Parks and Recreation programs produce graduates with career earnings ranging from $16,478 to $73,106, demonstrating significant variation across 507 programs. The median earnings of $43,348 reflect diverse pathways in recreation management and outdoor careers, where program selection directly impacts long-term earning potential.
Leading the list is University of Scranton, achieving the highest program earnings at $73,106. The top tier includes Pepperdine University ($72,554) and Saint Louis University ($72,217), with these programs demonstrating how quality recreation management education translates into strong graduate outcomes that exceed typical expectations for the field.
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #21 | Amherst, MA | $59,208 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $11,103 | 57.8% | 83.2% | |
| #22 | San Jose, CA | $59,199 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $9,743 | 80.2% | 64.6% | |
| #23 | Madison, WI | $58,500 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $4,458 | 43.4% | 89.3% | |
| #24 | Seton Hall UniversityPrivate | South Orange, NJ | $58,423 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $17,681 | 78.9% | 71.5% |
| #25 | College Station, TX | $58,417 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $12,273 | 63.2% | 83.8% | |
| #26 | College Park, MD | $58,292 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $3,603 | 44.8% | 88.6% | |
| #27 | William & MaryPublic | Williamsburg, VA | $58,114 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $6,616 | 32.7% | 91.0% |
| #28 | Roanoke CollegePrivate | Salem, VA | $58,080 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $20,269 | 80.1% | 65.9% |
| #29 | Champaign, IL | $57,968 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $3,883 | 43.7% | 84.9% | |
| #30 | University Of San FranciscoPrivate | San Francisco, CA | $57,937 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $31,741 | 50.8% | 71.1% |
| #31 | Dickinson, ND | $57,821 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $11,547 | 60.1% | 43.4% | |
| #32 | University Of WyomingPublic | Laramie, WY | $57,692 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $7,602 | 97.4% | 59.9% |
| #33 | Endicott CollegePrivate | Beverly, MA | $57,662 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $29,799 | 72.3% | 75.4% |
| #34 | University Of KansasPublic | Lawrence, KS | $57,522 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $10,908 | 88.2% | 68.8% |
| #35 | University Of MiamiPrivate | Coral Gables, FL | $57,369 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $17,790 | 18.5% | 84.2% |
| #36 | Austin, TX | $57,339 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $12,972 | 29.1% | 87.6% | |
| #37 | Pullman, WA | $57,273 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $7,147 | 85.4% | 61.6% | |
| #38 | Rockhurst UniversityPrivate | Kansas City, MO | $56,849 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $18,557 | 69.0% | 75.6% |
| #39 | Duluth, MN | $56,819 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $6,393 | 81.8% | 64.5% | |
| #40 | James Madison UniversityPublic | Harrisonburg, VA | $56,742 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $10,582 | 76.3% | 80.9% |
