2026 Best Value Other Economics Schools in the Far Western Region

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

For return on investment in other economics, no school beat University Of California San Diego this year. University Of California San Diego is a very large public school located in the city of La Jolla. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Other Economics graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Early-career other economics graduates make about $51,192. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.

2

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

Students looking for strong value in other economics will find it at University Of California Irvine, which ranked #2. University Of California Irvine is a very large public school located in the city of Irvine. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Students borrow a median of $15,499 to complete the other economics program here. Other Economics graduates of University Of California Irvine earn a median of $50,958 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,499 median debt. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants.

3

University Of California Riverside
Riverside, CA

University Of California Riverside came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value other economics schools. Located in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,636, with out-of-state students paying around $46,524. Other Economics graduates carry a median of $18,500 in student loans. Other Economics graduates of University Of California Riverside earn a median of $37,149 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Riverside admits about 76% of applicants.

4

University Of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA

University Of California Santa Cruz came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value other economics schools. University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public school located in the city of Santa Cruz. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,035, with out-of-state students paying around $46,923. Typical student debt for other economics graduates is $18,017. Other Economics graduates of University Of California Santa Cruz earn a median of $40,920 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Santa Cruz admits about 66% of applicants.

5

Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Washington University earned it the #5 place for other economics. Located in the city of Bellingham, Western Washington University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,582, with out-of-state students paying around $28,707. Other Economics graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Other Economics graduates of Western Washington University earn a median of $45,401 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.

6

Whitworth University
Spokane, WA

Whitworth University placed #6 among the best values for other economics. Whitworth University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Spokane. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,880. Students borrow a median of $26,051 to complete the other economics program here. Early-career other economics graduates make about $47,998. That is a strong return on a $26,051 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

7

Whitman College
Walla Walla, WA

Whitman College placed #7 among the best values for other economics. Set in the city of Walla Walla, Whitman College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,050. Other Economics graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, other economics degree recipients from Whitman College generally make around $46,832. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 38%.