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Parks Colleges Under $20,000

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

Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management programs show striking cost variations that don't always predict career outcomes. University of Florida leads with the lowest net price at $6,351 while delivering the highest graduate earnings at $35,843, creating strong value for aspiring recreation professionals. At the other end, College of the Ozarks costs $7,669 despite its $21,290 sticker price thanks to its unique work-study model. The field connects directly to America's $45 billion recreation economy, where facility managers oversee everything from municipal parks to corporate wellness centers. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with 13 of the 15 lowest-cost programs operating as state institutions. Graduation rates span dramatically from 16.2% at Cheyney University to 91.5% at Florida, suggesting program quality varies significantly even within similar price ranges. Florida State rounds out the top value propositions at $10,997 net cost with $33,637 average earnings, proving that strategic school selection can maximize return on investment in this growing sector.
50
Programs
$6,351 – $15,624
Net Price Range
$30,886
Avg. Program Earnings
51.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
2 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
3 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
4 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
5 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
6 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
7 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
8 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
9 $10,028 $8,990 37.7% 97.0%
10 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
11 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
12 $10,191 $9,049 33.5% 96.2%
13 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
14 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
15 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
16 $12,168 $13,426 43.4% 82.6%
17 $12,171 $8,508 48.7% 94.4%
18 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
19 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
20 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
21 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
22 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
23 $12,684 $5,274 47.0% 54.4%
24 $12,997 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
25 $13,091 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
26 $13,164 $9,412 68.5% 97.4%
27 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
28 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
29 $13,782 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
30 $13,811 $27,274 38.1%
31 $13,889 $11,248 30.2% 96.6%
32 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
33 $14,159 $14,766 64.3% 91.3%
34 $14,170 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
35 $14,352 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
36 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
37 $14,485 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
38 $14,542 $8,295 34.7% 76.8%
39 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
40 $14,774 $6,960 100.0%
41 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
42 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
43 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
44 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
45 $15,265 $6,074 34.2%
46 $15,323 $9,998 52.1% 87.9%
47 $15,331 $9,712 41.5% 81.8%
48 $15,374 $9,651 71.2% 74.3%
49 $15,450 $5,971 42.7% 80.1%
50 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paying programs?

Graduate earnings range from $24,863 at Eastern Kentucky University to $35,843 at University of Florida, a difference of nearly $11,000 annually. Geographic location plays a major role, with Florida and North Carolina programs typically offering better salary prospects than rural or economically challenged regions. University of Florida's 91.5% graduation rate and 23.35% acceptance rate also suggest more rigorous preparation. The quality of internship partnerships and alumni networks in target job markets significantly impacts starting salaries for recreation management graduates.

How do public university costs compare to private options for this major?

Public universities dominate affordable Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management education, with 13 of 15 schools offering in-state tuition advantages. Brigham Young University-Idaho provides the notable private exception at $7,131 net cost, though this reflects the school's religious mission and unique funding model. College of the Ozarks operates differently as a work college, bringing its effective cost down to $7,669 despite a $21,290 published price. Most public programs range between $8,000-$11,000 annually, making state residency a significant factor in program selection.

Is graduation rate a reliable predictor of program quality in recreation management?

Graduation rates vary wildly from 16.2% at Cheyney University to 91.5% at University of Florida, suggesting institutional support matters enormously. Florida State maintains an 83% graduation rate with strong career outcomes, while several programs struggle below 50% completion rates. Schools with graduation rates above 70% typically offer better career services, internship programs, and academic support systems. However, some lower-rate programs like University of Nevada Las Vegas at 50.1% still provide solid education at reasonable costs for students who complete their degrees.

Where do recreation management graduates typically find employment after these programs?

Recreation management graduates work across municipal parks departments, YMCA facilities, corporate wellness programs, and outdoor recreation companies throughout the country. Florida's tourism industry creates abundant opportunities, explaining why Florida universities produce higher-earning graduates averaging $33,000-$36,000 annually. State and local government employ about 60% of recreation workers nationwide, making public sector partnerships important for program success. Resort destinations, military installations, and healthcare systems also hire recreation professionals, with job growth projected at 10% through 2031.

Does student debt significantly impact career prospects in recreation management?

Average debt loads range from $12,421 at Brigham Young University-Idaho to $27,000 at Western Illinois University, creating varying financial pressures on graduates. With starting salaries typically between $25,000-$36,000, debt-to-income ratios become critical considerations for long-term financial health. University of Florida graduates carry $16,172 in debt while earning $35,843, creating manageable repayment scenarios. Students should target programs with debt levels below $20,000 to maintain flexibility in choosing meaningful but potentially lower-paying positions in nonprofit or public recreation sectors.

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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.