City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning at Salisbury University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 is manageable territory for an urban planning degree, though it's worth remembering these figures come from national peer programs rather than Salisbury's actual graduates. Similar bachelor's programs across the country suggest first-year earnings around $44,000, which translates to a monthly debt payment of roughly $280 on the estimated $25,000 borrowed—about 7.6% of gross monthly income. That's below the 10% threshold financial advisors typically recommend.

The planning field tends to reward specialization and experience over time, with many entry positions in local government or consulting firms offering modest but stable starting salaries. Maryland's proximity to Washington, D.C. could provide access to stronger job markets than the national baseline suggests, though Salisbury's Eastern Shore location means your student might need to relocate for the best opportunities. The program serves a relatively small cohort (hence the suppressed data), which could mean more personalized attention but less established alumni networks.

For a family comfortable with mid-five-figure debt for a professional degree with steady if unspectacular earnings potential, this looks defensible. The risk lies in not knowing whether Salisbury's specific outcomes match these national patterns—they could be better or worse. If your student is committed to planning and values staying in-state, the financial picture appears workable, but have a conversation about geographic flexibility after graduation.