Urban Studies/Affairs at University of Illinois Chicago

In a field where national earnings hover around $40,000, UIC's Urban Studies program lands squarely in the middle—but with a significant advantage on the debt side. While we're working with estimated earnings figures derived from similar programs nationally, the $19,916 in typical debt is notably below the $21,775 national median for this major. That translates to a debt burden of roughly half a year's salary, which is manageable compared to many bachelor's programs.

The context matters here: UIC serves a predominantly working-class student body (half receive Pell grants), and this program appears designed for practical urban planning and policy work rather than high-earning private sector careers. Similar programs nationally produce graduates earning in the low-to-mid $40,000s within a year, with room for growth as professionals gain experience in municipal government, nonprofits, or consulting roles. The relatively accessible admission standards suggest UIC is providing a pathway into this field for students who might not have other options.

For families evaluating this program, the key question is whether urban planning work aligns with your child's career goals, not whether the financial equation works. The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates can reasonably manage their loans while building careers in civic-focused fields. Just understand you're investing in a vocation with modest starting pay but clear social impact, and the debt load here won't become an anchor.