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Cheapest Parks Colleges in California

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

California State University-Dominguez Hills delivers the state's most affordable Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies program at just $3,659 net cost, while the most expensive option reaches $27,923 at Simpson University. This $24,264 gap reflects the stark difference between public and private education costs. California's outdoor recreation economy generates over $45 billion annually, creating steady demand for graduates who can manage state parks, community centers, and corporate wellness programs. The 13 available programs span from the redwood forests of Humboldt to San Diego's beaches, with graduation rates varying dramatically from 41.7% to 85.2% depending on institutional selectivity and student support systems.
13
Programs
$3,659 – $27,923
Net Price Range
$33,225
Avg. Program Earnings
58.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
2 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
3 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
4 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
5 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
6 $11,276 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
7 $12,882 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
8 $13,167 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
9 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
10 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
11 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
12 $16,174 $8,290 78.3% 39.3%
13 $27,923 $38,522 41.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cal Poly San Luis Obispo stand out despite higher costs?

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo achieves an 85.2% graduation rate, the highest among California programs, despite charging $15,624 net cost. The school accepts only 30.43% of applicants, creating a highly selective environment that supports student success through smaller class sizes and intensive hands-on learning.

How do earnings compare across California programs?

Sacramento State graduates earn the highest median salary at $38,751, while San Diego State graduates start at $26,585 despite the program's 78.3% graduation rate. This $12,166 difference often reflects regional cost of living and the concentration of high-paying recreation management jobs in Northern California.

Is student debt a major concern for recreation studies majors?

Most graduates carry manageable debt loads between $14,061 and $19,181 at public universities. Sacramento State students graduate with the highest debt at $19,181 but also command the strongest starting salaries, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio for career entry.

Where do the most affordable programs maintain strong outcomes?

Long Beach balances affordability at $8,931 net cost with a solid 69.9% graduation rate and selective 39.95% acceptance rate. Fresno offers even lower costs at $6,480 while maintaining a 54.8% graduation rate, making both schools smart choices for budget-conscious students.

More Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies 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.