City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning at Miami University-Oxford

Miami University's planning program starts graduates at $40,721—below both the national median ($44,146) and trailing other Ohio options like Cincinnati ($46,122). With only three schools offering this degree in Ohio, the limited competition makes these comparisons particularly meaningful. The 40th percentile ranking among Ohio programs essentially means you're looking at the lower-performing option in a small field.

The debt load of $25,237 translates to a 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio, which is reasonable for a public university program. That's roughly equivalent to half a year's salary, manageable for most graduates entering planning careers. However, the value proposition hinges on what happens after that first year—planning careers typically build slowly as professionals gain experience and certifications.

The significant caveat: this analysis draws from fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could shift considerably year to year. If your child is passionate about urban planning and wants the traditional college experience at a well-established public university, Miami can work. But from a pure return-on-investment standpoint, UC's program delivers $5,400 more in first-year earnings for essentially the same debt, which compounds to tens of thousands of dollars over a career. Unless Miami offers specific advantages—scholarships, location preference, or particular faculty connections—the Cincinnati program represents a clearer financial choice for Ohio families.