by our College Data Analytics Team
[Urban Studies/Affairs](/majors/social-sciences/urban-studies/urban-studies-affairs/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 3 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value urban studies/affairs schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in urban studies/affairs, balancing cost against outcomes.
Norfolk State University earned the #1 spot for value among urban studies/affairs schools 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/affairs degree recipients from Norfolk State University generally make around $54,971. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #2 makes Virginia Commonwealth University one of the best values for urban studies/affairs. Located in the city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,720, while out-of-state students pay about $39,884. Urban Studies/affairs graduates carry a median of $26,416 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban studies/affairs degree recipients from Virginia Commonwealth University generally make around $49,570. That is a strong return on a $26,416 median debt. Virginia Commonwealth University admits about 93% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University earned it the #3 place for urban studies/affairs. Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Urban Studies/affairs graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. Early-career urban studies/affairs graduates make about $60,004. That is a strong return on a $23,393 median debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, 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.