ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Native American Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools

12 Colleges in the United States
$20,726 Avg Student Debt
$65,698 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Native American Studies Bachelor's Degree Badge [Native American Studies](/majors/ethnic-cultural-gender-studies/ethnic-studies/native-american-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 116 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for native american studies students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/ethnic-cultural-gender-studies/ethnic-studies/native-american-studies/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/ethnic-cultural-gender-studies/ethnic-studies/native-american-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/ethnic-cultural-gender-studies/ethnic-studies/native-american-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/ethnic-cultural-gender-studies/ethnic-studies/native-american-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/ethnic-cultural-gender-studies/ethnic-studies/native-american-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/ethnic-cultural-gender-studies/ethnic-studies/native-american-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/ethnic-cultural-gender-studies/ethnic-studies/native-american-studies/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 2
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 05.02), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "BA in History - American History" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BA in History - American History" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MA in History - American History" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MA in History - American History" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 2
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 0 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 0
DEBUG: No ESYOH offers, checking direct offers

2026 Best Value Native American Studies Schools in the United States

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the native american studies degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Native American Studies Schools

1

Leading the list is California State University San Marcos, our #1 best value for native american studies in the United States. Set in the suburb of San Marcos, California State University San Marcos is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,082, while out-of-state students pay about $20,682. Typical student debt for native american studies graduates is $17,527. Early-career native american studies graduates make about $48,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%.

2

Haskell Indian Nations University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in native american studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Lawrence, Haskell Indian Nations University is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $600. Early-career native american studies graduates make about $23,887. Haskell Indian Nations University admits about 90% of applicants.

3

Oglala Lakota College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value native american studies schools. Oglala Lakota College is a small public school located in the rural area of Kyle. Students from in state pay about $2,684 in tuition and fees. Median earnings reach $22,517 ten years out.

4
Stanford University crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Stanford University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value native american studies schools. Set in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for native american studies graduates is $10,492. Native American Studies graduates of Stanford University earn a median of $41,156 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

5

A rank of #5 makes University Of Hawaii At Hilo one of the best values for native american studies. University Of Hawaii At Hilo is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Hilo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,838, while out-of-state students pay about $20,798. Students borrow a median of $22,615 to complete the native american studies program here. Native American Studies graduates of University Of Hawaii At Hilo earn a median of $48,141 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,615 median debt. University Of Hawaii At Hilo admits about 61% of applicants.

ADBLOCK #101
6
University Of Utah crest
University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value native american studies schools. University Of Utah is a very large public school located in the city of Salt Lake City. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for native american studies graduates is $20,798. Native American Studies graduates of University Of Utah earn a median of $60,527 early in their careers. Set against $20,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants.

7

San Francisco State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value native american studies schools. Set in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,846 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. Students borrow a median of $17,875 to complete the native american studies program here. Native American Studies graduates of San Francisco State University earn a median of $31,001 early in their careers. Set against $17,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

8

Humboldt State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value native american studies schools. Set in the town of Arcata, Humboldt State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,397, with out-of-state students paying around $20,997. Students borrow a median of $15,533 to complete the native american studies program here. Early-career native american studies graduates make about $30,844. That is a strong return on a $15,533 median debt. Humboldt State University admits about 98% of applicants.

9

University Of Washington Seattle Campus earned the #9 position for value in native american studies this year. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Native American Studies graduates carry a median of $15,056 in student loans. Early-career native american studies graduates make about $31,459. That is a strong return on a $15,056 median debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants.

10

Portland State University earned the #10 position for value in native american studies this year. Portland State University is a very large public school located in the city of Portland. Students from in state pay about $11,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Native American Studies graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Native American Studies graduates of Portland State University earn a median of $32,441 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #115
11

University Of Hawaii At Manoa ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value native american studies schools. University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a very large public school located in the city of Honolulu. Students from in state pay about $12,186 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,218 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for native american studies graduates is $20,250. Soon after graduation, native american studies degree recipients from University Of Hawaii At Manoa generally make around $20,109. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%.

12

University Of Georgia ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value native american studies schools. Located in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Native American Studies graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. Native American Studies graduates of University Of Georgia earn a median of $53,546 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.

13

Arizona State University landed the #13 spot for native american studies value this year. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete the native american studies program here. Soon after graduation, native american studies degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $40,719. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.

14

University Of California Los Angeles earned the #14 position for value in native american studies this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Typical student debt for native american studies graduates is $15,000. Early-career native american studies graduates make about $29,914. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants.

15

University Of California Riverside landed the #15 spot for native american studies value this year. Set in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,636 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete the native american studies program here. Native American Studies graduates of University Of California Riverside earn a median of $31,443 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Riverside admits about 76% of applicants.

ADBLOCK #145
16

University Of California Berkeley placed #16 among the best values for native american studies. Located in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Students borrow a median of $15,740 to complete the native american studies program here. Native American Studies graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $34,559 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,740 median debt. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants.

17

University Of California Davis came in at #17 for value in native american studies this year. Located in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for native american studies graduates is $14,155. Soon after graduation, native american studies degree recipients from University Of California Davis generally make around $32,563. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

18

Northern Arizona University earned the #18 position for value in native american studies this year. Located in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,619, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Native American Studies graduates carry a median of $21,645 in student loans. Early-career native american studies graduates make about $47,056. That is a strong return on a $21,645 median debt. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants.

19

University Of Arizona placed #19 among the best values for native american studies. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,219 to complete the native american studies program here. Early-career native american studies graduates make about $26,875. That is a strong return on a $25,219 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

20

University Of Wisconsin Madison earned the #20 position for value in native american studies this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public school located in the city of Madison. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,750 to complete the native american studies program here. Soon after graduation, native american studies degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Madison generally make around $28,841. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #150
21

San Diego State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value native american studies schools. San Diego State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Diego. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Typical student debt for native american studies graduates is $20,499. Soon after graduation, native american studies degree recipients from San Diego State University generally make around $51,162. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted.

22

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #22 for value in native american studies this year. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Students borrow a median of $21,964 to complete the native american studies program here. Native American Studies graduates of University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earn a median of $33,000 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,964 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%.

23

The University Of Montana ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value native american studies schools. The University Of Montana is a large public school located in the city of Missoula. Students from in state pay about $8,552 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,671 for out-of-state students. Native American Studies graduates carry a median of $24,342 in student loans. Native American Studies graduates of The University Of Montana earn a median of $42,654 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,342 median debt. The University Of Montana admits about 96% of applicants.

24

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #24 spot for native american studies value this year. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public school located in the suburb of Norman. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Students borrow a median of $23,186 to complete the native american studies program here. Soon after graduation, native american studies degree recipients from University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus generally make around $58,084. That is a strong return on a $23,186 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

25

University Of New Mexico Main Campus came in at #25 for value in native american studies this year. Set in the city of Albuquerque, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,140, while out-of-state students pay about $33,060. Typical student debt for native american studies graduates is $25,000. Native American Studies graduates of University Of New Mexico Main Campus earn a median of $38,260 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of New Mexico Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants.

Rest of the Top 30 Best Value Native American Studies Schools

These schools also delivered strong value for native american studies this year:

26
27
University Of Iowa crest
University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
28
29
30
Dartmouth College crest
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH

Other Native American Studies Degree Levels

Explore the best-value native american studies schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Native American Studies
Associate's Degrees in Native American Studies
Master's Degrees in Native American Studies
ADBLOCK #173
View All Native American Studies Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 116 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 12 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options