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Best Value Parks Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduates in Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management earn $43,957 annually, nearly $8,000 more than the next highest program despite carrying a net price of $15,624. This premium reflects the program's connection to California's $140 billion outdoor recreation economy, where facility managers oversee everything from state parks to corporate wellness centers. At the opposite end, University of Florida delivers strong earning potential at $35,843 with the lowest net cost at just $6,351, making it an strong value proposition. The 20 programs span net costs from $6,351 to $15,624, with earnings ranging from $24,863 to $43,957. Geographic factors play a significant role in both cost and outcomes, as Western states generally show higher earning potential while Southern programs offer more affordable pathways into the field. The recreation industry employs over 2.3 million Americans, with facility management roles growing as communities invest in public wellness infrastructure and corporate recreation programs expand.
50
Programs
$6,351 – $25,477
Net Price Range
$31,308
Avg. Program Earnings
58.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,351 $35,843 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
2 $7,131 $25,194 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
3 $9,133 $29,685 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
4 $10,997 $33,637 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
5 $10,170 $29,141 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
6 $12,168 $34,298 $13,426 43.4% 82.6%
7 $15,624 $43,957 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
8 $14,352 $37,808 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
9 $12,188 $31,495 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
10 $14,715 $37,363 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
11 $10,916 $27,590 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
12 $12,599 $31,828 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
13 $9,962 $24,863 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
14 $12,579 $30,554 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
15 $11,592 $27,978 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
16 $12,171 $28,960 $8,508 48.7% 94.4%
17 $12,638 $29,250 $9,800 39.8%
18 $14,093 $32,391 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
19 $13,091 $29,685 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
20 $15,374 $34,298 $9,651 71.2% 74.3%
21 $16,438 $36,368 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
22 $16,284 $35,060 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
23 $16,041 $34,420 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
24 $15,089 $31,935 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
25 $14,774 $31,133 $6,960 100.0%
26 $14,824 $31,236 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
27 $15,844 $33,077 $8,678 56.6% 67.9%
28 $14,170 $28,753 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
29 $14,485 $28,816 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
30 $17,622 $34,814 $34,535 64.2% 76.7%
31 $15,450 $30,119 $5,971 42.7% 80.1%
32 $13,782 $26,715 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
33 $18,219 $33,755 $9,299 59.6% 86.1%
34 $18,609 $34,420 $9,490 54.1% 70.7%
35 $16,931 $31,133 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
36 $18,457 $33,565 $12,010 51.3% 78.5%
37 $18,996 $33,993 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
38 $15,028 $25,967 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
39 $20,877 $34,420 $12,828 47.8% 82.9%
40 $15,323 $25,194 $9,998 52.1% 87.9%
41 $23,261 $36,810 $19,112 76.4% 87.0%
42 $21,611 $34,153 $13,365 67.5%
43 $20,332 $31,133 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
44 $19,472 $29,685 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
45 $19,524 $28,381 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
46 $19,614 $27,295 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
47 $16,487 $22,929 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
48 $17,118 $23,340 $8,152 45.4% 95.4%
49 $22,112 $29,829 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
50 $25,477 $31,133 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $19,094 earnings gap between the highest and lowest paying programs?

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduates earn $43,957 compared to Eastern Kentucky University's $24,863, largely due to regional cost of living and job market differences. California's outdoor recreation economy offers higher-paying positions at state parks, corporate campuses, and resort facilities. Geographic location accounts for much of this variation, as Western programs consistently show higher earning potential. However, Eastern Kentucky's net cost of $9,962 means graduates face lower educational debt relative to their regional earning power.

How does acceptance rate correlate with program value in this field?

University of Florida combines a selective 23.35% acceptance rate with the lowest net cost at $6,351 and strong earnings of $35,843. In contrast, Western Kentucky University accepts 96.95% of applicants but produces graduates earning only $27,590. Selective programs like Florida State (25.04% acceptance) and Cal Poly (30.43% acceptance) generally deliver higher earning outcomes. However, accessibility matters too, as programs with 90%+ acceptance rates provide entry points for career changers and first-generation college students.

Does graduation rate predict earning potential in recreation management programs?

The correlation is strong but not absolute. University of Florida's 91.5% graduation rate pairs with $35,843 earnings, while Cal Poly's 85.2% rate produces the highest earnings at $43,957. However, Central Washington University graduates only 49.9% of students but still achieves solid earnings of $37,363. Programs with graduation rates below 50% typically show earnings under $32,000, suggesting completion challenges may reflect program rigor or student preparation levels.

What role does debt load play in determining program value?

Brigham Young University-Idaho graduates carry just $12,421 in debt while earning $25,194, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio. In contrast, Kean University graduates face $27,000 in debt despite earning $34,298, resulting in higher financial stress. Florida programs generally offer better debt outcomes, with University of Florida graduates carrying only $16,172 in debt. Students should calculate debt-to-income ratios, as recreation management starting salaries may not support heavy borrowing.

Where do the most affordable quality programs operate?

Florida dominates the value category with three programs offering strong earnings relative to cost. University of Florida leads with $6,351 net cost and $35,843 earnings, followed by Florida International at $9,133 net cost. Florida State provides in-state students strong value at $5,656 with $33,637 earning potential. These programs benefit from state funding for recreation education and connections to Florida's tourism and outdoor recreation industries, creating natural internship and job placement opportunities.

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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.