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Cheapest Ethnic Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Public institutions dominate affordable Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies programs, with net costs spanning from $2,065 at Oglala Lakota College to $4,734 at CUNY York College. The field connects directly to growing sectors like diversity consulting, cultural preservation, and social advocacy, where nonprofits and government agencies increasingly seek graduates who understand identity dynamics and group relations. CUNY schools claim seven of the fifteen most affordable spots, with Hunter College graduates earning $24,035 annually while Brooklyn College alumni reach $33,138. Tribal colleges like Haskell Indian Nations University charge just $600 in tuition, though graduation rates vary significantly across institutions. Private option Berea College breaks the pattern at $4,483 net cost despite a $49,326 sticker price, achieving a 62% graduation rate that matches some of the strongest public programs in this affordable tier.
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 explains the $2,600 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Oglala Lakota College costs $2,065 annually while CUNY York College reaches $4,734, reflecting different funding models and regional economics. Tribal colleges receive federal support that keeps costs extremely low, with some charging under $1,000 in tuition. CUNY schools balance affordability with urban operating costs, though all remain well below national averages. Private nonprofit Berea College uniquely charges $4,483 despite a $49,326 published price through its work-study program.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in this field?

The relationship between cost and completion varies dramatically, with some patterns emerging. CUNY Hunter College achieves 61% graduation at $2,446 net cost, while Ohio University-Eastern manages only 20% at $4,503. Tribal colleges show mixed results, with Haskell at 42.6% and Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish at 17.1%. Berea College leads at 62% graduation rate despite being the most expensive affordable option at $4,483.

Is earning potential significantly different across these affordable programs?

Graduate earnings span from $20,140 to $35,060, showing substantial variation even among similar-cost programs. CUNY City College graduates earn $35,060 annually at a $3,486 net cost, while Haskell graduates earn $20,140 at $3,031. Brooklyn College produces mid-career earners at $33,138 with manageable debt of $8,625. Geographic location and alumni networks appear to influence earnings more than program costs in this field.

Where do most affordable Ethnic Studies programs cluster geographically?

New York dominates with seven CUNY campuses among the fifteen most affordable options, leveraging state funding to serve varied urban populations. California contributes two Cal State schools, while tribal colleges in North and South Dakota provide specialized Indigenous Studies programs. The concentration reflects both state investment in public higher education and regional demand for cultural competency training. Rural tribal colleges serve specific communities with unique missions beyond traditional affordability metrics.

Does acceptance rate indicate program selectivity or accessibility focus?

Most affordable programs emphasize accessibility over selectivity, with acceptance rates ranging from 24.58% to 93.31%. Berea College stands out with the lowest acceptance rate at 24.58% while maintaining affordability through endowment support. Haskell Indian Nations University accepts 93.31% of applicants, prioritizing access for Native American students. CUNY schools typically accept 47-69% of applicants, balancing quality with the urban mission to serve working students from varied backgrounds.

More Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Rankings

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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.