The Least Expensive Colleges in the United States

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Sending a child to college is something most parents spend a lot of time thinking about. The cost of college is exorbitant, and if your child is one who wants to attend a private university or one that’s considered Ivy League, you have a lot to save for. However, if your child isn’t particular about college, it’s always worth considering one of the least expensive universities in the country as a place of education for your kids; and each one offers a full array of Associate and Bachelor degree programs.

U.S. Military Academy (West Point) – $-6,500

How is it possible that tuition here is in the negative? Because cadets who attended the very exclusive West Point are actually paid to attend college! In addition to free room, board, classes and books, West Point cadets are given an annual salary of $6,500. However, only those who are exceptionally talented are chosen to go to West Point, and they’re usually students looking to make a career of the military.

Berea College – $0

It’s difficult not to be the least expensive college in the country when it’s free. The actual cost of tuition for this four-year university, located in Kentucky, is $25,500 per year, but the school only accepts students with severe financial need and offers 100 percent scholarships to all students. This means that the total cost of a $100,000 education is covered for students with the greatest financial need.

Cooper Union – $0

Located in New York, the cost of tuition at Cooper Union College is $35,000 per year. However, this is also a college that only accepts students with extreme financial need and offers 100 percent scholarships. Students here will pay nothing for college based on their exceptional financial need.

University of Hawaii – $2,088

What beats a cheap college education and the opportunity to live in the tropical island known as O’ahu? It’s the least expensive state university in the country, and it offers a complete list of degrees in the biggest – and not so big – categories available. In-state tuition is exceptionally cheap, and it’s one of the most popular colleges in the country.

Armstrong Atlantic State University – $2,676

Located in the lovely Savannah Georgia, a four-year degree here is going to cost approximately $11,000. There are around 7,000 students enrolled here, and the cost for an education is less than even the cheapest community colleges.

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Written by Tiffany Raiford

Tiffany Raiford is a lifelong Floridian, wife to my high school sweetheart and mother of four littles (two girls and boy/girl twins...no, they are not identical and yes, I'm sure). My kids love to whine, so I love to wine. My loves include nap time, bed time, date night, travel and evenings and weekends when my husband is home because he handles all diaper changes.