Best Urban Studies/Affairs Schools in California

California has 6 colleges offering Urban Studies/Affairs programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 145 recent graduates. Graduates in California earn $37,993 on average within two years — 10% above the national average of $34,682, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: University of California-Berkeley graduates earn $48,432 while Loyola Marymount University graduates earn $24,421 — a $24,011 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in CA

$37,993

CA Avg. Earnings

$34,682

National Avg.

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Urban Studies/Affairs in California

Public Schools (5)

$40,708

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (1)

$24,421

avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in California produce comparable or higher early earnings for Urban Studies/Affairs graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Urban Studies/Affairs Schools in California, Ranked by Earnings

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public

$48,432

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $50,338

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 11.7%

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public

$40,737

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $41,994

Graduates: 36

Acceptance: 96.2%

California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA · Public

$40,647

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,144

Graduates: 19

Acceptance: 93.2%

University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public

$39,729

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $41,393

Graduates: 32

Acceptance: 24.5%

University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA · Public

$33,993

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $29,073

Graduates: 41

Acceptance: 25.6%

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$24,421

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 40.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Urban Studies/Affairs in California?

University of California-Berkeley ranks #1 for Urban Studies/Affairs in California with median graduate earnings of $48,432 within two years of graduation. There are 6 schools offering Urban Studies/Affairs programs in the state.

How much do Urban Studies/Affairs graduates earn in California?

Urban Studies/Affairs graduates in California earn an average of $37,993 within two years of graduation. This is 10% above the national average of $34,682 for this major.

What is the hardest Urban Studies/Affairs school to get into in California?

University of California-Berkeley is the most selective Urban Studies/Affairs program in California with an acceptance rate of 11.7%. The average acceptance rate across Urban Studies/Affairs programs in the state is 48.6%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Urban Studies/Affairs in California?

In California, private Urban Studies/Affairs programs produce average earnings of $24,421 vs $40,708 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 5 public and 1 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in California

Construction Management $81,700 Construction Engineering $81,610 Construction Engineering Technologies $76,343 Engineering, General $76,184 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $75,984 Manufacturing Engineering $73,841 Engineering-Related Fields $73,096 Computer Science $72,889

All colleges in California →

Urban Studies/Affairs in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.