Urban Studies at University of Connecticut

Storrs, CT · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Urban Studies/Affairs
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,074/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk High (37% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,900 openings/yr)
ROI 7.0x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #21 of 25 Urban Studies/Affairs programs

Program Analysis

Your journey with an Urban Studies degree from UConn will expose you to a rich, interdisciplinary understanding of cities, covering everything from policy and sociology to geography. While this breadth is intellectually stimulating, it can make direct career placement challenging without intentional specialization. Many graduates find initial roles in non-profits, local government administration, or community development where entry-level salaries are often modest. The Connecticut job market, while having urban centers, doesn't always have deep pipelines for bachelor's-level urban planning roles, frequently preferring candidates with a professional master's degree. Proximity to major cities like New York offers more opportunities, but competition is fierce. Furthermore, the analytical and administrative tasks common in these fields are increasingly susceptible to automation, underscoring the need for unique human skills. To thrive, proactively pursue internships that align with a specific career path and consider pairing your degree with a minor or certificate in a more applied area like GIS, data analysis, or public policy.

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 $573K $567K $523K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.0x 7.0x 6.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.3x 3.3x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$81,464
Out-of-state: $172,136 (3.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$91,544
-12% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,750
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,591
69% growth from Year 1

About University of Connecticut

A 54% admission rate makes University of Connecticut accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with a mid-sized student body of 19,147 in Storrs, CT.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Connecticut →

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 University of Connecticut

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Connecticut's Urban Studies program score?
This program scores 38/100 — 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.
Why are Urban Studies earnings lower at University of Connecticut?
Lower starting pay at University of Connecticut may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →