Home › Brown University › Urban Studies/Affairs

Urban Studies/Affairs at Brown University

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
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

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Urban Studies/Affairs 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

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $48,731 at Brown University come in 19% above the national median of $40,998 for Urban Studies/Affairs programs.

An earnings multiple of 1.9x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 37% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $48,731 far exceeding the $14,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #15 out of 25 programs, Brown University's financial outcomes for Urban Studies/Affairs trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

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

Compare this program → View all 25 schools offering Urban Studies/Affairs →

Urban Studies/Affairs at Other Schools

University of California-Berkeley ($58,171) San Francisco State University ($50,008) University of Washington-Seattle Campus ($47,585) University of Washington-Tacoma Campus ($47,585) California State University-Northridge ($46,826) University of Nevada-Las Vegas ($46,712) Portland State University ($45,870) Rutgers University-Camden ($44,263)

Other Majors at Brown University

Computer Science ($151,065) Applied Mathematics ($99,193) Engineering, General ($86,416) Public Health ($75,909) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($74,180) Economics ($72,064) Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations ($67,900) Public Policy Analysis ($58,161)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Brown University's Urban Studies/Affairs program score?
This program scores 40/100 — on the lower end for Urban Studies/Affairs. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Urban Studies/Affairs to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Urban Studies/Affairs 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/Affairs 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 →