The Best Online Colleges with Lowest Out-of-State Tuition of 2020

Students from across the U.S. can enroll at PSC and receive the same tuition rate as their in-state peers. Full-time undergraduates pay $6,188 annually, with an additional $7,232 for room and board. In addition, the university estimates that students spend an average of $2,656 on other expenses throughout the year. Students should also be prepared to spend $1,056 annually on books and supplies. Both in-state and out-of-state students pay the same rate for online classes, although prospective students should note that online costs are higher than campus-based tuition.

• PSC offers 13 undergraduate degrees and two master's programs. An additional eight online programs are also available.
• Over 2,500 students are currently enrolled at the college, and most class sizes are kept to fewer than 20.
• In addition to cost-effective tuition and fees, 92% of first-time undergraduates received some form of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, loans or work-study funds.

Out-of-state students at New Mexico Highlands University can expect to pay $6,382 in annual tuition and fees, with an additional $7,404 for room and board expenses. $1,000 should be factored in for books and supplies each year, and the university estimates that most students spend approximately $3,836 a year in other expenses. Graduate students from outside New Mexico's borders pay $7,698 in tuition each year.

• NMHU prides itself on ethnic diversity: Over 80% of the student body is made up of students who identify as a minority.
• In the 2012-13 academic year, 73% of all students received financial aid, averaging $5,181 per year.
• Some students at the university took out additional federal loans to pay for their education, averaging $6,164 per year.

All undergraduates at Delta State University pay the same tuition. In the 2014-15 academic year, this totaled $6,562, while books and supplies accounted for an additional $1,100. Students electing to live and eat on campus are charged $7,200 per year, and the university estimates students spend an additional $4,025 on other miscellaneous expenses. This annual total of $13,762 for tuition and room and board expenses is far below the national average for public four-year institutions, making DSU a great out-of-state value.

• DSU provides a number of institutional scholarships to help students pay for their education.
• The university offers over 50 majors for students seeking bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs.
• Nearly 4,800 students currently call DSU home, and students enjoy an 18:1 student to faculty ratio.

As a North Dakota school, DSU is able to offer some of the lowest room and board costs in the nation, totaling $5,850 each year. Out-of-state students can also expect competitive tuition rates: the 2014-15 academic year saw non-residents pay $8,495. While costs for textbooks and other supplies vary by major, the university advises students to expect costs of approximately $1,200 each year.

• DSU offers 51 bachelor's degrees, four associate degrees and two certification programs spread across 10 academic departments, taught across day, evening and online classes.
• The university is committed to providing an intimate learning environment, maintaining an 11:1 student to faculty ratio for the 1500+ students who call DSU home.
• In the 2012-13 academic year, 73% of all first-time undergraduate students received grant or scholarship aid, averaging $3,821 per year.

Located just outside Amarillo, WTAMU draws students nationwide thanks to its academic rigor and low tuition costs. In 2014-15, out-of-state students paid $7,538 in tuition, with an additional $1,000 earmarked for textbooks and academic supplies. Those electing to live and dine on campus paid an additional $7,376. All in, out-of-state students paid just shy of $15,000 each year for their education, well under half of the national average for public four-year colleges.

• Nearly 9,000 enrolled students take advantage of more than 100 degree programs offered at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.
• In addition to institutional scholarships, 77% of first-time undergraduates received a federal grant, averaging $6,121.
• Despite its growing size, WTAMU remains devoted to the individual student: the student to faculty rate remains steady at 19:1.

ASU attracts students from across the nation to three campuses spread across Mississippi, thanks in part to the school's commitment to providing the same tuition rates for both resident and nonresident students. In the 2014-15 academic year, students paid annual tuition rates of $6,200, compared to the national average of $22,958 for out-of-state students attending a public four-year college. If electing to live and eat on campus, students tacked on an additional $8,650. Books and supplies totaled $1,510.

• The university is a historically black institution, founded in 1871 as the first black land grant college in the nation.
• Nearly 4,000 students take advantage of more than 50 fields of study offered as associate, bachelor's, master's and specialist degree programs.
• In the 2012-13 academic year, 89% of undergraduates received grant or scholarship aid, averaging $7,507 per year.

Out-of-state students at Mayville State University can expect to pay less than half the national average for non-resident students attending a four-year public college. With annual tuition charges of $8,894, and room and board fees totaling $6,452, the final number is well below the cost of many comparable institutions. Students should expect to pay approximately $1,000 per year for textbooks and academic supplies, while the university estimates that students will spend around $3,100 each year in miscellaneous expenses.

• MSU offers 31 academic programs, available at the associate and bachelor's degree levels.
• Mayville was the first university in the nation to become a tablet PC campus; every student and faculty member is issued this piece of technology upon starting at MSU.
• Given its small size, the university is able to offer individualized attention for students. Most classes have 15 or fewer students, and the student to faculty ratio is 13:1.

Full-time, non-resident students at DSU paid $9,986 in tuition and fees during the 2014-15 academic year. Many of these students elected to live and dine on campus, resulting in an additional charge of $5,941, while textbook and supply costs added $1,000 for the year. Prospective students should also be aware of a $390 wireless computing fee, which includes access to a tablet, the DSU network, software and campus tech support.

• The university is committed to helping students succeed upon graduation: the latest graduating class saw a job placement rate of 95%.
• In the 2013-14 academic year, 79% of students received financial aid, with an average of $9,917 awarded to each student.
• Students can take advantage of over 40 degrees offered at the associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.

All students enrolled at Southwest Minnesota State University pay the same rate for tuition. In the 2014-15 academic year, this amount totaled $8,074. The university has a banded tuition policy, meaning students who take between 12 to 18 credits pay the same rate. Room and board comes to $7,352 per year on average, books and supplies total $1,200 and the university estimates that students spend about $3,200 on personal expenses per year.

• The university is part of the "20/30 Club," a group of institutions whose annual tuition rate is below $20,000, yet graduates earn more than $30,000 annually in their first jobs.
• In the 2014-15 academic year, 87% of undergraduates received financial aid award packages averaging $10,620.
• The university is home to nearly 7,000 students and maintains a student to faculty ratio of 26:1.

Over 4,700 undergraduates at Bemidji State University take advantage of the university's cost-effective tuition rates, which totaled $8,134 for all students in the 2014-15 academic year. Students also paid $900 for their textbooks and academic supplies. Those electing to live on campus paid an additional $7,470, while the school suggests students should plan to spend an additional $2,800 each year on personal expenses.

• Students from 35 states and 30 countries currently take advantage of the 60 majors and pre-professional programs offered by the university.
• More than two-thirds of first-time undergraduates choose to return to BSU after their first year.
• 90% of all undergraduates receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, work-study compensation or loans.

In addition to the university's many associate, bachelor's and master's programs, students also choose BHSU for its low tuition rates. During the 2014-15 academic year, out-of-state students paid $10,097 to undertake a full-time course load, plus $1,200 for textbooks and academic supplies. Students who took advantage of on campus room and board paid an additional $6,330. Miscellaneous expenses such as laundry, transportation and dining out tallied $4,300 for the year.

• The university offers five different campuses for learning in addition to a variety of distance education options.
• The school offers over 90 degree programs spread across all academic levels, in addition to 20 pre-professional programs.
• The current student body comprises students from 44 states and 29 countries. Within the undergraduate community, 53% of students received grant or scholarship aid averaging $4,271 per academic year.

Out-of-state students attending Northwestern Oklahoma State University paid approximately $12,293 during the 2014-15 year, with books and supplies costing an additional $1,200. Students who choose to live and dine on campus can expect to add $4,230 to that figure. Other expenses, such as transportation, personal costs and laundry services, average $3,600 per year. U.S. News & World Report has highlighted the university for having the most affordable campus housing in America.

• Over 2,500 students take advantage of undergraduate degrees offered in 40 areas of study via the schools of arts and sciences and professional studies.
• Over 57% of NOSU attendees graduate with no student debt.
• In the 2012-13 academic year, 96% of first-time undergraduates received some form of financial aid.

At Wayne State College, out-of-state undergraduates paid $9,804 for tuition during the 2014-15 academic year, though students from Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota and Wisconsin qualified for in-state rates as part of the Midwest Student Exchange Program. Textbooks and classroom supplies tacked on an extra $1,100, while students opting for on-campus room and board paid an additional $6,420 per year. Personal expenses such as transportation, food and entertainment are estimated to total approximately $2,712.

• The university has been recognized for having the most affordable tuition throughout the region.
• The most popular undergraduate degrees include business administration, elementary education, criminal justice, industrial technology, human service counseling, life sciences and special education.
• 83% of recent graduates found work in their field or go on to attend graduate school for further education; 16% are employed in other fields.

Nonresidents paid approximately $10,042 in tuition per year while enrolled at Northern State University, in addition to $1,200 for textbooks and supplies. While not mandatory, those who opted for room and board paid an additional $6,942. The institution estimates students will need $3,800 per year to pay for miscellaneous expenses such as transportation, laundry and technology. The university has a guaranteed four-year scholarship program, with funding amounts dictated by a student's ACT/SAT score.

• U.S. News & World Report has ranked NSU as one of the nation's top regional public schools for six years in a row.
• The university currently has over 4,100 enrolled students taking advantage of 43 bachelor's degrees, seven associate programs and nine master's degrees.
• 95% of first-time students undertaking full-time study receive financial aid.

Boasting tuition at half the price of comparable Georgia institutions, Gordon State, in Barnesville, GA, prioritizes affordability for out-of-state and in-state students alike. For the 2015 fall semester, out-of-state tuition for a full 15 credit hours sits at $5,661, or $377.40 per credit hour. Mandatory fees associated with tuition total to $311 for students taking 4 credits or less each semester, regardless of in-state or out-of-state status; fees for 5 credits or more come to $550.

• For 2015, traditional dorm charges come to $1,715 per semester; at 9 meals per week, meal plans come to $1,280 per semester.
• Tuition for eCore classes, the programs online course management system, comes to $169 per credit hour.
• Cappex.com reports that annual institional aid averages out to $2,332 per student, with 93% of students receiving aid.

During the 2014-15 academic year, students from outside Louisiana paid $8,274 for tuition, while books and class supplies added $1,200. Students who lived and ate on campus paid an additional $8,003. At $16,277 for the academic year, total costs are almost half the national average for non-resident students attending a public four-year university. Students should also plan for other expenses, such as technology, laundry or transportation, estimated to be $3,680 per year.

• Nearly 6,800 students are currently enrolled at SUAMC and enjoy a 15:1 student to faculty ratio.
• Over two third of first-time freshmen students elect to continue their education at the university in their second year.
• 80% of all undergraduate students receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $5,537 per student.

At Eastern New Mexico University, out-of-state students pay $10,633 in tuition, over $12,000 less than the national average cost for non-resident students attending a public four-year university. School supplies and textbooks average $950 per year, while room and board add $6,452. The institution also advises students to expect approximately $4,375 of expenses, such as transportation, laboratory fees and laundry services.

• Students from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North/South Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington or Wyoming are eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchanges, which provides further discounts on tuition.
• Nearly 6,000 students currently take advantage of more than 60 associate, bachelor's and master's programs. 95% of these students have indicated they are satisfied with the university.
• The school has been federally designated a Hispanic-Serving institution and is a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

Many out-of-state students choose to attend the main campus of Southern Arkansas University, thanks in part to highly competitive tuition rates. In the 2014-15 academic year, non-residents paid $11,186, alongside $1,500 for textbooks and school supplies. Living on campus costs an additional $6,140, while all students had personal and miscellaneous fees that averaged $5,017 for the year.

• In the last 13 years, the university has spent nearly $100 million on new buildings and improved facilities.
• Over 3,400 students take advantage of certificate, associate, bachelor's and master's offerings in more than 90 degree areas.
• 97% of all first-time undergraduates receive financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study programs or loans.

Students from outside South Dakota can expect to pay $10,485 in annual tuition fees at SDSU, with an additional $1,500 earmarked for academic supplies and textbooks. Room and board is a popular option for many non-residents; totaling $9,000 per year for a double-occupancy room. In addition to these costs, the university estimates students will spend $6,798 per year on a variety of fees and personal expenses. A minimum of $1,000 per academic year is awarded to those students who have earned a 24 or higher on the ACT examination.

• The Carnegie Foundation ranked SDSU as the number one higher education research institution in the state.
• Over 12,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students call SDSU home, with 42% coming from outside South Dakota.
• 91% of first-time freshmen receive financial aid, while 53% receive institutional scholarships. The average scholarship amount for 2013-14 was $2,329.

At Missouri Southern State University, non-residents paid approximately $10,450 in tuition for the 2014-15 academic year, over $12,000 less than the national average for out-of-state students attending four-year public institutions. Textbook and supply costs also sit far below the average, totaling $761. Room and board offerings are an additional $6,299. Learners averaged $3,289 in personal expenses per academic year.

• The university serves close to 6,000 students with over 200 academic programs catering to associate, bachelor's and master's level students.
• The university prides itself on providing a richly diverse learning experience. As of 2014, 19% of all students identified as a minority.
• 83% of all first-time freshmen received grant or scholarship aid, averaging $4,934 per year.

SWOSU attracts numerous out-of-state students, thanks in part to its competitive non-resident tuition rates. For the 2014-15 academic year, out-of-state tuition totaled $12,270, with an additional $1,218 for supplies, including textbooks. Many students from further afield choose to take advantage of the university's room and board provisions, adding $5,076 to the annual student bill. Given the university's sizeable endowment, it offers a variety of scholarships for students who show promise in academics, athletics or special talents.

• Students can take advantage of over 1,000 different classes offered at the associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.
• Classes are kept small, the average course has 23 students.
• The university hosts students from 34 states and 34 countries.

At Arkansas Tech, out-of-state students pay less than half the national average for non-resident students enrolled at public four-year institutions. In the 2014-15 academic year, tuition totaled $10,878, with an additional $1,410 for supplies and textbooks. The university has numerous options for room and board, averaging $6,734. Other expenses, such as transportation, laboratory fees and personal costs are approximately $2,948 per year.

• Over 12,000 students are spread across the university's two campuses, taking advantage of a variety of programs at the associate, bachelor's and master's levels.
• 95% of first-time undergraduates received financial aid in 2012-13, including grants, scholarships, work-study programs and loans.
• ATU is ranked second in the state for graduation rates and is the most affordable school among Arkansas's top five universities.

Nonresidents who choose to study at Youngstown State can expect to pay $8,557 for full-time tuition, though students from surrounding counties in New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia may qualify for the Affordable Tuition Advantage rate. Textbooks and supplies cost approximately $1,100, while room and board is an additional $8,645. Other miscellaneous costs, like gas, laundry and individual course fees, total $3,692 yearly.

• Over 13,000 students are currently enrolled in 115 certificate, associate and bachelor's programs, 44 master's programs and three doctoral programs.
• YSU has been recognized for offering the best tuition value among Ohio's 11 largest public universities.
• Over $138.8 million was disbursed in financial aid during the 2012-13 academic year.

Students from all over the country call Midwestern State University home, as a result of its excellent academic offerings and competitive out-of-state tuition rates. During the 2014-15 academic year, non-resident students paid $9,703 for their classes. Room and board adds an additional $7,374 while textbooks and class supplies total $1,200 annually. Students can also expect to spend approximately $1,783 on miscellaneous expenses such as transportation, laboratory fees and laundry services. The university has a significant endowment, allowing it to offer merit and need-based scholarships to those who qualify.

• 5,874 students are currently enrolled and represent all 50 states and 53 foreign countries.
• There are over 100 student organizations, 14 nationally affiliated fraternities and sororities and a variety of intramural sport teams.
• 90% of first time freshmen students received financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans and work-study compensation.

During the 2014-15 academic year, out-of-state students paid $10,794 for tuition, while Minnesota residents and children of alumni received a discount on this rate. Those who opted to live on campus paid an additional $7,552 and spent approximately $4,103 on other expenses, such as additional course fees, transportation and technology. Textbooks and supplies for the year averaged $1,100. Undergraduates who choose to live in on-campus housing should be aware that subscribing to a university meal plan is mandatory.

• Over 97% of recent graduates have found employment or been accepted into a graduate degree program.
• The 7,500 undergraduate students can select from 206 majors and academic programs.
• 77% of first-time freshmen received grant or scholarship aid, averaging $4,270 per academic year.

Nonresidents applying to LSU Alexandria can expect to pay annual tuition fees of $12,868, with an additional $1,200 allocated to supplies and textbooks. On-campus room and board is a popular option for out-of-state students and costs approximately $7,730. Other common expenses, like parking passes, course-based fees and personal expenditures, total to $3,048 per year. 92% of first-time undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, student loans or work-study compensation.

• U.S. News & World Report ranked LSUA second in terms of lightest debt load incurred by students upon graduation.
• The university was ranked among the top 10 least expensive public universities for non-resident students by U.S. News & World Report in 2013.
• Over 2,000 undergraduate students call LSAU home, of which 65% are younger than 25.

Out-of state undergraduates paid $13,512 in tuition for the 2014-15 academic year, nearly $10,000 less than the national average for non-resident students attending a public four-year institution. The university is also competitive when it comes to room and board costs, charging $5,158 compared to the national average of $9,804. Yearly textbook and supply costs totaled $1,200, while miscellaneous fees and expenses tacked on $2,110. 66% of the undergraduate student body received some form of grant or scholarship aid.

• 77% of incoming freshmen received a scholarship or grant, averaging $6,408 per academic year.
• Students can take advantage of more than 80 student organizations, including student government, honor societies, departmental clubs and special interest groups.
• ECU is one of the few schools in the country to offer a degree in cartography.

Many students from outside Oklahoma choose to call Langston University home, thanks in part to its low non-resident tuition fees. During the 2014-15 academic year, students paid $11,589. The university recently adopted a flat-rate tuition policy, meaning students undertaking 12-18 credit hours pay the same rate. Room and board costs total $9,234 each year, while academic supplies such as textbooks add $1,200. Other miscellaneous and personal fees, including course-based supplies, parking passes and student center use, tack on an additional $2,760 per year.

• Langston University is the only historically black institution in Oklahoma, and also the westernmost historically black institution in the nation.
• Over 4,000 students take advantage of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the university's three campuses in Langston, Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
• During the 2012-13 academic year, 94% of first-time freshmen students received financial aid packages.

In addition to serving thousands of Arkansas residents, many students from outside the state are drawn to UAFS for its competitive tuition rates. The most recent academic year saw non-resident students paying $10,511 for tuition, while those in the bordering states of Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas are eligible for the same rates as in-state students. Yearly room and board costs average $8,077, while miscellaneous costs and personal expenses come to $2,862. Textbooks and academic supplies add an extra $1,235 per year.

• Over 7,100 students are currently enrolled in 33 bachelor's degrees, 14 associate programs and 27 certification offerings.
• Over 90 organizations are active on campus, including a number of nationally recognized fraternities and sororities.
• 93% of incoming freshmen received grant or scholarship funds, averaging $7,824 per academic year.

Out-of-state tuition at UTB totaled $14,744 for the 2014-15 academic year, with an additional $1,196 earmarked for textbooks and academic supplies. Room and board costs $5,474, nearly $4,000 below the national average. Other expenses, such as transportation, course-based fees and student center costs totaled to $2,927 per year. The university offers an installment payment plan for students unable to pay the lump sum upfront.

• UTB currently has just over 8,000 students; nearly 90% identify as Hispanic.
• The university is one of two institutions in the nation offering a master's degree in translation and interpreting taught wholly online.
• 62% of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $4,851 per academic year.

Out-of state tuition at Cameron University is over 40% less than the national average for public four-year universities, totaling $13,380 for the 2014-15 academic year. Room and board expenses, at $6,318, are also significantly lower than the national average. Students paid approximately $1,418 for textbook and school supplies, with an additional $3,018 earmarked for miscellaneous costs, including class-based fees, parking passes, student center fees and transportation. The university has a number of need-based and merit scholarships for those who qualify.

• The university offers more than 50 degree programs at the associate, baccalaureate and master's levels.
• The student body is richly diverse, with 43% identifying as a minority; students from 44 countries call CU home.
• U.S. News & World Report ranked CU as one of the top institutions nationwide for graduating students with the lowest debt load.

Students residing outside Oklahoma paid $12,635 in tuition during the 2014-15 academic year at NSU, approximately 40% of the national average for non-resident students attending a public four-year university. Students hailing from Arkansas, Missouri, Texas or Kansas benefit from a quad-state waiver that allows residents to pay in-state tuition rates. Annual room and board fees total $6,670, while academic supplies and textbooks add $1,200 per year. The university estimates students will spend $1,914 on other expenses, such as laundry services, parking fees and class-specific costs.

• 5,371 undergraduate students are enrolled in 68 baccalaureate programs, while 414 postgraduate students have 26 programs available to them.
• The most popular fields of study include elementary education, biology, accounting, business, psychology, criminal justice and early childhood education.
• 84% of undergraduate classes have fewer than 30 students; 97% have fewer than 50.

While out-of state residents pay $13,268 annually for tuition, the university has a policy allowing any student, regardless of primary residence, to receive in-state tuition if they qualify for an institutional scholarship of $1,000 or more due to a particular talent or ability. Students who choose to use campus-based room and board pay an additional $6,327 annually, alongside supply and textbook costs of $1,300. Other expenses, such as class-based fees, transportation costs and student center charges add an extra $2,500 per year.

• Over 30% of UNA's 7,100 students come from outside Alabama.
• Approximately 66% of students receive financial aid, averaging $5,000 per year.
• The average class is comprised of 25 students, while the student to teacher ratio holds steady at 23:1.

Students from outside Missouri paid $9,853 in tuition during the 2014-15 academic year, less than one-third the national average for out-of-state students attending public four-year institutions. Room and board is slightly higher than the national average, totaling $9,250. Textbooks and class supplies add $800 per year, while extra expenses such as parking passes, transportation and laboratory fees average $5,000. The university has a flat-rate policy for credit hours, meaning students can take up to 16 hours for the same cost as 12.

• Students looking to further cut costs can take advantage of the university's textbook rental program.
• Nearly 85% of students receive some form of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, work-study benefits or student loans.
• HSSU is home to nearly 1,300 undergraduates who take advantage of 30 majors, minors and certificate options.

Non-residents of Missouri can expect to pay annual tuition rates of $13,378, less than 40% of national averages for out-of-state students attending a public four-year institution. Students living and dining on campus pay an additional $5,916, while academic supplies and textbooks total another $1,000 per year. Other expenses such as class-based fees, transportation, laundry services or student fees tack on approximately $3,052 each academic year. The university offers a number of academic and need-based scholarships to accepted candidates.

• LU is the only higher education institution founded by Civil War Veterans.
• Over 3,000 students currently attend the university and are enrolled in a variety of associate, bachelor's and master's level programs.
• 65% of undergraduates receive scholarship or grant aid, averaging $4,839 per academic year.

Students applying to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff from outside the state can expect to pay $11,908 in annual tuition fees, though residents of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas and Illinois are eligible for discounts of up to 90% of the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition. Room and board costs average $7,200 per year, while textbooks and supplies are an additional $1,000. Other expenses, including transportation, parking costs, student center fees and class-based additions, total $2,778 per year.

• While the majority of students at UAPB are enrolled in either associate or bachelor's programs, the university does have a select number of master's and doctoral programs available.
• 96% of all first-time freshmen receive some form of student aid; of these, 92% receive a grant or scholarship, averaging $8,319 per year.
• 73% of undergraduates took out a student loan, averaging $7,013 per year.

Out-of-state students at Central Arkansas paid $13,806 for tuition during the 2014-15 year, although the university offers a variety of qualifiers for students to receive in-state tuition regardless of their primary residence. Room and board costs totaled $5,778 while books and supplies added $1,200 per year. The university has a number of other expenses it counsels students to plan for, including housing fees, transportation, technology and miscellaneous costs. During the most recent academic year, these costs totaled to $5,253.

• 11,698 students have access to 82 undergraduate, 14 graduate certificate, 31 master's, 12 specialist and six doctoral programs.
• Despite being a larger university, the student to faculty ratio remains low at 17:1.
• 77% of all undergraduate students receive scholarship or grant aid, averaging $7,764 per year.

The prestigious programs offered by the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology draw a number of out-of-state students; during the 2014-15 year, nonresidents paid $13,560 in annual tuition fees. Those electing to live and dine on campus paid an additional $6,370, alongside $1,800 in yearly textbook and supply costs. Other expenses, such as parking passes, transportation, class-based fees and laundry services totaled $4,000. PayScale's 2014 College Return on Investment Report ranked SDSMT 19th nationally.

• Payscale's 2014-15 College Salary Report found that the average early-career salary for graduates of SDSMT was $65,600, with a 98% placement rate.
• The institution made the list of America's 100 Best College Buys for the 17th consecutive year.
• 62% of all undergraduate students receive scholarship or grant aid, averaging $4,795 per academic year.

All students at the University of Minnesota, Crookston pay the same rate for tuition, making it an attractive destination for students across the U.S. In the 2014-15 academic year, this figure totaled $11,468. Room and board expenses amounted to $7,840, while textbooks and class supplies figured in at $1,000 per year. Other expenses, such as laboratory charges, parking fees and use of student centers, averaged $2,346 per year. UMC has a flat-rate policy, whereby tuition fees stop increasing after 13 credit hours per semester.

• 1,800 undergraduate students attend UMC, 700 of whom complete their classes via distance education.
• U.S. News & World Report has named UMC as one of the Best Colleges in the Midwest for the last 18 years.
• 57% of classes have fewer than 20 students; 81% have fewer than 30.

More than 3,800 undergraduates are currently enrolled at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, many of whom take advantage of the institution's competitive out-of-state tuition rates: $13,992 for the 2014-15 academic year. Those electing to live on campus paid an additional $5,864 annually (including meals) and paid textbook and supply costs of $1,000. Students frequently encounter other expenses for laboratory-based classes, parking fees, use of student centers or transportation costs, estimated at $2,945 yearly.

• 91% of incoming first-time freshmen received grant or scholarship aid, averaging $7,482 per academic year.
• 45% of students took out a federal student loan to finance their education; these averaged out to $5,879 per year.
• 57% of first-time freshmen elected to continue their second year at SOSU.

Washburn's nonresident tuition of $13,526 ranks among the lowest in America. Room and board costs total $6,541, while textbook and supplies average $1,000 per year. Expenses like laboratory fees, transportation, parking fees and use of student centers add $4,238 each year. The university has a number of need-based and merit scholarships available to qualifying students, totaling $7.9 million annually.

• Nearly 7,000 students take advantage of more than 200 programs offered at certificate, associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.
• U.S. News & World Report ranks the university as one of the best colleges in the Midwest.
• 92% of all first-time freshman students receive financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study programs and loans.

Out-of-state students at Northwest Missouri State University paid $11,526 in annual tuition costs for the 2014-15 academic year, nearly $18,000 less than the national average. Room and board expenses total $8,226. Students frequently incur additional charges for laboratory fees, laundry services, parking fees and class-based needs, which the university estimates come to $2,500 per year.

• 5,491 undergraduates are currently enrolled, 37% of whom come from outside Missouri's borders. 126 undergraduate majors are available, as well as 40 graduate programs.
• 97.5% of graduates find employment or pursue further education within six months of graduation.
• Laptops and textbooks are included in the cost of tuition at NMSU, saving students nearly $7,200 over four years of education.

At Rogers State University, non-Oklahoma residents spent $12,766 on tuition for the 2014-15 academic year, with an additional $8,190 for room and board. Textbooks and supplies totaled $1,723, while expenses like transportation, laboratory-based fees and personal costs averaged $2,530 each year. The school offers a number of scholarship programs to students meeting merit or need-based criteria. 88% of all first-time incoming undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid, ranging from grants and scholarships to work-study compensation and loans.

• In addition to its main campus in Claremore, over 4,000 students take advantage of two other campuses and online course offerings.
• RSU is the only university in the state offering a degree program in military history.
• 70% of all undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $4,945 per academic year.

For the 2014-15 academic year, non-resident students who chose to study at Henderson State University spent $14,220 on tuition and fees. Many out-of-state students elect to live and dine on-campus, at least during their first years of education, costing an additional $6,048 ― nearly $3,000 below the national average. Books and supplies ring in at $1,200, while other miscellaneous and personal expenses average $4,276 per year.

• Over 3,600 students call HSU home and take advantage of 42 bachelor's and 11 master's programs.
• The university is committed to providing students with personalized study and mentorship: the current student to faculty ratio is 16:1.
• 95% of incoming first-time students receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $9,155 per academic year.

As the only Maryland-based institution to make our list of lowest out-of-state tuition, Coppin State University serves a wide range of non-resident students. In the 2014-15 academic year, students from outside Maryland spent $11,885 on tuition, with an additional $800 earmarked for textbooks and school supplies. Students who chose to live and dine on campus paid $9,336 annually, slightly above the national average. Other expenses frequently encountered include transportation, class-based fees, student services and loan fees; these totaled $3,386 during the previous academic year.

• CSU is a historically black college, with 83% of students identifying as African American.
• 3,383 students are currently enrolled in programs ranging from bachelor's degrees to doctoral programs. The student to faculty ratio is currently 14:1.
• During the 2012-13 academic year, 95% of all incoming first-time undergraduate students received financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study programs.