2026 Best Value Urban & Regional Planning Schools in California

1

California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Pomona, CA

For return on investment in urban & regional planning, no school beat California State Polytechnic University Pomona this year. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public school located in the suburb of Pomona. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Urban & Regional Planning graduates carry a median of $15,292 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban & regional planning degree recipients from California State Polytechnic University Pomona generally make around $58,405. That is a strong return on a $15,292 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

Students looking for strong value in urban & regional planning will find it at University Of California Irvine, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Urban & Regional Planning graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban & regional planning degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $66,092. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 29%.

3

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

Students looking for strong value in urban & regional planning will find it at San Jose State University, which ranked #3. Set in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 85%.

4

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value urban & regional planning schools. University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Urban & Regional Planning graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. Early-career urban & regional planning graduates make about $69,357. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%.

5

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA

Students looking for strong value in urban & regional planning will find it at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Urban & Regional Planning graduates carry a median of $18,167 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban & regional planning degree recipients from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo generally make around $47,832. That is a strong return on a $18,167 median debt. The acceptance rate is 31%.

6

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA

San Diego State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value urban & regional planning schools. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Urban & Regional Planning graduates carry a median of $16,417 in student loans. Urban & Regional Planning graduates of San Diego State University earn a median of $51,162 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California earned the #7 position for value in urban & regional planning this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete the urban & regional planning program here. Urban & Regional Planning graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $63,583 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 10%.