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Ethnic Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Tribal colleges represent some of the nation's most affordable paths to Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies education, with Oglala Lakota College offering a net price of just $2,065 annually. The field spans from these community-focused institutions to major urban centers like New York's CUNY system, where Hunter College graduates earn $24,035 within six years of completion. This academic discipline connects directly to the growing cultural competency needs across government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and corporations implementing diversity initiatives. While earnings range from $20,140 to $35,060 nationally, the financial accessibility remains remarkable. Berea College stands out as the lone private institution in this affordable tier, charging $49,326 in tuition but reducing net costs to $4,483 through generous aid. The 20 most affordable programs show graduation rates spanning from 11.5% at Oglala Lakota to 62% at Berea, reflecting the varied missions from serving first-generation tribal students to preparing urban professionals for multicultural workforce demands.
50
Programs
$2,065 – $10,133
Net Price Range
$27,785
Avg. Program Earnings
43.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,065 $2,684 11.5%
2 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
3 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
4 $3,031 $600 42.6% 93.3%
5 $3,046 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
6 $3,455 $4,010 23.9%
7 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
8 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
9 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
10 $3,669 $3,870 17.1%
11 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
12 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
13 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
14 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
15 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
16 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
17 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
18 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
19 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
20 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
21 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
22 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
23 $6,329 $4,110 17.9%
24 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
25 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
26 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
27 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
28 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
29 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
30 $7,075 $4,714
31 $7,233 $6,960 31.0% 62.7%
32 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
33 $7,625 $3,969 26.9%
34 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
35 $8,543 $9,000 36.3% 56.3%
36 $8,683 $5,498 25.2%
37 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
38 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
39 $9,110 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
40 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
41 $9,148 $5,354 48.6% 49.3%
42 $9,287 $8,032 32.7% 70.1%
43 $9,477 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
44 $9,634 $8,640 36.7%
45 $9,792 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
46 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
47 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
48 $10,017 $12,817 62.3% 88.4%
49 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
50 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes tribal colleges so affordable for ethnic studies programs?

Tribal colleges like Oglala Lakota College ($2,065 net) and Haskell Indian Nations University ($3,031 net) receive federal funding specifically designated for Native American education. These institutions prioritize cultural preservation and community service over profit margins. Haskell charges just $600 in tuition for qualifying students, while maintaining a 93% acceptance rate to serve tribal communities nationwide.

How do CUNY schools compare for ethnic studies affordability?

CUNY institutions dominate the affordable ethnic studies market, with six schools offering net prices between $2,446 and $4,734. Hunter College provides the strongest earning potential at $24,035 six years post-graduation, while City College graduates earn $35,060 annually. Brooklyn College offers a middle ground at $2,943 net cost with $33,138 in graduate earnings and a 56.6% completion rate.

Is Berea College worth the higher sticker price for ethnic studies?

Berea College charges $49,326 in tuition but reduces costs to $4,483 net through extensive financial aid, making it competitive with public options. The college maintains a 62% graduation rate, the highest among these affordable programs, and accepts only 24.6% of applicants. Graduates earn $29,685 annually, positioning Berea between the tribal colleges and top CUNY schools for post-graduation income.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in ethnic studies?

Graduation rates vary dramatically regardless of cost, from Oglala Lakota's 11.5% to Berea's 62%. CUNY Hunter College achieves a 61% graduation rate at just $2,446 net cost, while California State University-Dominguez Hills graduates 46.9% of students at $3,659 net. The data suggests institutional support and student preparation matter more than tuition levels for degree completion.

Where do ethnic studies graduates typically find employment after these programs?

Graduates commonly work in government agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and corporate diversity departments, with earnings ranging from $20,140 to $35,060 annually. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth in community and social service occupations through 2031. Tribal college graduates often return to serve their communities, while urban program graduates frequently enter municipal government or advocacy organizations in major metropolitan areas.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.