2026 Best Value Development Economics & International Development Schools in the Southeast Region

1

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Atlanta, GA

For return on investment in development economics & international development, no school beat Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus this year. Set in the city of Atlanta, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Students borrow a median of $24,323 to complete the development economics & international development program here. Development Economics & International Development graduates of Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus earn a median of $83,560 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus admits about 14% of applicants.

2

Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Vanderbilt University earned it the #2 place for development economics & international development. Located in the city of Nashville, Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. Development Economics & International Development graduates carry a median of $12,424 in student loans. Early-career development economics & international development graduates make about $77,997. That is a strong return on a $12,424 median debt. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted.

3

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in development economics & international development, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Typical student debt for development economics & international development graduates is $22,500. Soon after graduation, development economics & international development degree recipients from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University generally make around $56,261. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

4

Auburn University
Auburn, AL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Auburn University earned it the #4 place for development economics & international development. Auburn University is a very large public school located in the city of Auburn. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Development Economics & International Development graduates carry a median of $22,803 in student loans. Development Economics & International Development graduates of Auburn University earn a median of $55,422 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,803 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.

5

Emory University
Atlanta, GA

A rank of #5 makes Emory University one of the best values for development economics & international development. Located in the city of Atlanta, Emory University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $64,280 in tuition and fees. Development Economics & International Development graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, development economics & international development degree recipients from Emory University generally make around $70,446. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%.

6

Covenant College
Lookout Mountain, GA

Covenant College placed #6 among the best values for development economics & international development. Located in the suburb of Lookout Mountain, Covenant College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,040. Development Economics & International Development graduates carry a median of $23,700 in student loans. Development Economics & International Development graduates of Covenant College earn a median of $37,404 early in their careers. Set against $23,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.

7

Tulane University Of Louisiana
New Orleans, LA

Tulane University Of Louisiana placed #7 among the best values for development economics & international development. Located in the city of New Orleans, Tulane University Of Louisiana is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,678. Typical student debt for development economics & international development graduates is $19,500. Development Economics & International Development graduates of Tulane University Of Louisiana earn a median of $46,386 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Tulane University Of Louisiana admits about 14% of applicants.