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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #621 | Averett UniversityPrivate | Danville, VA | $25,194 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $21,743 | 47.8% | 43.6% |
| #622 | Glenville, WV | $25,138 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $12,878 | — | 35.5% | |
| #623 | Itta Bena, MS | $25,003 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $11,034 | 51.2% | 22.1% | |
| #624 | Franklin CollegePrivate | Franklin, IN | $24,181 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $19,031 | 70.6% | 63.4% |
| #625 | University Of ProvidencePrivate | Great Falls, MT | $24,035 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $16,227 | 64.2% | 46.7% |
| #626 | Union CollegePrivate | Barbourville, KY | $24,035 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $12,372 | 55.0% | 36.0% |
| #627 | Shaw UniversityPrivate | Raleigh, NC | $23,759 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $12,125 | 30.5% | 20.3% |
| #628 | George Fox UniversityPrivate | Newberg, OR | $23,579 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $19,909 | 96.4% | 68.7% |
| #629 | Jarvis Christian UniversityPrivate | Hawkins, TX | $23,456 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $8,342 | — | 15.1% |
| #630 | Mercy UniversityPrivate | Dobbs Ferry, NY | $23,094 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $13,092 | 85.5% | 48.1% |
| #631 | Tabor CollegePrivate | Hillsboro, KS | $22,771 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $18,085 | 64.6% | 32.9% |
| #632 | Randolph CollegePrivate | Lynchburg, VA | $22,771 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $16,931 | 94.9% | 51.5% |
| #633 | Azusa Pacific UniversityPrivate | Azusa, CA | $22,233 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $17,839 | 79.5% | 64.4% |
| #634 | Dakota State UniversityPublic | Madison, SD | $22,192 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $15,948 | 97.9% | 49.3% |
| #635 | Lee UniversityPrivate | Cleveland, TN | $22,135 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $13,887 | 72.2% | 60.7% |
| #636 | Brevard CollegePrivate | Brevard, NC | $21,894 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $17,493 | 39.5% | 39.0% |
| #637 | Hamline UniversityPrivate | Saint Paul, MN | $21,508 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $18,011 | 89.8% | 57.7% |
| #638 | Whitworth UniversityPrivate | Spokane, WA | $21,508 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $16,492 | — | 68.4% |
| #639 | Spring Arbor UniversityPrivate | Spring Arbor, MI | $21,508 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $16,569 | 37.3% | 59.9% |
| #640 | Regis CollegePrivate | Weston, MA | $21,508 Median Parks & Recreation Earnings | $18,783 | 89.3% | 69.5% |