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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Value Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

2 Colleges in the United States
$21,475 Avg Student Debt
$53,469 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Value Badge [Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/security-science-and-technology/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong value education at a price that pays off.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 12 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for value students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Value Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in value, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Value Schools

1

Leading the list is Utah Valley University, our #1 best value for value in the Rocky Mountains Region. Set in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,507, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $16,478 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Utah Valley University generally make around $51,242. Set against $16,478 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Boise State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Boise, Boise State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,048, while out-of-state students pay about $27,788. Typical student debt for value graduates is $24,311. Value graduates of Boise State University earn a median of $49,059 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,311 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.

3

Montana State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Bozeman, Montana State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,635 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Montana State University earn a median of $47,703 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montana State University admits about 82% of applicants.

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 12 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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