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Best Value Parks Colleges in North Carolina

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

UNC Greensboro delivers the state's most affordable Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management program at just $10,170 net cost, while Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $34,153. North Carolina's growing tourism industry, from the Outer Banks to Asheville's outdoor recreation scene, creates steady demand for recreation professionals. The 13 programs span a wide cost range, with private institutions charging up to $41,048 compared to public options starting under $11,000. NC State combines reasonable costs with strong outcomes, graduating 84.6% of students while maintaining manageable debt levels at $19,000.
13
Programs
$10,170 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$29,080
Avg. Program Earnings
57.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,170 $29,141 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
2 $12,579 $30,554 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
3 $16,931 $31,133 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
4 $15,028 $25,967 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
5 $19,472 $29,685 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
6 $16,487 $22,929 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
7 $28,901 $34,153 $40,408 52.1% 73.3%
8 $23,613 $19,500 46.4% 97.2%
9 $16,189 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
10 $41,048 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%
11 $25,765 $31,140 44.2% 61.3%
12 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
13 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UNC Greensboro the best value for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management?

UNC Greensboro offers the lowest net cost at $10,170 while maintaining a solid 57.9% graduation rate and $29,141 starting salary. The program accepts over 91% of applicants, making it accessible to most students seeking affordable recreation management education.

How do graduation rates vary across North Carolina's recreation management programs?

NC State leads with an 84.6% graduation rate, followed by Elon University at 83% and Appalachian State at 73.1%. Several programs struggle with retention, including Chowan University at just 28.5% and North Carolina Central at 46%.

Does attending a private university guarantee higher earnings in recreation management?

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte, a private institution, produces the highest-earning graduates at $34,153 annually. However, public NC State graduates earn $31,133, proving that well-regarded public programs can compete with private alternatives while costing significantly less.

Where do recreation management graduates find the most debt relief in North Carolina?

Western Carolina University graduates carry the lowest debt burden at $21,415, while NC State keeps debt manageable at $19,000 despite higher enrollment. North Carolina Central graduates face the highest debt at $30,434, making careful program selection important.

More Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management Rankings

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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.