2026 Best Value Urban Studies Schools in the Far Western Region

1

California State University Northridge
Northridge, CA

California State University Northridge earned the #1 spot for value among urban studies schools in the Far Western Region. California State University Northridge is a very large public school located in the city of Northridge. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,458, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. Students borrow a median of $13,612 to complete the urban studies program here. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from California State University Northridge generally make around $46,826. That is a strong return on a $13,612 median debt. California State University Northridge admits about 93% of applicants.

2

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
Tacoma, WA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Washington Tacoma Campus earned it the #2 place for urban studies. Located in the city of Tacoma, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $13,168 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,404 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for urban studies graduates is $18,965. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from University Of Washington Tacoma Campus generally make around $47,585. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.

3

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego is a great value for students pursuing a degree in urban studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete the urban studies program here. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from University Of California San Diego generally make around $37,074. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.

4

University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV

A rank of #4 makes University Of Nevada Las Vegas one of the best values for urban studies. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public school located in the city of Las Vegas. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Students borrow a median of $30,500 to complete the urban studies program here. Early-career urban studies graduates make about $46,712. Set against $30,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.

5

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Stanford University earned it the #5 place for urban studies. Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Stanford. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Typical student debt for urban studies graduates is $10,492. Early-career urban studies graduates make about $100,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%.

6

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine earned the #6 position for value in urban studies this year. Set in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the urban studies program here. Early-career urban studies graduates make about $34,385. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants.

7

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

San Francisco State University landed the #7 spot for urban studies value this year. Located in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Urban Studies graduates carry a median of $18,600 in student loans. Early-career urban studies graduates make about $50,008. That is a strong return on a $18,600 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.

8

Portland State University
Portland, OR

Portland State University earned the #8 position for value in urban studies this year. Located in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Typical student debt for urban studies graduates is $36,850. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from Portland State University generally make around $45,870. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

9

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

San Jose State University landed the #9 spot for urban studies value this year. San Jose State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Jose. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 85%.

10

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley earned the #10 position for value in urban studies this year. Located in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,444 to complete the urban studies program here. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from University Of California Berkeley generally make around $58,171. Set against $14,444 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

11

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA

San Diego State University earned the #11 position for value in urban studies this year. San Diego State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Diego. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Urban Studies graduates carry a median of $16,417 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from San Diego State University generally make around $51,162. That is a strong return on a $16,417 median debt. The acceptance rate is 36%.

12

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California landed the #12 spot for urban studies value this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Urban Studies graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. Urban Studies graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $75,677 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 10%.