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

The estimated starting salary for Urban Planning graduates in Plano, TX is $42,500 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 85. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Plano are 15% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Urban Planning degree worth it in Plano?

A Urban Planning degree in Plano has an estimated ROI payback period of 4.5 years, with a projected lifetime return of $299,012 after subtracting education costs. With 9 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $2,220/year, Plano offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.7% 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 Plano?

The average annual public university tuition in Plano is $2,220, while private universities average $39,702/year. Including room and board ($12,277/year), total 4-year costs range from $57,988 at a public school to $207,916 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Plano is $15,063/year.

What jobs can Urban Planning graduates get in Plano?

Urban Planning graduates in Plano 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 Plano 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 Plano?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Urban Planning graduates in Plano would pay $658/month on an estimated $57,988 in loans, with $21,025 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,135/month but save $10,937 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $42,500, monthly payments would represent 19% of gross monthly income.

Urban Planning Degree in Plano, TX — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$43K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$61K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

4.5 yrs

in Plano

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Urban Planning in Plano, TX Overview

Plano, Texas (pop. 285,494) has 9 colleges offering Urban Planning programs. The local cost of living index of 85 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $849/month. Urban Planning has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Zoning and Transportation Planning skills. The adjusted starting salary in Plano is approximately $42,500.

Urban Planning Salary in Plano (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Plano's cost of living index of 85 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$42,500($-7,500 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$61,200($-10,800 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$76,500($-13,500 vs national)

Note: National average Urban Planning salary: $50,000 starting, $72,000 mid-career, $90,000 senior level.Plano adjustment factor: 0.85x based on the local cost of living index.

Urban Planning ROI Calculator for Plano

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $2,220 | Private avg: $39,702

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Plano avg aid: $15,063/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$57,988

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$12,750

vs HS diploma in Plano

ROI Payback Period

4.5 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Plano

$299,012

Lifetime earnings premium ($357,000) minus total education cost ($57,988)

Student Loan Payoff for Urban Planning in Plano

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$57,988

Monthly Payment$658

Total Interest$21,025

% of Monthly Income19%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$57,988

Monthly Payment$1,135

Total Interest$10,088

Interest Savings$10,937

Colleges in Plano for Urban Planning

Collin College University Center

public

$2,220/yr

$8,880 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Collin College

$2,220/yr

Top Employers for Urban Planning in Plano

Plano 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 Plano 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 Texas Cities

Houston, TX

$58K starting · COL 115

90 colleges

San Antonio, TX

$60K starting · COL 120

58 colleges

Dallas, TX

$52K starting · COL 104

82 colleges

Austin, TX

$54K starting · COL 107

30 colleges

Fort Worth, TX

$51K starting · COL 101

19 colleges

El Paso, TX

$47K starting · COL 93

38 colleges

Arlington, TX

$47K starting · COL 93.5

14 colleges

Corpus Christi, TX

$41K starting · COL 82

22 colleges

Other Social Sciences Majors in Plano

International Relations

$43K starting · 5 yr ROI

Political Science

$41K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Geography

$43K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Forensic Science

$43K starting · 4.8 yr ROI

Sustainability Studies

$43K starting · 5.8 yr ROI

Psychology

$37K starting · 6 yr ROI

Criminal Justice

$43K starting · 5 yr ROI

Sociology

$37K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

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

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Texas 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 (Texas)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Texas programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "texas 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 Plano — 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 Plano.

Urban Planning Overview Colleges in Plano All Majors