City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning at Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University's urban planning program shows a dramatic earnings trajectory that masks a challenging first year. Graduates start at just $22,719—barely above poverty wages for a bachelor's degree holder—but see their earnings more than double to $55,451 by year four. This puts the program at the 60th percentile among Florida's limited pool of planning programs, though it ranks nationally in just the 5th percentile for early earnings. With only three schools offering this degree in Florida, comparative data is sparse, but that four-year figure eventually exceeds the national median of $44,146.

The real question for parents is whether your child can weather that difficult first year. The debt load of $27,653 is manageable relative to later earnings, but it's 1.2 times that initial salary—meaning the first year or two will likely require financial support or side income. Urban planning often involves entry-level positions or internships that don't reflect the field's true earning potential, which may explain the initial dip.

Given the small sample size here (under 30 graduates tracked), these numbers could shift significantly year to year. If your student is committed to urban planning and has family support to get through the entry-level phase, the mid-career outlook appears solid. But if immediate financial independence matters, this isn't the path.