2026 Best Value Urban Studies Schools in the New England Region

1

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Harvard University earned the #1 spot for value among urban studies schools in the New England Region. Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cambridge. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Urban Studies graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Urban Studies graduates of Harvard University earn a median of $95,207 early in their careers. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants.

2

University Of Connecticut
Storrs, CT

Students looking for strong value in urban studies will find it at University Of Connecticut, which ranked #2. University Of Connecticut is a very large public school located in the town of Storrs. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Urban Studies graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Urban Studies graduates of University Of Connecticut earn a median of $34,074 early in their careers. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted.

3

Brown University
Providence, RI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brown University earned it the #3 place for urban studies. Located in the city of Providence, Brown University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,312. Typical student debt for urban studies graduates is $14,000. Urban Studies graduates of Brown University earn a median of $48,731 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.

4

Boston University
Boston, MA

Students looking for strong value in urban studies will find it at Boston University, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Boston, Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,102. Typical student debt for urban studies graduates is $25,232. Urban Studies graduates of Boston University earn a median of $63,598 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%.

5

Northeastern University
Boston, MA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northeastern University earned it the #5 place for urban studies. 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. Typical student debt for urban studies graduates is $25,611. Early-career urban studies graduates make about $74,800. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.

6

Trinity College
Hartford, CT

Trinity College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value urban studies schools. Trinity College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Hartford. Students from in state pay about $70,770 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for urban studies graduates is $23,667. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from Trinity College generally make around $52,927. That is a strong return on a $23,667 median debt. Trinity College admits about 29% of applicants.

7

Tufts University
Medford, MA

Tufts University came in at #7 for value in urban studies this year. Located in the suburb of Medford, Tufts University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $70,704. Typical student debt for urban studies graduates is $17,074. Urban Studies graduates of Tufts University earn a median of $64,224 early in their careers. Set against $17,074 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tufts University admits about 12% of applicants.