Any good urban planning schools in NJ/NY? (real estate, loan)

[homenj]

Are there any good urban planning schools in the New Jersey/NYC area? I know Rutgers has a good school but I was wondering if there are any other nearby, Thanks.

[lammius]

Originally Posted by homenj

Are there any good urban planning schools in the New Jersey/NYC area? I know Rutgers has a good school but I was wondering if there are any other nearby, Thanks.

Rutgers has the best program in the region (according to the American Planning Association, it consistently ranks in the top 4-8 in the nation), but there are other good ones out there.

Columbia's planning program resides in its architecture school. It's a good program, but the faculty have a love affair with NYC that you had better share. Also, it'll cost you your first born in tuition/fees/living. Planners don't come out of school and make millions in salary, so I didn't think the $100K+ in loan debt would be a good idea.

NYU's program is in its public administration school (Wagner). Solid program, small and very competitive, and also very expensive.

CUNY-Hunter has a decent program.

If you expand your scope to Philadelphia, UPenn has an excellent program, which is usually ranked in the top 3 nationwide according to APA.

You could also attend a "different type of program" affiliated with a planning school. Say for instance you're really into urban design, you could enroll in a program in the architecture school at NJIT and take your urban planning/design courses at Rutgers.

In the end, your decision on which schools to (A) apply to, and (B) ultimately choose to attend, should be based on the strengths and focus areas of the program. Do you want something more policy-oriented, more practitioner-oriented? Are you into transportation, land use, real estate, community development, not sure? Go to each program's website to see the degree programs, concentrations, and courses offered. Look at the research centers affiliated with each school. Research centers are a great place for students to get an assistantship or paid internship. Go to the open house events each program hosts prior to applying. You'll get a great sense for the program strengths, you'll get to meet faculty, etc. If you can't make an open house, arrange a visit on your own. Each program should have staff people who work on recruiting. Those people can help schedule appointments to sit down with faculty, review financial aid programs, etc.

And, of course, good luck!