Key highlights
These points demonstrate CRP’s unique contributions to UNL, the State of Nebraska, and the broader planning profession:
National Accreditation: UNL’s MCRP program is the only PAB-accredited planning program in Nebraska since 1972, preparing professional planners to serve the state and region. Only planning program in near states (NE, SD, ND, WY, MT)
Financial Contribution: CRP is profitable, contributing more revenue to UNL than budget to deliver, generating $298,077 in positive net contribution to UNL
Research Excellence: Ranked 9th nationally in urban and regional planning discipline (Scholarly Research Index, Academic Analytics).
Research Growth: Secured more than $3 million in competitive external funding over the past five years, including federally funded projects.
Leadership in Critical Research Areas: Leading role in critical research topics for the State of Nebraska, including flood recovery and resilience planning, wetland conservation, rural healthcare, Geo-AI research, aging population studies, transportation safety, and environmental justice.
Community Service & Impact: In alignment with UNL’s land-grant mission, CRP plays a vital role in supporting communities and counties across Nebraska. Nearly 40 community-engaged projects across Nebraska in the past 8 years, directly benefiting local governments and residents.
Community Engagement Recognition: CRP has been recognized as a vital contributor to UNL's community engagement efforts, acknowledged by the Carnegie Foundation for excellence.
Academic Growth: CRP has experienced a steady upward trend in student enrollment and graduation numbers. The number of MCRP degrees awarded experienced a notable increase of +28.8%, during ACY 2017-2024, compared to ACY 2010-2017.
Interdisciplinary Pathways/Connections: CRP provides essential academic connections through dual degree pathways, including Architecture, Civil Engineering, Juris Doctor (Law), and Public Health (in partnership with UNMC). It also offers “4+1” accelerated pathways with Environmental and Sustainability Studies (College of Arts and Sciences + IANR), Landscape Architecture, and a graduate certificate in Urban Design.
Strengthened Partnerships: The program has significantly enhanced its connections with alumni, external partners, and professional organizations, fostering engagement in teaching, advising, research collaborations, and service to Nebraska communities.
- Nebraska State Law Requirement for Comprehensive Plans and Zoning
Under Nebraska state law, municipalities are required to adopt and maintain a comprehensive plan as the foundation for zoning regulations and land-use decisions. The CRP program plays a vital role in preparing professional planners who help Nebraska cities and counties meet this legal obligation, ensuring compliance while promoting sustainable and resilient community development.
CRP Economic Impact
Strong Job Growth: Between 2017 and 2024, growth in the CRP field was a prime factor in Nebraska’s occupational expansion. Jobs for community and regional planners in the state grew 40.4% more than the national average.
Salary Premium: In 2024, CRP graduates earned an average salary 18% higher than the typical Nebraska worker—representing a premium of $10,840.
- Employer Partnerships: Nebraska is home to three of the nation’s top ten architecture, design, and planning firms—HDR, DLR, and Leo A Daly—all of which rely heavily on UNL graduates, signaling persistent demand and strong employer partnerships.
- Employment Expansion: From 2017–2024, employment at Nebraska’s architecture and engineering (A&E) firms grew 29.7%, compared with just 3.8% growth in total state employment. (CoA‑aligned sectors outpaced the statewide average).
- Employer Base: Approximately 238 architecture, design, and planning firms in Nebraska provide career opportunities for CoA graduates.
- Job Placement: The MCRP program achieved a 100% job placement rate for its 2024 graduates.
- Brain Gain Contribution: In 2024, by recruiting out-of-state students and retaining Nebraska high school graduates, the CRP program contributed $1.9 million to Nebraska’s brain gain.
Graduate Retention:
- Destination of 2024 CRP graduates: 73.3% remained in Nebraska, 6.7% moved to border states, 20% moved to non-border states.
Wage and Job Growth Trends:
- Community Impact: during past 8 years, CRP engaged in approximately 40 community projects, impacting 93 counties across Nebraska.
- From 2014 to 2024, planner pay in Nebraska rose 54.5%, compared with a 14.1% increase nationwide.
- The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for Nebraska CRP jobs between 2014 and 2024 was 4.5%, outpacing the U.S. average.