by our College Data Analytics TeamUrban Studies degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.
College Factual analyzed 13 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best urban studies schools.
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If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the urban studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
San Jose State University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in urban studies. This very large public university is located in the city of San Jose. San Jose State University graduates 69% of students within six years. San Jose State University awarded about 13 urban studies degrees in the most recent data year. More information about a degree in urban studies from San Jose State University
Stanford University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in urban studies, ranking #2. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Stanford. Stanford University graduates 92% of students within six years. There were roughly 13 urban studies students who graduated with this degree at Stanford University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their urban studies degree from Stanford University earn around $100,827 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete this degree. Read more about the urban studies program at Stanford University
University Of California Berkeley is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in urban studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of California Berkeley awarded about 26 urban studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the urban studies program make about $58,171 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $14,444 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in urban studies from University Of California Berkeley
University Of Southern California came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best urban studies schools. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Southern California awarded about 21 urban studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their urban studies degree from University Of Southern California earn around $75,677 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in urban studies from University Of Southern California
Students looking for a strong urban studies program will find one at University Of California San Diego, which ranked #5. This very large public university is located in the city of La Jolla. University Of California San Diego graduates 86% of students within six years. There were roughly 50 urban studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of California San Diego in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from University Of California San Diego generally make around $37,074. University Of California San Diego graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. More information about a degree in urban studies from University Of California San Diego
California State University Northridge landed the #6 spot for urban studies this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Northridge. About 57% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 29 urban studies students who graduated with this degree at California State University Northridge in the most recent data year. Students who receive their urban studies degree from California State University Northridge earn around $46,826 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $13,612. Get the full urban studies details for California State University Northridge
University Of California Irvine earned the #7 position for urban studies this year. Located in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public university. University Of California Irvine graduates 87% of students within six years. University Of California Irvine awarded about 60 urban studies degrees in the most recent data year. Urban Studies graduates of University Of California Irvine earn a median of $34,385 early in their careers. University Of California Irvine graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Read more about the urban studies program at University Of California Irvine
San Diego State University earned the #8 position for urban studies this year. Set in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. There were roughly 23 urban studies students who graduated with this degree at San Diego State University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the urban studies program make about $51,162 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $16,417. Read more about the urban studies program at San Diego State University
San Francisco State University landed the #9 spot for urban studies this year. Set in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public institution. About 50% of students finish within six years. About 11 urban studies degrees were awarded at San Francisco State University in the most recent year. Students who receive their urban studies degree from San Francisco State University earn around $50,008 in the first couple years of their career. San Francisco State University graduates carry a median of $18,600 in student loans. More information about a degree in urban studies from San Francisco State University
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 13 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.