Jun 29, 2013 02:51 AM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

College education has become expensive due to the country's current economic condition forcing most of the universities to hike their tuition costs. Usually, out-of-state students are charged higher fees. However, a survey conducted by U.S. News found out some of the least expensive colleges for these students.

Normally students from other states are charged fees of more than $40,000 in higher education institutes. The survey that looked into 331 public colleges found that tuition fees for these students averaged roughly $19,100 for the 2012-2013 academic year when compared to $8,300 for in-state students.

The survey also showed that there are some colleges who maintain out-of-state tuition at lower levels to create a more diverse campus community.

Here is the list of public colleges and universities across the country that offers courses for out-of-state students at LESSER PRICES. The costs do not include room and board, books, transportation and other expenses.

Minot State University ranks first in the list of cheaper out-of-state tuition. In the academic year 2012-13, the North Dakota University approved $6,000 in tuition for all students regardless of their resident status.

West Texas A&M University, Bemidji State University and Mayville State University are the next best, least expensive public colleges for non-resident students.

"Any time you can get national recognition, it's great for the university," said Darren Fullerton, Missouri Southern's vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. "A lot of students may not look at a school that is out of state because of an assumption that tuition will be higher. We've tried especially to rein in the escalating cost of getting an education. We want students, parents and the community to know that Missouri Southern strives to keep education affordable."

During the spring 2013 semester, the Missouri Southern State University comprised of 852 out-of-state students out of the total 5,052 students in the college. For the academic year 2013-14, tuition at the university will be $173.20 per credit hour for in-state students and $346.40 for out-of-state ones.

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