MS Urban Planning Admissions & Cost

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA GRADUATE COLLEGE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Students applying to the program must meet University of Arizona Graduate College admissions standards:

• Degree: Applicants must hold at least a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-US institution of higher learning.
• GPA: A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.*
• English proficiency: International students must demonstrate English language proficiency and submit current test scores. Please review U of A Graduate College English Proficiency requirements for acceptable thresholds and English proficiency exemptions. Duolingo scores are not accepted as tests of English proficiency.

*Applicants that do not meet the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement, may pursue admission in the future by enrolling in 6 to 12 units as a Graduate Non-Degree Seeking student. For more information, please contact capla-grad@arizona.edu.

The non-refundable application fee is $90. Please note that we do not provide application fee waivers.

Your application materials together should provide a well-rounded picture of your preparation, motivation, and potential as a graduate student in urban planning. Faculty reviewers will consider the following components in combination:

Statement of Purpose (maximum 2 pages) that addresses the following:

1. Why you are pursuing an urban planning master's degree at the University of Arizona.
2. Relevant qualifications, including academic, professional, and personal background.
3. Career objectives, personal motivations, and/or professional goals that this degree will help you achieve.

Resume or CV: Please include a resume or CV outlining your academic and professional background.

Reference Recommendation: Please provide the names and contact information of at least 2 references who can speak to your potential for success in graduate studies. In most cases this should include at least one academic reference (i.e., a professor or instructor). It is always best practice to notify references in advance of listing them. Your application will not be considered complete unless the recommendations have been submitted by your references; thus it is your responsibility to monitor this completion and follow up with your references accordingly.

Transcripts: Please include unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended. If not in English, please be sure to include English translations in addition to the original. Upon admission, you are required to submit official copies of all transcripts to the University of Arizona Graduate College by the end of your first semester.

We recognize that funding is an important part of your graduate education planning and the University of Arizona offers a range of opportunities to support MSUP students

• Graduate Tuition Waivers: A limited number of tuition waivers are awarded to first-year MSUP students, helping to offset the initial cost of graduate study. All admitted students are automatically considered for these awards during the admissions process. Priority is given to those that submit complete applications by the priority deadline.
• Resident Tuition Programs: Eligible students may qualify for the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), which provides reduced tuition rates for residents of participating states and territories: AK, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY, MP, GU, MH, FM, PW, and AS.
• Assistantships: Graduate research and teaching assistantships are available to students in the MSUP program, providing financial support as well as valuable professional experience. While assistantships are rarely awarded in the first semester, students are considered for these opportunities as they progress in the program.
• Scholarships: After completing their first full year in the program, students are eligible to apply for a number of scholarships specific to CAPLA. The University of Arizona also offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for both incoming and returning students. Please visit the Scholarships & Financial Aid website for details.
• Coverdell Fellowship: Returned Peace Corps Volunteers are eligible and encouraged to apply for the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program, which offers financial support along with opportunities for service-learning, community engagement, and professional development.

Tuition and fees subject to change. Listed amounts are based off 2026-2027 rates.