LARAMIE, Wyo., July 13 -- The University of Wyoming issued the following news release:

The University of Wyoming has been ranked among the top 50 public universities in the nation for providing a strong return on investment for its students.

On SmartAsset's new "America's Best Value Public Universities" list, UW ranks No. 41 -- one of only three universities in the Rocky Mountain West to make the top-50 list. The others are the University of Idaho (No. 45) and the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (No. 5).

"A university degree is one of the biggest investments many Americans will make, and public institutions are often perceived as the most affordable path toward a higher education. But sticker price alone does not determine ...