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City & Regional Planning

City & Regional Planning graduates earn $66,874 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $50,087 and $86,436. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About City & Regional Planning

City & Regional Planning is a focused area of study within Architecture. Graduates typically earn around $66,874 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 140 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 2,481 students complete this program each year, most earning a master's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $44,146
Median Earnings · 4yr: $66,874
Colleges Offering: 140
Graduates / Year: 2,481
Avg Net Price / yr: $17,653

How Much Do City & Regional Planning Graduates Earn?

City & Regional Planning graduates earn $66,874 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $50,087 and $86,436. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $44,146 climbs to $66,874 by year four.

$44,146

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$66,874

4-Year National Median

Above the national median for college graduates.

$68,163

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across City & Regional Planning graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.

$50,087 25th pct.

$66,874 Median

$86,436 75th pct.

Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $66,874 against an estimated $70,612 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 54 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 2,481 students who complete City & Regional Planning programs each year, the majority (60%) earn a master's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

30% 60%

Master's 60%

Bachelor's 30%

Post-Bacc Cert. 6%

What Can You Do With a City & Regional Planning Degree?

City & Regional Planning connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Architectural & Engineering Manager leads at $171,270/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.8% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Architectural & Engineering Manager

$171,270

$139K $213K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 14,500 openings/yr 220K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Complex Problem Solving Active Listening Writing Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects.
Direct, review, or approve project design changes.
Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.

↗ +2.0% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Architecture Teachers

$96,870

$75K $129K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 900 openings/yr 8K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Instructing Learning Strategies Speaking Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in architecture and architectural design, such as architectural environmental design, interior architecture/design, and landscape architecture. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as architectural design methods, aesthetics and design, and structures and materials.

↗ +3.4% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Urban and Regional Planners

$89,320

$72K $110K 25th–75th pct.

Master's degree 3,400 openings/yr 44K employed nationally

Active Listening Judgment and Decision Making Speaking Systems Analysis Reading Comprehension

Day-to-day responsibilities

Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.
Advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives.
Create, prepare, or requisition graphic or narrative reports on land use data, including land area maps overlaid with geographic variables, such as population density.

Top Colleges for City & Regional Planning

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many City & Regional Planning students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA · Public	101	39.2%	$14,091	$78,466
2	University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA · Public	96	9%	$12,548	$82,511
3	University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA · Nonprofit	86	9.8%	$32,740	$92,498
4	University of Arizona Tucson, AZ · Public	84	86.1%	$16,674	$59,979
5	California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Pomona, CA · Public	76	75.2%	$11,531	$71,902
6	Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ · Public	72	89.9%	$14,967	$62,668
7	Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA · Nonprofit	63	4.6%	$20,111	$143,372
8	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH · Public	62	60.6%	$17,339	$60,409
9	University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, VA · Public	61	16.8%	$21,565	$86,863
10	Texas A&M University-College Station College Station, TX · Public	58	57.4%	$21,315	$72,097
11	Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY · Nonprofit	58	4%	$21,590	$102,491
12	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC · Public	56	15.3%	$11,655	$72,200
13	University of Florida Gainesville, FL · Public	53	24.2%	$6,541	$71,588
14	New York University New York, NY · Nonprofit	44	9.2%	$37,050	$82,509
15	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN · Public	40	79.8%	$16,778	$69,020
16	Portland State University Portland, OR · Public	40	90.9%	$9,552	$57,906
17	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX · Public	38	26.6%	$19,857	$75,121
18	Iowa State University Ames, IA · Public	38	88.7%	$18,589	$63,386
19	California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA · Public	38	31.3%	$16,665	$90,768
20	University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, CO · Public	38	74.7%	$11,900	$64,270

View all colleges

Ranked by City & Regional Planning graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a City & Regional Planning program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a City & Regional Planning degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

City & Regional Planning Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on City & Regional Planning shows 3 measurable strengths and 1 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Above-average earnings Four-year median of $66,874 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $44,146 at graduation to $66,874 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 18,800 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.

CONS

Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.

City & Regional Planning Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do City & Regional Planning graduates earn?

City & Regional Planning graduates earn a national median of $66,874 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $50,087 and $86,436. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a City & Regional Planning degree?

One year after graduation, City & Regional Planning degree holders earn a median of $44,146. That climbs to $66,874 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a City & Regional Planning degree?

City & Regional Planning degree holders pursue careers including Architectural & Engineering Manager, which pays a median of $171,270/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a City & Regional Planning program take?

While a bachelor's in this area takes four years, many City & Regional Planning students continue to a master's degree, adding one to two years. Some schools offer accelerated 5-year combined programs.

How many colleges offer City & Regional Planning?

140 colleges and universities in the United States offer City & Regional Planning programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a City & Regional Planning degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $66,874 and an average net price of roughly $17,653/yr, a City & Regional Planning degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between City & Regional Planning and Architecture?

City & Regional Planning is a focused concentration within the broader Architecture field. The Architecture major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to City & Regional Planning-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in City & Regional Planning graduates?

Employers hiring City & Regional Planning graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.

Is graduate school worth it for City & Regional Planning graduates?

In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for City & Regional Planning graduates?

The job outlook for City & Regional Planning graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +3.1% job growth over the next 10 years. Architectural & Engineering Manager is among the strongest-growth roles at +3.8%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.