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City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

Credential: Bachelor's | State: NH

Annual Completions: 12

UNH Planning: Building Futures with Moderate Earnings and Strong Community Impact

Program Analysis

The City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning program at the University of New Hampshire-Main Campus (CIP 0403) equips students with the analytical and design skills necessary to shape the future of our built environments. You'll delve into topics such as land use, transportation, environmental sustainability, housing policy, and community development. Courses often involve geographic information systems (GIS), data analysis, urban design principles, and public policy frameworks. This interdisciplinary field prepares you to understand complex urban challenges and develop innovative solutions.

Graduates from this program are well-positioned for a variety of impactful career paths. Common roles include Urban Planner, Community Development Specialist, Transportation Planner, Environmental Planner, Housing Analyst, and GIS Specialist. These professionals work for municipal, county, and regional governments, as well as private consulting firms, non-profit organizations, and real estate development companies.

While specific median earnings for UNH's program are not available (N/A), national data for related roles provides a strong indication of earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start in the $50,000 - $65,000 range. With 5-10 years of experience, mid-level planners can expect to earn between $70,000 and $90,000. Senior planners and planning directors, often requiring advanced degrees or extensive experience, can command salaries upwards of $95,000 to $120,000+.

Return on Investment (ROI) for a Bachelor's degree in Planning is generally considered positive, though it may take longer to reach higher earning potentials compared to some STEM fields. The cost of a degree at UNH should be weighed against the projected long-term earnings and the intrinsic value of contributing to sustainable and equitable communities. The demand for skilled planners is projected to grow moderately, driven by increasing urbanization, the need for resilient infrastructure, and a growing emphasis on sustainable development and smart growth principles.

Practical advice for prospective students includes gaining hands-on experience through internships with planning agencies or consulting firms, developing strong GIS and data analysis skills, and considering a Master's degree for more advanced roles or specialization. Networking with professionals in the field and joining professional organizations like the American Planning Association (APA) can also be highly beneficial.

Career Paths

Graduates of City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus can pursue the following career paths:

  • Urban Planner. Median salary: $78,000, Moderate growth outlook.
  • Community Development Specialist. Median salary: $72,000, Moderate growth outlook.
  • Transportation Planner. Median salary: $80,000, Moderate growth outlook.
  • Environmental Planner. Median salary: $75,000, Moderate growth outlook.
  • GIS Specialist. Median salary: $70,000, Strong growth outlook.

Skills Gained

Key skills developed in this program:

  • Urban Design Principles
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Data Analysis and Interpretation
  • Public Policy Analysis
  • Community Engagement Strategies

Frequently Asked Questions about City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

Is City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning. at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus worth it?

While specific earnings data for UNH's program are unavailable, national trends for urban and regional planners suggest a positive return on investment. Graduates can expect entry-level salaries around $50,000-$65,000, with mid-career earnings reaching $70,000-$90,000 and senior roles exceeding $100,000. The value also lies in the program's contribution to shaping sustainable communities, a field with growing importance. Weighing the cost of tuition against these earning potentials and the intrinsic reward of impactful work is key to assessing its worth.

What jobs can I get with a City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning. degree?

A degree in City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning opens doors to diverse roles focused on shaping environments. You could become an Urban Planner, designing land use and development strategies; a Community Development Specialist, working to improve neighborhoods; a Transportation Planner, focusing on mobility systems; or an Environmental Planner, addressing sustainability concerns. Other potential positions include Housing Analyst, GIS Specialist, and Regional Planner. These roles are typically found in government agencies, consulting firms, and non-profit organizations.

How much do City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning. graduates earn?

While UNH's specific program data is not provided, national averages for urban and regional planners indicate a solid earning trajectory. Entry-level positions typically range from $50,000 to $65,000 annually. With several years of experience, mid-level professionals can anticipate salaries between $70,000 and $90,000. Senior planners and those in leadership roles often earn $95,000 to $120,000 or more, especially in metropolitan areas or specialized consulting firms. These figures represent a good long-term financial outlook for graduates.

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Analysis based on U.S. Department of Education data. Not enrollment advice. Verify information with the institution directly.