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Cheapest City/Urban Colleges in California

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

California State University-Fresno offers the state's most affordable City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning program at just $6,480 net cost, while USC charges $31,927 for similar training. This price gap reflects California's dual approach to urban planning education as cities grapple with housing shortages and sustainable development challenges. California's booming economy, from Silicon Valley tech campuses to aerospace facilities, creates steady demand for planners who can navigate complex zoning laws and environmental regulations across the nation's most populous state.
5
Programs
$6,480 – $31,927
Net Price Range
$47,911
Avg. Program Earnings
76.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

5 City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
2 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
3 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
4 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
5 $31,927 $68,237 92.0% 12.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What salary can planning graduates expect in California?

California planning graduates earn between $47,260 and $48,432 annually according to available data. Cal Poly Pomona graduates start at $47,260, while Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduates earn $48,432, showing relatively consistent earning potential across programs despite significant cost differences.

How competitive are California's planning programs?

Acceptance rates vary dramatically from CSU Fresno's open-access 95.43% to USC's selective 12.02%. UC Davis admits 37.34% of applicants while Cal Poly San Luis Obispo accepts 30.43%, creating options for students across different academic backgrounds.

Does program cost affect graduation rates in planning?

Higher-cost programs show stronger completion rates, with USC achieving 92% graduation compared to CSU Fresno's 54.80%. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and UC Davis both exceed 85% graduation rates despite moderate costs around $15,000.

More City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning Rankings

Best Value City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning in California City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning Under $20,000 in California

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All City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning Programs Best Colleges in California Best City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning in California

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.