Urban Studies/Affairs graduates earn $62,532 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $43,623 and $81,699. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.
Urban Studies/Affairs is a focused area of study within Social Sciences. Graduates typically earn around $62,532 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 125 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 1,301 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework pairs research methods with the applied study of people and institutions.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$40,294
Median Earnings · 4yr
$62,532
Colleges Offering
125
Graduates / Year
1,301
Avg Net Price / yr
$18,340
How Much Do Urban Studies/Affairs Graduates Earn?
Urban Studies/Affairs graduates earn $62,532 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $43,623 and $81,699. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $40,294 climbs to $62,532 by year four.
$40,294
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$62,532
4-Year National Median
Near the national median for college graduates.
$59,595
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a wide earnings spread across Urban Studies/Affairs graduates. Degree level and sector drive the gap. Graduate-level government and research roles anchor the top; entry-level social services and nonprofit roles anchor the bottom.
$43,62325th pct.
$62,532Median
$81,69975th pct.
A Solid Financial Return
Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $62,532 and an estimated $73,360 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.3 years.
Based on outcomes from 109 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 1,301 students who complete Urban Studies/Affairs programs each year, the majority (68%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
68%26%
Bachelor's68%
Master's26%
Doctorate3%
What Can You Do With an Urban Studies/Affairs Degree?
Urban Studies/Affairs connects to 1 occupations in the job market. Urban and Regional Planners leads at $89,320/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Active ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingSpeakingSystems AnalysisReading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.
Advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives.
Create, prepare, or requisition graphic or narrative reports on land use data, including land area maps overlaid with geographic variables, such as population density.
Top Colleges for Urban Studies/Affairs
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Urban Studies/Affairs students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Urban Studies/Affairs graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Social Sciences Programs
Urban Studies/Affairs is one of 13 specializations within Social Sciences. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Urban Studies/Affairs program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
The data on Urban Studies/Affairs shows 2 measurable strengths and 1 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Above-average earningsFour-year median of $62,532 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $40,294 at graduation to $62,532 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
CONS
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Urban Studies/Affairs graduates earn a national median of $62,532 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $43,623 and $81,699. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Urban Studies/Affairs degree?
One year after graduation, Urban Studies/Affairs degree holders earn a median of $40,294. That climbs to $62,532 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Urban Studies/Affairs degree?
Urban Studies/Affairs degree holders pursue careers including Urban and Regional Planners, which pays a median of $89,320/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Urban Studies/Affairs program take?
A Urban Studies/Affairs bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Urban Studies/Affairs?
125 colleges and universities in the United States offer Urban Studies/Affairs programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Urban Studies/Affairs degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $62,532 and an average net price of roughly $18,340/yr, a Urban Studies/Affairs degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Urban Studies/Affairs and Social Sciences?
Urban Studies/Affairs is a focused concentration within the broader Social Sciences field. The Social Sciences major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Urban Studies/Affairs-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Urban Studies/Affairs graduates?
Employers hiring Urban Studies/Affairs graduates consistently prioritize research methodology, interpersonal communication, and policy understanding. Experience with surveys, qualitative interviews, or statistical tools is often a differentiator in government, nonprofit, and research roles.
Is graduate school worth it for Urban Studies/Affairs graduates?
With a median salary of $62,532, graduate study in Urban Studies/Affairs can meaningfully increase long-term income, particularly for specialized or professional programs aligned with high-demand roles. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
Related Social Sciences Programs
Other programs in Social Sciences. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
Free, data-backed guides to help you decide, built on the same federal data as this profile.
H
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