Urban Studies at Brown University

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Urban Studies/Affairs
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,731/yr (19% vs median)
AI Risk High (37% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,900 openings/yr)
ROI 1.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #15 of 25 Urban Studies/Affairs programs

Program Analysis

Your Brown Urban Studies degree is highly valued for its rigorous interdisciplinary approach, immediately signaling strong analytical and critical thinking skills. This program excels at preparing you for complex problem-solving, which is why graduates navigate diverse career paths spanning urban planning, public policy, community development, and even strategic consulting. You'll find yourself contributing to municipal governments, leading non-profits focused on social equity, or advising private firms on sustainable development in major metropolitan areas like Boston or New York. The program's strength lies in its ability to connect theory with practical application, leveraging the extensive Brown network to open doors. While some analytical tasks in the field are evolving with AI, your education emphasizes the human-centered, ethical, and strategic thinking that machines cannot replicate. Focus on cultivating those unique leadership and communication skills.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Urban Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $524K $522K $487K
Earnings Multiple 1.9x 1.9x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 40 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$272,920
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$106,288
61% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,000
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings

About Brown University

Brown University's 5% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving 7,273 students in Providence, RI. The average net cost of $106,288 over four years represents a 61% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Brown University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Sociologists $101,690/yr
Urban and regional planners $83,720/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Urban Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Brown University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Brown University's Urban Studies program score?
This program scores 40/100 — on the lower end for Urban Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Urban Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Urban Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 37% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Urban Studies at Brown University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $272,920, but the average net cost is $106,288 — a 61% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →