Compare 5 Urban Studies/Affairs. programs in New York. Average earnings: $53,932.
The highest-earning Urban Studies/Affairs program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $52K earnings gap across 5 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. New York's programs range from $24,035 to $75,870—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
New York University's Urban Studies/Affairs program leads with graduates earning $75,870, well above the $54K state average. Barnard College follows at $62,064, while CUNY Queens College delivers $55,584—proof that strong outcomes aren't limited to the most selective schools. The 39-student NYU cohort represents focused program scale.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. CUNY Queens College graduates borrow $10,298 and face just a 4.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, making it the clear value leader despite lower absolute earnings.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York UniversityPrivate | $75,870 | 39 | $20,500 | Excellent | $64,795 | Challenging |
| #2 | Barnard CollegePrivate | $62,064 | 41 | $18,000 | Excellent | $65,000 | High |
| #3 | Cuny Queens CollegePublic | $55,584 | 37 | $10,298 | Excellent | $17,680 | Manageable |
| #4 | Fordham UniversityPrivate | $52,107 | 11 | $24,300 | Good | $37,095 | High |
| #5 | Vassar CollegePrivate | $24,035 | 13 | $18,625 | High | $44,501 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
