Affordable U.S. Universities for Nepali Students Without Scholarships (2025)

Studying in the United States is a dream for many Nepali students. The U.S. is known for its world-class education, variety of programs, and opportunities for global careers. But it can be expensive. Many students wonder how to manage tuition, housing, and daily expenses without relying on scholarships.

The good news is that several U.S. universities keep their overall costs reasonable, making it possible for Nepali students to study there even without financial aid. In this guide, we highlight ten universities where you can study affordably. We also break down tuition and living costs to help you plan your budget.

Note: The information here is based on currently available data for 2025. Universities may change tuition, fees, or housing costs at any time. Always verify details on the official university website before applying.

Understanding the Costs

When we talk about affordability, it is important to understand the different parts of a student’s budget:

• Tuition and Fees: The money you pay the university for classes and required services.
• Housing and Meals: The cost of living on campus, including dorms and meal plans. Off-campus options may be cheaper.
• Books, Insurance and Personal Expenses: Typically add around $1,500–$3,000 per year.
• Cost of Attendance (CoA): The total estimated cost to live and study for one academic year, including all the above.

With this in mind, let’s look at ten universities where Nepali students can study without scholarships and still manage costs.

1. Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU), Portales, NM

• Tuition and Fees: $9,000/year
• Housing and Meals: $6,500/year
• Estimated COA: $18,810/year

ENMU is one of the most budget-friendly universities in the U.S. Portales is a small town, which means living costs are very low compared to bigger cities. Many Nepali students choose ENMU because it provides a welcoming campus and affordable programs, especially in business, science, and education.

2. University of Wisconsin–Superior, WI (with NTW Award)

• Tuition and Fees (after Non-Resident Tuition Waiver): $11,430/year
• Housing and Meals: $7,480/year
• Estimated COA: $18,910/year

UW–Superior has a Non-Resident Tuition Waiver that significantly lowers the cost for international students. The city of Superior is inexpensive and the university offers solid programs in STEM and business. If you are looking for a Midwestern experience without breaking the bank, this could be a great choice.

3. Minot State University, ND

• Tuition and Fees: $10,500/year
• Housing and Meals: $7,584/year
• Estimated COA: $23,084/year

Minot State University is another low-cost option. The town of Minot is affordable and the university is known for its small classes and friendly campus environment. Nepali students often report that they feel welcomed here and can manage expenses easily.

4. University of Central Arkansas (UCA), Conway, AR

• Tuition and Fees: $11,010/year
• Housing and Meals: $9,200/year
• Estimated COA: $23,100/year

UCA keeps costs transparent which is helpful when planning a budget. Conway is a low-cost city and the university offers good programs in business, IT, and STEM. For students looking for a balanced experience with affordable living, UCA is a popular choice.

5. Arkansas State University (ASU), Jonesboro, AR

• Tuition and Fees: $11,894/year
• Housing and Meals: $10,150/year
• Estimated COA: $23,144/year

ASU offers a simple and clear fee structure. Jonesboro is a safe and affordable town. The university is recognized for its strong programs in STEM and business. Students often find that living costs are reasonable, making it easier to focus on studies.

6. Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS

• Tuition and Fees: $9,058/year
• Housing and Meals: $10,486/year
• Estimated COA: $23,744/year

Alcorn State is a historic university with low tuition and affordable living. Its supportive campus community is especially helpful for international students adjusting to a new country. Living in Lorman is inexpensive, which helps keep overall costs low.

7. Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN

• Tuition and Fees: $10,414/year
• Housing and Meals: $9,490/year
• Estimated COA: $27,144/year

BSU offers in-state style pricing for international students, which is quite rare. Bemidji is a low-cost town, making daily living cheaper. Popular programs include education, business and computer science. Many students appreciate the small-town atmosphere and supportive professors.

8. Chadron State College, Chadron, NE

• Tuition and Fees: $8,200/year
• Housing and Meals: $7,300/year
• Estimated COA: $23,500/year

Chadron State College is known for its affordability. Living in Chadron is inexpensive and the small classes allow for personalized attention. Students often find they can manage both tuition and living expenses comfortably.

9. Valley City State University, Valley City, ND

• Tuition and Fees: $8,500/year
• Housing and Meals: $7,300/year
• Estimated COA: $23,800/year

Valley City State is a safe and affordable choice in the Midwest. The town has low living costs and the university provides flexible undergraduate programs. Nepali students have found it a convenient option for studying without scholarships.

10. Dickinson State University, Dickinson, ND

• Tuition and Fees: $8,500/year
• Housing and Meals: $7,500/year
• Estimated COA: $24,000/year

Dickinson State offers low overall costs and a student-friendly campus. The town is very affordable and the university’s programs help students gain practical skills for future careers.

Tips for Keeping Costs Low

• Choose shared housing: Sharing a room with a roommate can save a lot.
• Cook instead of using full meal plans: Buying groceries is often cheaper.
• Buy used textbooks: Digital or second-hand books reduce expenses.
• Work part-time on campus: Most universities allow 20 hours per week for international students.
• Include health insurance in your budget: This can add $1,500–$3,000/year if not included.

Other Affordable Options

Beyond this list, there are more affordable universities for Nepali students. Many small public universities in the Midwest and South have lower tuition and living costs. Always check the official cost of attendance and compare programs to find what suits your budget best.

How Edwise Foundation Can Help

At Edwise Foundation, we support students by:

• Helping you compare official costs and find universities that offer the best value
• Assisting you in preparing applications and documents accurately
• Guiding you step by step through the visa process
• Matching universities to your budget and program needs

With careful planning, studying in the U.S. without scholarships is entirely possible. By selecting universities with lower overall costs, Nepali students can get a quality education while keeping expenses manageable.