2026 Best Value Urban And Regional Planning Schools
Looking for the best-value Urban And Regional Planning programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 146 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Urban And Regional Planning Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat California State Polytechnic University Pomona this year in the United States. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public school based in Pomona, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Graduates carry a median of $15,292 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,902. That is a strong return on a $15,292 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. See the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University Skysong earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Skysong Urban And Regional Planning students take on a median of $27,009 in debt. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 67%. More on Arizona State University Skysong
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earned it the #3 place in the United States. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. The median Urban And Regional Planning program debt is $18,167. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,768 ten years after entry. Set against $18,167 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 31%. Get the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo report
You'll get strong value at University Of North Texas, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $21,817. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. Set against $21,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about University Of North Texas
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Nebraska Lincoln earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,386 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $22,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of California Berkeley ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #7 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $21,275. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. That is a strong return on a $16,097 median debt. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte placed #8 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. Set in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,239 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. The median Urban And Regional Planning program debt is $24,673. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. Students from in state pay about $12,058 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $24,323. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $102,772 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,323 median debt. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus admits about 14% of applicants. More on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Prairie View A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Prairie View, TX, Prairie View A And M University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,299, while out-of-state students pay about $26,874. Students borrow a median of $29,824 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. Prairie View A And M University alumni report median earnings of $45,411 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Prairie View A And M University has an acceptance rate of 79%. See the full Prairie View A And M University profile
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Students borrow a median of $24,271 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Texas Tech University
Auburn University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Auburn, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Students borrow a median of $22,803 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,337. Set against $22,803 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Auburn University profile
University Of Georgia came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $21,792. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Georgia
University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $21,829. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,743 ten years after entry. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
New York University placed #15 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. The median Urban And Regional Planning program debt is $21,897. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,509. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New York University admits about 9% of applicants. Read the full report on New York University
Roger Williams University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bristol, RI. In-state tuition and fees average $45,197. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $25,676. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,266. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Roger Williams University
The University Of Texas At Arlington placed #17 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. This public school is set in Arlington, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,950, compared with $29,582 for out-of-state students. The median Urban And Regional Planning program debt is $21,632. Median earnings reach $63,199 ten years out. Set against $21,632 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Get the full The University Of Texas At Arlington report
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in College Park, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maryland College Park has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park
Florida Atlantic University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools. Located in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,653 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. Florida Atlantic University alumni report median earnings of $56,746 a decade after entry. Set against $27,653 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%. See the full Florida Atlantic University profile
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,200. That is a strong return on a $15,117 median debt. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of Kansas landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Kansas is a public school based in Lawrence, KS. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Graduates carry a median of $23,608 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,945. Set against $23,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Kansas
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology placed #23 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. Located in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,396. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Urban And Regional Planning students take on a median of $13,516 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $143,372 ten years after entry. Set against $13,516 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read more about Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
Clemson University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $23,783. Clemson University alumni report median earnings of $71,513 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,783 median debt. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read the full report on Clemson University
University Of Colorado Denver ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools. University Of Colorado Denver is a public school based in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,383, with out-of-state students paying around $29,391. Graduates carry a median of $26,582 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,270 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,582 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. Get the full University Of Colorado Denver report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Urban And Regional Planning Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Miami came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Coral Gables, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,616. Students borrow a median of $17,750 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,328. Set against $17,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Miami admits about 19% of applicants. Get the full University Of Miami report
Harvard University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,676. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $16,616. Median earnings reach $101,817 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Harvard University report
Ball State University placed #27 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. Set in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Students borrow a median of $24,518 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. Median earnings reach $51,833 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ball State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Ball State University
Iowa State University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full Iowa State University profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Urban And Regional Planning students take on a median of $23,393 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. That is a strong return on a $23,393 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
New Jersey Institute Of Technology ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools. Set in Newark, NJ, New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,974, while out-of-state students pay about $37,664. The median Urban And Regional Planning program debt is $24,755. New Jersey Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $84,276 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,755 median debt. New Jersey Institute Of Technology admits about 65% of applicants. More on New Jersey Institute Of Technology
University Of Florida landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. University Of Florida Urban And Regional Planning students take on a median of $17,669 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. More on University Of Florida
Morgan State University placed #33 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. This public school is set in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $8,229, while out-of-state students pay about $19,124. The median Urban And Regional Planning program debt is $30,309. Median earnings reach $50,698 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Morgan State University admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Morgan State University profile
Georgetown University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,089. Graduates carry a median of $16,483 in student loans. Median earnings reach $103,494 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,483 median debt. The acceptance rate is 13%. Read more about Georgetown University
University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. The median Urban And Regional Planning program debt is $16,155. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $111,371. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Urban And Regional Planning students take on a median of $17,736 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Set against $17,736 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Cornell University placed #37 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $14,275 in student loans. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,275 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on Cornell University
University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $18,627. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 17%. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
University Of California Irvine placed #39 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. Located in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $16,539. Median earnings reach $80,735 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Irvine has an acceptance rate of 29%. Read more about University Of California Irvine
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. The median Urban And Regional Planning program debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,990 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $21,577 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Miami University Oxford came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Miami University Oxford is a public school based in Oxford, OH. Students from in state pay about $17,519 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,965. Students borrow a median of $25,237 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. Miami University Oxford alumni report median earnings of $55,076 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. See the full Miami University Oxford profile
Yale University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $14,357. Yale University alumni report median earnings of $100,533 a decade after entry. Set against $14,357 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Yale University admits about 4% of applicants. See the full Yale University profile
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #44 among the best-value Urban And Regional Planning schools in the United States. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public school based in Cincinnati, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $25,464. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,810. Set against $25,464 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report
Kent State University At Kent landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Kent State University At Kent Urban And Regional Planning students take on a median of $25,174 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,388 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kent State University At Kent admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Kent State University At Kent
University Of Rhode Island came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. University Of Rhode Island is a public school based in Kingston, RI. Students from in state pay about $16,942 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,146. Students borrow a median of $23,432 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Rhode Island report
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Urban And Regional Planning students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Massachusetts Amherst offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,772 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. Students borrow a median of $25,234 to complete their Urban And Regional Planning program here. Median earnings reach $71,631 ten years out. Set against $25,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Massachusetts Amherst
University Of California Davis offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Davis, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Typical Urban And Regional Planning student debt is $14,404. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Davis has an acceptance rate of 42%. Get the full University Of California Davis report
University Of Hawaii At Manoa offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public school based in Honolulu, HI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,186, while out-of-state students pay about $34,218. University Of Hawaii At Manoa Urban And Regional Planning students take on a median of $20,577 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,624. That is a strong return on a $20,577 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Best Value Urban And Regional Planning Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Urban And Regional Planning Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Urban And Regional Planning Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Urban And Regional Planning Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Urban And Regional Planning Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Urban And Regional Planning Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Urban And Regional Planning Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Urban And Regional Planning Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 146 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).