2026 Best Value Urban Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Urban Studies bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 123 schools 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.
To arm you with the information you need, 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 Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Cuny Graduate School And University Center this year in the United States. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Cuny Graduate School And University Center Urban Studies students take on a median of $17,921 in debt. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile
A rank of #2 makes Coppin State University one of the best values in the United States. Coppin State University is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $7,100, with out-of-state students paying around $14,024. Graduates carry a median of $33,355 in student loans. Coppin State University alumni report median earnings of $46,490 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $33,355 median debt. Coppin State University admits about 46% of applicants. More on Coppin State University
You'll get strong value at Minnesota State University Mankato, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Urban Studies students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
You'll get strong value at Cuny Hunter College, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,382, compared with $15,332 for out-of-state students. Typical Urban Studies student debt is $11,091. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,163 ten years after entry. Set against $11,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Hunter College has an acceptance rate of 54%. Read the full report on Cuny Hunter College
A rank of #5 makes San Francisco State University one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. The median Urban Studies program debt is $18,600. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,077. That is a strong return on a $18,600 median debt. San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full San Francisco State University report
Cleveland State University placed #8 among the best-value Urban Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Cleveland, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $12,982, while out-of-state students pay about $18,502. Graduates carry a median of $32,083 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,131 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Cleveland State University profile
Saint Cloud State University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. Students borrow a median of $25,076 to complete their Urban Studies program here. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about Saint Cloud State University
Wright State University Main Campus ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. Based in Dayton, OH, Wright State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,991 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $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 has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Wright State University Main Campus
Cuny Queens College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. Located in Queens, NY, Cuny Queens College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,538 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,488 for out-of-state students. Cuny Queens College Urban Studies students take on a median of $12,201 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,763. Set against $12,201 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cuny Queens College
University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #12 among the best-value Urban Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Las Vegas, NV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. Graduates carry a median of $30,500 in student loans. 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. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
University Of California Berkeley placed #13 among the best-value Urban Studies schools in the United States. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Urban Studies students take on a median of $14,444 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
San Diego State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. Get the full San Diego State University report
California State University Northridge ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. Set in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. Graduates carry a median of $13,612 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,115. Set against $13,612 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Northridge report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Students borrow a median of $26,657 to complete their Urban Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,990 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,657 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University Of Washington Tacoma Campus landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tacoma, WA, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,168, while out-of-state students pay about $43,404. Graduates carry a median of $18,965 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $20,550 in student loans. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Tennessee State University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Nashville, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $22,416. Tennessee State University Urban Studies students take on a median of $29,489 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,730 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Tennessee State University
Albright College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Reading, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,082. Graduates carry a median of $28,958 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,700 ten years after entry. Set against $28,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Albright College has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on Albright College
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. Graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,581 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
Towson University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Towson University is a public school based in Towson, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. Towson University Urban Studies students take on a median of $21,241 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,390. That is a strong return on a $21,241 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Towson University
Stanford University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Stanford University is a private not-for-profit school based in Stanford, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $124,080. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Stanford University
Worcester State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. Based in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,786 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Worcester State University Urban Studies students take on a median of $24,451 in debt. Worcester State University alumni report median earnings of $60,624 a decade after entry. Set against $24,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Worcester State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Worcester State University profile
University Of The District Of Columbia came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. University Of The District Of Columbia is a public school based in Washington, DC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,662, with out-of-state students paying around $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. More on University Of The District Of Columbia
University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $111,371. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
William Paterson University Of New Jersey placed #27 among the best-value Urban Studies schools in the United States. William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a public school based in Wayne, NJ. Students from in state pay about $15,704 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,344. Graduates carry a median of $25,644 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,780 ten years after entry. Set against $25,644 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. William Paterson University Of New Jersey admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on William Paterson University Of New Jersey
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Urban Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical Urban Studies student debt is $21,275. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,275 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
Barnard College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in New York, NY, Barnard College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,888. Barnard College Urban Studies students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $80,516 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Barnard College
Wheaton College Illinois ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. Wheaton College Illinois is a private not-for-profit school based in Wheaton, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $45,546. Students borrow a median of $23,292 to complete their Urban Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,756 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wheaton College Illinois admits about 87% of applicants. Get the full Wheaton College Illinois report
Carnegie Mellon University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete their Urban Studies program here. 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. Get the full Carnegie Mellon University report
University Of California San Diego came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,943. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. More on University Of California San Diego
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Typical Urban Studies student debt is $21,842. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $21,842 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arizona State University profile
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #34 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 run about $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Urban Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rutgers University New Brunswick admits about 58% of applicants. Read the full report on Rutgers University New Brunswick
University Of Missouri Kansas City landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Missouri Kansas City is a public school based in Kansas City, MO. Students from in state pay about $13,371 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,271 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,741 in student loans. University Of Missouri Kansas City alumni report median earnings of $59,637 a decade after entry. Set against $23,741 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on University Of Missouri Kansas City
Suny College At Buffalo offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Buffalo, NY, Suny College At Buffalo is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,533, with out-of-state students paying around $19,653. Students borrow a median of $25,257 to complete their Urban Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,334 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Suny College At Buffalo
Elmhurst College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Elmhurst, IL, Elmhurst College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,955. Graduates carry a median of $22,400 in student loans. Elmhurst College alumni report median earnings of $61,462 a decade after entry. Set against $22,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Elmhurst College has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on Elmhurst College
Rutgers University Camden landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Camden, NJ, Rutgers University Camden is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,764, compared with $37,276 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Rutgers University Camden alumni report median earnings of $74,479 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Rutgers University Camden
Haverford College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. Based in Haverford, PA, Haverford College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,398. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $79,966. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Haverford College
Trinity College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hartford, CT. Students from in state pay about $70,770 in tuition and fees. The median Urban Studies program debt is $23,667. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,779. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 29%. Get the full Trinity College report
Trinity University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Antonio, TX, Trinity University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,676. Trinity University Urban Studies students take on a median of $23,314 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 26% of those who apply are admitted. More on Trinity University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #42 among the best-value Urban Studies schools in the United States. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public school based in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Typical Urban Studies student debt is $23,530. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,810 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read more about University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Suny At Albany ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. Based in Albany, NY, Suny At Albany is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,601 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,991. Graduates carry a median of $23,521 in student loans. Suny At Albany alumni report median earnings of $67,979 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Suny At Albany admits about 69% of applicants. Read more about Suny At Albany
Boise State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Boise, ID. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,048, compared with $27,788 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,311 to complete their Urban Studies program here. Median earnings reach $51,658 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Boise State University
University At Buffalo ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. Located in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,936 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,536 for out-of-state students. University At Buffalo Urban Studies students take on a median of $22,232 in debt. University At Buffalo alumni report median earnings of $70,814 a decade after entry. Set against $22,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University At Buffalo admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full University At Buffalo report
Portland State University placed #46 among the best-value Urban Studies schools in the United States. Set in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,118, while out-of-state students pay about $29,136. Students borrow a median of $36,850 to complete their Urban Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,906. Set against $36,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. See the full Portland State University profile
Washington University In St Louis offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,790. The median Urban Studies program debt is $17,553. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,182. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 12% of those who apply are admitted. More on Washington University In St Louis
Morehouse College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Morehouse College is a private not-for-profit school based in Atlanta, GA. Students from in state pay about $32,893 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,199 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,889 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,199 median debt. Morehouse College has an acceptance rate of 44%. Read the full report on Morehouse College
Virginia Commonwealth University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,720, with out-of-state students paying around $39,884. The median Urban Studies program debt is $26,416. Median earnings reach $58,128 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,416 median debt. Virginia Commonwealth University has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about Virginia Commonwealth University
Wayne State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. Wayne State University is a public school based in Detroit, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,159, while out-of-state students pay about $34,650. Wayne State University Urban Studies students take on a median of $25,205 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,493 ten years after entry. Set against $25,205 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wayne State University admits about 81% of applicants. See the full Wayne State University profile
Columbia University In The City Of New York placed #50 among the best-value Urban Studies schools in the United States. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Columbia University In The City Of New York Urban Studies students take on a median of $23,258 in debt. Columbia University In The City Of New York alumni report median earnings of $102,491 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%. More on Columbia University In The City Of New York
Furman University ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Urban Studies schools. Based in Greenville, SC, Furman University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $59,770 in tuition and fees. Furman University Urban Studies students take on a median of $23,764 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,635. Set against $23,764 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Furman University has an acceptance rate of 43%. Read more about Furman University
Related Urban Studies Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Urban Studies Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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. Schools are scored on 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).
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