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Parks & Recreation

HEALTH Specialization

Parks & Recreation

Parks & Recreation graduates earn $50,983 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $37,138 and $67,192. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Parks & Recreation

Parks & Recreation is a focused area of study within Recreation & Fitness. Graduates typically earn around $50,983 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 152 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 2,361 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $34,451
Median Earnings · 4yr: $50,983
Colleges Offering: 152
Graduates / Year: 2,361
Avg Net Price / yr: $15,960

How Much Do Parks & Recreation Graduates Earn?

Parks & Recreation graduates earn $50,983 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $37,138 and $67,192. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $34,451 climbs to $50,983 by year four.

$34,451

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$50,983

4-Year National Median

Below average for bachelor's degree holders.

$49,369

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a moderate earnings spread across Parks & Recreation graduates. Specialization and credential level drive most of the gap. Advanced practice roles (nurse practitioners, CRNAs, physician assistants) anchor the top; entry-level clinical and support roles sit at the bottom.

$37,138 25th pct.

$50,983 Median

$67,192 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $50,983 and an estimated $63,840 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 3.0 years.

Based on outcomes from 127 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 2,361 students who complete Parks & Recreation programs each year, the majority (83%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

83%

Bachelor's 83%

Associate's 8%

Master's 8%

What Can You Do With a Parks & Recreation Degree?

Parks & Recreation connects to 1 occupations in the job market. Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers leads at $77,270/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +2.4% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers

$77,270

$60K $101K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 1,100 openings/yr 13K employed nationally

Speaking Instructing Reading Comprehension Active Listening Writing

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.

Top Colleges for Parks & Recreation

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Parks & Recreation students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Brigham Young University Provo, UT · Nonprofit	123	67.8%	$15,564	$75,790
2	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL · Public	122	42.4%	$14,355	$81,054
3	Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington, IN · Public	109	78.2%	$16,264	$63,742
4	California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA · Public	102	31.3%	$16,665	$90,768
5	University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, MO · Public	89	78.5%	$20,268	$63,403
6	Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Kutztown, PA · Public	70	90.8%	$21,331	$53,775
7	Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, MO · Public	64	86.1%	$16,244	$47,885
8	Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ · Public	62	89.6%	$14,158	$54,384
9	Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Perkinston, MS · Public	60	Open	$6,962	$33,017
10	California State University-Sacramento Sacramento, CA · Public	59	94%	$9,338	$64,876
11	University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR · Public	58	74.3%	$18,209	$58,191
12	California State University-Long Beach Long Beach, CA · Public	54	46.3%	$10,440	$64,403
13	California State University-Chico Chico, CA · Public	49	92.7%	$14,480	$64,172
14	University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NC · Public	46	88.5%	$10,965	$48,160
15	University of Nebraska at Kearney Kearney, NE · Public	45	89.5%	$16,242	$50,105
16	University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT · Public	43	86%	$16,200	$67,170
17	University of Iowa Iowa City, IA · Public	43	83.6%	$22,531	$64,762
18	Western Washington University Bellingham, WA · Public	43	93.3%	$21,193	$62,569
19	San Jose State University San Jose, CA · Public	42	84.6%	$13,760	$78,988
20	Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Bowling Green, OH · Public	37	81%	$24,022	$47,896

View all colleges

Ranked by Parks & Recreation graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

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 Parks & Recreation program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Parks & Recreation 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.

Parks & Recreation Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Parks & Recreation shows 1 measurable strengths and 4 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $34,451 at graduation to $50,983 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.

CONS

Modest median earnings Four-year median of $50,983 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Licensure often required Most roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.
Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Slow job growth Top related careers project less than 3% growth over the next decade; limited expansion means more competition for new openings.

Parks & Recreation Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Parks & Recreation graduates earn?

Parks & Recreation graduates earn a national median of $50,983 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $37,138 and $67,192. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Parks & Recreation degree?

One year after graduation, Parks & Recreation degree holders earn a median of $34,451. That climbs to $50,983 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Parks & Recreation degree?

Parks & Recreation degree holders pursue careers including Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, which pays a median of $77,270/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Parks & Recreation program take?

A Parks & Recreation bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Parks & Recreation?

152 colleges and universities in the United States offer Parks & Recreation programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Parks & Recreation degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $50,983 and an average net price of roughly $15,960/yr, a Parks & Recreation degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Parks & Recreation and Recreation & Fitness?

Parks & Recreation is a focused concentration within the broader Recreation & Fitness field. The Recreation & Fitness major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Parks & Recreation-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Parks & Recreation graduates?

Employers hiring Parks & Recreation graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.

Is graduate school worth it for Parks & Recreation graduates?

In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy) 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 rewards an advanced credential.