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Recreation & Fitness
Salary data, career paths, top colleges, and every specialization, all sourced from College Scorecard, IPEDS, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
About Recreation & Fitness
Athletic training, fitness coaching, sports management, and recreation administration — careers built around keeping people active and at their physical best. Graduates earn a national median of $54,562 four years after completing their degree, per College Scorecard data. The field is offered at 1,475 colleges and universities across the United States. Approximately 70,747 students complete degrees in this area each year.
- Median Earnings · 1yr
- $31,013
- Median Earnings · 4yr
- $54,562
- Colleges Offering
- 1,475
- Graduates / Year
- 70,747
- Specializations
- 5
- Avg Net Price / yr
- $13,874
Is a Recreation & Fitness Degree Right for You?
$54,562
Median earnings · 4yr
+3.8%
10yr job growth
5
Specializations
Is the Investment Worth It?
Breaks even in
~2.3
yrs
vs $30K/yr baseline wage
Solid ROI. Median earnings of $54,562 after 4 years. Against an estimated $55,496 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.3 years.
ROI varies significantly by specialization and institution. A top program in a high-demand specialization can return many multiples of its cost. A lower-tier program in a saturated field may take a decade to break even. Use the Specializations and Best Colleges sections above to compare your specific options before deciding.
How Much Do Recreation & Fitness Majors Earn?
Recreation & Fitness graduates start at a median $31,013 one year out and reach $54,562 four years later. Both figures are national medians from College Scorecard, measured across all 1,475 US institutions offering programs in this field.
$31,013
1 Year After Graduation
Median at the institutional level. Entry-level salaries; reflects career start, not peak earnings.
$54,562
4-Year National Median
Enrollment-weighted national median across all institutions. Most graduates have 2-3 years of career experience at this point.
$52,571
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size. Closer to what a typical school's graduates earn.
Earnings Range Across Specializations
Not all Recreation & Fitness specializations pay the same. The most lucrative programs pay $54,562/yr nationally, while the lowest-earning specializations average $39,157/yr. See the Specializations section below for a program-by-program breakdown.
$39,157
Lowest
$54,562
Median
$54,562
Highest
What Can You Do With a Recreation & Fitness Degree?
Career Paths for Recreation & Fitness Graduates
Recreation & Fitness connects to 8 occupations tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, spanning entry-level and senior roles. Facilities Managers leads in median earnings at $106,660/yr. Each row includes national wages, employment levels, and 10-year growth projections.
Facilities Managers
Bachelor's degree
$106,660
↗ +3.8% growth
General & Operations Manager
Bachelor's degree
$105,770
↗ +4.4% growth
Entertainment and Recreation Managers
Bachelor's degree
$79,520
↗ +7.7% growth
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers
Doctoral or professional degree
$77,270
↗ +2.4% growth
Athletic Trainers
Master's degree
$62,520
↗ +11.1% growth
Exercise Physiologists
Bachelor's degree
$59,460
↗ +9.5% growth
Landscaping Supervisors
High school diploma or equivalent
$58,430
↗ +2.3% growth
Coach & Scout
Bachelor's degree
$47,320
↗ +6.4% growth
Recreation & Fitness Specializations
Recreation & Fitness spans 5 specializations with relatively consistent earnings, from $39,157 to $54,562 at the four-year mark, per College Scorecard. Each row links to a full program profile with institution counts and annual completion data.
Specialization
Colleges
Grads/yr
Earnings · 4yr
Best Colleges for Recreation & Fitness
The 20 colleges below are ranked by Recreation & Fitness graduate volume, how many students completed this degree in the last reporting year. All data points shown (acceptance rate, net price, earnings, grad rate) come from College Scorecard and IPEDS.
1
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA · Public
Acceptance
83.6%
Net price/yr
$22,531
Earnings 10yr
$64,762
Grad rate
66%
2
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA · Public
Acceptance
90.5%
Net price/yr
$6,555
Earnings 10yr
$62,951
Grad rate
73%
3
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
Acceptance
57.4%
Net price/yr
$21,315
Earnings 10yr
$72,097
Grad rate
80%
4
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN · Public
Acceptance
78.2%
Net price/yr
$16,264
Earnings 10yr
$63,742
Grad rate
65%
5
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX · Public
Acceptance
89.3%
Net price/yr
$16,805
Earnings 10yr
$56,906
Grad rate
60%
6
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN · Public
Acceptance
72%
Net price/yr
$12,397
Earnings 10yr
$48,458
Grad rate
51%
7
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL · Public
Acceptance
24.2%
Net price/yr
$6,541
Earnings 10yr
$71,588
Grad rate
83%
8
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA · Public
Acceptance
46.3%
Net price/yr
$10,440
Earnings 10yr
$64,403
Grad rate
78%
9
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA · Nonprofit
Acceptance
99%
Net price/yr
$29,357
Earnings 10yr
$44,813
Grad rate
34%
10
The University of Texas at San Antonio
San Antonio, TX · Public
Acceptance
86.8%
Net price/yr
$10,836
Earnings 10yr
$57,131
Grad rate
54%
11
California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA · Public
Acceptance
93.5%
Net price/yr
$7,021
Earnings 10yr
$59,115
Grad rate
64%
12
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$6,490
Earnings 10yr
$46,283
Grad rate
12%
13
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC · Public
Acceptance
15.3%
Net price/yr
$11,655
Earnings 10yr
$72,200
Grad rate
87%
14
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL · Public
Acceptance
40.1%
Net price/yr
$10,411
Earnings 10yr
$58,308
Grad rate
55%
15
University of Houston
Houston, TX · Public
Acceptance
73.9%
Net price/yr
$14,276
Earnings 10yr
$62,377
Grad rate
60%
16
California State University-Sacramento
Sacramento, CA · Public
Acceptance
94%
Net price/yr
$9,338
Earnings 10yr
$64,876
Grad rate
64%
17
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA · Public
Acceptance
36.2%
Net price/yr
$15,364
Earnings 10yr
$64,909
Grad rate
76%
18
University of North Texas
Denton, TX · Public
Acceptance
72.2%
Net price/yr
$15,649
Earnings 10yr
$57,010
Grad rate
57%
19
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN · Public
Acceptance
41.6%
Net price/yr
$18,976
Earnings 10yr
$60,249
Grad rate
65%
20
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA · Public
Acceptance
87.9%
Net price/yr
$15,267
Earnings 10yr
$53,236
Grad rate
49%
Ranked by number of Recreation & Fitness graduates per IPEDS completion data. Acceptance rate, net price, earnings, and graduation rate from College Scorecard. Read our methodology →
How Recreation & Fitness Compares to Similar Majors
Major
$30k
$40k
$50k
$60k
$70k
$80k
$90k
$100k
Plan Your Path
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Recreation & Fitness degree, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if a Recreation & Fitness degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Recreation & Fitness Degree: Pros & Cons
The data on Recreation & Fitness tells a mixed story. Measurable strengths offset by real trade-offs. All 4 points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, and IPEDS graduate counts. No editorial opinion applied.
PROS
- Growing field Top career paths show up to +11.1% projected 10-year growth per BLS, including Athletic Trainers.
- Wide availability Offered at 1,475 colleges nationwide, including community colleges and online programs.
- Strong salary growth Median salary grows from $31,013 at graduation to $54,562 four years later, indicating solid career momentum.
CONS
- Modest median earnings Four-year median of $54,562 lags behind many STEM and business fields, which can affect ROI at higher-cost programs.
Recreation & Fitness Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Recreation & Fitness graduates earn?
Recreation & Fitness graduates earn a national median of $54,562 four years after completing their degree, per College Scorecard data. Earnings vary significantly by specialization, institution, and region. Use the specializations table on this page to compare programs.
What is the starting salary for a Recreation & Fitness degree?
The median earnings one year after graduation for Recreation & Fitness degree holders is $31,013 at the institutional level, per College Scorecard. Starting salaries vary by employer, location, and specific specialization within the field.
What jobs can you get with a Recreation & Fitness degree?
Recreation & Fitness degree holders work in a range of careers. Facilities Managers is one of the top roles by median wage ($106,660/yr nationally per BLS data). See the Career Paths section on this page for a full breakdown of related occupations, employment levels, and 10-year growth projections.
How many colleges offer Recreation & Fitness?
1,475 colleges and universities in the United States offer programs in Recreation & Fitness, per IPEDS data. Options range from community colleges offering associate degrees to research universities with doctoral programs. The Best Colleges section on this page ranks the top institutions by graduation volume.
Is a Recreation & Fitness degree worth it?
At a median 4-year earnings of $54,562 and an average net price of roughly $13,874/yr across institutions offering this major, a Recreation & Fitness degree can deliver strong returns, particularly in high-earning specializations. The ROI depends heavily on which institution and specialization you choose.
How long does it take to earn a Recreation & Fitness degree?
Most bachelor's programs in Recreation & Fitness take four years, though some specializations include clinical hours or prerequisites that extend the timeline. Associate degree programs at community colleges typically take two years.
What skills do employers look for in Recreation & Fitness graduates?
Employers hiring Recreation & Fitness graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, evidence-based decision-making, and regulatory compliance. Licensure, certifications, or supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.
Is graduate school worth it for Recreation & Fitness graduates?
In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy, MD) typically unlock significantly higher salaries and expanded scope of practice, making graduate education a strong investment for most students. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly requires or rewards an advanced credential.
What is the 10-year job outlook for Recreation & Fitness graduates?
Based on BLS projections, the job outlook for Recreation & Fitness graduates is moderate, with an average of +6.0% projected growth across related occupations. Athletic Trainers is among the strongest-growth roles at +11.1%. Demand will vary by specialization, employer sector, and geographic region.
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