City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning at Westfield State University

Westfield State's urban planning program starts slowly—first-year graduates earn just $32,802—but the trajectory tells a more encouraging story. By year four, earnings jump 47% to $48,103, surpassing the national median for this degree. That kind of growth suggests graduates are breaking into professional planning roles after initial entry-level positions.

The state context matters here: Massachusetts has only two schools offering this bachelor's program, and Westfield sits at the 60th percentile within the state despite ranking just 5th nationally. With debt of $23,628 (about 9 months of first-year income), the financial burden is manageable compared to other planning programs nationwide. A third of students receive Pell grants, indicating the program serves working-class families who need affordable pathways into this field.

The major caveat is sample size—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers could swing significantly year to year. But if your child is drawn to urban planning and wants to stay in Massachusetts, this represents an accessible entry point with reasonable debt and solid mid-career potential. Just understand that the first year or two after graduation may require patience as they establish themselves in the field. The four-year earnings suggest that patience pays off.