City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning at The University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin's urban planning program shows estimated first-year earnings of $44,146—notably below what peer programs in Texas typically deliver. Texas A&M and Texas State both report outcomes above $47,000, with A&M hitting $50,580. The state median for planning programs sits at $48,918, suggesting comparable programs in Texas generally produce stronger early earnings than the national baseline this estimate draws from.

The estimated debt load of $25,244 creates a workable 0.57 ratio to first-year earnings, which is manageable by most standards. That's roughly six months of gross pay—well within the conventional threshold where education debt becomes problematic. Still, the opportunity cost matters: if your child could achieve similar outcomes at a less selective school while graduating with Texas State's typical debt picture and stronger starting salary, the calculus shifts. The 29% admission rate and 1380 average SAT suggest significant effort goes into getting admitted, yet the earnings data doesn't show a corresponding premium.

The real question is whether UT's broader advantages—alumni networks, recruitment pipelines, Austin's planning market—translate into career value that these estimates don't capture. With only four programs statewide and limited data visibility, you're essentially betting on brand reputation over measurable outcomes. If your child can secure admission to A&M's program, the numbers suggest that's the safer bet. Otherwise, understand you're paying for prestige with uncertain returns in a field where peer institutions show clearer financial trajectories.