City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

With estimated first-year earnings around $44,000 and projected debt of $25,244, this planning degree puts graduates at a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57—well within the "safe" range of under 1.0. Based on national benchmarks for urban planning bachelor's programs, these figures represent typical outcomes for the field, suggesting a straightforward path to repayment where annual debt payments wouldn't consume an outsized portion of entry-level income.

What's more encouraging is the four-year trajectory: reported earnings jump to nearly $58,000, a 31% increase that signals solid career progression in urban planning and related fields. This growth pattern aligns with how many public sector and consulting roles in planning operate—entry-level positions that build toward better compensation as professionals gain experience with zoning regulations, community development projects, and environmental assessments. For a degree from a selective institution (44% admission rate, 1418 average SAT), these outcomes track reasonably with the field's realities rather than the school's academic reputation.

The caveat: because both debt and first-year earnings are estimated from peer programs rather than actual UIUC graduate outcomes, there's inherent uncertainty here. Urban planning programs can vary significantly in their career services, local government connections, and internship networks—factors that directly impact job placement. The takeaway is that the estimated numbers suggest financial viability, but families should investigate UIUC's specific career outcomes and placement rates in planning positions before committing.