Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (5 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Southern California$71,104
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo$47,832$71,455$18,1670.38
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona$45,960$64,621$15,2920.33
National Median$44,146$25,2370.57

Other City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo
$11,075$47,832$18,167
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Pomona
$7,439$45,960$15,292

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Southern California, approximately 22% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.