by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Studies](/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/liberal-arts-and-general-studies/general-studies/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 10 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general studies students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Fort Peck Community College tops our 2027 list of the best value general studies schools in Montana. Set in the rural area of Poplar, Fort Peck Community College is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,250 in tuition and fees. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $14,747.
A rank of #2 makes Flathead Valley Community College one of the best values for general studies. Set in the town of Kalispell, Flathead Valley Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,912 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,659 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $11,000. General Studies graduates of Flathead Valley Community College earn a median of $30,079 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in general studies will find it at Dawson Community College, which ranked #3. Set in the town of Glendive, Dawson Community College is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,010, compared with $9,810 for out-of-state students. General Studies graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Dawson Community College generally make around $25,631. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #4 makes Miles Community College one of the best values for general studies. Miles Community College is a small public school located in the town of Miles City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,500, with out-of-state students paying around $11,220. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $11,949. General Studies graduates of Miles Community College earn a median of $67,708 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Helena College University Of Montana earned it the #5 place for general studies. Set in the city of Helena, Helena College University Of Montana is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,106, while out-of-state students pay about $11,278. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $15,400. General Studies graduates of Helena College University Of Montana earn a median of $31,290 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Chief Dull Knife College placed #6 among the best values for general studies. Located in the rural area of Lame Deer, Chief Dull Knife College is a small public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,260. Median earnings reach $20,073 ten years out.
Montana State University Billings ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value general studies schools. Set in the city of Billings, Montana State University Billings is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,280, while out-of-state students pay about $22,897. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $39,800. General Studies graduates of Montana State University Billings earn a median of $29,832 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $39,800 median debt.
The University Of Montana Western landed the #8 spot for general studies value this year. Set in the town of Dillon, The University Of Montana Western is a small public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,669, compared with $20,130 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $22,484. General Studies graduates of The University Of Montana Western earn a median of $36,924 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Montana Western admits about 100% of applicants.
The University Of Montana came in at #9 for value in general studies 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, with out-of-state students paying around $33,671. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete the general studies program here. Early-career general studies graduates make about $30,794. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
Montana State University came in at #10 for value in general studies this year. Located in the city of Bozeman, Montana State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $33,287. General Studies graduates carry a median of $19,268 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Montana State University generally make around $31,710. Set against $19,268 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montana State University admits about 82% of applicants.
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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 10 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.