2027 Best Value Native American Studies Schools in the Southwest Region

[Native American Studies](/majors/ethnic-cultural-gender-studies/ethnic-studies/native-american-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong native american studies education at a price that pays off.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 9 schools to find the best return on investment for native american studies students.
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2027 Best Value Native American Studies Schools in the Southwest Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the native american studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Native American Studies Schools
Our analysis ranked Southeastern Oklahoma State University the best value for a degree in native american studies in the Southwest Region. Located in the town of Durant, Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $7,200 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,410. Native American Studies graduates carry a median of $18,660 in student loans. Native American Studies graduates of Southeastern Oklahoma State University earn a median of $62,250 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,660 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Phoenix College earned it the #2 place for native american studies. Located in the city of Phoenix, Phoenix College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Typical student debt for native american studies graduates is $15,204. Native American Studies graduates of Phoenix College earn a median of $51,053 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,204 median debt.
Northern Arizona University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value native american studies schools. Set in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,645 to complete the native american studies program here. Native American Studies graduates of Northern Arizona University earn a median of $47,056 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,645 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in native american studies will find it at College Of The Muscogee Nation, which ranked #4. Located in the rural area of Okmulgee, College Of The Muscogee Nation is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,600. Native American Studies graduates of College Of The Muscogee Nation earn a median of $17,525 early in their careers.
Students looking for strong value in native american studies will find it at Arizona State University, which ranked #5. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete the native american studies program here. Soon after graduation, native american studies degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $40,719. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants.
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #6 for value in native american studies this year. Located in the suburb of Norman, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,186 to complete the native american studies program here. Native American Studies graduates of University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus earn a median of $58,084 early in their careers. Set against $23,186 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants.
University Of New Mexico Main Campus landed the #7 spot for native american studies value this year. Located in the city of Albuquerque, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,140 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,060. Typical student debt for native american studies graduates is $25,000. Native American Studies graduates of University Of New Mexico Main Campus earn a median of $38,260 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.
University Of Arizona placed #8 among the best values for native american studies. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for native american studies graduates is $25,219. Native American Studies graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $26,875 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants.
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value native american studies schools. Located in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the native american studies program here. Soon after graduation, native american studies degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Austin generally make around $37,046. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, 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 9 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.