Introduction
For many Nigerian students and families, the dream of studying in the United States as international students comes with equal parts of excitement and financial anxiety. From watching TikTok videos about life on US campuses to calculating how many years of savings you’d have to set aside to afford tuition, we all know the struggle is real.
With the exchange rate fluctuating nearly as often as the price of petrol, and dollar payments eating deep into savings, finding most affordable US universities with low tuition has become a top priority for hopeful undergraduates and postgraduates alike.
Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between quality and cost. There are best cheap universities in the US for international students that offer strong academic programs without the towering price tag. And with smart planning, scholarships for international students, and reliable dollar payment solutions like Cleva, studying in the USA can be more within reach than you think.
In this guide, we break down affordable options for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, plus practical tips to make your dollar stretch further.
Why cost matters for international students
Before we dive into specific schools, here are a few reasons international students often feel the financial pressure:
- Tuition in the US is usually listed in USD, meaning students from Nigeria must constantly monitor the exchange rate.
- Paying fees via regular bank transfers can attract high charges and poor conversion rates.
- Living costs, health insurance, books, and visas add extra financial pressure beyond tuition.
This is where a global payment tool like Cleva becomes a game‑changer.
With Cleva, you can:
- Hold and send USD conveniently without expensive intermediaries
- Make dollar payments to universities without hidden fees
- Track and manage tuition disbursements in real time
Cleva makes international finance simple so you can focus on your academics, not costly transfers.
Best affordable US universities for international students
Here’s a list of quality, budget‑friendly universities in the United States that are known for low tuition fees for international students. Tuition costs are approximate and can change year to year.
1. Minot State University (North Dakota)
Approx. Tuition: From ~$8,000 per year
Highlights:
- One of the most affordable state universities for international learners
- Offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
- Strong programs in business, education, and the arts
Scholarships: Merit‑based aid available for international applicants
2. Alcorn State University (Mississippi)
Approx. Tuition: From ~$7,500 per year
Highlights:
- Historically cost‑friendly university with supportive campus services
- Known for agricultural sciences, nursing, and liberal arts
Scholarships: Institutional scholarships and work‑study opportunities
3. South Texas College (Texas)
Approx. Tuition: From ~$6,000 per year
Highlights:
- Highly affordable for community college transfer or associate degrees
- Excellent pathway programs to larger universities
Scholarships: Partial tuition awards and community support funds
4. Brigham Young University–Idaho
Approx. Tuition: From ~$7,000 per year
Highlights:
- Private university with low tuition thanks to church support
- Focus on career readiness and tight community
Scholarships: Academic and ministry‑related scholarships available
5. Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)
Approx. Tuition: From ~$10,000 per year
Highlights:
- Creative arts hub with competitive programs
- More affordable relative to similar art schools
Scholarships: Portfolio‑based awards for talent and merit
Tips to make US College more affordable for international students
Choosing a low‑tuition university is just the first step. Here’s how to make your dollar go even further:
1. Apply for scholarships for international students
Many US schools offer tuition waivers, merit‑based grants, or assistantships (especially for postgraduate students). Always check school pages early.
2. International students can consider community colleges first
Starting at an affordable community college and transferring later to a four‑year university can cut overall costs.
3. Budget with exchange rates in mind
Plan your payments when the exchange rate is favourable to save Naira. Watching rate trends before major transfers helps preserve funds.
4. Use reliable dollar payment tools
Paying tuition internationally via banks can incur poor FX and high fees. With Cleva, you can manage your USD payments efficiently for your US university fees using a virtual dollar card:
- Fund Your Cleva Account: Convert Naira to USD within the Cleva app.
- Load the Virtual Card: Transfer USD from your Cleva account to your virtual dollar card.
- Use Card Details: Enter the virtual card number, expiry, and CVV on your university’s online payment portal.
- Pay: Transactions go through Visa/Mastercard networks, making it possible to pay tuition and other global services online.
Note: You cannot send USD directly from your Cleva account for now. Therefore, always check your university’s payment portal and Cleva’s terms for restrictions or large transaction limits, as some schools may prefer SWIFT/ACH bank transfers or flag large prepaid card payments.
- Proof of Funds & Visa Applications: Cleva also provides a proof of account, which you can use to demonstrate sufficient funds for visa and scholarship applications especially if you are a freelancer, remote worker or creator.
This approach ensures more of your money goes to tuition instead of hidden fees, while also simplifying your proof-of-funds requirements.
Conclusion
Getting an education in the United States does not have to come with a overly expensive price tag. By choosing affordable universities, applying for scholarships, and using Cleva’s virtual dollar card, you can pay tuition smoothly, avoid hidden fees, and even provide proof of funds for visas or scholarships.
Ready to pay tuition with ease and confidence?
Open your free Cleva account today to start managing your education finances in USD.
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