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Leisure and Recreational Activities Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Harvard University charges $59,076 in tuition yet offers the same net cost as schools charging under $20,000, creating an unexpected entry point into leisure and recreational activities education. The 16 programs under this price threshold span from California State University-Sacramento at $10,512 to Western Connecticut State University at $18,617, with graduation rates varying dramatically from 28.5% to 97.3%. Public universities dominate this affordable space, though private options like Brigham Young University-Hawaii deliver strong value at $13,884 net cost. The recreation industry employs over 2.3 million Americans across parks, fitness centers, and entertainment venues, making these programs particularly relevant as communities invest in wellness infrastructure and outdoor recreation becomes a $887 billion economic driver.
16
Programs
$10,512 – $19,603
Net Price Range
$26,030
Avg. Program Earnings
52.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Leisure and Recreational Activities Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
2 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
3 $13,405 $8,487 44.1% 95.6%
4 $13,613 $8,514 48.1% 83.5%
5 $13,725 $11,583 42.4% 78.6%
6 $13,884 $6,438 54.4% 34.2%
7 $14,626 $30,450 46.0% 50.4%
8 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
9 $15,432 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
10 $15,644 $8,771 53.5% 84.6%
11 $16,189 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
12 $16,669 $6,430 49.5% 36.3%
13 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
14 $18,617 $12,763 50.2% 83.5%
15 $19,245 $27,938 41.4% 71.4%
16 $19,603 $26,120 55.5% 84.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Harvard University appear on an affordable leisure studies list?

Harvard's net cost of $16,816 reflects their generous financial aid program that reduces the $59,076 sticker price for most students. This places Harvard in the middle range of these 16 programs, costing more than Utah State University at $12,869 but less than Western Connecticut State University at $18,617. The 97.3% graduation rate far exceeds other programs on this list, with most hovering between 40-60%.

How do earnings compare across these affordable programs?

Western Connecticut State University graduates earn $34,526 annually, the highest among programs reporting earnings data. SUNY at Fredonia graduates earn $22,329, while Brigham Young University-Hawaii graduates start at $21,234. These earnings reflect regional job markets, with Connecticut's proximity to major metropolitan areas likely driving higher compensation in recreation and leisure management roles.

Is there a significant cost difference between public and private schools?

Public universities average around $13,000 in net costs, while private institutions range from $13,884 at BYU-Hawaii to $30,450 at Brescia University before aid. In-state students at public universities pay significantly less, with California State University-Sacramento charging just $7,602 for residents. The University of Montana-Western offers the lowest in-state rate at $6,430.

Where do acceptance rates create the most competitive environments?

Harvard accepts just 3.24% of applicants, making it extraordinarily selective compared to the 93% acceptance rates common among public universities in this group. The University of Montana-Western accepts 36.31% of applicants, creating moderate selectivity. Most other programs accept between 80-95% of applicants, providing accessible pathways into recreational activities careers.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.