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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value International Economics Schools

18 Colleges in the United States
$21,398 Avg Student Debt
$71,454 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value International Economics Badge [International Economics](/majors/social-sciences/economics/international-economics/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

College Factual analyzed 40 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value international economics schools.

What’s on this page:

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Finding the Best Value International Economics School for You

Where you study international economics affects both what you pay and what you earn. That is why we developed our Best Value International Economics Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.

Read more about our methodology

One Size Does Not Fit All

We offer a number of rankings, including this Best Value International Economics Schools list, to help you decide. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.

Associate's Degrees in International Economics
Bachelor's Degrees in International Economics
Master's Degrees in International Economics
Doctorate Degrees in International Economics

To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.

See how we build our rankings

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2026 Best Value International Economics Schools in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in international economics, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value International Economics Schools

1

For return on investment in international economics, no school beat University Of Washington Seattle Campus this year. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for international economics graduates is $14,166. Soon after graduation, international economics degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $65,681. That is a strong return on a $14,166 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%.

2

A rank of #2 makes University Of California San Diego one of the best values for international economics. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. International Economics graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Early-career international economics graduates make about $51,192. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.

3

University Of California Los Angeles is a great value for students pursuing a degree in international economics, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the international economics program here. Soon after graduation, international economics degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $63,833. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%.

4

Weber State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value international economics schools. Located in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,557 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,545. Typical student debt for international economics graduates is $19,176. Soon after graduation, international economics degree recipients from Weber State University generally make around $53,920. That is a strong return on a $19,176 median debt.

5

Students looking for strong value in international economics will find it at Washington State University, which ranked #5. Set in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Typical student debt for international economics graduates is $25,656. Soon after graduation, international economics degree recipients from Washington State University generally make around $54,697. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

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6

University Of California Santa Cruz came in at #6 for value in international economics this year. University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public school located in the city of Santa Cruz. In-state tuition and fees average $15,035, while out-of-state students pay about $46,923. International Economics graduates carry a median of $18,017 in student loans. Soon after graduation, international economics degree recipients from University Of California Santa Cruz generally make around $50,518. That is a strong return on a $18,017 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

7

Fort Hays State University placed #7 among the best values for international economics. Fort Hays State University is a large public school located in the town of Hays. Students from in state pay about $5,923 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,741 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,967 to complete the international economics program here. International Economics graduates of Fort Hays State University earn a median of $50,690 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,967 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

8

University Of Chicago came in at #8 for value in international economics this year. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $13,197 to complete the international economics program here. International Economics graduates of University Of Chicago earn a median of $92,075 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,197 median debt. University Of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants.

9

Missouri State University Springfield placed #9 among the best values for international economics. Located in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. International Economics graduates carry a median of $19,793 in student loans. Early-career international economics graduates make about $44,898. That is a strong return on a $19,793 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

10

University Of West Georgia landed the #10 spot for international economics value this year. University Of West Georgia is a large public school located in the town of Carrollton. In-state tuition and fees average $6,088, while out-of-state students pay about $17,800. Typical student debt for international economics graduates is $25,250. International Economics graduates of University Of West Georgia earn a median of $39,899 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of West Georgia admits about 52% of applicants.

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11

Georgia State University earned the #11 position for value in international economics this year. Located in the city of Atlanta, Georgia State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for international economics graduates is $28,500. International Economics graduates of Georgia State University earn a median of $49,058 early in their careers. Set against $28,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%.

12
Albion College crest
Albion College
Albion, MI

Albion College placed #12 among the best values for international economics. Set in the town of Albion, Albion College is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $56,950. International Economics graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career international economics graduates make about $48,756. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

13

Texas Tech University earned the #13 position for value in international economics this year. Located in the city of Lubbock, Texas Tech University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for international economics graduates is $27,125. Soon after graduation, international economics degree recipients from Texas Tech University generally make around $44,292. Set against $27,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants.

14
Valparaiso University crest
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN

Valparaiso University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value international economics schools. Valparaiso University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Valparaiso. In-state tuition and fees average $48,450. Typical student debt for international economics graduates is $26,724. International Economics graduates of Valparaiso University earn a median of $51,987 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,724 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

15
Trinity University crest
Trinity University
San Antonio, TX

Trinity University placed #15 among the best values for international economics. Located in the city of San Antonio, Trinity University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $53,676. International Economics graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Early-career international economics graduates make about $57,496. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 26%.

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16
Rhodes College crest
Rhodes College
Memphis, TN

Rhodes College came in at #16 for value in international economics this year. Rhodes College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Memphis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $57,110. Typical student debt for international economics graduates is $19,500. Soon after graduation, international economics degree recipients from Rhodes College generally make around $57,814. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.

17

University Of St Thomas Minnesota placed #17 among the best values for international economics. Set in the city of Saint Paul, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $54,398. Students borrow a median of $24,600 to complete the international economics program here. International Economics graduates of University Of St Thomas Minnesota earn a median of $60,323 early in their careers. Set against $24,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%.

18

Carnegie Mellon University earned the #18 position for value in international economics this year. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. International Economics graduates carry a median of $22,020 in student loans. International Economics graduates of Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of $89,327 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,020 median debt. The acceptance rate is 12%.

19
Colorado College crest
Colorado College
Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado College placed #19 among the best values for international economics. Set in the city of Colorado Springs, Colorado College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $70,734 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for international economics graduates is $18,250. Soon after graduation, international economics degree recipients from Colorado College generally make around $58,082. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 18%.

20

Emmanuel College Massachusetts landed the #20 spot for international economics value this year. Emmanuel College Massachusetts is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. In-state tuition and fees average $48,550. Typical student debt for international economics graduates is $27,000. International Economics graduates of Emmanuel College Massachusetts earn a median of $51,698 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Emmanuel College Massachusetts admits about 76% of applicants.

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21

Texas Christian University placed #21 among the best values for international economics. Texas Christian University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Fort Worth. Students from in state pay about $61,740 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for international economics graduates is $19,500. International Economics graduates of Texas Christian University earn a median of $54,462 early in their careers. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted.

22

University Of Denver ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value international economics schools. University Of Denver is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Denver. Students from in state pay about $61,398 in tuition and fees. International Economics graduates carry a median of $22,534 in student loans. International Economics graduates of University Of Denver earn a median of $60,796 early in their careers. Set against $22,534 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Denver admits about 78% of applicants.

23

George Washington University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value international economics schools. Located in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. International Economics graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Early-career international economics graduates make about $75,236. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted.

24
Georgetown University crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Georgetown University placed #24 among the best values for international economics. Set in the city of Washington, Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,089 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete the international economics program here. Soon after graduation, international economics degree recipients from Georgetown University generally make around $79,632. That is a strong return on a $16,500 median debt. Roughly 13% of applicants are accepted.

25

Elon University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value international economics schools. Set in the suburb of Elon, Elon University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $46,958 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for international economics graduates is $19,500. Soon after graduation, international economics degree recipients from Elon University generally make around $50,463. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%.

Rest of the Top 26 Best Value International Economics Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s international economics value ranking:

26
American University crest
American University
Washington, DC

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International Economics is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. See all related rankings.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 40 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 18 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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