2026 Best Value Development Economics & International Development Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

1

Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA

Swarthmore College earned the #1 spot for value among development economics & international development schools in the Middle Atlantic Region. Swarthmore College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Swarthmore. In-state tuition and fees average $65,494. Development Economics & International Development graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Early-career development economics & international development graduates make about $66,971. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Swarthmore College admits about 8% of applicants.

2

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus earned it the #2 place for development economics & international development. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Students from in state pay about $21,926 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for development economics & international development graduates is $25,782. Soon after graduation, development economics & international development degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus generally make around $50,529. Set against $25,782 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus admits about 58% of applicants.

3

Cornell University
Ithaca, NY

Students looking for strong value in development economics & international development will find it at Cornell University, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Ithaca, Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Development Economics & International Development graduates carry a median of $15,500 in student loans. Development Economics & International Development graduates of Cornell University earn a median of $84,967 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%.

4

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
University Park, PA

A rank of #4 makes Pennsylvania State University Main Campus one of the best values for development economics & international development. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $20,644, while out-of-state students pay about $41,790. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. The acceptance rate is 61%.

5

Georgetown University
Washington, DC

A rank of #5 makes Georgetown University one of the best values for development economics & international development. Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Students from in state pay about $68,089 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for development economics & international development graduates is $16,500. Soon after graduation, development economics & international development degree recipients from Georgetown University generally make around $81,892. Set against $16,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgetown University admits about 13% of applicants.

6

American University
Washington, DC

American University placed #6 among the best values for development economics & international development. Located in the city of Washington, American University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,771. Development Economics & International Development graduates carry a median of $22,625 in student loans. Soon after graduation, development economics & international development degree recipients from American University generally make around $72,527. Set against $22,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 62%.