City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning at Texas A&M University-College Station

Texas A&M's urban planning program produces graduates who earn significantly above the national average—$50,580 versus $44,146—and carry manageable debt at $21,000. That's a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.42, meaning graduates owe less than half their first year's salary. This is one of the stronger programs in the field nationally, ranking in the 95th percentile for earnings.

Within Texas, the picture is more competitive. While A&M's planning graduates still earn well, they land in the 60th percentile among the state's four programs, and the earnings premium over the state median is modest ($1,662). Texas State's program, for instance, produces similar outcomes at potentially lower cost. That said, A&M's graduates see steady 9% earnings growth over their first four years, reaching $55,046—a positive trajectory that suggests the degree opens doors beyond entry-level positions.

For a family considering this major, the fundamentals are sound: strong national standing, reasonable debt, and clear earnings progression. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means outcomes are reliable enough to trust. If your child is committed to urban planning and A&M is offering competitive aid, this program delivers solid professional preparation without the debt burden that plagues many bachelor's degrees.