What is the starting salary for Urban Planning graduates in Albuquerque?

The estimated starting salary for Urban Planning graduates in Albuquerque, NM is $55,500 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 111. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Albuquerque are 11% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Urban Planning degree worth it in Albuquerque?

A Urban Planning degree in Albuquerque has an estimated ROI payback period of 4.5 years, with a projected lifetime return of $391,392 after subtracting education costs. With 40 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $4,872/year, Albuquerque offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.4% and the major's national unemployment rate of 3.5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Urban Planning in Albuquerque?

The average annual public university tuition in Albuquerque is $4,872, while private universities average $14,580/year. Including room and board ($13,830/year), total 4-year costs range from $74,808 at a public school to $113,640 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Albuquerque is $13,246/year.

What jobs can Urban Planning graduates get in Albuquerque?

Urban Planning graduates in Albuquerque can pursue careers as Urban Planner, Transportation Planner, Community Development Director. Key skills valued by local employers include Zoning, Transportation Planning, Community Engagement, GIS. The Albuquerque job market features Government agencies, Non-profits, Research institutes among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include City/County Governments, Planning Firms, AECOM.

How long to pay off student loans for Urban Planning in Albuquerque?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Urban Planning graduates in Albuquerque would pay $849/month on an estimated $74,808 in loans, with $27,124 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,464/month but save $14,109 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $55,500, monthly payments would represent 18% of gross monthly income.

Urban Planning Degree in Albuquerque, NM — Salary & ROI 2026

Urban Planning degree analysis for Albuquerque, NM. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$56K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$80K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

4.5 yrs

in Albuquerque

Cost of Living

111

index (100 = avg)

Urban Planning in Albuquerque, NM Overview

Albuquerque is one of New Mexico's top college towns, with 40 institutions and a student population of 37,837. Public tuition averages $4,872/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Urban Planning has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Zoning and Transportation Planning skills. The adjusted starting salary in Albuquerque is approximately $55,500.

Urban Planning Salary in Albuquerque (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Albuquerque's cost of living index of 111 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$55,500(+$5,500 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$79,920(+$7,920 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$99,900(+$9,900 vs national)

Note: National average Urban Planning salary: $50,000 starting, $72,000 mid-career, $90,000 senior level.Albuquerque adjustment factor: 1.11x based on the local cost of living index.

Urban Planning ROI Calculator for Albuquerque

Estimate your return on investment for a Urban Planning degree using local Albuquerque tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $4,872 | Private avg: $14,580

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Albuquerque avg aid: $13,246/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$74,808

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$16,650

vs HS diploma in Albuquerque

ROI Payback Period

4.5 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Albuquerque

$391,392

Lifetime earnings premium ($466,200) minus total education cost ($74,808)

Student Loan Payoff for Urban Planning in Albuquerque

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$74,808

Monthly Payment$849

Total Interest$27,124

% of Monthly Income18%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$74,808

Monthly Payment$1,464

Total Interest$13,014

Interest Savings$14,109

Colleges in Albuquerque for Urban Planning

University of New Mexico

public

$8,064/yr

$32,256 total

National American University

private

$14,580/yr

$58,320 total

Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute

public

$1,680/yr

$6,720 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Central New Mexico Community College

$1,848/yr

Top Employers for Urban Planning in Albuquerque

Albuquerque offers opportunities in Government agencies, Non-profits, Research institutes for Urban Planning graduates. National top employers in this field include:

City/County GovernmentsPlanning FirmsAECOMReal Estate DevelopersNon-Profits

Key Albuquerque Hiring Sectors for Social Sciences

Government agencies

Non-profits

Research institutes

Social services

Consulting

Common Urban Planning Job Titles

Urban PlannerTransportation PlannerCommunity Development Director

Urban Planning in Nearby New Mexico Cities

Las Cruces, NM

$62K starting · COL 123

12 colleges

Rio Rancho, NM

$47K starting · COL 93.8

4 colleges

Santa Fe, NM

$59K starting · COL 118

7 colleges

Other Social Sciences Majors in Albuquerque

International Relations

$56K starting · 5 yr ROI

Political Science

$53K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Geography

$56K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Forensic Science

$56K starting · 4.8 yr ROI

Sustainability Studies

$56K starting · 5.8 yr ROI

Psychology

$49K starting · 6 yr ROI

Criminal Justice

$56K starting · 5 yr ROI

Sociology

$49K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Urban Planning degree outcomes in Albuquerque, NM: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Urban Planning programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for New Mexico.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Albuquerque using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Urban Planning graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Urban Planning career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Urban Planning grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Albuquerque Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), New Mexico students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (New Mexico)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — New Mexico programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "new mexico higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Urban Planning Degree in Albuquerque — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Urban Planning ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Albuquerque.

Urban Planning Overview Colleges in Albuquerque All Majors