Study in USA 2026 - Affordable Tuition Under $20k

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

  
  

Technology and Computer Science

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.

Engineering and Applied Science

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.

Business and Management

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.

Healthcare and Life Sciences

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.

Pathway to UCLA

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.