It is possible to pursue a master’s course in the US with a reasonable amount of tuition fees. Still, there are lots of aspects to take into account while choosing the cheapest MS program in the US, such as the political condition there, geographical region, university, and the program that would be pursued.
Some of the cheapest MS programs in the US are listed for your assistance in advance. Some of the least expensive MS programs in the USA are Mississippi State University MSU, University of North Texas UNT, New Mexico State University NMSU, West Texas A&M University, and University at Buffalo SUNY, amongst others.
However, as this article progresses, we will go through all the lists of cheapest MS programs in the US, what to consider when going to those universities, and some pointers on how you could manage to cut the expenses of your course.
Cheapest MS Programs In The United States
Let us look into the least expensive and cheapest MS program in the US, with their fees also taken care of. They are:
1. Mississippi State University (MSU)
This is one of the popular universities in Starkville, Mississippi and was founded in 1878. It has been functioning and well-equipped up to date. They offer grants and financial aid to their students, which makes them among the institutions with the largest number of students.
MSU has a reputation for being one of the most affordable graduate programs in the state, particularly when it comes to engineering, computer science, agriculture, business, education, and several other STEM programs. For resident students, the tuition fee is significantly lower ($10,200) but still, even for out-of-state students, the tuition fee is quite reasonable ($27,600 per year) compared to a number of institutions.
2. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University, also known as TAMU, is located in College Station, Texas, approximately 90 miles to its northwest, Houston. The school was established in 1876 under the designation Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Engineering.
Some programs offered at TAMU include Aerospace engineering, Biotechnology, Energy and sustainability, Healthcare and biomedical sciences, National security, and defense. Benefits such as significantly lower tuition are given for in-state students, which is $11,232 as opposed to $29,704 for out-state students.
3. University of Texas at El Paso
Another cheapest MS program in the US is obtained in the University of Texas System. It is known for a reasonably high reputation mainly around issues of engineering courses, health sciences courses, and business administration courses. It entertains certain packages like financial aid and scholarships, which makes it affordable for students. It’s worth noting that their tuition fee per semester is $3,611 for indigenous students, while for non-Indigenous students it is $10,850.
4. University of Wyoming
If you are searching for a good university that is into public research, then the University of Wyoming is highly recommended. The university is located in Laramie, Wyoming, US, and was founded in 1886. Furthermore, it is vast and offers a lot of master’s programs especially Science, Technology, Engineering, and mathematics-related courses ranging from computer science to environmental science.
However, the tuition fee of this institution is a bit higher than others mentioned in this article ($22,815 for in-state and $37,965 for out-state) due to the diversity of programs offered and the facilities in the institution but cannot be comparable with other universities.
5. University of North Texas (UNT)
Going to UNT is an option for continuing your education affordably and focusing on areas like data science and education while having opportunities for teaching and researching assistantships as well as scholarships to help students save money with reduced costs at the university level. For in-state students at UNT, tuition is $5,450 per semester and for out-of-state students, it’s $12,920 per semester.
6. South Dakota State University
The tuition fees at SDSU are among the most affordable in the nation and they offer a range of MS programs focused on agriculture, biology, and engineering fields. Living costs in South Dakota are below the national average, making it a highly cost-effective state for pursuing education. State students pay $5, 425 per semester for tuition, while state students pay $11,300 per semester.
7. California State University
California State University is one of the well-known universities in the United States and offers Courses such as business, arts, engineering, education, natural sciences, liberal arts, health and human services, and international education.
The $8,250 per year tuition fee of its standard graduate programs is the one wherein this amount is calculated by taking into consideration the average semester of 9 units/credits per semester of students being enrolled in a particular year.
8. New Mexico State University
New Mexico State University focused on areas in engineering and agriculture. This is the segment where the natural sciences play an important part in the institution. The inclusion of the fee rebate for needy students will give qualified students a chance to cover their part of the tuition costs of the programs being implemented by the University. An Indigenous student is charged $3600 per semester, while out-of-state students are charged $12000 per semester.
9. Montana State University
The MS in environmental science program, a master’s of science program that involves environmental sciences, is counted among the radiant MS programs presented by Montana State University (MSU). In addition to the fact that students cannot fail to receive these services, MSU is giving them scholarships and assistantships; sometimes, students who qualify for these are included. In the in-state, tuition is $5976, whilst for students abroad it’s $16,752.
10. Arkansas State University (A-State)
They offer MS programs in computer science, engineering, and education. Several financial aids, such as assistantships and scholarships, are available at the university level for cost-reduction assistance. In-state tuition is $4,495 per semester, and Out-of-State tuition is $8,515 per semester.
Selection Factors For An MS Program
Before getting into a list of the Cheapest MS programs in the US, there are some factors to consider during the selection process that can be very helpful, especially if affordability is one of the top priorities. The following are key aspects to be judged:
1. Tuition and Fees
It’s important to do your research to know your choice of school tuition and other expenses, such as the student service fee, technology fee, and lab fee.
2. In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition
70% of a university’s non-indigenous students pay more than the Indigenous students. It is therefore advisable that you attend a state public university where you can obtain residency so that cost can be reduced for you.
3. Program Length
Most MS courses last between one and two years. The shorter the course length, the less you will have to pay overall, as tuition is usually per semester or credit.
4. Scholarships and Assistantships
The majority of schools offer scholarships, grants, and assistantship opportunities that can easily offset tuition and living expenses.
5. Location
The location of the university matters a lot and also determines the cost of living. Staying in a popular city increases the cost of living. However, to reduce the cost of living, it is preferable to stay in a rural area.
Tips On Reducing The Cost Of Your MS Program
Besides looking for an affordable school, here are some strategies you can use to minimize the cost of your MS program:
1. Apply For Assistantships
It’s advised that you apply for an assistantship, which includes a stipend and tuition remission. This can help you reduce your budget by paying partial or full tuition through part-time work as a research or teaching assistant.
2. Inquire About Scholarships
Many universities offer merit-based scholarships for graduate students. These may be partial tuition or full-tuition awards. There are also many private external scholarships you can apply for to get funding.
3. Online Courses
Some universities offer online MS courses, which are less expensive than the tuition for courses taken on campus. You can also save money on living by studying from home.
4. Community and State Colleges
When comparing private and state universities tuition fees, you’ll discover that state universities are much more affordable.
However, many community colleges are in alignment with some state universities, giving them the privilege of offering some courses at a lower cost.
5. Work-Study Programs
There are a whole lot of part-time jobs for students with financial needs. Most universities permit their students to work while studying. Getting this job will ease your financial burden and reduce the amount of student loans you’ll take.
6. Employer Tuition Assistance
Some employers reimburse tuition or assist their employees in pursuing graduate education in the field related to their jobs. Check with your employer if this is an option.
Final Words
Though expensive, there are quite several cheapest MS programs in the US. You would be able to find a program that fits your budget, apart from considering a few variables like tuition, location, and financial aid opportunities.
The cheapest MS programs in the US are from public universities, which have much lower tuition for in-state students. Further, to reduce the overall cost of your education, there are assistantships, scholarships, and online options.
