
- Information Technology
- Liberal Studies
- Management
- Social Science
The liberal studies major allows students to design a program of study around their goals and interests. This interdisciplinary program emphasizes career-ready skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. In the criminal justice program, students take courses in law enforcement, criminology, and the criminal justice process. The management program offers a comprehensive business education, focusing on the skills and knowledge required for managerial roles.
Students benefit from support services like a career development center, counseling services, and a transfer student success center. The university admits students with at least 36 transfer credits, including 15 general education credits, from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA.
- In-State$7,230
- Out-of-state$14,460
- In-State$8,352
- Out-of-state$14,472
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,894
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment91%
- AccreditationYes
Alaska - University of Alaska Southeast
- Juneau, AK
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
A public institution located in Alaska's Tongass National Forest, the University of Alaska Southeast operates a campus in Juneau and extended campuses in Sitka and Ketchikan. All three campuses are situated in coastal ocean communities and take advantage of their locations to offer marine and maritime career opportunities. UAS is also among the most affordable online colleges in Alaska, thanks to its online programs.
UAS grants degrees through the School of Arts and Sciences, the Alaska College of Education, the School of Career Education, and the Maritime Training Center. The institution prioritizes small class sizes, personalized attention, and comprehensive student support. Academic programs offer a special emphasis on marine biology, outdoor studies, fisheries, and maritime training. UAS blends classroom and experiential learning to prepare graduates for in-demand careers. Bachelor's students at UAS can major in:
- Biology and Marine Biology
- Business
- Education
- Environmental Science
- Liberal Arts
- Social Sciences
The liberal arts program combines coursework in humanities, communications, and social science to build critical thinking skills. Working with a faculty advisor, students can customize the degree around their interests and goals.
Freshman applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants with lower GPAs must meet ACT or SAT minimums. Transfer students need a minimum 2.0 GPA on all college coursework.
- In-State$8,460
- Out-of-state$25,440
- In-State$11,183
- Out-of-state$23,522
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled1,923
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
Arizona - University of Arizona
- Tucson, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Arizona South, now known as the College of Applied Science & Technology (CAST), grants applied science degrees as part of the state's public university system. CAST also offers continuing education programs designed around the workforce needs of local industries. The school partners with community colleges to offer an affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
CAST enrolls a high number of nontraditional students, with an average student age of 33 years old. Over half of the school's students are first-generation college students and 30% are military affiliated. Bachelor's students can choose from applied science majors in:
- Administration of Justice
- Early Childhood Education
- Human Services
- Informatics
- Government and Public Service
- Organizational Leadership and Regional Commerce
The organizational leadership and regional commerce program gives students executive-level leadership skills and foundational training in business practices. Majors take courses on topics like small business management, organizational behavior, and organizational leadership. The human services program incorporates internship opportunities and a senior capstone experience to give students practical experience in the field. All of CAST's applied science programs include core courses that build writing, analysis, and critical thinking skills.
Applicants need 60 transfer credits from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum 2.5 GPA. They must also submit a resume and goal statement. Students can earn transfer credit for military experience.
- In-State$10,990
- Out-of-state$33,739
- In-State$12,348
- Out-of-state$32,290
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled51,134
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Arkansas - University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- Pine Bluff, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Founded in 1890 as a land-grant institution, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff emphasizes learning, growth, and productivity through its academic programs. A public, historically black university, UAPB offers over 30 undergraduate majors, many of which incorporate internships, co-ops, and fellowships to build career-ready skills. UAPB also ranks among the most affordable online colleges in Arkansas for its extensive online options.
UAPB grants degrees through the School of Arts and Sciences; the School of Business and Management; and the School of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Human Services. Bachelor's students can major in:
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- General Studies
- Industrial Technology
- Nursing
- Social Work
The university's undergraduate programs prepare students for in-demand careers or further study as graduate students. For example, the social work program trains students for entry-level generalist social work roles in human services organizations and prepares them for advanced standing status in master's in social work programs.
Prospective students must submit ACT or SAT scores and official high school transcripts. The university offers full admission to applicants who hold a minimum 2.0 GPA and meet minimum ACT or SAT scores. Students who do not meet these requirements may earn conditional admission.
- In-State$5,130
- Out-of-state$11,640
- In-State$5,184
- Out-of-state$11,760
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled2,670
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
California - California State University-Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Part of the state university system, California State University, Los Angeles is a comprehensive, public institution that prioritizes engagement, service, and the public good. The university grants degrees through eight colleges that span disciplines like business, education, ethnic studies, and engineering.
Cal State LA enrolls 26,000 students through over 100 undergraduate, graduate, pre-professional, and certificate programs. The school offers undergraduate degrees in:
- Business Administration
- Communication
- Economics
- Liberal Studies
- Nursing
- Public Health
Graduates from the public health program can pursue leadership roles in community health organizations or a master's in public health. The communication degree emphasizes innovation while strengthening students' communication skills, preparing them for careers in diverse fields.
Freshman applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum 2.7 GPA in college preparatory subjects. Cal State LA admits transfer students with at least 60 credits -- including 30 credits of general education requirements -- and a minimum 2.0 GPA.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$14,304
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled26,029
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment91%
- AccreditationYes
Colorado - Colorado Mountain College
- Glenwood Springs, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Colorado Mountain College offers degrees through three residential campuses and eight community campuses. The CMC district also includes three national forests, six wilderness areas, and many major ski resorts. The Glenwood Springs campus, surrounded by the White River National Forest, offers classes from its downtown business district location.
CMC offers over 120 academic programs, including bachelor's degrees, that blend classroom and experiential learning. College counselors help students meet their educational goals and map out their career plans. Students can choose from bachelor's degrees in:
- Business
- Education
- Leadership and Management
- Nursing
- Sustainability
The bachelor of applied science in leadership and management admits students who have technical associate degrees. Students can specialize in areas like hospitality management, accounting, criminal justice, digital media, and graphic design.
Applicants must submit official transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Transfer students work with a college counselor to determine transfer credits.
- In-State$5,850
- Out-of-state$14,400
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,134
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Connecticut - University of Connecticut-Waterbury
- Waterbury, CT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Connecticut Waterbury is a public research institution that offers 110 majors. The institution offers a comprehensive education through traditional classroom learning and practical experiences. Students can access the Center for Career Development, free one-on-one tutoring, and counseling services.
Many students complete their first two years of undergraduate study at UConn Waterbury before transferring to UConn's main campus in Storrs to complete their bachelor's degrees. However, UConn Waterbury also offers full bachelor's degrees in:
- Allied Health Sciences
- Business Administration
- Business Data Analytics
- General Studies
- Psychological Sciences
The business data analytics program combines business and data analytics training, preparing students for leadership roles in data analytics. In the general studies program, adult learners can customize a course of study based on their prior college credits and future goals.
Prospective UConn students applying as freshmen must submit high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and an essay. Transfer applicants typically need a minimum 2.7 GPA, though some programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA. They must also submit standardized test scores and transcripts.
- In-State$15,030
- Out-of-state$37,698
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled795
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Delaware - Delaware State University
- Dover, DE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Founded in 1891, Delaware State University is designated one of the U.S.'s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. DSU boasts cutting-edge research innovations in fields like medicine and agriculture. The institution is also one of the most affordable online colleges in Delaware, thanks to its online and distance learning programs.
DSU offers 18 master's programs and five doctoral degrees in fields like educational leadership and applied mathematics. The school also offers 42 bachelor's programs in fields like criminal justice, information technology, management, public health, and social work.
DSU's social work program is the only BSW program in the state. The degree prepares graduates for social work careers and graduate study through its emphasis on experiential learning. The management program lets students concentrate in areas like business analytics, human resource management, and marketing.
Freshman applicants must submit official high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. Transfer students with fewer than 30 credits must provide high school transcripts, and transfer applicants with fewer than 12 credits must provide SAT or ACT scores. All applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA.
- In-State$7,038
- Out-of-state$16,960
- In-State$5,160
- Out-of-state$11,376
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled5,200
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
Florida - Indian River State College
- Fort Pierce, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Indian River State College is among the most affordable online colleges in Florida. IRSC offers diverse associate, bachelor's, and certificate programs. All IRSC programs develop the skills necessary for career success while supporting students through academic and career services. Students can choose from bachelor's degrees in:
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Human Services
- Organizational Management
- Public Administration
These bachelor's programs give students career-ready skills through a combination of experiential and classroom learning. Public administration students can concentrate in emergency planning and management or policy and leadership. These concentrations provide an educational foundation for leadership careers in the public sector. The criminal justice program uses practicums to train students in law enforcement, analysis, and criminology.
IRSC offers multiple fully online bachelor's programs in areas like organizational management, business administration, healthcare management, and criminal justice. However, online programs require at least one proctored assessment, and some programs incorporate an in-person practicum.
Applicants must submit transcripts. The college offers a new student orientation to help students transition into the program. Before registering for classes, new students must work with an advisor to create an academic plan.
- In-State$2,496
- Out-of-state$9,360
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled14,461
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Georgia - Atlanta Metropolitan State College
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
A public institution established in 1965, Atlanta Metropolitan State College operates four academic divisions: business administration and computer science; humanities and fine arts; science, mathematics, and health professions; and social sciences. In addition to on-campus programs, AMSC offers online courses taught by the same professors who teach on campus. AMSC is among the most affordable online colleges in Georgia.
AMSC students can choose from bachelor's degrees in:
- Biological Science
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Digital Media and Entertainment Design
- Organizational Leadership
- Teacher Education
AMSC provides instruction in diverse formats to meet the needs of students with different learning styles. Programs may incorporate online courses, multimedia instruction, and computer-based instruction to enhance learning. Students can also complete practical activities in the field while earning their degrees.
Prospective students must submit official transcripts. AMSC uses a placement test in lieu of SAT or ACT scores.
- In-State$2,425
- Out-of-state$9,051
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,605
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
Reality Check: What Is Considered Affordable for College?
To determine if your college is affordable, the National College Attainment Network says to subtract the sum of your total college expenses plus $300 for emergencies from the sum of your financial aid, wages, and expected family contribution. Your college is affordable if your answer is zero or a positive number. You can use the following equation:
Financial Aid + Wages + Expected Family Contribution Tuition + Fees + $300 Emergency Fund
How to Afford College: How Do Most People Pay for College?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 80% of bachelor’s degree students receive some level of financial support from their families, with 21% of parents contributing more than $10,000 to their child’s education. Scholarships and grants also help students cover tuition.
Education lender Sallie Mae reports that around 51% of all American students receive federal grants, increasing to 88% for historically Black colleges or universities (HBCUs) enrollees. Around 40% of full-time students and 80% of part-time learners also work for income.
7 Tips for Making College More Affordable
Besides completing the U.S. Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you can employ the following strategies to reduce your out-of-pocket costs for college.
1. Apply early for financial aid.
For priority consideration, the cut-off date for submitting the FAFSA is June 30. Don’t miss that deadline. Find out the deadlines for other scholarships and grants you want to apply for and try to beat those target dates.
You may discover that some donors have an early action deadline that can move you to the head of the line for aid consideration.
2. Attend an in-state public university.
In general, in-state public universities are much cheaper than private colleges. NCES reports that for the 2022-2023 school year, the average undergraduate student at a four-year, in-state public university paid $27,146 while their counterpart at a private university spent $58,628 — more than twice as much.
3. Start out at a community college.
Community colleges are even more affordable than public universities. NCES reports that in 2022-2023, the average community college charged $3,598 in tuition and required fees, while in-state, four-year schools charged $9,750.
Some community colleges are 100% tuition-free for qualifying students and programs.
4. Search for state-sponsored grants and scholarships.
Many students know about federal grants, loans, and military benefits, but you may not have heard that many states also offer need-based grants and merit-based scholarships.
Talk to your high school counselor or the financial aid office at your college of interest about how your state can help you pay for higher education.
5. Consider nontraditional ways to earn college credit.
You can shorten your time to graduation and save money through prior learning assessment (PLA). If you earned advanced placement credits from high school, undertook military service, or enrolled in employer training programs, you can submit your experience for credit evaluation.
6. Steer clear of for-profit colleges.
For-profit colleges are owned by large corporations that invest heavily in massive marketing campaigns, so you might feel tempted to enroll in one of these schools. However, for-profit institutions frequently have abysmal student success rates and charge far higher prices than most traditional colleges and universities.
Stick with nonprofit schools that can help you get to and through college efficiently and affordably.
7. Attend college online.
Attending college online can save you a bundle on fees, housing, and transportation costs while allowing you to work — and earn money — at the same time. Many public universities offer in-state tuition rates to out-of-state students learning online, and private colleges may charge more affordable fees for online learners.
Is Online College Cheaper?
Median Annual Tuition and Fees for a Bachelor’s Degree Program
$7,926
Online
$12,250
Traditional, In-Person
Yes, online college can be cheaper than traditional, in-person programs. According to NCES, tuition and fees for online bachelor’s degree programs are, on average, around $4,500 less per year than in-person degree programs.
The financial benefits of online college extend beyond the price tag. You can live at home instead of on campus, saving you money on groceries and rent. You can also maintain a job more easily, earning the cash you need to pay your expenses.
Ways online college can save you money:
Tuition Reduction- Live at Home
- No Commuting
- Work While Going to School
Caveat: Online college is not automatically cheaper than in-person learning because college costs are derived from many other factors, including a school’s reputation, funding sources, endowments, and student services.
Public vs. Private Colleges: Which Is More Affordable?
Public colleges almost always charge lower tuition per credit than private institutions, but cheaper fees don’t necessarily mean you are saving money. Private colleges typically grant more generous financial aid packages than public schools. That’s why it’s essential to evaluate your choices carefully using more metrics than just the sticker price.
| Factor | Public (4-Year) | Private Nonprofit (4-Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition Cost for Traditional, On-Campus Programs | $10,248 | $33,099 |
| Average Tuition Cost for Online Programs | $8,009 | $16,667 |
| Average Aid Awarded (Grants and Scholarships) | $9,600 | $28,600 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Colleges
Strictly speaking, “in-state tuition” means the cost per credit that schools charge students who are legal residents of the state where the college is located. For example, it’s what Florida residents pay to attend Florida colleges.
Some schools offer in-state tuition to students who live in counties adjoining their state, enrollees who have grandparents living in their state, or online learners who live in other states. Private colleges rarely, if ever, offer in-state and out-of-state tuition; instead, they charge all students the same price regardless of residence.
