by our College Data Analytics Team
[Urban Studies](/majors/social-sciences/urban-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong urban studies education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 4 schools to find the best return on investment for urban studies students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the urban studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Norfolk State University the best value for a degree in urban studies in Virginia. Norfolk State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Norfolk. In-state tuition and fees average $10,180, compared with $21,682 for out-of-state students. Soon after graduation, urban studies degree recipients from Norfolk State University generally make around $54,971. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in urban studies will find it at Virginia Commonwealth University, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $16,720, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Urban Studies graduates carry a median of $26,416 in student loans. Urban Studies graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median of $49,570 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.
A rank of #3 makes Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University one of the best values for urban studies. Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Urban Studies graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. 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. The acceptance rate is 55%.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.