The dream of getting a college degree in the United States is a big one. It can open up amazing opportunities for your future. But let's be honest, that dream can also feel incredibly expensive. When you see the price tags for some universities, it’s easy to feel discouraged.

But here is the good news: a great education does not have to leave you with a mountain of debt. There are hundreds of excellent and affordable universities across the country if you know how to look for them.

This guide is here to help you do just that. We’ll break down the most important rule of finding a “cheap” college, give you a list of some of the most affordable schools, and share simple tips to help you pay for your education.

The #1 Most Important Rule of Affordable College

Before we get to any list, you need to understand the biggest factor in college pricing: in-state versus out-of-state tuition.

• In-State Tuition: Public universities (or state schools) get funding from the state government's taxes. To reward the residents who pay those taxes, these universities offer a huge discount on tuition to students who live in that same state. This is almost always the cheapest path to a four-year degree.

• Out-of-State Tuition: If you attend a public university in a state where you are not a resident, you will pay a much higher price. This out-of-state tuition can sometimes be two or three times higher than the in-state price.

So, the first and most important tip is this: the most affordable universities for you will likely be the public universities in your own home state.

A List of Some of the Most Affordable Universities

While your local state schools are a great place to start, some universities are known for being affordable for everyone, including out-of-state students. The schools on this list are famous for keeping their costs low while still providing a quality education.

(Note: The costs mentioned are based on recent data and can change. "Tuition" is the price for classes, but you'll also need to budget for fees, housing, and food. Always check the school's official website for the most current numbers.)

Top Picks for Low Overall Tuition

These schools are often at the top of lists for low costs, for both in-state and out-of-state students.

1. Alcorn State University

• Location: Lorman, Mississippi

• Why It's Affordable: Alcorn State is a public, historically Black university (HBCU) that has consistently kept its tuition among the lowest in the entire country.

• Known For: Strong programs in nursing, education, and agriculture.

2. Delta State University

• Location: Cleveland, Mississippi

• Why It's Affordable: Like Alcorn State, Delta State is a public university in Mississippi that is committed to providing an accessible education. It offers the same low tuition rate to all undergraduate students, regardless of where they live.

• Known For: Its commercial aviation program (to become a pilot) and its education and business degrees.

3. Indian River State College

• Location: Fort Pierce, Florida

• Why It's Affordable: While it started as a community college, Indian River now offers many bachelor's degrees at an extremely low price. It is part of Florida's very affordable state college system.

• Known For: Nursing, business, and technology programs. It has an "open-door" policy, making it very accessible.

4. California State University (CSU) System

• Location: Across California (23 campuses)

• Why It's Affordable: The CSU system is a powerhouse of affordable education for California residents. Campuses like CSU Dominguez Hills, CSU Fresno, and CSU Los Angeles offer incredible value. While more expensive for out-of-state students, they are still often cheaper than other major universities.

• Known For: Almost everything! From business and engineering to arts and teaching, the CSU system has a program for everyone.

5. City University of New York (CUNY) System

• Location: New York City, New York

• Why It's Affordable: For New York residents, the CUNY schools offer a world-class education for a tiny fraction of the cost of private universities in the city. Campuses like Lehman College and Hunter College are amazing values.

• Known For: A huge variety of strong programs in liberal arts, sciences, and pre-professional fields.

Special Category: Tuition-Free "Work Colleges"

A few unique schools in the U.S. don't charge any tuition at all! The catch? All students are required to work on campus to pay for their education.

1. Berea College

• Location: Berea, Kentucky

• How It Works: Every single student admitted to Berea receives a Tuition Promise Scholarship that covers 100% of their tuition costs. In return, students work 10-15 hours per week in one of over 100 campus jobs.

• Known For: Its commitment to serving students with high academic potential but limited financial resources, particularly from the Appalachian region.

2. College of the Ozarks

• Location: Point Lookout, Missouri

• How It Works: Known as "Hard Work U," this college also offers a tuition-free education. Students work 15 hours a week at a campus job to cover their costs.

• Known For: Its strong patriotic and Christian values, and programs in business, education, and agriculture.

Beyond Tuition: The Other Costs of College

The price on the website—the "sticker price"—is only one part of the total cost. To get a real idea of what you’ll pay, you need to think about:

• Fees: These are extra charges for things like student activities, health services, and using the gym.

• Room and Board: The cost of living in a dorm and having a meal plan. This can sometimes cost as much as tuition.

• Books and Supplies: Textbooks and other materials can add up to over a thousand dollars a year.

• Net Price: This is the most important number. The net price is what you actually pay after you get grants and scholarships. Every college has a "Net Price Calculator" on its website that can give you a better estimate.

Your Strategy for Making College Affordable

No matter which college you choose, you can take steps to lower your costs.

1. Fill Out the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your key to unlocking financial aid. This one form is used to determine if you can get grants (free money from the government), scholarships, and federal student loans. Fill it out as soon as it becomes available!

2. Apply for Every Scholarship You Can: Billions of dollars in scholarships are available from companies, non-profits, and the colleges themselves. Spend time searching for them and writing good applications. A strong essay can make all the difference, so it’s worth learning how to write a winning scholarship essay.

3. Consider a Community College First: You can save a huge amount of money by going to a local community college for your first two years. Then, you can transfer to a four-year university to finish your bachelor's degree. This is often called a "2+2 plan."

4. Look for Regional Discounts: Some states have agreements to give students from neighboring states a discount on out-of-state tuition. The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a famous example for western states.

A Great Education Is Within Your Reach

Don't let the high cost of some famous universities scare you away from your dream of a college degree. There are many paths to a fantastic and affordable education.

The most important step is to be a smart researcher. Look at the public universities in your home state first. Explore the schools on this list. And most importantly, always apply for financial aid. By thinking carefully about value, you can find the perfect school to launch your future without breaking the bank.