2026 Best Value Public Administration Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

1

Brigham Young University Idaho
Rexburg, ID

Leading the list is Brigham Young University Idaho, our #1 best value for public administration in the Rocky Mountains Region. Set in the town of Rexburg, Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $13,287. Early-career public administration graduates make about $43,853. That is a strong return on a $13,287 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants.

2

Utah Valley University
Orem, UT

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Utah Valley University earned it the #2 place for public administration. Located in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,507 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,489. Students borrow a median of $16,478 to complete the public administration program here. Early-career public administration graduates make about $51,242. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

A rank of #3 makes University Of Utah one of the best values for public administration. University Of Utah is a very large public school located in the city of Salt Lake City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $20,798. Early-career public administration graduates make about $67,318. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants.

4

University Of Wyoming
Laramie, WY

Students looking for strong value in public administration will find it at University Of Wyoming, which ranked #4. Located in the town of Laramie, University Of Wyoming is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Students borrow a median of $20,283 to complete the public administration program here. Early-career public administration graduates make about $49,890. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

5

Southern Utah University
Cedar City, UT

A rank of #5 makes Southern Utah University one of the best values for public administration. Southern Utah University is a very large public school located in the town of Cedar City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,962, with out-of-state students paying around $21,192. Public Administration graduates carry a median of $12,886 in student loans. Public Administration graduates of Southern Utah University earn a median of $55,757 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,886 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.

6

Brigham Young University Provo
Provo, UT

Brigham Young University Provo placed #6 among the best values for public administration. Located in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete the public administration program here. Early-career public administration graduates make about $58,390. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants.

7

University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO

University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs landed the #7 spot for public administration value this year. Located in the city of Colorado Springs, University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,906, compared with $25,039 for out-of-state students. Public Administration graduates carry a median of $23,559 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public administration degree recipients from University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs generally make around $70,497. That is a strong return on a $23,559 median debt. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs admits about 97% of applicants.

8

University Of Colorado Denver
Denver, CO

University Of Colorado Denver ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value public administration schools. Set in the city of Denver, University Of Colorado Denver is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,383, with out-of-state students paying around $29,391. Students borrow a median of $26,582 to complete the public administration program here. Early-career public administration graduates make about $66,943. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Denver admits about 75% of applicants.

9

The University Of Montana
Missoula, MT

The University Of Montana earned the #9 position for value in public administration this year. The University Of Montana is a large public school located in the city of Missoula. Students from in state pay about $8,552 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,671 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,342 to complete the public administration program here. Public Administration graduates of The University Of Montana earn a median of $49,746 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Montana admits about 96% of applicants.

10

Boise State University
Boise, ID

Boise State University came in at #10 for value in public administration this year. Located in the city of Boise, Boise State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,048, while out-of-state students pay about $27,788. Public Administration graduates carry a median of $24,311 in student loans. Public Administration graduates of Boise State University earn a median of $55,582 early in their careers. Set against $24,311 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boise State University admits about 87% of applicants.

11

Colorado State University Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO

Colorado State University Fort Collins came in at #11 for value in public administration this year. Colorado State University Fort Collins is a very large public school located in the city of Fort Collins. In-state tuition and fees average $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,843 to complete the public administration program here. Public Administration graduates of Colorado State University Fort Collins earn a median of $51,693 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.