Cheapest Parks Colleges in Missouri

College of the Ozarks stands out among Missouri's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management programs with a net price of just $7,669, nearly half the cost of the next cheapest option. This dramatic difference reflects the school's work-study model where students contribute labor instead of full tuition. Missouri's outdoor recreation economy, anchored by the Ozark Mountains and Lake of the Ozarks tourism industry, creates steady demand for recreation professionals across the state's 87 state parks and numerous private facilities.

Programs

$7,669 – $25,477

Net Price Range

$30,688

Avg. Program Earnings

46.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

7 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	College of the Ozarks Point Lookout, Missouri	$7,669	$21,290	61.3%	21.1%
2	Missouri Western State University Saint Joseph, Missouri	$12,638	$9,800	39.8%
3	Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies Fayette, Missouri	$14,774	$6,960		100.0%
4	Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, Missouri	$14,824	$10,181	57.5%	85.6%
5	Missouri Valley College Marshall, Missouri	$17,945	$23,000	24.5%	61.2%
6	Hannibal-LaGrange University Hannibal, Missouri	$21,123	$26,880	44.3%	67.1%
7	Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Fayette, Missouri	$25,477	$27,140	52.5%	97.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks so much cheaper than other programs?

Students work on campus to offset tuition costs, resulting in a net price of $7,669 compared to $12,638 at the next cheapest school. The college accepts only 21% of applicants, making it highly selective among Missouri's recreation management programs.

How do earnings compare across Missouri's recreation management programs?

Graduates earn between $29,250 and $31,236 annually, with Northwest Missouri State and Central Methodist University graduates at the higher end around $31,000. These figures reflect entry-level positions in Missouri's recreation and tourism sectors.

Is there a significant difference between public and private program costs?

Public schools like Missouri Western State University charge $9,800 in-state tuition while most private institutions range from $21,290 to $27,140. However, net prices after aid narrow this gap considerably, with private schools offering substantial financial assistance.

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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.