by our College Data Analytics Team
[Liberal Arts](/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/liberal-arts-and-general-studies/liberal-arts/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 9 schools to find the best return on investment for liberal arts students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the liberal arts degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Montana State University Billings, our #1 best value for liberal arts in Montana. Located in the city of Billings, Montana State University Billings is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $7,280 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,897. Typical student debt for liberal arts graduates is $39,800. Early-career liberal arts graduates make about $29,832. That is a strong return on a $39,800 median debt.
The University Of Montana Western is a great value for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts, landing the #2 spot 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. Typical student debt for liberal arts graduates is $22,484. Early-career liberal arts graduates make about $36,924. That is a strong return on a $22,484 median debt. The University Of Montana Western admits about 100% of applicants.
The University Of Montana is a great value for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Missoula, The University Of Montana is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,552, with out-of-state students paying around $33,671. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete the liberal arts program here. Early-career liberal arts graduates make about $30,794. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in liberal arts will find it at Montana State University, which ranked #4. 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. Liberal Arts graduates carry a median of $19,268 in student loans. Soon after graduation, liberal arts degree recipients from Montana State University generally make around $31,710. Set against $19,268 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
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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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.