by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Studies](/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/liberal-arts-and-general-studies/general-studies/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 15 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value general studies schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in general studies, no school beat Miles Community College this year. Miles Community College is a small public school located in the town of Miles City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,500, compared with $11,220 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $11,949. General Studies graduates of Miles Community College earn a median of $67,708 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,949 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Fort Peck Community College one of the best values for general studies. Located in the rural area of Poplar, Fort Peck Community College is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $14,747.
A rank of #3 makes Flathead Valley Community College one of the best values for general studies. Set in the town of Kalispell, Flathead Valley Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,912, compared with $11,659 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $11,000. Early-career general studies graduates make about $30,079. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Dawson Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the town of Glendive, Dawson Community College is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,010, with out-of-state students paying around $9,810. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $11,000. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Dawson Community College generally make around $25,631. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Chief Dull Knife College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the rural area of Lame Deer, Chief Dull Knife College is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,260. Median earnings reach $20,073 ten years out.
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Helena College University Of Montana landed the #6 spot for general studies value this year. Set in the city of Helena, Helena College University Of Montana is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,106 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,278. Students borrow a median of $15,400 to complete the general studies program here. Early-career general studies graduates make about $31,290. Set against $15,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Montana State University Billings earned the #7 position for value in general studies this year. Set in the city of Billings, Montana State University Billings is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,280, with out-of-state students paying around $22,897. General Studies graduates carry a median of $39,800 in student loans. Early-career general studies graduates make about $29,832. Set against $39,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The University Of Montana Western came in at #8 for value in general studies this year. The University Of Montana Western is a small public school located in the town of Dillon. Students from in state pay about $6,669 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,130. Students borrow a median of $22,484 to complete the general studies program here. General Studies graduates of The University Of Montana Western earn a median of $36,924 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Montana Western admits about 100% of applicants.
The University Of Montana earned the #9 position for value in general studies this year. Located in the city of Missoula, The University Of Montana is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,552 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,671. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $18,500. General Studies graduates of The University Of Montana earn a median of $30,794 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
Montana State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value general studies schools. Located in the city of Bozeman, Montana State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,460 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,287. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $19,268. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Montana State University generally make around $31,710. That is a strong return on a $19,268 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced 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 · 15 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.