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

Urban planning draws students interested in shaping communities, but first-year earnings around $44,000—based on national data from similar bachelor's programs—suggest a slower financial start than many technical fields. The estimated debt load of about $25,000 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57, which is manageable but still represents more than half a year's salary going toward student loans in an entry-level planning position.

The challenge with planning as an undergraduate degree is that many competitive positions require a master's degree, meaning this bachelor's may function more as a stepping stone than a terminal credential. Peer programs nationally show fairly consistent outcomes in the mid-$40,000 range, suggesting the field itself—rather than this particular school—sets these earning expectations. For a student certain about urban planning, Frostburg's high admission rate and relatively accessible price point make it a reasonable entry point, but families should budget for the possibility of graduate school down the line.

The debt level is moderate enough that it shouldn't derail other life plans, but it's worth comparing costs carefully against Maryland's other planning programs. If your student is exploring this field rather than committed to it, consider whether the same skills and interests might translate to related fields with stronger early earnings—like civil engineering or public administration—where a bachelor's degree carries more immediate market value.