2026 Top 10 Cheapest STEM Programs for international students

(UNITED STATES) Rising costs in American higher education have pushed many families to ask a simple question: can international students still find a U.S. STEM degree that is both affordable and strong enough to support long‑term OPT/CPT opportunities? For 2026, the answer is yes—but you need to look beyond the usual big‑name universities and focus on smaller public schools in lower‑cost states.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, STEM degrees remain one of the smartest paths for F‑1 students because most programs can qualify for up to 3 years of STEM OPT work authorization after graduation. That extra work time in the United States 🇺🇸 is especially attractive to students from India, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia studying fields like computer science, engineering, data science, and biotechnology.

The list below ranks the Top 10 Cheapest STEM Programs in the U.S. (2026) using five main factors: lowest international tuition, affordable cost of living, program reputation, scholarships, and job outcomes including OPT/CPT. Annual tuition and living costs are approximate and can vary by department and degree level, so every student should double‑check details on each university’s official website.

Methodology and immigration context

Before the ranked list, here are the key reasons these schools stand out for international students:

• Tuition is often 50–70% lower than typical U.S. universities.
• Most programs are in smaller cities or rural states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Minnesota), which keeps rent, food, and transport costs down.
• Many offer internship support and co‑op style placements, which can feed directly into Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during study and then Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.
• A large share of engineering and computing programs are ABET‑accredited, a quality mark valued by employers and visa officers.
• Lower tuition often makes it easier to prove funds during the F‑1 visa interview because bank statements and affidavits do not need to cover extreme fee levels.

For official rules on F‑1 status, CPT, and OPT, students should always refer to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States resource at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov, and when applying for OPT, the work permit form I‑765 must be filed through USCIS using the instructions at https://www.uscis.gov/i-765.

Key takeaway: these universities combine lower total costs, real internship/CPT pipelines, and STEM OPT eligibility, making them practical options for international students seeking U.S. work experience.

With that context in mind, here is a detailed look at the ten universities that offer some of the best combinations of low cost, strong STEM academics, and realistic work pathways in 2026.

1. Minot State University (North Dakota)

• Tuition: approximately $8,000–$10,000 per year
• Popular STEM majors: Computer Science, Mathematics, Biology

Minot State offers one of the lowest international tuition ranges in the entire country. STEM majors can support STEM OPT after graduation if coded correctly on the Form I‑20.

The small campus keeps living expenses down—shared housing, basic food, and local transport are far cheaper than coastal states. This helps students limit overall debt while completing a four‑year degree.

Minot is calm and safe, a feature many parents value. The trade‑off is fewer big‑city internships, so students typically focus on on‑campus research, part‑time jobs, and remote internships, then use OPT to move into larger tech or healthcare markets.

2. South Dakota State University

• Tuition: near $12,000 per year
• Key STEM fields: Engineering, Data Science, Agriculture Technology, Biology

South Dakota State offers a strong research setting for a relatively low cost. Campus labs and research centers help students build profiles attractive to U.S. employers and graduate schools.

Because the campus is in a small city, housing remains inexpensive, particularly in shared apartments. For many international students, this school acts as a “launchpad school”: low costs during bachelor’s or master’s study, CPT through regional internships, then STEM OPT positions anywhere in the country.

3. Eastern New Mexico University

• Tuition: roughly $8,500 per year
• STEM strengths: Computer Science, Electronics Engineering, Chemistry

Eastern New Mexico is a rare budget option with very low tuition. The campus environment is friendly and safe, with smaller class sizes that enable close faculty contact and easier access to lab projects or internship recommendations.

Many students leverage Eastern New Mexico’s technical base to enter entry‑level IT, electronics, or lab roles during OPT. The low total cost means even modest starting salaries often yield a good return on investment.

4. Arkansas State University

• Tuition: around $11,000 per year
• Popular majors: Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology

Arkansas State combines affordable tuition with a relatively low cost of living. The university is known for active internship support and industry links—regional hospitals, logistics firms, and tech employers—which frequently translate into CPT during study and OPT job offers later.

The campus has a reputation for being very welcoming to international students, with cultural groups and advising centers that assist with Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses, and tax rules for F‑1 students on CPT/OPT.

5. Fort Hays State University (Kansas)

• Tuition: close to $15,000 per year
• Key strengths: Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Mathematics

Fort Hays State is slightly pricier than some on this list but still far cheaper than major universities. It stands out for its mix of online and on‑campus STEM programs—some students start online abroad to reduce living costs, then transition to the physical campus when changing to F‑1 status and pursuing CPT/OPT.

Graduates often move into roles such as security analyst, network administrator, or systems engineer during their STEM OPT years.

6. University of Central Arkansas

• Tuition: about $11,000 per year
• Programs: Computer Science, Data Analytics, Biology, Chemistry

This university is popular with Indian students because it balances cost and quality effectively. Departments support undergraduate research, which is valuable for internships, assistantships, or later graduate study.

The mid‑sized town provides a mix of local job options and a quieter, more affordable lifestyle than major U.S. tech hubs. Advisers are experienced with international students and can help plan CPT timing to avoid F‑1 work‑limit violations.

7. Bemidji State University (Minnesota)

• Tuition: around $10,000 per year
• STEM strengths: Computer Science, Environmental Science, Engineering Technology

Bemidji State is located in a scenic lakeside town. While winters are cold, the area offers natural beauty and low crime rates. The smaller setting encourages close ties between students and faculty.

STEM students gain research exposure in environmental monitoring, software projects, and applied engineering—experiences that strengthen applications for OPT positions in tech, green energy, and environmental consulting.

8. California State University (CSU) System

• Tuition: $17,000–$19,000 per year (most expensive on this list)
• Programs across campuses: Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Data Science, Biotechnology, Electrical Engineering

Though pricier, CSU campuses give access to major tech markets (Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, San Diego), improving opportunities for high‑quality internships, co‑ops, CPT, and later OPT roles.

Because of location advantages, CSU students can more easily secure internships and full‑time jobs with higher salary potential, which may offset the higher tuition in the long run.

9. Northwest Missouri State University

• Tuition: near $9,500 per year
• STEM offerings: Computer Science, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Nanoscience

Northwest Missouri State reduces upfront costs with a free laptop program, making it easier for students who need a device for programming and lab work. The quiet, inexpensive surrounding area keeps living costs low.

Computer science graduates report solid placement rates, finding roles in software development, data analysis, and GIS during OPT.

10. Metropolitan State University (Minnesota)

• Tuition: roughly $10,000–$12,000 per year
• Key programs: Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics

Located in an urban area of Minnesota, Metropolitan State maintains lower costs than major coastal cities. Many students work while studying, and class schedules are often flexible—helpful for those with on‑campus jobs or authorized CPT positions.

The metro area provides regional employers in healthcare IT, finance, and consulting. This university emphasizes applied, career‑oriented STEM programs, aligning well with employer expectations during 12‑month post‑completion OPT and, for eligible degrees, the 24‑month STEM OPT extension.

Quick reference table: Top 10 Cheapest STEM Programs (2026)

Why these programs work well for international students

Common patterns across these universities explain their appeal:

• Lower financial burden: Total costs (tuition + living) are often 50–70% lower, reducing pressure on family savings and loans.
• Stronger F‑1 visa profile: Reasonable tuition makes it easier to show sufficient funds on bank statements, fixed deposits, or loan approvals—helpful for F‑1 visa approval.
• Good earning potential: Fields like IT, data science, engineering, and biotech usually offer competitive starting salaries, helping graduates repay loans during OPT and early H‑1B years.
• Scholarship and work options: Many schools offer merit‑based or departmental scholarships, on‑campus jobs, and assistantships that can further cut costs.

How to choose the right budget STEM option for you

When comparing these programs, evaluate beyond headline tuition and think about your long‑term plans:

1. Check STEM status and CIP codes.
   • Ensure your exact major appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree list to qualify for the 24‑month STEM OPT extension.
2. Confirm accreditation.
   • For engineering, look for ABET accreditation; for computing and science, check regional accreditation and department reputation.
3. Estimate full yearly costs.
   • Add tuition, fees, health insurance, housing, food, books, and travel. A cheaper tuition in an expensive city may still cost more overall.
4. Review CPT and career services policies.
   • Ask how many international students use CPT, how career offices assist with resumes/interviews, and which companies recruit on campus.
5. Talk to current students and alumni.
   • Use social media groups and alumni networks to ask candid questions about teaching quality, part‑time jobs, and real OPT/CPT opportunities.

For international students who want quality education, lower fees, and real chances to gain U.S. work experience, these ten universities offer a smart, realistic path into STEM careers in the United States.