College education in the U.S. is rated as one of the highest globally. It is not a secret that higher education costs have been on a constant rise in the past decades. Combined with other expenses incurred to complete college, the decision of whether to attend college remains a significant and daunting choice for most youth in the college-attending age. Similarly, the spiraling cost of education has caused rippling effects in the education sector. Students have been forced to take loans or apply for grants from the U.S. Department of Education, which has increased student debt significantly. Statistics from educationdata.org reveal that the average cost of attending college education in the U.S. stands at $35,720 per student annually. Markedly, this figure has nearly tripled in a span of just two decades, which is approximated at a 6.8% annual growth rate. As education costs are projected to rise significantly, various options to make education more affordable have been availed. Students are advised to apply for grants and scholarships from different institutions in the country. There are numerous affordable universities in the U.S. that prospective learners are recommended to consider. Some of the institutions of higher learning with affordable tuition in the U.S. include;
- University of Washington
- CUNY Brooklyn College
- Purdue University
University of Washington
Headquartered in Washington, the University of Washington operates satellite institutions in Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell. The institution has one of the largest populations in the U.S., with an approximate population of 54,000 students as of 2021. Concurrently, Washington University has a high graduation rate of 84%, where upwards of 12,000 degrees are awarded annually. The institution is perceived as financially friendly regarding tuition fees since close to 60% of the students in the undergraduate level receive over $400 million regarding financial aid. Further, the institution has set aside $250 million that is available for scholarship awards and grants. To further cut costs incurred by students pursuing higher learning, the University has availed 17 online degree courses that students can enroll in virtually. The approximate annual fees at the institution were valuated at $12,000 per annum.
CUNY Brooklyn College
CUNY Brooklyn College is an acclaimed public institution in New York City. Understandably, the college is perceived as a pioneer of coeducational liberal arts college in New York. CUNY Brooklyn College depicts a high enrollment rate of 18,000 students annually, and it offers 75 Degree programs in acclaimed fields such as business and education. The institution boasts of a graduation rate of 58%. In addition, the college provides relatively cheap tuition plans and an additional interest-free payment plan for students seeking admission at the institution. The college further offers significant scholarships and grants for students from socioeconomically challenged backgrounds. The annual tuition costs at CUNY Brooklyn College are one of the lowest in the U.S. at $3,000 on average.
Purdue University
Located in Indiana, Purdue University is one of the oldest institutions in the country, established in 1869. The institution absorbs approximately 43,000 students annually, who enroll in 300 different programs offered at the facility. The main courses offered at the institution include pharmacy, veterinary medicine, healthcare, and business. In its cost-cutting initiative to college education, the university offers online certificates, diplomas, and degree courses. Purdue University understands the challenges of funding college education, and one of the solutions provided is that the institution awards grants to select transfer students from community colleges. Employees from partner corporations are also offered significant discounts to study at the institution. The university further avails grants in the form of financial aid and scholarships. To leverage students in completing their studies without financial difficulties, the institution offers assistance to 46% of its students. The annual average tuition cost at the institution is $12,527.
