Cheapest Parks Colleges in New York

New York's Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies programs span a remarkable cost spectrum, from CUNY Lehman College's $3,482 net price to Ithaca College's $32,965. This nearly ten-fold difference reflects the state's mix of affordable public options and premium private institutions. The field connects directly to New York's massive outdoor recreation economy, from Adirondack tourism to Central Park programming, where graduates earn around $29,500 annually across the state's varied employment market.

Programs

$3,482 – $32,965

Net Price Range

$29,573

Avg. Program Earnings

61.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

6 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	CUNY Lehman College Bronx, New York	$3,482	$7,410	49.3%	55.3%
2	SUNY College at Plattsburgh Plattsburgh, New York	$16,547	$8,881	58.8%	70.2%
3	State University of New York at Cortland Cortland, New York	$19,951	$8,815	68.2%	59.8%
4	Houghton University Houghton, New York	$21,148	$17,290	64.7%	77.0%
5	Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science Paul Smiths, New York	$24,583	$32,049	53.3%	84.9%
6	Ithaca College Ithaca, New York	$32,965	$50,510	74.1%	75.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY Lehman College the most affordable option?

CUNY Lehman College offers the lowest net price at $3,482, thanks to substantial financial aid that brings costs well below its $7,410 in-state tuition. The Bronx location provides access to urban recreation programs while maintaining affordability through the CUNY system's subsidized structure.

How do graduation rates vary among the most affordable programs?

Graduation rates range from 49.30% at CUNY Lehman College to 74.10% at Ithaca College, showing a general correlation with cost. SUNY Cortland achieves a solid 68.20% graduation rate at a moderate $19,951 net price, offering strong value in the middle range.

Does program location affect career prospects in New York?

Location significantly impacts opportunities, with urban programs accessing city parks departments and private fitness centers, while rural programs like Paul Smiths College connect to outdoor recreation and tourism industries. Earnings remain consistent statewide around $29,500, reflecting the field's standardized compensation structure.

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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.