by our College Data Analytics Team
[Individualized Studies](/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/liberal-arts-and-general-studies/individualized-studies/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong individualized studies education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 5 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value individualized studies schools.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the individualized studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Great Falls College Montana State University the best value for a degree in individualized studies in Montana. Located in the city of Great Falls, Great Falls College Montana State University is a small public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,028, with out-of-state students paying around $12,911. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,034 ten years after entry.
Montana State University Northern is a great value for students pursuing a degree in individualized studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of Havre, Montana State University Northern is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,982, while out-of-state students pay about $21,875. Students borrow a median of $23,855 to complete the individualized studies program here. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $50,896. That is a strong return on a $23,855 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Montana earned it the #3 place for individualized studies. Located in the city of Missoula, The University Of Montana is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,552, compared with $33,671 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete the individualized studies program here. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from The University Of Montana generally make around $30,794. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Montana admits about 96% of applicants.
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This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
