2026 Best Value Urban Studies Schools in New York

1

Cuny Hunter College
New York, NY

Cuny Hunter College tops our 2026 list of the best value urban studies schools in New York. Set in the city of New York, Cuny Hunter College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,382, with out-of-state students paying around $15,332. Urban Studies graduates carry a median of $11,091 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from Cuny Hunter College generally make around $72,012. That is a strong return on a $11,091 median debt. Roughly 54% of applicants are accepted.

2

Cuny Queens College
Queens, NY

Students looking for strong value in urban studies will find it at Cuny Queens College, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Queens, Cuny Queens College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,538 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,488. Students borrow a median of $12,201 to complete the urban studies program here. Urban Studies graduates of Cuny Queens College earn a median of $52,912 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,201 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%.

3

Suny At Albany
Albany, NY

Students looking for strong value in urban studies will find it at Suny At Albany, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Albany, Suny At Albany is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,601, while out-of-state students pay about $30,991. Urban Studies graduates carry a median of $23,521 in student loans. Early-career urban studies graduates make about $44,736. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny At Albany admits about 69% of applicants.

4

Columbia University In The City Of New York
New York, NY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Columbia University In The City Of New York earned it the #4 place for urban studies. Set in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. Typical student debt for urban studies graduates is $23,258. Urban Studies graduates of Columbia University In The City Of New York earn a median of $86,770 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%.

5

University At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY

Students looking for strong value in urban studies will find it at University At Buffalo, which ranked #5. Located in the suburb of Buffalo, University At Buffalo is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,936 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,536. Typical student debt for urban studies graduates is $22,232. Urban Studies graduates of University At Buffalo earn a median of $52,403 early in their careers. Set against $22,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

6

New York University
New York, NY

New York University placed #6 among the best values for urban studies. Located in the city of New York, New York University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $21,897 to complete the urban studies program here. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from New York University generally make around $64,516. That is a strong return on a $21,897 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

7

Barnard College
New York, NY

Barnard College earned the #7 position for value in urban studies this year. Set in the city of New York, Barnard College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,888. Typical student debt for urban studies graduates is $19,000. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from Barnard College generally make around $40,294. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

8

Fordham University
Bronx, NY

Fordham University landed the #8 spot for urban studies value this year. Fordham University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Bronx. Students from in state pay about $64,470 in tuition and fees. Urban Studies graduates carry a median of $25,643 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from Fordham University generally make around $59,403. That is a strong return on a $25,643 median debt. Fordham University admits about 59% of applicants.