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Cheapest State Universities in Nigeria and Their School Fees 2026: Complete Guide

If you are searching for the cheapest state universities in Nigeria, you are likely facing a decision that carries real financial weight. University education matters enormously for your future, yet for many Nigerian families, tuition, accommodation, feeding, and materials must be balanced against limited household income. I want to walk you through this landscape honestly, the way I would guide a student sitting across from me in my office, with real numbers, real trade offs, and practical advice for making a decision you will not regret.

A note before we begin. School fees in Nigerian state universities change from session to session, sometimes significantly, and figures reported online often vary depending on faculty, indigene status, and when the source was last updated. Every figure in this guide reflects the most recent publicly reported ranges at the time of writing, but you should always confirm exact amounts directly on each university's official admission portal before making any financial commitment.

What You Should Know About State Universities in Nigeria

State universities occupy a distinct position in Nigeria's higher education system. They are owned, funded, and regulated by individual state governments rather than the federal government or private proprietors, and this ownership structure shapes almost everything about how they operate, including their fees.

Key Characteristics

State universities typically sit between federal and private universities in terms of cost, though several rank among the most affordable institutions in the entire country. They tend to give preferential admission and reduced fees to indigenes of the owning state, meaning your state of origin can significantly affect both your chances of admission and how much you eventually pay. Academic quality varies considerably from one state university to another, so affordability alone should never be your only consideration.

Why Some State Universities Are Cheap

Understanding why certain state universities charge remarkably low fees helps you evaluate whether that affordability is sustainable or a warning sign.

1. Government Subsidy

State governments allocate a portion of their budget to subsidize university operations, covering staff salaries, infrastructure, and research costs that would otherwise be passed directly to students. States with stronger internally generated revenue or a strong political commitment to education tend to subsidize more heavily, which translates into lower fees for students.

2. Indigene Discounts

Nearly every state university charges indigenes of the owning state significantly less than students from other states. This is a deliberate policy designed to make higher education accessible to residents of that state, and it is one of the biggest single factors separating a genuinely cheap university experience from an expensive one for any individual student.

3. Location

Universities located in states with a lower general cost of living, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria, often combine low tuition with lower accommodation and feeding costs, making the total cost of a degree considerably lower than the tuition figure alone would suggest.

Top Cheapest State Universities in Nigeria (With School Fees)

Below is a closer look at some of the most consistently affordable state universities currently reported, along with what makes each one worth considering.

1. Taraba State University (TSU)

School Fees

Reported figures for Taraba State University generally fall between roughly ₦35,000 and ₦110,000 per session, depending on faculty and level, with acceptance fees typically in the ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 range.

Why It's One of the Cheapest

TSU consistently appears among the lowest tuition state universities in Nigeria, reflecting Taraba State's commitment to keeping higher education accessible in the North East region.

Best For

Students from Taraba State and neighboring North East states seeking an affordable degree without the added cost of relocating far from home.

2. Gombe State University (GSU)

School Fees

Gombe State University has been reported as one of the least expensive state universities, with some sources citing fees as low as ₦20,000 to ₦40,000 per session for standard undergraduate programs.

Key Advantages

Beyond its low cost, GSU benefits from Gombe's relatively affordable cost of living, meaning total student expenses remain manageable even when accommodation and feeding are factored in.

3. Borno State University (BOSU)

School Fees

Borno State University fees have been reported around ₦33,000 per session for many undergraduate programs, making it one of the cheapest options in the country.

Unique Feature

BOSU has continued to rebuild and expand its academic offerings in recent years, and its low fee structure reflects a strong state commitment to restoring access to education in the region.

4. Plateau State University (PLASU)

School Fees

PLASU fees have been reported in the range of approximately ₦40,000 per session for indigene undergraduates, with variation by faculty and level.

Why Choose It

Plateau State's cooler climate and relatively lower cost of living in Bokkos make PLASU an attractive option for students prioritizing overall affordability, not just tuition alone.

5. Kebbi State University of Science and Technology (KSUSTA)

School Fees

KSUSTA fees have been reported at approximately ₦60,000 per session for undergraduate programs.

Best For

Students interested in science and technology focused programs who want a state university with a clear academic specialization.

6. Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK)

School Fees

NSUK fees have generally been reported between roughly ₦65,000 and ₦160,000 for fresh students depending on faculty and indigene status, with returning students typically paying less.

Highlights

NSUK operates across four campuses, including a dedicated engineering campus at Gudi and an agriculture focused campus at Lafia, giving students some flexibility in program specialization within one institution.

7. Kogi State University (KSU)

School Fees

KSU fees have been reported at under ₦100,000 per session, with several sources placing the figure closer to ₦57,000 for standard undergraduate programs.

Why It's Popular

KSU is often recommended for students seeking a genuinely low cost state university experience without sacrificing access to a reasonably broad range of academic programs, spanning agriculture, sciences, arts, law, and medicine.

8. Delta State University (DELSU)

School Fees

DELSU fees have been reported at approximately ₦58,000 per session for many undergraduate programs, though professional courses may cost more.

Key Strength

DELSU combines relative affordability with a longer academic history and stronger institutional reputation than many newer state universities, making it a solid option for students who want both cost savings and established credibility.

9. Lagos State University (LASU)

School Fees

LASU fees have been reported in the range of ₦100,000 to ₦400,000 depending on faculty and indigene status, which is higher than many other state universities on this list but still considerably below Lagos private university tuition.

Why It Stands Out

LASU's location in Nigeria's commercial capital offers students access to internship opportunities, networking, and exposure that is difficult to match from a more rural state university campus, which can justify its comparatively higher fees for some students.

10. Ekiti State University (EKSU)

School Fees

EKSU fees have been reported in the range of roughly ₦100,000 to ₦140,000 per session, depending on faculty and student status.

Best For

Students in the South West seeking a well established state university known for a stable academic calendar and consistent performance in national rankings.

11. Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma

School Fees

AAU fees have been reported at approximately ₦110,000 per session for standard undergraduate programs.

Popular Courses

AAU is particularly known for its programs in law, education, and the social sciences, drawing students from across Edo State and beyond.

12. Osun State University (UNIOSUN)

School Fees

Reported figures for UNIOSUN vary considerably by source, ranging from approximately ₦80,000 up to ₦300,000 or more for certain programs such as medicine, reflecting how significantly fees can differ between faculties at the same institution.

Key Advantage

UNIOSUN's multi campus structure across six locations allows it to offer a wide range of specialized programs while keeping most non professional courses within an affordable range.

13. Benue State University (BSU)

School Fees

BSU generally falls within the broader affordable range typical of Middle Belt state universities, though exact current figures should be confirmed directly with the university, since reported amounts vary between sources.

14. Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)

School Fees

AAUA is generally positioned among the moderately affordable South West state universities, with fees that should be verified directly through the university's official portal given variation across reporting sources.

Cheapest State Universities (Summary Table)

University	Approximate Fee Range (₦)	Region
Borno State University	~33,000	North East
Taraba State University	35,000–110,000	North East
Gombe State University	20,000–40,000	North East
Plateau State University	~40,000	North Central
Kogi State University	~57,000	North Central
Delta State University	~58,000	South South
Kebbi State University of Science and Technology	~60,000	North West
Nasarawa State University, Keffi	65,000–160,000	North Central
Ambrose Alli University	~110,000	South South
Ekiti State University	100,000–140,000	South West
Lagos State University	100,000–400,000	South West
Osun State University	80,000–300,000+	South West

Figures are approximate and reported ranges from recent publicly available sources. Always confirm exact amounts on the relevant university's official portal.

Cheapest State Universities for Different Courses

Fees within the same university can vary dramatically by course, so it helps to think about affordability by field of study rather than by institution alone.

Cheapest for Medicine

Medicine remains one of the most expensive courses at nearly every state university due to laboratory, equipment, and clinical training costs, but state universities still charge considerably less than private institutions for medical training, often a fraction of what private medical programs charge.

Cheapest for Engineering

Engineering programs typically cost more than arts or social science programs due to laboratory and workshop requirements, though universities like NSUK, with a dedicated engineering campus, and KSUSTA, with its technology focus, remain relatively affordable compared to private alternatives.

Cheapest for Arts and Social Sciences

Arts and social science programs are consistently the most affordable course category across nearly every state university on this list, since they require fewer specialized facilities and materials than science or professional programs.

Hidden Costs to Consider

Tuition is only one part of the real cost of a university education, and overlooking the following expenses is one of the most common budgeting mistakes families make.

Accommodation

Hostel fees vary by university but typically range from roughly ₦20,000 to ₦120,000 per session depending on the institution and hostel type, and students who cannot secure campus accommodation may face higher costs renting privately nearby.

Feeding

Monthly feeding costs vary by location and lifestyle but should be budgeted realistically as an ongoing expense throughout the academic session, not a one time fee.

Books & Materials

Course materials, practicals, and departmental levies can add a meaningful amount to your total annual cost, particularly in science and technical programs.

Admission Requirements for State Universities

UTME Requirements

Most state universities require a competitive UTME score, generally starting from around 140 to 160 depending on the course and institution, alongside the correct subject combination for your intended program.

O'Level Requirements

Candidates typically need a minimum of five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in no more than two sittings of WAEC or NECO.

Direct Entry Requirements

Direct entry candidates generally need a minimum of two A Level passes, an OND, NCE, or equivalent qualification relevant to their intended course, in addition to meeting the standard O'Level requirements.

Advantages of Cheapest State Universities

1. Easier Admission

Many affordable state universities have less intense competition for admission slots compared to highly sought after federal or private institutions, improving your realistic chances of gaining entry.

2. Affordable Fees

The most obvious advantage is financial. Lower fees reduce the burden on families and can mean the difference between completing a degree and dropping out due to inability to pay.

3. Stable Academic Calendar

Several state universities, particularly those with consistent state government funding, have maintained more stable academic calendars in recent years compared to institutions frequently disrupted by industrial action.

Disadvantages

1. Indigene Preference

Non indigenes often pay noticeably higher fees and may face more competitive admission criteria, reducing the affordability advantage for students applying outside their home state.

2. Moderate Reputation

Some lesser known state universities carry less national recognition than long established federal universities, which can matter for certain career paths and postgraduate opportunities, though this varies significantly by specific program and industry.

How to Choose the Best Cheap State University

Begin by identifying whether you qualify as an indigene of any state offering strong programs in your intended field, since this single factor often produces the largest fee reduction available to you. Compare not just tuition but total annual cost, including accommodation and feeding, since a university with slightly higher tuition but lower living costs may end up cheaper overall. Investigate the university's accreditation status for your specific course through the National Universities Commission, and speak with current students where possible to understand the real academic and administrative experience beyond what official fee schedules describe.

Expert Tips

Apply early, since admission slots and course availability at popular affordable universities fill quickly. Budget for the full academic year rather than just the first semester, since many hidden costs surface gradually throughout the session. Keep a small financial buffer for unexpected levies, which are common across Nigerian universities regardless of how affordable the published tuition appears. Finally, verify every fee figure directly through the university's official website or admissions office immediately before payment, since fee schedules change and unofficial sources are not always current.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is the cheapest state university in Nigeria?

Based on recent reporting, Borno State University and Gombe State University are consistently mentioned among the least expensive, though exact rankings shift from session to session.

2. How much are state university school fees?

Fees generally range from approximately ₦20,000 to ₦400,000 per session depending on the specific university, course, level, and indigene status.

3. Are state universities cheaper than federal universities?

Not always. Federal universities are often subsidized more heavily by the federal government and can be cheaper than some state universities, particularly for non indigenes of the state in question.

4. Can non indigenes study cheaply in state universities?

Non indigenes generally pay higher fees than indigenes at nearly every state university, though the difference varies by institution and some universities remain relatively affordable even for non indigenes.

5. Which state university is best and affordable?

There is no single universal answer, since the best choice depends on your intended course, your state of origin, and your budget beyond tuition alone. Universities such as Delta State University, Kogi State University, and Nasarawa State University are frequently recommended for combining reasonable affordability with a solid range of academic programs.

Choosing an affordable state university is ultimately about balancing cost against opportunity. The cheapest option on paper is not automatically the right one for you if it lacks accreditation for your intended course, has an unstable academic calendar, or requires relocation costs that erase its tuition savings. Take the time to verify current fees directly with each institution, weigh total cost rather than tuition alone, and choose a university that genuinely fits both your financial reality and your academic goals. A degree earned affordably, from a properly accredited institution that supports your growth, will serve you far better than one chosen on cost alone without this fuller picture in mind.