California · Urban Studies/Affairs

Best Urban Studies/Affairs institutions in California, ranked by earnings

The Urban Studies/Affairs program is a transdisciplinary field that explores urban settlements and development. It encompasses various subjects, including geography, sociology, and public policy, making it ideal for students interested in…

Institutions
12
offering CIP 45.12
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
264
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$46,826
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
5
College Scorecard
Median net price
$36,488
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
77%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Urban and Regional Planners
$111,520
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 5 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1University of California - Berkeley
Berkeley Public · Bachelor's degree
$58,1712693%$14,444
2San Francisco State University
San Francisco Public · Bachelor's degree
$50,0081150%$18,600
3California State University - Northridge
Northridge Public · Bachelor's degree
$46,8262957%$13,612
4University of California - San Diego
La Jolla Public · Bachelor's degree
$37,0745086%$17,500
5University of California - Irvine
Irvine Public · Bachelor's degree
$34,3856087%$15,000

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Urban and Regional Planners (SOC 19-3051).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+3.4%
About as fast as average
Openings / yr (US)
~3,400
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$83,720
typically Master's degree

Top skills

SpeakingActive ListeningCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionWritingActive Learning

What Urban and Regional Planners earn in California

Jobs in California
7,630
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$111,520
median $105,230
Best-paying metro
$136,980
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Related careers

Urban and Regional Planners
$111,520 avg · 7,630 jobs
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
$131,830 avg · 3,080 jobs
Sociologists
$118,570 avg · 660 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Urban Studies/Affairs programs in California.

Which Urban Studies/Affairs program in California has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), University of California - Berkeley tops the list at $58,171. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Urban and Regional Planners earn in California?+

The average annual wage for Urban and Regional Planners in California is $111,520 (median $105,230), across about 7,630 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Urban Studies/Affairs program?+

The Urban Studies/Affairs program is a transdisciplinary field that explores urban settlements and development. It encompasses various subjects, including geography, sociology, and public policy, making it ideal for students interested in…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop speaking, active listening, critical thinking, reading comprehension, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Urban and Regional Planners?+

The national job outlook is about +3.4% growth with around 3,400 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Master's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

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