2026 Best Value International Studies Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

1

Brigham Young University Idaho
Rexburg, ID

For return on investment in international studies, no school beat Brigham Young University Idaho this year. Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the town of Rexburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $10,000. Early-career international studies graduates make about $29,287. That is a strong return on a $10,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.

2

University Of Wyoming
Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming is a great value for students pursuing a degree in international studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the town of Laramie, University Of Wyoming is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Students borrow a median of $17,375 to complete the international studies program here. Early-career international studies graduates make about $29,132. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%.

3

University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

A rank of #3 makes University Of Utah one of the best values for international studies. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $25,611. Early-career international studies graduates make about $46,062. That is a strong return on a $25,611 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

4

University Of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO

Students looking for strong value in international studies will find it at University Of Northern Colorado, which ranked #4. University Of Northern Colorado is a large public school located in the city of Greeley. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,901, while out-of-state students pay about $26,979. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $23,974. International Studies graduates of University Of Northern Colorado earn a median of $45,705 early in their careers. Set against $23,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Colorado Denver
Denver, CO

Students looking for strong value in international studies will find it at University Of Colorado Denver, which ranked #5. University Of Colorado Denver is a very large public school located in the city of Denver. In-state tuition and fees average $10,383, with out-of-state students paying around $29,391. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $24,618. Early-career international studies graduates make about $25,307. Set against $24,618 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.

6

Boise State University
Boise, ID

Boise State University landed the #6 spot for international studies value this year. Located in the city of Boise, Boise State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,048, while out-of-state students pay about $27,788. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $24,311. Soon after graduation, international studies 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%.

7

Colorado State University Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO

Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value international studies schools. Colorado State University Fort Collins is a very large public school located in the city of Fort Collins. Students from in state pay about $13,373 in tuition and fees, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,763 to complete the international studies program here. International Studies graduates of Colorado State University Fort Collins earn a median of $28,919 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado State University Fort Collins admits about 88% of applicants.

8

University Of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO

University Of Colorado Boulder came in at #8 for value in international studies this year. University Of Colorado Boulder is a very large public school located in the city of Boulder. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $17,600. Soon after graduation, international studies degree recipients from University Of Colorado Boulder generally make around $33,892. That is a strong return on a $17,600 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

9

University Of Denver
Denver, CO

University Of Denver ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value international studies schools. Located in the city of Denver, University Of Denver is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,398. Typical student debt for international studies graduates is $22,534. Soon after graduation, international studies degree recipients from University Of Denver generally make around $56,999. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Denver admits about 78% of applicants.