I am pleased to be able to share the information that UC Santa Barbara has moved to a model of full financial support for PhD students in economics. This Fall's incoming class received full support and we expect to provide full support this admission cycle. More information is available at UCSB Department of Economics, and the summary statement is
The Department of Economics expects to offer a full financial package to all accepted PhD students covering a stipend, full tuition, and health insurance. The package is guaranteed for five years for students making satisfactory progress. Support is a combination of teaching assistantships and fellowship money.