2026 Best Value Urban Studies Master’s Degree Schools

1

Cuny Hunter College
New York, NY

Leading the list is Cuny Hunter College, our #1 best value for urban studies in the United States. Set in the city of New York, Cuny Hunter College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,382, compared with $15,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,091 to complete the urban studies program here. Urban Studies graduates of Cuny Hunter College earn a median of $72,012 early in their careers. Set against $11,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 54% of applicants are accepted.

2

Cuny Queens College
Queens, NY

Cuny Queens College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value urban studies schools. Located in the city of Queens, Cuny Queens College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,538, compared with $15,488 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,201 to complete the urban studies program here. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from Cuny Queens College generally make around $62,828. That is a strong return on a $12,201 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Maryland College Park
College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park is a great value for students pursuing a degree in urban studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete the urban studies program here. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from University Of Maryland College Park generally make around $76,569. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland College Park admits about 45% of applicants.

4

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Harvard University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value urban studies schools. Set in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. Typical student debt for urban studies graduates is $16,616. Early-career urban studies graduates make about $95,207. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

5

Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA

A rank of #5 makes Norfolk State University one of the best values for urban studies. Set in the city of Norfolk, Norfolk State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,180, compared with $21,682 for out-of-state students. Early-career urban studies graduates make about $54,971. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

6

Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA

Georgia State University landed the #6 spot for urban studies value this year. Set in the city of Atlanta, Georgia State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for urban studies graduates is $26,091. Early-career urban studies graduates make about $52,589. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia State University admits about 55% of applicants.

7

Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH

Cleveland State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value urban studies schools. Located in the city of Cleveland, Cleveland State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,982, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $32,083 to complete the urban studies program here. Urban Studies graduates of Cleveland State University earn a median of $38,929 early in their careers. Set against $32,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

8

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA

Virginia Commonwealth University earned the #8 position for value in urban studies this year. Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public school located in the city of Richmond. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,720, with out-of-state students paying around $39,884. Typical student debt for urban studies graduates is $26,416. Urban Studies graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median of $65,514 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Commonwealth University admits about 93% of applicants.

9

Cuny Graduate School And University Center
New York, NY

Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #9 spot for urban studies value this year. Located in the city of New York, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Urban Studies graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from Cuny Graduate School And University Center generally make around $72,222. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.

10

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #10 spot for urban studies value this year. Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for urban studies graduates is $23,393. Early-career urban studies graduates make about $60,004. Set against $23,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%.

11

Boston University
Boston, MA

Boston University came in at #11 for value in urban studies this year. Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. Students borrow a median of $25,232 to complete the urban studies program here. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from Boston University generally make around $63,598. That is a strong return on a $25,232 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

12

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California placed #12 among the best values for urban studies. 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. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete the urban studies program here. 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. The acceptance rate is 10%.

13

Northeastern University
Boston, MA

Northeastern University came in at #13 for value in urban studies this year. Located in the city of Boston, Northeastern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,162. Students borrow a median of $25,611 to complete the urban studies program here. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from Northeastern University generally make around $74,800. Set against $25,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%.

14

Tufts University
Medford, MA

Tufts University placed #14 among the best values for urban studies. Tufts University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Medford. In-state tuition and fees average $70,704. Urban Studies graduates carry a median of $17,074 in student loans. Urban Studies graduates of Tufts University earn a median of $64,224 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.