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Cheapest Parks Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

University of Florida stands out among Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management programs with a net price of just $6,351 while delivering the highest graduate earnings at $35,843. This striking combination reflects the program's direct pipeline to Florida's $57 billion tourism industry, where recreation facility managers oversee everything from Disney World operations to state park systems. The 20 most affordable programs span a remarkable cost range from $6,351 to $12,579, yet earnings vary dramatically from $24,863 to $35,843 annually. Public universities dominate this list, offering significant savings over private alternatives like College of the Ozarks at $7,669. Florida State University proves that low in-state tuition of $5,656 can coexist with strong outcomes, posting an 83% graduation rate. Eastern Kentucky University represents the challenging reality some programs face, with graduates earning $24,863 while carrying $25,000 in debt. The field connects directly to America's $887 billion outdoor recreation economy, where facility managers coordinate operations at national parks, municipal recreation centers, and resort destinations across all 50 states.
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 $10,980 earnings gap between the highest and lowest paying programs?

University of Florida graduates earn $35,843 compared to Eastern Kentucky University's $24,863, largely due to regional job markets. Florida's massive tourism industry creates high-demand positions at major theme parks, beach resorts, and cruise lines. Eastern Kentucky serves a more rural market with lower cost of living but correspondingly lower salaries. Geographic location often matters more than program prestige in this field.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in this field?

The data reveals no clear pattern between cost and completion rates. University of Florida charges $6,351 and achieves a 91.50% graduation rate, while Chicago State University costs $10,133 but graduates only 16.90% of students. College of the Ozarks at $7,669 maintains a respectable 61.30% rate. Program support systems and student preparation appear more influential than tuition levels.

Is debt load a major concern for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management graduates?

Debt levels vary significantly, from University of Florida's manageable $16,172 to Eastern Kentucky's concerning $25,000. With starting salaries ranging from $24,863 to $35,843, graduates earning less than $30,000 face challenging debt-to-income ratios. Brigham Young University-Idaho offers the best debt scenario at just $12,421. Students should carefully evaluate earning potential against borrowing needs.

Does acceptance rate indicate program quality in recreation management?

Highly selective programs don't necessarily produce better outcomes. Florida State University accepts only 25.04% of applicants and delivers strong earnings of $33,637. However, University of Maine at Presque Isle accepts 96.99% but achieves only a 37.70% graduation rate. College of the Ozarks combines selectivity (21.13% acceptance) with solid results, while many open-access programs struggle with retention.

Where do graduates typically find employment after completing these programs?

Graduates manage facilities across public and private sectors, from national parks requiring $45,000+ salaries to local recreation centers starting around $28,000. Theme park operations in Florida and California offer premium wages, while municipal programs provide steady employment with benefits. Corporate wellness facilities, summer camps, and resort management round out career options. Geographic mobility often determines salary potential in this field.

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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.