2026 Best Value Urban Studies/Affairs Schools in the New England Region

1

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Our analysis ranked Harvard University the best value for a degree in urban studies/affairs in the New England Region. Set in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for urban studies/affairs graduates is $16,616. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs degree recipients from Harvard University generally make around $95,207. 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

University Of Connecticut came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value urban studies/affairs schools. Located in the town of Storrs, University Of Connecticut is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $21,044 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete the urban studies/affairs program here. Urban Studies/affairs graduates of University Of Connecticut earn a median of $34,074 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. University Of Connecticut admits about 52% of applicants.

3

Brown University
Providence, RI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brown University earned it the #3 place for urban studies/affairs. Brown University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Providence. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,312. Urban Studies/affairs graduates carry a median of $14,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs degree recipients from Brown University generally make around $48,731. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.

4

Boston University
Boston, MA

Boston University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in urban studies/affairs, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Boston, Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. Typical student debt for urban studies/affairs graduates is $25,232. Early-career urban studies/affairs graduates make about $63,598. Set against $25,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boston University admits about 11% of applicants.

5

Northeastern University
Boston, MA

A rank of #5 makes Northeastern University one of the best values for urban studies/affairs. 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. Urban Studies/affairs graduates carry a median of $25,611 in student loans. Early-career urban studies/affairs graduates make about $74,800. Set against $25,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%.

6

Trinity College
Hartford, CT

Trinity College earned the #6 position for value in urban studies/affairs this year. Trinity College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Hartford. In-state tuition and fees average $70,770. Urban Studies/affairs graduates carry a median of $23,667 in student loans. Urban Studies/affairs graduates of Trinity College earn a median of $52,927 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,667 median debt. The acceptance rate is 29%.

7

Tufts University
Medford, MA

Tufts University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value urban studies/affairs schools. Tufts University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Medford. In-state tuition and fees average $70,704. Students borrow a median of $17,074 to complete the urban studies/affairs program here. Early-career urban studies/affairs graduates make about $64,224. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tufts University admits about 12% of applicants.