UCLA vs NYU for Urban Planning

[borrowedrococo]

Hi, everyone. International student here hoping to get some insight on a couple of things as I make my final decision on where I start this Fall. I am in at UCLA, NYU, University of Michigan and UIC for urban planning.

Currently, I am leaning towards ultimately deciding between UCLA and NYU: both schools are similar in terms of cost based on the funding I have been offered. I am trying now to understand best which choice is optimal considering that I am an international student and might even eventually look to work outside the US a couple of years after my postgraduate studies. I am trying to understand which of these universities have a larger reach should I choose to work in a different city in the US or a different country altogether. 

Appreciate any insight on this or any other general thoughts on these choices and congratulations to all embarking on new academic journey this year. Thanks!

 

Edited March 12, 2023 by borrowedrococo
wrong subject

[Plannerlady]

Tbh, all these universities are great so you couldn't go wrong choosing any of them. Don't stress too much about prestige and consider other factors in your decision (UCLA vs NYC weather is very different for example) and don't just take tution into account, consider living expenses and transportation costs too.

[GMK]

On 3/12/2023 at 7:18 AM, borrowedrococo said:

Hi, everyone. International student here hoping to get some insight on a couple of things as I make my final decision on where I start this Fall. I am in at UCLA, NYU, University of Michigan and UIC for urban planning.

Currently, I am leaning towards ultimately deciding between UCLA and NYU: both schools are similar in terms of cost based on the funding I have been offered. I am trying now to understand best which choice is optimal considering that I am an international student and might even eventually look to work outside the US a couple of years after my postgraduate studies. I am trying to understand which of these universities have a larger reach should I choose to work in a different city in the US or a different country altogether. 

Appreciate any insight on this or any other general thoughts on these choices and congratulations to all embarking on new academic journey this year. Thanks!

 

All of these universities are well-known.  One of the main things that you should consider is the cost of living in each city.  University of Michigan will be the most affordable cost of living and is an excellent university.  UCLA and NYU will have similar cost of living (expensive!), but very different weather and cultures from each other.  UIC will also be an expensive cost of living, but not as high as UCLA and NYU.

[Alex741]

I’d lean UCLA if your priorities are broad recognition, flexibility within the U.S., and potentially working internationally later. UCLA has a very strong global name and being in Los Angeles also gives you exposure to a huge urban planning market with connections across California and beyond.

That said, NYU has a major advantage if you’re particularly interested in urban policy, real estate, transportation, or planning in dense global cities. Being in New York can also be valuable for networking and internships while you’re studying.

As an international student, I’d also look beyond university rankings and compare each program’s alumni network, internship opportunities, OPT/STEM eligibility if applicable to the specific degree, and where recent international graduates actually end up working. If you already have a sense of the countries or cities you might want to work in afterward, I’d use that to make the final decision.

Honestly, you’re in a great position—UCLA and NYU are both excellent choices. I’d probably choose based on the specific curriculum, funding package, and where you see yourself living for the next 2–3 years rather than worrying too much about the name carrying you internationally.