2026 Best Value Urban Studies/Affairs Schools in California

1

California State University Northridge
Northridge, CA

For return on investment in urban studies/affairs, no school beat California State University Northridge this year. California State University Northridge is a very large public school located in the city of Northridge. Students from in state pay about $7,458 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. Typical student debt for urban studies/affairs graduates is $13,612. Urban Studies/affairs graduates of California State University Northridge earn a median of $46,826 early in their careers. Set against $13,612 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

A rank of #2 makes University Of California San Diego one of the best values for urban studies/affairs. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Urban Studies/affairs graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs degree recipients from University Of California San Diego generally make around $37,074. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.

3

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Students looking for strong value in urban studies/affairs will find it at Stanford University, which ranked #3. Set in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete the urban studies/affairs program here. Urban Studies/affairs graduates of Stanford University earn a median of $100,827 early in their careers. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value urban studies/affairs schools. Set in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Typical student debt for urban studies/affairs graduates is $15,000. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $34,385. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted.

5

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Francisco State University earned it the #5 place for urban studies/affairs. San Francisco State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Francisco. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for urban studies/affairs graduates is $18,600. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs degree recipients from San Francisco State University generally make around $50,008. That is a strong return on a $18,600 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.

6

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

San Jose State University earned the #6 position for value in urban studies/affairs this year. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. The acceptance rate is 85%.

7

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley came in at #7 for value in urban studies/affairs this year. Located in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Urban Studies/affairs graduates carry a median of $14,444 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs degree recipients from University Of California Berkeley generally make around $58,171. Set against $14,444 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

8

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA

San Diego State University landed the #8 spot for urban studies/affairs value this year. San Diego State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Diego. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Typical student debt for urban studies/affairs graduates is $16,417. Urban Studies/affairs graduates of San Diego State University earn a median of $51,162 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,417 median debt. The acceptance rate is 36%.

9

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California came in at #9 for value in urban studies/affairs this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Typical student debt for urban studies/affairs graduates is $15,625. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs 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%.