As part of our series on How to Fully Fund Your Master’s Degree, here is a list of universities that offer fully funded master’s programs in urban planning, city, and regional planning or fund most of their students. A master’s in urban planning can lead to professional careers such as urban designer, policy analyst, or sustainability consultant, empowering professionals to create vibrant and sustainable communities.
“Full funding” is a package for full-time students that includes tuition remission and an annual stipend or salary during the entire program, which for master’s degrees is usually 1-2 years. Typically, funding expects students to teach or complete research in their field. Funding may come as an assistantship, fellowship, scholarship, or a combination.
Fully funded master’s programs in Urban Planning are challenging to find because most universities fully fund their PhD programs. However, some universities offer full or partial funding to most of their master’s students. Not all universities fully fund their master’s students, so researching the financial aid offerings of many different programs, including small and lesser-known schools both in the U.S. and abroad, is essential.
In addition to this list, the ProFellow Funding Database also spotlights external funding opportunities for graduate school, including dissertation research, fieldwork, language study, summer work experiences, and more.
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10 Fully Funded Master’s Programs in Urban Planning
Temple University Fully Funded Master of Science in City and Regional Planning
The Master of Science in City and Regional Planning at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture is a 45-credit, professionally accredited program focused on sustainability, environmental planning, and community engagement. Students gain skills in policymaking, impact analysis, and advanced planning tools, preparing for careers in government, non-profits, and private sectors while qualifying as candidates for the American Institute of Certified Planners. Financial aid includes merit-based scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships, with additional grants and funding available to support students during their studies.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Fully Funded Master of City and Regional Planning
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) is a two-year, 51-credit program designed to prepare students for professional planning careers. The curriculum integrates core planning theory, specialization courses, and a capstone project to address complex urban and regional challenges. Students benefit from various funding opportunities, including merit-based fellowships, research and teaching assistantships, and external grants. Additional resources include conference travel funding, paid internships, and research assistantships with affiliated centers for academic and career growth.
Arizona State University Fully Funded Master of Urban and Environmental Planning
Arizona State University’s Master of Urban and Environmental Planning (MUEP) is a two-year, professionally accredited program that prepares students to address complex social, economic, and environmental challenges while creating healthier, more sustainable communities. With small classes, interdisciplinary electives, and collaboration with planning professionals in the Phoenix area, students gain technical skills and professional connections. Faculty expertise spans urban structure, environmental planning, and smart cities. Funding opportunities include teaching assistantships, which provide tuition remission, health insurance, and stipends. Graduates are eligible for the American Institute of Certified Planners certification after two years of professional practice.
Florida Atlantic University Fully Funded Master of Urban and Regional Planning
Florida Atlantic University’s Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) is a fully accredited, 48-credit-hour professional degree program to prepare students for urban and regional planning careers. Open to applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, the program can be completed in two years full-time or four years part-time. With small class sizes averaging 15 students, the program emphasizes faculty mentorship and collaboration, equipping graduates with skills that lead to strong employment prospects. Graduate assistantships, funded through research grants and centers, provide full tuition waivers and stipends while offering students hands-on experience in projects addressing transportation safety, climate resilience, and more.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Fully Funded Master’s in City Planning
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers a Master’s in City Planning (MCP) through its School of Architecture and Planning, one of five schools. The MCP program emphasizes advanced professional competence and prepares students for impactful careers in urban planning. Accepted applicants receive a generous financial aid package covering at least 80% of tuition and student health insurance. Some students also secure research assistantships that provide a monthly stipend in exchange for 10 hours of faculty-supported research per week during the academic year.
Texas A&M University Fully Funded Master of Urban Planning
The Master of Urban Planning (MUP) program at Texas A&M University prepares students to address community challenges and create sustainable solutions through technical, political, economic, and legal perspectives. This program equips graduates for diverse careers in public, private, and non-profit sectors or further doctoral studies. Areas of emphasis include transportation, resilient communities, and housing and economic development. Each year, 20–30 diverse students join this close-knit program, which offers financial support through scholarships and assistantships. Assistantships include a 20-hour weekly work commitment, a stipend, and tuition benefits, while scholarships range from $1,000 to $10,000. All applicants are automatically considered for funding.
University of Memphis Fully Funded Master of City & Regional Planning
The Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) program at the University of Memphis is a fully accredited 48-hour degree designed to prepare students for careers in the physical development of communities, focusing on those communities’ social, economic, and environmental well-being. The program provides students with the credentials necessary for certified planning practice. Graduate assistantships offer opportunities to assist with faculty research, community projects, or work placements with non-profit and government agencies. These assistantships provide tuition remission and a monthly stipend.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Fully Funded Master of Urban Planning
The Master of Urban Planning (MUP) program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign prepares students to tackle urban challenges like climate change, affordable housing, and access to opportunities. This 2-year professional degree welcomes students from diverse fields such as social sciences, engineering, and liberal arts. Graduates work in government, private sector consulting, non-profits, and planning agencies. The fully accredited program offers significant financial support, including assistantships, fellowships, and financial aid. Over $400,000 is awarded annually, with about 60% of students receiving assistance. MUP students are automatically considered for these opportunities, and the degree is STEM-classified, allowing international students to access up to 3 years of Optional Practical Training.
Georgia Institute of Technology Fully Funded Master of City and Regional Planning
The Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) program at Georgia Tech prepares students to resolve complex urban planning issues using theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The program, accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board, is ranked among the top ten nationally. Students benefit from the university’s location in Atlanta, which has close ties to international, federal, state, and local planning organizations, offering diverse studio, internship, and employment opportunities. Financial aid is available through merit-based fellowships, graduate research or teaching assistantships, and need-based aid. Graduate students can also pursue Cooperative Work-Study opportunities, gaining on-the-job experience while receiving a stipend and tuition assistance.
University of South Florida Fully Funded Master of Urban & Regional Planning
The Master of Urban & Regional Planning (MURP) program at the University of South Florida offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that allows students to customize their studies to meet urban planning demands. Located in the dynamic Tampa Bay area, the program collaborates with local professionals, offering access to internships and mentoring, ensuring nearly 100% job placement for graduates. Areas of focus include land use, community development, economic development, environmental planning, and GIS. Financial support is available through fellowships and graduate assistantships, which provide internships with planning employers and a stipend and partial tuition waiver. Funding is competitive, and students must be enrolled full-time to be eligible.
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