City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning at Rowan University

Planning programs across the country typically launch graduates into the mid-$40s—and with estimated earnings of $44,146, Rowan appears to track right with that national norm. The estimated $25,244 in debt, also aligned with national medians, translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57, which means graduates might dedicate roughly half their first-year salary to their total student debt burden. For a field focused on public service and community development, these aren't flashy numbers, but they're manageable.

The challenge here is context: with only two schools offering this bachelor's in New Jersey and neither reporting public data, it's difficult to assess how Rowan specifically prepares students versus its in-state alternative. What we know from comparable planning programs nationally suggests a stable but modest financial start. Urban planning roles often offer steady advancement and the intrinsic rewards of shaping communities, but the initial payoff won't match higher-earning technical fields.

Given the limited program-specific data, focus on Rowan's placement support and alumni network in planning positions—particularly in New Jersey's active municipal and regional planning sectors. The estimated figures suggest this degree is financially viable if your child is committed to the field, but confirm that the school's specific outcomes and career services justify the investment over alternatives.