HEALTH Specialization

Parks

Parks graduates earn $50,468 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $37,507 and $64,333. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

Explore Program

About Parks

Parks is a focused area of study within Recreation & Fitness. Graduates typically earn around $50,468 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 168 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 2,492 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: $34,040
Median Earnings · 4yr: $50,468
Colleges Offering: 168
Graduates / Year: 2,492
Avg Net Price / yr: $19,193

How Much Do Parks Graduates Earn?

Parks graduates earn $50,468 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $37,507 and $64,333. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $34,040 climbs to $50,468 by year four.

$34,040

1 Year After Graduation

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

$50,468

4-Year National Median

Below average for bachelor's degree holders.

$49,799

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 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.

$37,507 25th pct.

$50,468 Median

$64,333 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $50,468 and an estimated $76,772 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 3.8 years.

Based on outcomes from 121 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 2,492 students who complete Parks programs each year, the majority (77%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

77%

Bachelor's 77%

Master's 15%

Associate's 6%

What Can You Do With a Parks Degree?

Parks connects to 4 occupations in the job market. Facilities Managers leads at $106,660/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.8% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Facilities Managers

$106,660

$82K $139K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 13,200 openings/yr 156K employed nationally

Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Listening Judgment and Decision Making Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

Monitor the facility to ensure that it remains safe, secure, and well-maintained.
Oversee the maintenance and repair of machinery, equipment, and electrical and mechanical systems.
Oversee construction and renovation projects to improve efficiency and to ensure that facilities meet environmental, health, and security standards, and comply with government regulations.

↗ +4.4% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

General & Operations Manager

$105,770

$72K $167K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 308,700 openings/yr 3.5M employed nationally

Speaking Active Listening Monitoring Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement.
Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.

↗ +7.7% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Entertainment and Recreation Managers

$79,520

$61K $105K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 5,500 openings/yr 38K employed nationally

Active Listening Speaking Service Orientation Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.

Plan, organize, or lead group activities for customers, such as exercise routines, athletic events, or arts and crafts.
Plan programs of events or schedules of activities.
Talk to coworkers using electronic devices, such as computers and radios.

↗ +2.3% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Landscaping Supervisors

$58,430

$47K $73K 25th–75th pct.

High school diploma or equivalent 23,200 openings/yr 131K employed nationally

Monitoring Time Management Management of Personnel Resources Active Listening Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping or groundskeeping activities. Work may involve reviewing contracts to ascertain service, machine, and workforce requirements; answering inquiries from potential customers regarding methods, material, and price ranges; and preparing estimates according to labor, material, and machine costs.

Establish and enforce operating procedures and work standards that will ensure adequate performance and personnel safety.
Schedule work for crews, depending on work priorities, crew or equipment availability, or weather conditions.
Tour grounds, such as parks, botanical gardens, cemeteries, or golf courses, to inspect conditions of plants and soil.

Top Colleges for Parks

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Parks 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	Clemson University Clemson, SC · Public	165	38.3%	$22,253	$71,513
2	Florida International University Miami, FL · Public	145	54.7%	$9,288	$60,249
3	North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC · Public	93	41.7%	$17,303	$68,758
4	Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA · Public	81	60.6%	$32,875	$63,435
5	Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO · Public	81	88.5%	$21,279	$60,543
6	Appalachian State University Boone, NC · Public	81	90.1%	$16,836	$51,836
7	University of Florida Gainesville, FL · Public	79	24.2%	$6,541	$71,588
8	Illinois State University Normal, IL · Public	76	88.2%	$19,398	$62,117
9	Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Slippery Rock, PA · Public	72	71.5%	$19,608	$53,032
10	University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Durham, NH · Public	62	88.2%	$23,805	$66,479
11	University of West Georgia Carrollton, GA · Public	56	51.6%	$12,786	$49,587
12	University of North Texas Denton, TX · Public	53	72.2%	$15,649	$57,010
13	Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FL · Nonprofit	52	97%	$30,498	$39,696
14	Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY · Public	50	93.9%	$10,990	$43,889
15	Brigham Young University-Idaho Rexburg, ID · Nonprofit	44	95.8%	$8,221	$53,406
16	Texas State University San Marcos, TX · Public	43	89.3%	$16,805	$56,906
17	Johnson & Wales University-Providence Providence, RI · Nonprofit	43	88.4%	$31,027	$43,418
18	Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA · Public	41	90.4%	$14,638	$54,914
19	Frostburg State University Frostburg, MD · Public	40	89.2%	$16,715	$55,493
20	Professional Golfers Career College Temecula, CA · For-Profit	40	Open	$37,351	$46,079

View all colleges

Ranked by Parks 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 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 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 Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Parks shows 3 measurable strengths and 3 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 $34,040 at graduation to $50,468 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Positive job outlook Related careers project up to +7.7% job growth over the next 10 years, a solid signal for long-term demand.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 350,600 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.

CONS

Modest median earnings Four-year median of $50,468 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.
High earnings variance Gap between 25th ($37,507) and 75th ($64,333) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.

Parks Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Parks graduates earn?

Parks graduates earn a national median of $50,468 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $37,507 and $64,333. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Parks degree?

One year after graduation, Parks degree holders earn a median of $34,040. That climbs to $50,468 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Parks degree?

Parks degree holders pursue careers including Facilities Managers, which pays a median of $106,660/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Parks program take?

A Parks 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?

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

Is a Parks degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $50,468 and an average net price of roughly $19,193/yr, a Parks 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 and Recreation & Fitness?

Parks 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-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 graduates?

Employers hiring Parks 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 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.

What is the job outlook for Parks graduates?

The job outlook for Parks graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +4.6% job growth over the next 10 years. Entertainment and Recreation Managers is among the strongest-growth roles at +7.7%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.