2026 Best Value Public Policy Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

1

University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

Leading the list is University Of Utah, our #1 best value for public policy in the Rocky Mountains Region. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,798 to complete the public policy program here. Early-career public policy graduates make about $61,434. Set against $20,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

2

Boise State University
Boise, ID

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Boise State University earned it the #2 place for public policy. Located in the city of Boise, Boise State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,048, with out-of-state students paying around $27,788. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $24,311 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from Boise State University generally make around $49,059. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.

3

University Of Denver
Denver, CO

University Of Denver came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value public policy schools. Located in the city of Denver, University Of Denver is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $61,398. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $22,534 in student loans. Public Policy graduates of University Of Denver earn a median of $56,999 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,534 median debt. University Of Denver admits about 78% of applicants.