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. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general studies education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 8 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general studies students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Snow College earned the #1 spot for value among general studies schools in Utah. Snow College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Ephraim. Students from in state pay about $4,338 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,288. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $6,521. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Snow College generally make around $21,687. That is a strong return on a $6,521 median debt.
Utah Valley University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general studies, landing the #2 spot this year. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. General Studies graduates carry a median of $15,729 in student loans. Early-career general studies graduates make about $36,228. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Salt Lake Community College one of the best values for general studies. Salt Lake Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Salt Lake City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,426, with out-of-state students paying around $14,244. Students borrow a median of $7,313 to complete the general studies program here. Early-career general studies graduates make about $35,804. That is a strong return on a $7,313 median debt.
Weber State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Weber State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ogden. Students from in state pay about $6,557 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. General Studies graduates carry a median of $17,208 in student loans. General Studies graduates of Weber State University earn a median of $37,015 early in their careers. Set against $17,208 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #5 makes Southern Utah University one of the best values for general studies. Southern Utah University is a very large public school located in the town of Cedar City. Students from in state pay about $6,962 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,192 for out-of-state students. General Studies graduates carry a median of $10,667 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Southern Utah University generally make around $30,036. That is a strong return on a $10,667 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Latter Day Saints Business College landed the #6 spot for general studies value this year. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, Latter Day Saints Business College is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,004. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,630 ten years after entry.
Utah State University landed the #7 spot for general studies value this year. Set in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Students borrow a median of $15,959 to complete the general studies program here. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Utah State University generally make around $29,916. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Dixie State College Of Utah came in at #8 for value in general studies this year. Located in the city of Saint George, Dixie State College Of Utah is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,306, compared with $18,246 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,434 to complete the general studies program here. General Studies graduates of Dixie State College Of Utah earn a median of $26,493 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.