TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In the unfortunate events of soaring rent fees, some cheap colleges with dorms alleviate tremendous financial burdens for many students. And, while they come in modest price tags, these institutions present commendable living arrangements that allow their scholars to attain both academic achievements and social accomplishments.
To help you map out the best options out there, U.S. News conducted a survey within the American region assessing more than 1,000 colleges. Here are some of the notable schools:
Cheap Colleges Offering Dormitories
1. Southern University and A&M College (LA) | US$2,926
Founded in 1880, Southern University and A&M College has long held a distinctive place in American higher education, grounded in a sweeping 572-acre urban campus. In the 2026 Best Colleges rankings, the institution occupies the No. 395-434 band among National Universities and is recognized at No. 35 for its notably selective admissions profile. Its financial framework is designed for access, with the vast majority of first-year students benefiting from need-based aid and tuition positioned near the $10,000 mark.
2. Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (PR) | US$3,300
Frequently highlighted in discussions around cheap colleges with dorms, the university combines accessible tuition with strong support systems that continue to widen pathways into higher education. For decades, Universidad del Sagrado Corazón has steadily earned its place among standout private institutions in the region, reinforced by national rankings and social mobility recognition. With its emphasis on affordability, community, and long-term student outcomes, the school's appeal is well-positioned to endure in the years ahead.
3. Calumet College of St. Joseph (IN) | US$5,000
Located in the tightly-knit community of Indiana, Calumet College of St. Joseph serves laudable missions to be intellectually competent, open to growth, religious, loving, as well as committed to justice. With just 530 undergraduates and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, the college offers an unusually intimate learning environment just minutes from Chicago and Lake Michigan. Its tuition, which stands at $24,110, reflects their determination to balance discipline and purpose.
4. Alabama State University | US$6,050
Within the affordable tertiary institutions, Alabama State University has long been regarded among the cheapest colleges with dorms, known for its role in serving first-generation and low-income students. The university enrolls 3,521 undergraduates across a 172-acre urban campus, maintaining a 15:1 student-faculty ratio and a traditional semester system. The institution’s commitment to inclusion goes beyond admissions, with tuition kept relatively accessible and need-based aid extended to the majority of first-year students.
5. Northwestern Oklahoma State University | US$6,120
Across the rural American landscape, Northwestern Oklahoma State University has established a steady reputation that serves 1,787 undergraduates. Benefiting students from various backgrounds, the university sustains reasonable tuition and accessible net pricing of US$7,463 for in-state applicants. Its standing as a Regional Universities West institution and recognition among Top Public Schools further cements a deliberate commitment to consistent academic standards.
6. University of Guam | US$6,128
Another institution that has been recognized as one of the cheapest colleges with dorms is the University of Guam. Renowned for its focused and supportive learning environment, the school's strong value positioning reckons reputation with affordability. Today, the 280-acre campus continues to stand tall in the regional higher education landscape.
7. Oklahoma Panhandle State University | US$6,398
As an access-driven public institution, Oklahoma Panhandle State University is ranked No. 27 among Regional Colleges West and No. 9 nationally for social mobility in 2026 edition. Its test-optional admissions and low net costs reinforce its role as a practical entry point for first-generation and rural students. With just over 1,000 undergraduates and a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, it pairs affordable tuition with robust financial aid to expand access to higher education.
8. Baptist University of Florida | US$6,570
Baptist University of Florida distinguishes itself with a modest student population yet an outsized reputation for value and individualized education. Frequently cited among the cheapest colleges with dorms, the institution is bolstered by generous financial aid and intimate class sizes. For all the outstanding features, it remains an appealing option for students seeking both residential life and cost-effective private education.
9. Livingstone College (NC) | US$6,794
Livingstone College secured a solid standing at No. 67 among Regional Colleges South and prides itself as a notable performer in social mobility. Despite its smaller size, it remains widely recognized for its role in expanding access to higher education across underserved communities.
10. Southern Arkansas University | US$7,578
Rounding out the list, Southern Arkansas University clinched a remarkable 10th spot in the ranking of the cheapest colleges with dorms. Enrolling over 3,100 undergraduates, it maintains a conventional campus experience reinforced by smaller class dynamics and flexible admissions standards. The combination of manageable tuition and strong aid participation also helps reinforce its mission of access.
Finding the right balance between cost and campus life is easier than ever with so many cheap colleges with dorms offering quality education and housing. But, if you are looking to stretch your education budget even further while keeping quality in sight, dive into our guide on least expensive colleges in the US to discover more smart choices for your academic future.
Read: 10 America's Most Expensive College Tuitions for 2025-2026