Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $32,802/yr fall 22% below the $42,023 national median for City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
The 12.2x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 34% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $23,628 debt-to-$32,802 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #14 out of 15 programs, Westfield State University's financial outcomes for City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $32,802 to $54,588 over five years (66% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.