2026 Best Value Urban Studies Schools in California

1

California State University Northridge
Northridge, CA

Our analysis ranked California State University Northridge the best value for a degree in urban studies in California. Set in the city of Northridge, California State University Northridge is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,458 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. Urban Studies graduates carry a median of $13,612 in student loans. 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. The acceptance rate is 93%.

2

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value urban studies schools. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Urban Studies graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from University Of California San Diego generally make around $37,074. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.

3

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Stanford University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in urban studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Urban Studies graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Urban Studies graduates of Stanford University earn a median of $100,827 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%.

4

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value urban studies schools. University Of California Irvine is a very large public school located in the city of Irvine. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the urban studies program here. Early-career urban studies graduates make about $34,385. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 29%.

5

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

San Francisco State University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value urban studies schools. Located in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Urban Studies graduates carry a median of $18,600 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from San Francisco State University generally make around $50,008. That is a strong return on a $18,600 median debt. San Francisco State University admits about 96% of applicants.

6

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

San Jose State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value urban studies schools. San Jose State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Jose. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants.

7

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley placed #7 among the best values for urban studies. Set in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical student debt for urban studies graduates is $14,444. Early-career urban studies graduates make about $58,171. Set against $14,444 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants.

8

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA

San Diego State University came in at #8 for value in urban studies this year. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Students borrow a median of $16,417 to complete the urban studies program here. Urban Studies 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. The acceptance rate is 36%.

9

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California earned the #9 position for value in urban studies this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. Urban Studies graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $75,677. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants.