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

The estimated starting salary for Urban Planning graduates in Springfield, MA is $66,500 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 133. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Springfield are 33% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Urban Planning degree worth it in Springfield?

A Urban Planning degree in Springfield has an estimated ROI payback period of 6.7 years, with a projected lifetime return of $425,672 after subtracting education costs. With 6 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $11,943/year, Springfield offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 5.7% 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 Springfield?

The average annual public university tuition in Springfield is $11,943, while private universities average $42,786/year. Including room and board ($21,289/year), total 4-year costs range from $132,928 at a public school to $256,300 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Springfield is $7,962/year.

What jobs can Urban Planning graduates get in Springfield?

Urban Planning graduates in Springfield 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 Springfield 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 Springfield?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Urban Planning graduates in Springfield would pay $1,509/month on an estimated $132,928 in loans, with $48,196 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $2,601/month but save $25,071 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $66,500, monthly payments would represent 27% of gross monthly income.

Urban Planning Degree in Springfield, MA — Salary & ROI 2026

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

Starting Salary

$67K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$96K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

6.7 yrs

in Springfield

Cost of Living

133

index (100 = avg)

Urban Planning in Springfield, MA Overview

Springfield, Massachusetts (pop. 155,929) has 6 colleges offering Urban Planning programs. The local cost of living index of 133 is higher than average, so budget accordingly, with average rent near campus at $1,238/month. Urban Planning has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Zoning and Transportation Planning skills. The adjusted starting salary in Springfield is approximately $66,500.

Urban Planning Salary in Springfield (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Springfield's cost of living index of 133 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$66,500(+$16,500 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$95,760(+$23,760 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$119,700(+$29,700 vs national)

Note: National average Urban Planning salary: $50,000 starting, $72,000 mid-career, $90,000 senior level.Springfield adjustment factor: 1.33x based on the local cost of living index.

Urban Planning ROI Calculator for Springfield

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $11,943 | Private avg: $42,786

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Springfield avg aid: $7,962/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$132,928

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$19,950

vs HS diploma in Springfield

ROI Payback Period

6.7 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Springfield

$425,672

Lifetime earnings premium ($558,600) minus total education cost ($132,928)

Student Loan Payoff for Urban Planning in Springfield

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$132,928

Monthly Payment$1,509

Total Interest$48,196

% of Monthly Income27%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$132,928

Monthly Payment$2,601

Total Interest$23,125

Interest Savings$25,071

Colleges in Springfield for Urban Planning

Western New England University

private

$42,228/yr

$168,912 total

Springfield College

private

$43,344/yr

$173,376 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Springfield Technical Community College

$5,760/yr

Top Employers for Urban Planning in Springfield

Springfield 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 Springfield 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 Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA

$69K starting · COL 137

24 colleges

Worcester, MA

$59K starting · COL 117

11 colleges

Cambridge, MA

$67K starting · COL 133

6 colleges

Lowell, MA

$56K starting · COL 112.5

5 colleges

Brockton, MA

$54K starting · COL 108.5

5 colleges

Quincy, MA

$64K starting · COL 128.5

4 colleges

New Bedford, MA

$51K starting · COL 102.5

4 colleges

Lynn, MA

$59K starting · COL 118.5

4 colleges

Other Social Sciences Majors in Springfield

International Relations

$67K starting · 5 yr ROI

Political Science

$64K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Geography

$67K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Forensic Science

$67K starting · 4.8 yr ROI

Sustainability Studies

$67K starting · 5.8 yr ROI

Psychology

$59K starting · 6 yr ROI

Criminal Justice

$67K starting · 5 yr ROI

Sociology

$59K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

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

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Massachusetts 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 (Massachusetts)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Massachusetts programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "massachusetts 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 Springfield — 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 Springfield.

Urban Planning Overview Colleges in Springfield All Majors

Urban Planning Degree in Springfield, MA — Salary & ROI 2026

Urban Planning in Springfield, MA Overview

Urban Planning Salary in Springfield (COL-Adjusted)

Urban Planning ROI Calculator for Springfield

Student Loan Payoff for Urban Planning in Springfield

Standard Plan (10 years)

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Colleges in Springfield for Urban Planning

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Top Employers for Urban Planning in Springfield

Key Springfield Hiring Sectors for Social Sciences

Common Urban Planning Job Titles

Urban Planning in Nearby Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA

Worcester, MA

Cambridge, MA

Lowell, MA

Brockton, MA

Quincy, MA

New Bedford, MA

Lynn, MA

Other Social Sciences Majors in Springfield

International Relations

Political Science

Geography

Forensic Science

Sustainability Studies

Psychology

Criminal Justice

Sociology

Methodology & Education Data Sources

Financial Aid Resources for Springfield Students

Urban Planning Degree in Springfield — FAQ

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