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

A bachelor's in urban planning from FSU sits in an unusual gap: while similar programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $44,000 with $25,000 in debt—a manageable 0.57 ratio—the limited data from Florida itself paints a dramatically different picture. Florida Atlantic's planning program, the only in-state school with reported outcomes, shows graduates earning just $22,700. That's nearly half what peer programs nationally produce, raising questions about whether Florida's planning job market simply doesn't reward bachelor's-level credentials the way other states do.

If FSU's outcomes mirror other national programs, this looks reasonable: $44,000 in earnings covers that debt load comfortably. But if they align more with FAU's reported figures, you're looking at debt that exceeds first-year income. Planning careers often require geographic flexibility—graduates who can relocate to stronger markets may fare better—but that's a significant consideration if your child intends to stay in Florida. The small graduate cohort (why this data is suppressed) also means fewer networking opportunities and possibly less employer familiarity with the program compared to larger planning schools.

Given Florida State's 25% admission rate and strong academics, this program likely attracts capable students who could succeed in various fields. Before committing, nail down where FSU's planning graduates actually work and what they earn—that single data point will tell you whether you're looking at a $44,000 outcome or a $22,000 one, which fundamentally changes the investment calculation.