2026 Best Value Individualized Studies Schools in the Southwest Region

1

Pima Community College
Tucson, AZ

Our analysis ranked Pima Community College the best value for a degree in individualized studies in the Southwest Region. Pima Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,442, with out-of-state students paying around $7,758. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $8,939. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Pima Community College generally make around $31,002. Set against $8,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Northern New Mexico College
Espanola, NM

Students looking for strong value in individualized studies will find it at Northern New Mexico College, which ranked #2. Northern New Mexico College is a small public school located in the town of Espanola. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,064, with out-of-state students paying around $14,328. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,112 ten years after entry.

3

Eastern Arizona College
Thatcher, AZ

Students looking for strong value in individualized studies will find it at Eastern Arizona College, which ranked #3. Eastern Arizona College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Thatcher. Students from in state pay about $2,352 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,552 for out-of-state students. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Eastern Arizona College generally make around $40,304. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Texas A And M University Commerce
Commerce, TX

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas A And M University Commerce earned it the #4 place for individualized studies. Set in the town of Commerce, Texas A And M University Commerce is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,026, while out-of-state students pay about $22,326. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $28,933 in student loans. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $54,201. That is a strong return on a $28,933 median debt. Texas A And M University Commerce admits about 92% of applicants.

5

Mesalands Community College
Tucumcari, NM

Mesalands Community College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Mesalands Community College is a small public school located in the town of Tucumcari. Students from in state pay about $2,136 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $3,408. Individualized Studies graduates of Mesalands Community College earn a median of $35,517 early in their careers.

6

Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ

Mesa Community College placed #6 among the best values for individualized studies. Located in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $10,500 in student loans. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $46,084. That is a strong return on a $10,500 median debt.

7

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University placed #7 among the best values for individualized studies. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the individualized studies program here. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $44,173. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants.

8

Jacksonville College Main Campus
Jacksonville, TX

Jacksonville College Main Campus came in at #8 for value in individualized studies this year. Set in the town of Jacksonville, Jacksonville College Main Campus is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,820. Median earnings reach $38,885 ten years out.

9

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus earned the #9 position for value in individualized studies this year. Set in the suburb of Norman, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus generally make around $55,222. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.

10

Rogers State University
Claremore, OK

Rogers State University landed the #10 spot for individualized studies value this year. Set in the town of Claremore, Rogers State University is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,750, with out-of-state students paying around $16,410. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the individualized studies program here. Individualized Studies graduates of Rogers State University earn a median of $45,644 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt.

11

University Of St Thomas Texas
Houston, TX

University Of St Thomas Texas earned the #11 position for value in individualized studies this year. Located in the city of Houston, University Of St Thomas Texas is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,634. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the individualized studies program here. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $50,420. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

12

The University Of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. 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. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $19,052. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Austin generally make around $69,994. Set against $19,052 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants.

13

Wayland Baptist University
Plainview, TX

Wayland Baptist University came in at #13 for value in individualized studies this year. Wayland Baptist University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Plainview. Students from in state pay about $23,782 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $24,258. Individualized Studies graduates of Wayland Baptist University earn a median of $44,688 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wayland Baptist University admits about 56% of applicants.

14

Concordia University Texas
Austin, TX

Concordia University Texas ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Set in the city of Austin, Concordia University Texas is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $32,778 in tuition and fees. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $32,474 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Concordia University Texas generally make around $36,012. That is a strong return on a $32,474 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

15

Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University placed #15 among the best values for individualized studies. Located in the suburb of Dallas, Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $20,712 in student loans. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $57,967. Set against $20,712 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.