Studying in the United States remains a top dream for many international students, but high tuition fees and strict English test requirements—especially IELTS—often stand in the way. The good news is that many affordable US public universities now admit international students without IELTS, accepting alternatives such as Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge English, or even proof of English‑medium education.
In this detailed 2026 guide, you’ll discover 15 of the cheapest US universities for international students without IELTS, carefully selected based on tuition affordability, English‑language flexibility, availability of scholarships, and international student support. This article also includes direct school links, eligibility requirements, scholarship options, and practical application tips to help you secure admission and funding.
Summary Table: Cheapest USA Universities Without IELTS (2026)
| University | Approx. Tuition (USD/year) | Location | IELTS Waiver / Accepted Alternatives |
| Oklahoma Panhandle State University | $8,400 | Oklahoma | TOEFL, Duolingo, Cambridge, MOI |
| Delta State University | $8,900 | Mississippi | TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE, MOI |
| Nicholls State University | $9,200 | Louisiana | TOEFL, Duolingo, ESL Pathway |
| Minot State University | $8,600 | North Dakota | Duolingo, TOEFL, PTE |
| Alcorn State University | $8,500 | Mississippi | TOEFL/PTE or MOI |
| Fort Hays State University | $7,800 | Kansas | Duolingo, TOEFL, MOI |
| University of Central Arkansas | $9,500 | Arkansas | TOEFL, Duolingo, ESL |
| Arkansas State University | $10,000 | Arkansas | TOEFL, Duolingo, MOI |
| University of Mississippi | $11,000 | Mississippi | TOEFL, Duolingo |
| California State University (Selected Campuses) | $15,000–17,000 | California | TOEFL, Duolingo |
| CUNY City College | $16,000 | New York | TOEFL, ESL Pathway |
| University of New Orleans | $9,800 | Louisiana | TOEFL, Duolingo |
| Eastern Michigan University | $10,500 | Michigan | Duolingo, TOEFL |
| Missouri State University | $9,900 | Missouri | TOEFL, Duolingo |
| South Dakota State University | $11,200 | South Dakota | TOEFL, Duolingo |
Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students Without IELTS in 2026
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Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU)
Location: Goodwell, Oklahoma
Tuition: Approx. $8,426 per year
Oklahoma Panhandle State University is consistently ranked among the cheapest universities in the US for international students. As a small public university, OPSU focuses on affordability, personalized education, and strong student support.
English Language Requirements (No IELTS)
OPSU does not require IELTS if you provide:
- TOEFL (iBT)
- Duolingo English Test
- Cambridge English qualifications
- Proof that your previous education was taught entirely in English (Medium of Instruction letter)
Why OPSU Is Affordable
- Low public tuition rates
- Minimal additional fees
- Low cost of living in Oklahoma
- Small class sizes reduce academic pressure
Scholarships for International Students
OPSU offers several merit‑based and departmental scholarships for international students, awarded based on academic performance.
- Academic Merit Scholarships
- Departmental Awards
- On‑campus employment opportunities
🔗 Official Website: https://www.opsu.edu
🔗 International Admissions: https://opsu.edu/
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Delta State University
Location: Cleveland, Mississippi
Tuition: Approx. $8,900 per year
Delta State University is a strong choice for students seeking low tuition, IELTS waiver options, and generous scholarships. The university is well known for business, education, and aviation programs.
English Requirements
IELTS is waived if you submit:
- TOEFL
- Duolingo English Test
- PTE Academic
- English‑medium education certificate
Why Delta State Is Cheap
- State‑subsidized tuition
- Affordable housing
- Scholarships that significantly reduce the total cost
Scholarships Available
- International Student Academic Scholarship
- Foundation Scholarships
- Program‑specific awards
🔗 Website: https://www.deltastate.edu
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Nicholls State University
Location: Thibodaux, Louisiana
Tuition: Approx. $9,200 per year
Nicholls State University provides quality education at a low cost and supports international students through conditional admission and ESL pathways.
IELTS Waiver Options
- TOEFL or Duolingo
- Conditional admission via Intensive English Program
Scholarship Opportunities
- International Merit Awards
- Departmental Scholarships
🔗 Website: https://www.nicholls.eduÂ
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Minot State University
Location: North Dakota
Tuition: Approx. $8,600 per year
Minot State University combines low tuition with flexible English requirements, making it ideal for budget‑conscious international students.
English Alternatives
- Duolingo English Test
- TOEFL or PTE
Scholarships
- International Merit Scholarships
- Campus employment options
🔗 Website: https://www.minotstateu.edu
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Alcorn State University
Location: Mississippi
Tuition: Approx. $8,500 per year
Alcorn State University is one of the oldest public universities in Mississippi and remains a top choice for international students seeking very low tuition and flexible English requirements.
English Language Requirements
Alcorn State does not strictly require IELTS. Instead, international students may submit:
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
- Proof of English-medium instruction (MOI)
Why Alcorn State Is Affordable
- Public land-grant university with subsidized tuition
- Low housing and transportation costs
- Strong student retention support
Scholarships for International Students
- Academic Excellence Scholarships
- Department-based awards
- Limited need-based grants
🔗 Official Website: https://www.alcorn.edu
-
Fort Hays State University
Location: Hays, Kansas
Tuition: Approx. $7,800 per year
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is widely recognised as one of the cheapest US universities for international students, especially those applying without IELTS.
English Requirements (No IELTS)
- Duolingo English Test
- TOEFL iBT
- MOI letter accepted for waiver
Why Fort Hays State Is Cheap
- Strong state funding
- Online and on-campus affordability models
- Low Midwest living costs
Scholarships Available
- International Student Scholarship (automatic consideration)
- Departmental merit awards
🔗 Website: https://www.fhsu.edu
-
University of Central Arkansas
Location: Conway, Arkansas
Tuition: Approx. $9,500 per year
The University of Central Arkansas offers competitive tuition rates and conditional admission options for international students without IELTS.
English Alternatives
- TOEFL
- Duolingo English Test
- ESL Pathway Program
Affordability Factors
- Public university tuition caps
- Multiple scholarship opportunities
Scholarships
- International Engagement Scholarship
- Academic performance awards
🔗 Website: https://uca.edu
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Arkansas State University
Location: Jonesboro, Arkansas
Tuition: Approx. $10,000 per year
Arkansas State University is a large public university offering IELTS waivers through English alternatives and strong academic programs.
English Requirement Options
- TOEFL
- Duolingo English Test
- English-medium instruction waiver
Scholarships
- Global Ambassador Scholarship
- Merit-based international awards
🔗 Website: https://www.astate.edu
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University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
Location: Oxford, Mississippi
Tuition: Approx. $11,000 per year
The University of Mississippi combines reasonable tuition, English flexibility, and academic prestige.
IELTS Waiver Options
- TOEFL
- Duolingo English Test
Scholarships
- International Academic Excellence Scholarship
- School-based funding
🔗 Website: https://olemiss.edu
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California State University (Selected Campuses)
Location: California
Tuition: $15,000–$17,000 per year
Several CSU campuses accept international students without IELTS, making them among the most affordable options in California.
English Alternatives
- TOEFL
- Duolingo English Test
Scholarships
- Campus-based merit awards
- External international scholarships
🔗 CSU System: https://www.calstate.edu
-
CUNY City College
Location: New York City
Tuition: Approx. $16,000 per year
City College of New York (CUNY) offers world-class education at public university prices.
English Options
- TOEFL
- ESL Pathway programs
Scholarships
- CUNY International Student Scholarships
🔗 Website: https://www.ccny.cuny.edu
-
University of New Orleans
Location: Louisiana
Tuition: Approx. $9,800 per year
UNO is known for engineering, business, and science programs with affordable tuition.
English Alternatives
- TOEFL
- Duolingo English Test
Scholarships
- International Academic Scholarships
🔗 Website: https://www.uno.edu
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Eastern Michigan University
Location: Michigan
Tuition: Approx. $10,500 per year
Eastern Michigan University supports international students through flexible admissions and scholarships.
English Requirements
- Duolingo
- TOEFL
Scholarships
- International Graduate Scholarship
🔗 Website: https://www.emich.edu
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Missouri State University
Location: Missouri
Tuition: Approx. $9,900 per year
Missouri State University offers low tuition and generous merit awards.
English Options
- TOEFL
- Duolingo
Scholarships
- International Merit Scholarship
🔗 Website: https://www.missouristate.edu
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South Dakota State University
Location: South Dakota
Tuition: Approx. $11,200 per year
South Dakota State University is a strong option for students seeking research programs at affordable costs.
English Alternatives
- TOEFL
- Duolingo English Test
Scholarships
- International Academic Scholarship
🔗 Website: https://www.sdstate.edu
General Eligibility Requirements (Without IELTS)
Most universities listed require:
- High school diploma or bachelor’s degree
- Academic transcripts
- Alternative English test (Duolingo/TOEFL/PTE) or MOI letter
- Statement of purpose
- Proof of funds for F‑1 visa
Application Tips for International Students
- Always request IELTS waiver confirmation by email
- Choose Duolingo for faster results and lower cost
- Apply early to maximize scholarship chances
- Consider conditional admission if English scores are low
Scholarships You Can Combine
- University merit scholarships
- Departmental awards
- On‑campus jobs (up to 20 hours/week)
- External international student scholarships
People Also Ask (PAA)
Can international students study in the USA without IELTS?
Yes. Many US universities allow international students to study without IELTS by accepting alternatives such as Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or proof that previous education was taught in English.
What is the cheapest university in the USA for international students without IELTS?
Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Fort Hays State University, Delta State University, and Alcorn State University are among the cheapest US universities for international students that do not require IELTS.
Does studying without IELTS affect US student visa approval?
No. IELTS is not a requirement for F-1 visa approval. As long as your university issues Form I-20 and you meet financial and academic requirements, your visa eligibility is not affected.
Is Duolingo accepted instead of IELTS in the USA?
Yes. Many US universities officially accept the Duolingo English Test as an alternative to IELTS because it is affordable, fast, and widely recognised.
Can international students get scholarships in the USA without IELTS?
Yes. Many US universities offer merit-based and departmental scholarships to international students, even if they are admitted without IELTS.
Are public universities cheaper for international students in the USA?
Yes. Public state universities are generally cheaper than private universities, especially in the Midwest and Southern states.
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