2026 Best Value Development Economics & International Development Schools in the Far Western Region

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

Leading the list is University Of California San Diego, our #1 best value for development economics & international development in the Far Western Region. Set in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the development economics & international development program here. Development Economics & International Development graduates of University Of California San Diego earn a median of $60,797 early in their careers. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.

2

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

A rank of #2 makes Stanford University one of the best values for development economics & international development. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Development Economics & International Development graduates carry a median of $12,500 in student loans. Development Economics & International Development graduates of Stanford University earn a median of $100,827 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

A rank of #3 makes University Of California Los Angeles one of the best values for development economics & international development. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Typical student debt for development economics & international development graduates is $15,000. Soon after graduation, development economics & international development degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $62,091. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.