The A-State value
An accredited US degree — on a budget many families can manage
Value is not just a low price. It is what you get for every dollar: an R2 research university, accredited programs, post-graduation work options and a support system that runs from your first enquiry to your first day in Jonesboro.
01
Cost: below the average, with no hidden items
Total cost for an international undergraduate taking 12 credits per term in 2026–27 is estimated at about $29,646 a year — including tuition, fees, housing, meals and health insurance. At 15 credits per term it is about $33,540; a master’s at 9 credits per term about $28,976. Many US public universities publish considerably higher international totals for the same cost structure, before adding big-city living costs. Jonesboro’s cost-of-living index is below the US average, so off-campus spending is lighter too.
Calculate your own total| Component (2026–27) | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition per credit (incl. $23 athletic fee) | $649 |
| Graduate tuition per credit | $777 |
| College fee per credit | $27–55 |
| Residence hall double room per semester | from $2,730 |
| Meal plan per semester | $2,020–2,660 |
| Health insurance per year | ≈ $1,100 |
| Estimated undergraduate total, 12 credits, per year | ≈ $29,646 |
Source: astate.edu — Tuition & Fees (International) · astate.edu — University Housing Rates 2026–27 (PDF) · Updated Aug 22, 2026
02
Scholarships and assistantships bring that number down
$3,000-per-year international scholarship
Automatic for freshmen and transfer students with a GPA of 3.25 or higher (transfers also need 24 credits). No separate application, no interview.
SAT/ACT-based scholarships
Tiers from $1,000 to $4,000 a year depending on score, renewable with a 3.5 GPA (per our office information — confirm current amounts when applying).
Graduate assistantships
More than 250 a year for graduate students: 20 hours of work a week, out-of-state tuition waived, plus a stipend. The most common way to afford a US master’s.
Offers from the admissions office
The office runs its own offers for students applying through it, varying by intake. Contact us for the current offer and its conditions.
Source: astate.edu — International Scholarships · Updated Aug 22, 2026
03
Housing: a range of prices, all on campus
Students can choose from traditional residence halls to on-campus apartments, each with a published 2026–27 rate. Double rooms start at $2,730 per semester, singles at $3,450; apartments at Collegiate Park $3,040, Red Wolf Den $3,140 and Pack Place $3,755; one-bedroom units at the Village $3,400 and The Circle $4,429. Living on campus means walking to class, 24/7 security and no need for a car — another significant saving.
See all housing options →Source: astate.edu — University Housing Rates 2026–27 (PDF) · Updated Aug 22, 2026
04
After graduation: OPT and what the degree is worth
F-1 graduates of A-State are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — 12 months of legal work in the US after graduation. For STEM fields (engineering, computer science, many sciences and quantitative business programs) OPT can be extended by 24 months, for up to three years in total. While studying you can work on campus up to 20 hours a week and take paid CPT internships tied to your program. An AACSB/ABET/ACEN-accredited degree plus one to three years of US experience makes a clear difference whether you return home or stay on.
OPT · CPT
- 12-month OPT for all fields; 24-month extension for STEM
- On-campus work up to 20 hours a week while studying
- CPT: paid internships linked to your program
- Program-accredited degree recognized by employers
05
Support — the value that is not on the price list
From the first advising session to graduation you have two points of contact: our admissions team (advising, documents, visa, parent hotline) and the university’s international office in Jonesboro (orientation, visa status, employment, student life). The office charges no service fee. Parents get every cost explained in plain language and can register for A-State Alerts. That is why many families describe A-State as the “peace of mind” option.
Value FAQ
How does it compare with Australia, Canada or the UK?
A-State’s total of about $29,646 a year already includes housing, meals and insurance — comparable to or below many options in those countries once converted, while a US degree and OPT (up to three years for STEM) add post-graduation work opportunities. The office can sit down with your family to compare for your specific program.
Do costs rise every year?
US university tuition is usually adjusted slightly each academic year. The figures on this page are for 2026–27; build a small annual increase into your financial plan for later years.
Can I combine the $3,000 scholarship with an SAT/ACT award?
The International Freshman and International Transfer scholarships cannot be combined with each other. Combination with other awards depends on each year’s rules — the office confirms when you receive your award letter.
Is living off campus cheaper?
Rent in Jonesboro can be slightly lower, but you add transport, deposits, utilities and furniture. First-year students aged 17 and over are required to live on campus. Our cost calculator includes an off-campus option so you can compare.
Can I work to cover costs?
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours a week — enough for personal spending but not a substitute for your main funding. Plan on the full cost and treat part-time work as a supplement.
Ready to study in the USA at A-State?
Book a free 1-on-1 session with our admissions team — pathway, scholarships, documents and visa in one meeting.