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

The estimated starting salary for Urban Planning graduates in Paradise, NV is $50,250 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 100.5. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Paradise are 0% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Urban Planning degree worth it in Paradise?

A Urban Planning degree in Paradise has an estimated ROI payback period of 6.3 years, with a projected lifetime return of $327,640 after subtracting education costs. With 7 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $8,900/year, Paradise offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 5.6% 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 Paradise?

The average annual public university tuition in Paradise is $8,900, while private universities average $24,000/year. Including room and board ($14,715/year), total 4-year costs range from $94,460 at a public school to $154,860 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Paradise is $9,357/year.

What jobs can Urban Planning graduates get in Paradise?

Urban Planning graduates in Paradise 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 Paradise 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 Paradise?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Urban Planning graduates in Paradise would pay $1,073/month on an estimated $94,460 in loans, with $34,249 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,848/month but save $17,816 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $50,250, monthly payments would represent 26% of gross monthly income.

Urban Planning Degree in Paradise, NV — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$50K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$72K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

6.3 yrs

in Paradise

Cost of Living

100.5

index (100 = avg)

Urban Planning in Paradise, NV Overview

Paradise, Nevada (pop. 178,395) has 7 colleges offering Urban Planning programs. The local cost of living index of 100.5 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $1,035/month. Urban Planning has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Zoning and Transportation Planning skills. The adjusted starting salary in Paradise is approximately $50,250.

Urban Planning Salary in Paradise (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Paradise's cost of living index of 100.5 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$50,250(+$250 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$72,360(+$360 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$90,450(+$450 vs national)

Note: National average Urban Planning salary: $50,000 starting, $72,000 mid-career, $90,000 senior level.Paradise adjustment factor: 1.00x based on the local cost of living index.

Urban Planning ROI Calculator for Paradise

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $8,900 | Private avg: $24,000

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Paradise avg aid: $9,357/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$94,460

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$15,075

vs HS diploma in Paradise

ROI Payback Period

6.3 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Paradise

$327,640

Lifetime earnings premium ($422,100) minus total education cost ($94,460)

Student Loan Payoff for Urban Planning in Paradise

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$94,460

Monthly Payment$1,073

Total Interest$34,249

% of Monthly Income26%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$94,460

Monthly Payment$1,848

Total Interest$16,433

Interest Savings$17,816

Colleges in Paradise for Urban Planning

Paradise State University

public

$9,730/yr

$38,920 total

University of Paradise

public

$7,732/yr

$30,928 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Paradise Community College

$5,698/yr

Top Employers for Urban Planning in Paradise

Paradise 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 Paradise 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 Nevada Cities

Las Vegas, NV

$58K starting · COL 115

45 colleges

Henderson, NV

$65K starting · COL 129

12 colleges

Reno, NV

$58K starting · COL 116

21 colleges

North Las Vegas, NV

$49K starting · COL 98.5

10 colleges

Spring Valley, NV

$50K starting · COL 100.2

8 colleges

Sunrise Manor, NV

$48K starting · COL 95.8

7 colleges

Enterprise, NV

$52K starting · COL 103.8

7 colleges

Sparks, NV

$53K starting · COL 105.2

5 colleges

Other Social Sciences Majors in Paradise

International Relations

$50K starting · 5 yr ROI

Political Science

$48K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Geography

$50K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Forensic Science

$50K starting · 4.8 yr ROI

Sustainability Studies

$50K starting · 5.8 yr ROI

Psychology

$44K starting · 6 yr ROI

Criminal Justice

$50K starting · 5 yr ROI

Sociology

$44K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

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

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Nevada 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 (Nevada)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Nevada programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "nevada 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 Paradise — 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 Paradise.

Urban Planning Overview Colleges in Paradise All Majors