2026 Best Value Urban Studies Schools
Looking for the best-value Urban Studies programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 123 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile 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 Studies Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Cuny Graduate School And University Center this year in the United States. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Students borrow a median of $17,921 to complete their Urban Studies program here. Cuny Graduate School And University Center alumni report median earnings of $65,991 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Xavier University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Urban Studies ranking in the United States. Xavier University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,425. Xavier University Urban Studies students take on a median of $26,614 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Xavier University has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Xavier University profile
Coppin State University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Urban Studies ranking in the United States. Based in Baltimore, MD, Coppin State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,100, with out-of-state students paying around $14,024. Students borrow a median of $33,355 to complete their Urban Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,490 ten years after entry. Set against $33,355 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Coppin State University admits about 46% of applicants. Get the full Coppin State University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Jose State University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full San Jose State University profile
A rank of #5 makes Minnesota State University Mankato one of the best values in the United States. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. The median Urban Studies program debt is $25,260. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
San Francisco State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. San Francisco State University is a public school based in San Francisco, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. The median Urban Studies program debt is $18,600. Median earnings reach $68,077 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Get the full San Francisco State University report
Cuny Hunter College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Hunter College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,382, while out-of-state students pay about $15,332. Cuny Hunter College Urban Studies students take on a median of $11,091 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,163 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,091 median debt. About 54% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cuny Hunter College
University Of Nebraska At Omaha ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public school based in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. The median Urban Studies program debt is $21,783. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska At Omaha has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Saint Cloud State University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,245. Typical Urban Studies student debt is $25,076. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report
Cleveland State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. Located in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,982 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. Graduates carry a median of $32,083 in student loans. Cleveland State University alumni report median earnings of $52,131 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Cleveland State University report
Wright State University Main Campus ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $10,991, with out-of-state students paying around $20,691. Graduates carry a median of $25,836 in student loans. Wright State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $49,500 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wright State University Main Campus admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full Wright State University Main Campus report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. The median Urban Studies program debt is $26,657. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Typical Urban Studies student debt is $23,393. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. Set against $23,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
University Of Nevada Las Vegas offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. The median Urban Studies program debt is $30,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,037 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about University Of Nevada Las Vegas
University Of Central Oklahoma ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. This public school is set in Edmond, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $8,818, compared with $19,704 for out-of-state students. Typical Urban Studies student debt is $23,321. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,351. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full University Of Central Oklahoma report
University Of Maryland College Park placed #18 among the best-value Urban Studies schools in the United States. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete their Urban Studies program here. University Of Maryland College Park alumni report median earnings of $82,860 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,836 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
University Of California Berkeley placed #19 among the best-value Urban Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Typical Urban Studies student debt is $14,444. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $14,444 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
Loyola University Chicago placed #20 among the best-value Urban Studies schools in the United States. Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,710. Loyola University Chicago Urban Studies students take on a median of $23,521 in debt. Loyola University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $71,530 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Loyola University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Loyola University Chicago report
California State University Long Beach offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Long Beach, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. The median Urban Studies program debt is $15,671. California State University Long Beach alumni report median earnings of $64,403 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Long Beach has an acceptance rate of 46%. More on California State University Long Beach
San Diego State University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Graduates carry a median of $16,417 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,909 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. More on San Diego State University
California State University Northridge landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. California State University Northridge is a public school based in Northridge, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,458, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. Students borrow a median of $13,612 to complete their Urban Studies program here. California State University Northridge alumni report median earnings of $59,115 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,612 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California State University Northridge profile
Cuny Queens College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Queens, NY, Cuny Queens College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,538, while out-of-state students pay about $15,488. Typical Urban Studies student debt is $12,201. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,763. That is a strong return on a $12,201 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%. See the full Cuny Queens College profile
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. University Of Utah Urban Studies students take on a median of $20,798 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,170 ten years after entry. Set against $20,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Utah
University Of Washington Tacoma Campus came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Tacoma, WA, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,168, while out-of-state students pay about $43,404. Typical Urban Studies student debt is $18,965. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Set against $18,965 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
University Of Georgia ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,792 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. Get the full University Of Georgia report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Urban Studies Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #28 among the best-value Urban Studies schools in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Urban Studies students take on a median of $20,550 in debt. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. Set against $20,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Northeastern University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $66,162. The median Urban Studies program debt is $25,611. Northeastern University alumni report median earnings of $92,538 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants. Read the full report on Northeastern University
Tennessee State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Nashville, TN, Tennessee State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $22,416. The median Urban Studies program debt is $29,489. Median earnings reach $42,730 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,489 median debt. Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 70%. See the full Tennessee State University profile
Albright College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Reading, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,082. The median Urban Studies program debt is $28,958. Median earnings reach $58,700 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Albright College
University Of Louisville came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Louisville, KY, University Of Louisville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,136, while out-of-state students pay about $29,482. University Of Louisville Urban Studies students take on a median of $21,910 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,899. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. See the full University Of Louisville profile
Ohio University Main Campus placed #33 among the best-value Urban Studies schools in the United States. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Typical Urban Studies student debt is $24,546. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
Towson University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. Students borrow a median of $21,241 to complete their Urban Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,390. That is a strong return on a $21,241 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Towson University
Stanford University placed #34 among the best-value Urban Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Stanford, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Stanford University Urban Studies students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $124,080. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. Read the full report on Stanford University
Roosevelt University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. Based in Chicago, IL, Roosevelt University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,315. Students borrow a median of $23,879 to complete their Urban Studies program here. Roosevelt University alumni report median earnings of $48,712 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roosevelt University has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read the full report on Roosevelt University
Worcester State University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. Worcester State University is a public school based in Worcester, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,786, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Graduates carry a median of $24,451 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,624. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Worcester State University
University Of Pennsylvania placed #38 among the best-value Urban Studies schools in the United States. Set 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 Studies program debt is $16,155. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania
Tufts University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. Located in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,704. Graduates carry a median of $17,074 in student loans. Median earnings reach $83,214 ten years out. Set against $17,074 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tufts University admits about 12% of applicants. Read the full report on Tufts University
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #40 among the best-value Urban Studies schools in the United States. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,275 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. That is a strong return on a $21,275 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
William Paterson University Of New Jersey offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Wayne, NJ, William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,704 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,344. Students borrow a median of $25,644 to complete their Urban Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,780 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,644 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full William Paterson University Of New Jersey report
Barnard College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. Set in New York, NY, Barnard College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,888. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,516 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Barnard College admits about 9% of applicants. See the full Barnard College profile
Wheaton College Illinois offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Wheaton, IL, Wheaton College Illinois is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,546. Graduates carry a median of $23,292 in student loans. Wheaton College Illinois alumni report median earnings of $63,756 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,292 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Wheaton College Illinois
Carnegie Mellon University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. The median Urban Studies program debt is $23,529. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $114,862. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 12% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Carnegie Mellon University
University Of The District Of Columbia came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Washington, DC, University Of The District Of Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,662, while out-of-state students pay about $12,514. Graduates carry a median of $32,304 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,236 ten years out. Set against $32,304 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full University Of The District Of Columbia profile
University Of California San Diego ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. Based in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. The median Urban Studies program debt is $17,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,943. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. See the full University Of California San Diego profile
Arizona State University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Set against $21,842 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arizona State University
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Rutgers University New Brunswick Urban Studies students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,479 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rutgers University New Brunswick has an acceptance rate of 58%. Get the full Rutgers University New Brunswick report
Drexel University placed #49 among the best-value Urban Studies schools in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,412. The median Urban Studies program debt is $28,838. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,648. That is a strong return on a $28,838 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. More on Drexel University
University Of Missouri Kansas City landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kansas City, MO, University Of Missouri Kansas City is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,371, while out-of-state students pay about $32,271. University Of Missouri Kansas City Urban Studies students take on a median of $23,741 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,637 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,741 median debt. University Of Missouri Kansas City admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about University Of Missouri Kansas City
Suny College At Buffalo ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. Located in Buffalo, NY, Suny College At Buffalo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,533, compared with $19,653 for out-of-state students. Suny College At Buffalo Urban Studies students take on a median of $25,257 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,334. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny College At Buffalo admits about 73% of applicants. Read more about Suny College At Buffalo
Elmhurst College offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Elmhurst, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,955. Students borrow a median of $22,400 to complete their Urban Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,462 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,400 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about Elmhurst College
Best Value Urban Studies Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Urban Studies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Urban Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Urban Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Urban Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Urban Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Urban Studies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Urban Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 123 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.