If you are considering studying in Texas, Dallas is one city to explore. The institutions below publish different tuition structures: some charge by credit hour, while others publish semester-based or program-specific rates.
This article lists five institutions in the Dallas area and highlights current published tuition figures. Texas residents often qualify for lower tuition at public universities than non-residents, while private universities use their own tuition schedules.
Actual costs can vary by program, course load, academic year, and additional fees. Review each university’s official tuition page and scholarship information before applying. Now, let’s take a look at the affordable universities in Dallas for international students.
Affordable Schools in Dallas for International Students
1. Dallas International University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: $440/credit hour for undergraduate-level courses | $635/credit hour for master’s-level courses | $690/credit hour for PhD-level courses
Dallas International University’s roots date to 1972, when classes began in Dallas under the name Texas-SIL. In 1998, Texas-SIL reorganized as the Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics.
The Center for Excellence in World Arts launched in 2015. In 2018, the institution became Dallas International University after the approval of its PhD program in World Arts. DIU focuses on the intersections of language, culture, and faith and prepares students to work with communities around the world.
Its alumni work as translators, linguists, literacy workers, language surveyors, Scripture engagement consultants, ethnomusicologists, and cultural analysts.
2. University of North Texas – Dallas
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $4,799.90/semester for 15 credit hours (Texas resident) | $10,874.90/semester for 15 credit hours (non-resident)
The University of North Texas at Dallas began offering degree-related programs in 2000 as the UNT System Center at Dallas. In 2001, Texas law formally created an independent University of North Texas at Dallas after enrollment surpassed the required threshold.
UNT Dallas offers certificate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs, including online options. Its academic programs are organized under the School of Behavioral Health and Human Services, School of Business, School of Education, and School of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
3. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center is an academic medical center in Dallas. Its mission centers on educating physicians, scientists, and caregivers, advancing research, and providing patient care.
Its history dates to 1943, when Southwestern Medical Foundation formally established Southwestern Medical College after Baylor University moved its medical school from Dallas to Houston. The college became Southwestern Medical School of The University of Texas in 1949. After later reorganizations and name changes, the UT System Board of Regents approved the name The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas in 1987. The words “at Dallas” were removed from the institution’s name in 2011.
4. University of Texas at Dallas
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Undergraduate Tuition: $7,332/semester for 12-15 credit hours (Texas resident) | $20,082/semester for 12-15 credit hours (non-resident)
The University of Texas at Dallas traces its roots to the Graduate Research Center of the Southwest, established in 1961 by Texas Instruments founders Eugene McDermott, J. Erik Jonsson, and Cecil Green. The center was renamed the Southwest Center for Advanced Studies in 1967. In 1969, state legislation established The University of Texas at Dallas as a state-supported institution and member of the UT System.
UT Dallas offers 160 academic programs across seven schools. Its athletics teams compete in the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference.
In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, UT Dallas ranked No. 54 among U.S. public schools. Its undergraduate engineering program ranked No. 77 nationally. In the 2026 graduate rankings, the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science ranked No. 56, tied, among public schools. Because tuition varies by plan, residency classification, academic level, and course load, students should use the cost calculator and review the bursar’s tuition tables.
5. Dallas Baptist University
Dallas Baptist University is a Christ-centered institution founded in 1898. Its forerunner, Decatur Baptist College, was the first junior college in Texas.
The school relocated to southwest Dallas in 1965, became a four-year institution, and was eventually renamed Dallas Baptist University when it began offering graduate-level degrees.
DBU’s Spiritual Life programs include Christ-centered events, trips, gatherings, and resources intended to support spiritual growth and community-building.
DBU offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, as well as continuing education and certificate programs.
Dallas-area institutions use different tuition structures. Review the official fee page for your intended program and budget for mandatory fees, housing, health insurance, books, and other living expenses.
We hope that this article on affordable universities in the Dallas area was helpful. Make sure also to check out the Study in the USA page and the Available Courses for International Students for more information about studying in the U.S.!
