by our College Data Analytics Team
[Urban Studies](/majors/social-sciences/urban-studies/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong urban studies education at a price that pays off.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 3 schools to find the best return on investment for urban studies students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in urban studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Norfolk State University the best value for a degree in urban studies in Virginia. Located in the city of Norfolk, Norfolk State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,180, with out-of-state students paying around $21,682. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from Norfolk State University generally make around $54,971. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Virginia Commonwealth University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in urban studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public school located in the city of Richmond. Students from in state pay about $16,720 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $39,884. Typical student debt for urban studies graduates is $26,416. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from Virginia Commonwealth University generally make around $49,570. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University earned it the #3 place for urban studies. Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Typical student debt for urban studies graduates is $23,393. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University generally make around $60,004. Set against $23,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.