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2026 Best Value Urban & Regional Planning Schools

44 Colleges in the United States
$21,968 Avg Student Debt
$69,784 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Urban & Regional Planning Badge [Urban & Regional Planning](/majors/architecture-and-related-services/urban-and-regional-planning/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong urban & regional planning education at a price that pays off.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 146 schools to find the best return on investment for urban & regional planning students.

What’s on this page:

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Finding the Best Value Urban & Regional Planning School for You

The right urban & regional planning school can pay off for years to come. To help, we created our Best Value Urban & Regional Planning Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.

See how we build our rankings

Customizing Your List

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Urban & Regional Planning Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.

Associate's Degrees in Urban & Regional Planning
Bachelor's Degrees in Urban & Regional Planning
Master's Degrees in Urban & Regional Planning
Doctorate Degrees in Urban & Regional Planning

To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.

Learn more about our methodology

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2026 Best Value Urban & Regional Planning Schools in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in urban & regional planning, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Urban & Regional Planning Schools

1
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida earned the #1 spot for value among urban & regional planning schools in the United States. University Of Florida is a very large public school located in the city of Gainesville. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Urban & Regional Planning graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban & regional planning degree recipients from University Of Florida generally make around $69,502. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%.

2

Students looking for strong value in urban & regional planning will find it at California State Polytechnic University Pomona, which ranked #2. Located in the suburb of Pomona, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,292 to complete the urban & regional planning program here. Soon after graduation, urban & regional planning degree recipients from California State Polytechnic University Pomona generally make around $58,405. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Central Florida is a great value for students pursuing a degree in urban & regional planning, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,368 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Urban & Regional Planning graduates carry a median of $21,620 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban & regional planning degree recipients from University Of Central Florida generally make around $51,790. Set against $21,620 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 40%.

4

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Irvine earned it the #4 place for urban & regional planning. Set in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Urban & Regional Planning graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. Early-career urban & regional planning graduates make about $66,092. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Jose State University earned it the #5 place for urban & regional planning. San Jose State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Jose. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. The acceptance rate is 85%.

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6

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus earned the #6 position for value in urban & regional planning this year. Located in the city of Atlanta, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Urban & Regional Planning graduates carry a median of $24,323 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban & regional planning degree recipients from Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus generally make around $67,972. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #7 for value in urban & regional planning this year. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public school located in the city of Chapel Hill. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Urban & Regional Planning graduates carry a median of $15,117 in student loans. Urban & Regional Planning graduates of University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earn a median of $65,697 early in their careers. Set against $15,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted.

8

University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value urban & regional planning schools. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Seattle. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $17,736 to complete the urban & regional planning program here. Early-career urban & regional planning graduates make about $53,601. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.

9

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #9 for value in urban & regional planning this year. University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete the urban & regional planning program here. Early-career urban & regional planning graduates make about $69,357. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

10

Henry Ford Community College earned the #10 position for value in urban & regional planning this year. Set in the city of Dearborn, Henry Ford Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,568 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,816 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,876 to complete the urban & regional planning program here. Early-career urban & regional planning graduates make about $36,247. Set against $18,876 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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11
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University placed #11 among the best values for urban & regional planning. Set in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Typical student debt for urban & regional planning graduates is $20,488. Urban & Regional Planning graduates of Florida State University earn a median of $59,403 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,488 median debt. Florida State University admits about 24% of applicants.

12

University Of Missouri Kansas City placed #12 among the best values for urban & regional planning. Set in the city of Kansas City, University Of Missouri Kansas City is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,371 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,271. Urban & Regional Planning graduates carry a median of $23,741 in student loans. Urban & Regional Planning graduates of University Of Missouri Kansas City earn a median of $60,324 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,741 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.

13

University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #13 among the best values for urban & regional planning. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Tampa. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Urban & Regional Planning graduates carry a median of $21,829 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban & regional planning degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus generally make around $59,475. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants.

14

University Of Georgia came in at #14 for value in urban & regional planning this year. University Of Georgia is a very large public school located in the city of Athens. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Urban & Regional Planning graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. Urban & Regional Planning graduates of University Of Georgia earn a median of $53,546 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,792 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.

15

Florida Atlantic University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value urban & regional planning schools. Set in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,653 to complete the urban & regional planning program here. Soon after graduation, urban & regional planning degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $22,719. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

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16

Portland State University placed #16 among the best values for urban & regional planning. Located in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Students borrow a median of $26,475 to complete the urban & regional planning program here. Soon after graduation, urban & regional planning degree recipients from Portland State University generally make around $57,357. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

17

University Of New Orleans ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value urban & regional planning schools. Located in the city of New Orleans, University Of New Orleans is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $9,172 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,008. Typical student debt for urban & regional planning graduates is $23,048. Urban & Regional Planning graduates of University Of New Orleans earn a median of $42,720 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,048 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%.

18

University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras placed #18 among the best values for urban & regional planning. Set in the city of San Juan, University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,324 in tuition and fees. Urban & Regional Planning graduates carry a median of $5,673 in student loans. Urban & Regional Planning graduates of University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras earn a median of $24,881 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%.

19

University Of North Texas placed #19 among the best values for urban & regional planning. University Of North Texas is a very large public school located in the city of Denton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Urban & Regional Planning graduates carry a median of $21,817 in student loans. Urban & Regional Planning graduates of University Of North Texas earn a median of $49,157 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,817 median debt. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants.

20

Arizona State University came in at #20 for value in urban & regional planning this year. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Urban & Regional Planning graduates carry a median of $27,009 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban & regional planning degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $52,150. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.

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21

University Of Memphis earned the #21 position for value in urban & regional planning this year. University Of Memphis is a very large public school located in the city of Memphis. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Urban & Regional Planning graduates carry a median of $26,315 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban & regional planning degree recipients from University Of Memphis generally make around $48,890. Set against $26,315 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

22

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #22 for value in urban & regional planning this year. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public school located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,167 to complete the urban & regional planning program here. Early-career urban & regional planning graduates make about $47,832. Set against $18,167 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 31%.

23

University Of Hawaii At Manoa earned the #23 position for value in urban & regional planning this year. University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a very large public school located in the city of Honolulu. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,186, compared with $34,218 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for urban & regional planning graduates is $20,577. Early-career urban & regional planning graduates make about $55,556. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Hawaii At Manoa admits about 87% of applicants.

24

San Diego State University placed #24 among the best values for urban & regional planning. San Diego State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Diego. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Urban & Regional Planning graduates carry a median of $16,417 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban & regional planning degree recipients from San Diego State University generally make around $51,162. That is a strong return on a $16,417 median debt. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted.

25

Wayne State University landed the #25 spot for urban & regional planning value this year. Set in the city of Detroit, Wayne State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,159 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,650. Urban & Regional Planning graduates carry a median of $26,689 in student loans. Soon after graduation, urban & regional planning degree recipients from Wayne State University generally make around $64,788. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wayne State University admits about 81% of applicants.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Urban & Regional Planning Schools

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in urban & regional planning:

26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
University Of Kansas crest
University Of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
35
36
Suny At Albany crest
Suny At Albany
Albany, NY
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

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Urban & Regional Planning is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. See all related rankings.

Major Annual Graduates
City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning 1,959

View All Urban & Regional Planning Concentrations >

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 146 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 44 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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