City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning at University of Arizona

The University of Arizona's urban planning program starts slow but demonstrates exceptional earnings growth, with graduates jumping from $40,037 to $64,631 within four years—a 61% increase that significantly outpaces typical career trajectories. However, that first-year salary lags behind Arizona State's comparable programs, which start at $46,954. Within Arizona's small planning program landscape (only three schools), this ranks at the 40th percentile initially, meaning about half of in-state graduates earn more right out of college.

The manageable $25,000 debt load—below both state and national medians—keeps this financially viable despite the slower start. By year four, graduates are earning nearly $20,000 more than ASU grads' starting point, suggesting UofA's program may offer better long-term career development or networking that takes time to materialize. The 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio at graduation is reasonable, though families should prepare for a potentially lean first year or two.

If your child can handle starting below peers from ASU and values the Tucson environment, the strong earnings trajectory makes this worthwhile. But if they need immediate income after graduation—perhaps to support themselves independently—ASU's programs offer $7,000 more at the starting gate, which could matter significantly for early financial stability.