2026 Best Value Ethnic Studies Schools in the Southwest Region

1

Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, OK

For return on investment in ethnic studies, no school beat Southeastern Oklahoma State University this year. Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Durant. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,200, with out-of-state students paying around $16,410. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $18,660 in student loans. Ethnic Studies graduates of Southeastern Oklahoma State University earn a median of $62,250 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,660 median debt. Southeastern Oklahoma State University admits about 76% of applicants.

2

Phoenix College
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in ethnic studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Phoenix, Phoenix College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $15,204 in student loans. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from Phoenix College generally make around $51,053. That is a strong return on a $15,204 median debt.

3

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in ethnic studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $23,000. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $40,719. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

4

Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ

Northern Arizona University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in ethnic studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $21,645 in student loans. Early-career ethnic studies graduates make about $47,056. Set against $21,645 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants.

5

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Arizona earned it the #5 place for ethnic studies. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $25,219 in student loans. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $26,875. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #6 spot for ethnic 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, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $23,186 in student loans. Early-career ethnic studies graduates make about $58,084. That is a strong return on a $23,186 median debt. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants.

7

University Of New Mexico Main Campus
Albuquerque, NM

University Of New Mexico Main Campus placed #7 among the best values for ethnic studies. University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Albuquerque. Students from in state pay about $10,140 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,060. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $25,000. Ethnic 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. The acceptance rate is 95%.

8

The University Of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin earned the #8 position for value in ethnic studies this year. The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career ethnic studies graduates make about $37,046. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.

9

Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value ethnic studies schools. Located in the city of Lubbock, Texas Tech University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $24,271 in student loans. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from Texas Tech University generally make around $50,332. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.