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City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $41,501/yr (-1% vs median)

AI Risk High (34% exposed)

Job Market Medium (20,300 openings/yr)

ROI 11.3x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #9 of 15 City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$587K	$580K	$545K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.4x	11.3x	10.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.8x	3.8x	3.6x
Probability of Field Employment	74%	69%	56%
DegreeOutlook Score	46	45	51

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$51,436

Out-of-state: $153,460 (3.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$73,168

-42% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,000

6.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$57,866

39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,501/yr, roughly in line with the $42,023 national median for City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 11.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,000 against $41,501/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #9 ranking among 15 City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning programs places Ohio State University-Main Campus in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 39% earnings increase from $41,501 to $57,866 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Ohio State University-Main Campus

A 51% admission rate makes Ohio State University-Main Campus accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with 44,617 students enrolled in Columbus, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Ohio State University-Main Campus →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr

Architecture teachers, postsecondary $101,480/yr

Urban and regional planners $83,720/yr

View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning at Other Schools

Other Majors at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning at Ohio State University-Main Campus?

At 45/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning at Ohio State University-Main Campus?

The 34% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →