Discovering affordable degree courses is a crucial aspect of planning for higher education, especially for students and families navigating the expenses associated with tertiary studies.
In a notice released on Sunday, February 25, the placement service declared the extension of the application period until further notice to ensure that all eligible students have submitted their applications.
Following the extension, we recognize that the cost of tertiary education is a major consideration for many families, and discovering affordable options can greatly impact access to quality education.
To assist prospective students in making informed decisions about higher education, The Kenya Times has compiled a list of five most budget-friendly degree courses available through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) portal for the year 2024.
Here are five economical degree programs and the universities that offer them, as outlined in the KUCCPS list:
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Bachelor of Education Arts (Degree)
This degree program, offered at various universities across Kenya, provides a foundation for individuals aspiring to become educators in the arts subjects.
The most affordable university offering the course is Kenya Assemblies of God Eastern University, with a tuition fee of Ksh 42,000 per year. Following closely is Kiriri Women University of Science and Technology, charging Ksh 82,350 annually.
Lukenya University, Islamic University of Kenya, and Zetech University have similar tuition fees for the course, priced at Ksh 82,350, Ksh 96,000, and Ksh 104,300 per year, respectively.
Other universities providing the course at relatively lower costs include Mount Kenya University, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, and Garissa University, with tuition fees set at Ksh 105,000, Ksh 109,000, and Ksh 109,650 per year, respectively.
Also Read: Step-by-Step Process of University & College Applications on KUCCPS Portal
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Bachelor of Arts
The course serves as a platform for students to explore diverse fields such as literature, history, philosophy, psychology, sociology, languages, and fine arts, among others.
The cost of pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree is uniform across various universities with several institutions charging Ksh122,000, according to the KUCCPS list.
Maseno University, for example, charges a tuition fee for Ksh 122,000 per year for this course.
Meanwhile, Multimedia University, Moi University with Information Technology, Chuka University, Machakos University, Southeastern Kenya University, Koitalel Samoei University, and Kisii University all offer the program at a rate of Ksh 122,400.
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Bachelor of Commerce
With commerce being a cornerstone of global business, a Bachelor of Commerce degree equips students with fundamental knowledge in areas such as accounting, finance, and management.
The Management University of Africa emerges as the most economical option, with a tuition fee set at Ksh 78,000. Following closely is Lukenya University, charging Ksh 86,200 for the BCom program.
These institutions offer competitive rates without compromising the quality of education provided.
Also on the list is Mount Kenya University’s BCom program that comes with a price tag of Ksh 105,000.
Further, Zetech University and Gretsa University charge Ksh 130,600 and Ksh 132,400, respectively.
Also Read: How to Pay for KUCCPS on eCitizen
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
The program includes core IT course that may include subjects such as computer programming, database management, networking fundamentals, systems analysis, and information security.
Mount Kenya University offers the course at an affordable price of 11,000.
Great Lakes University of Kisumu provides the program at a cost of 116,000 while Kenya Evangelical University offers the course at Ksh 117, 450.
Other Universities providing the program at affordable rates are Zetech University and Pioneer International University at Ksh 142,600 and 146, 673 respectively.
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Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Security Studies
The Course covers topics such as criminological theory, the sociology of crime and deviance, criminal justice systems, and research methods in criminology.
KCA University stands out with its comparatively lower fee structure, offering the course at Ksh 107,430.
On the other end of the spectrum, Kenya Methodist University charges Ksh 152,000 for the same program.
Furthermore, a cluster of universities, including Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Chuka, University of Embu, Maasai Mara, Laikipia, Maseno, Karatina, Murang’a University of Technology, Kaimosi Friends University, and Tom Mboya, offer the program at a fee of Ksh 153,000.
Turkana University and Tharaka University also fall within the same fee bracket, pricing their Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Security Studies program at Ksh 153,000.
There are 39 public universities that are eligible for government scholarships and a Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loan.
However, students who choose courses offered at private universities will be eligible for HELB loans only.
