Study in USA 2026 - Affordable Tuition Under $20k
- GM
- Aug 20
- 4 min read
Hoping to study in the USA in 2026? We have curated a special list called the 20/20 for 2026!
The 20/20 for 2026 is a list of the fastest application and most budget-friendly schools hanpicked by Aplyo. Each of the schools on our list offer:
Application processing in 20 days or less
Tuition fees under $20,000
The list is divided into subject areas:
Tech and Computer Science
Engineering and Applied Science
Business and Management
Healthcare and Life Sciences
Community College to University Pathway
Oklahoma State University (OK)
Application Turnaround: 15 days
Tuition: $15,000 - $21,000
Tech Programs: Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, AI
Why Students Choose: Large research university, strong STEM reputation, excellent scholarships.
University of Findlay (OH)
Application Turnaround: 5 - 10 days
Tuition: $16,000 - $24,000
Tech Programs: Health Informatics, MBA Business Analytics
Why Students Choose: Specialised health tech programs, fast processing, strong job placement.
Washington University of Science & Technology (VA)
Application Turnaround: 10 days
Tuition: $11,025 (undergraduate), $8,880 (postgraduate)
Tech Programs: IT, Computer Science, Cybersecurity
Why Students Choose: 30 minutes from DC, career-focused, Fortune 500 connections.
Post University (CT)
Application Turnaround: 10 days
Tuition: $12,500 (undergraduate), $11,400 (postgraduate)
Tech Programs: STEM MBA, Business Intelligence Analytics, Computer Information Systems, Data Science
Why Students Choose: Near NYC / Boston, cutting-edge data programs.
Westcliff University (CA)
Application Turnaround: 5 - 8 days
Tuition: $13,500 - $18,010
Tech Programs: Computer Science, Information Technology
Why Students Choose: California tech hub locations, 80% job placement within 12 months.
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (PA)
Application Turnaround: 15 days
Tuition: $14,000 - $19,000
Tech Programs: Computer Science, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity
Why Students Choose: Tech-focused programs, industry-aligned curriculum.
Utica University (NY)
Application Turnaround: 15 - 20 days
Tuition: $17,000 - $19,000
Tech Programs: Cybersecurity, Data Science
Why Students Choose: Nationally recognised cyber programs, close-knit student support.
Oklahoma State University (OK)
Application Turnaround: 15 days
Tuition: $15,000 - $21,000
Engineering Programs: Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Why Students Choose: Research 1 institution, strong engineering reputation.
Pittsburg State University (KS)
Application Turnaround: 20 days
Tuition: $11,500
Engineering Programs: Engineering Technology - Construction Management, Polymer Chemistry, Physics
Why Students Choose: Hands-on engineering focus, affordable with scholarships.
Northern Arizona University (AZ)
Application Turnaround: 15 days
Tuition: $11,500
Engineering Programs: Electical Engineering, Environmental Science
Why Students Choose: Beautiful campus, low crime, affordable living costs.
Missouri University of Science & Technology (MO)
Application Turnaround: 5 - 15 days
Tuition: $16,802 (undergraduate), $14,530 - $20,920 (postgraduate)
Engineering Programs: Electical Engineering, Mining, Mechanical, Materials Science
Why Students Choose: Top-tier STEM focus, excellent return on investment, high job placement
Lamar University (TX)
Application Turnaround: 15 days
Tuition: $14,500 - $18,000
Engineering Programs: Chemical / Mechanical / Industrial Engineering
Why Students Choose: Affordable public university with strong engineering pathways.
University of Central Missouri (MO)
Application Turnaround: 15 days
Tuition: $15,000 - $18,500
Engineering Programs: Industrial Management, Technology Management, Safety Sciences
Why Students Choose: Affordable tuition and strong hands-on STEM programs.
Tiffin University (OH)
Application Turnaround: 7 days
Tuition: $17,400 - $26,480
Business Programs: Business Management, International Business, Marketing, Finance, Accounting
Why Students Choose: International focus, supportive campus.
Minnesota State University (MN)
Application Turnaround: 15 days
Tuition: $8,838
Business Programs: Healthcare Management and Leadership
Why Students Choose: Most affordable option, growing healthcare sector.
Texas State University (TX)
Application Turnaround: 15 days
Tuition: $8,417 - $21,238
Business Programs: Business Administration, Data Analytics
Why Students Choose: Innovation Corridor location, between Austin / San Antonio.
Webster University (MO)
Application Turnaround: 5 days
Tuition: $12,390 - $17,550 (undergraduate), $18,600 (postgraduate)
Business Programs: MBA, International Relations, Business Administration
Why Students Choose: Global network, over 2,300 F-1 students from more than 100 countries.
Bay Atlantic University (DC)
Application Turnaround: 10 days
Business Programs: Business Administration, Big Data Analytics
Why Students Choose: Washington DC location, Fortune 500 connections.
Cleveland State University (OH)
Application Turnaround: ~20 days
Tuition: ~$18,500
Business Programs: MBA, Business Analytics, Finance
Why Students Choose: Downtown Cleveland campus, industry proximity, affordable tuition.
Northern Arizona State University (AZ)
Application Turnaround: 15 days
Tuition: $18,560 - $20,658
Healthcare Programs: Nursing
Why Students Choose: Strong nursing program, beautiful campus, affordable living.
Minnesota State University Moorhead (MN)
Application Turnaround: 15 days
Tuition: $8,838
Healthcare Programs: Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Nursing, Healthcare Management
Why Students Choose: Most affordable healthcare programs, growing biotech sector.
University of Findlay (OH)
Application Turnaround: 5 - 10 days
Tuition: $16,000 - $24,000
Healthcare Programs: Health Informatics, MBA-Healthcare Management
Why Students Choose: Cutting-edge health tech programs, fast application processing.
Avila University (MO)
Application Turnaround: 15 days
Tuition: $8,838
Healthcare Programs: Nursing
Why Students Choose: 12:1 student-faculty ratio, up to 65% scholarships, strong nursing program.
Santa Monica Community College (CA)
Application Turnaround: 15 days
Tuition: $5,658 - $10,400
Pathway Programs: Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Medical Administrative Science
Why Students Choose: Direct pathway to UCLA / UC system, most affordable entry to US education.
To discuss any of these options simply register your interest in studying abroad here.
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