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

The estimated starting salary for Urban Planning graduates in Jacksonville, FL is $58,500 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 117. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Jacksonville are 17% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Urban Planning degree worth it in Jacksonville?

A Urban Planning degree in Jacksonville has an estimated ROI payback period of 3.8 years, with a projected lifetime return of $424,964 after subtracting education costs. With 35 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $6,394/year, Jacksonville offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.5% 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 Jacksonville?

The average annual public university tuition in Jacksonville is $6,394, while private universities average $26,965/year. Including room and board ($10,215/year), total 4-year costs range from $66,436 at a public school to $148,720 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Jacksonville is $14,539/year.

What jobs can Urban Planning graduates get in Jacksonville?

Urban Planning graduates in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Urban Planning graduates in Jacksonville would pay $754/month on an estimated $66,436 in loans, with $24,088 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,300/month but save $12,530 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $58,500, monthly payments would represent 15% of gross monthly income.

Urban Planning Degree in Jacksonville, FL — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$59K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$84K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

3.8 yrs

in Jacksonville

Cost of Living

117

index (100 = avg)

Urban Planning in Jacksonville, FL Overview

Jacksonville is one of Florida's top college towns, with 35 institutions and a student population of 36,092. Public tuition averages $6,394/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 Jacksonville is approximately $58,500.

Urban Planning Salary in Jacksonville (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Jacksonville's cost of living index of 117 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$58,500(+$8,500 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$84,240(+$12,240 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$105,300(+$15,300 vs national)

Note: National average Urban Planning salary: $50,000 starting, $72,000 mid-career, $90,000 senior level.Jacksonville adjustment factor: 1.17x based on the local cost of living index.

Urban Planning ROI Calculator for Jacksonville

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $6,394 | Private avg: $26,965

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Jacksonville avg aid: $14,539/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$66,436

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$17,550

vs HS diploma in Jacksonville

ROI Payback Period

3.8 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Jacksonville

$424,964

Lifetime earnings premium ($491,400) minus total education cost ($66,436)

Student Loan Payoff for Urban Planning in Jacksonville

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$66,436

Monthly Payment$754

Total Interest$24,088

% of Monthly Income15%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$66,436

Monthly Payment$1,300

Total Interest$11,558

Interest Savings$12,530

Colleges in Jacksonville for Urban Planning

University of North Florida

public

$6,394/yr

$25,576 total

Jacksonville University

private

$39,280/yr

$157,120 total

Edward Waters University

private

$14,650/yr

$58,600 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Florida State College at Jacksonville

$3,100/yr

Top Employers for Urban Planning in Jacksonville

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Florida Cities

Miami, FL

$49K starting · COL 98

12 colleges

Tampa, FL

$51K starting · COL 101

26 colleges

Orlando, FL

$48K starting · COL 96

16 colleges

St. Petersburg, FL

$49K starting · COL 97

22 colleges

Hialeah, FL

$39K starting · COL 78

22 colleges

Port St. Lucie, FL

$49K starting · COL 98.5

8 colleges

Tallahassee, FL

$45K starting · COL 89

11 colleges

Cape Coral, FL

$49K starting · COL 97.8

7 colleges

Other Social Sciences Majors in Jacksonville

International Relations

$59K starting · 5 yr ROI

Political Science

$56K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Geography

$59K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Forensic Science

$59K starting · 4.8 yr ROI

Sustainability Studies

$59K starting · 5.8 yr ROI

Psychology

$51K starting · 6 yr ROI

Criminal Justice

$59K starting · 5 yr ROI

Sociology

$51K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Urban Planning degree outcomes in Jacksonville, FL: 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 Florida.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Florida 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 (Florida)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Florida programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "florida 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 Jacksonville — 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 Jacksonville.

Urban Planning Overview Colleges in Jacksonville All Majors