Compare 10 Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies. programs in California. Average earnings: $46,945.
The highest-earning Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $35K earnings gap across 10 California programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. Graduates earn between $26,224 and $61,694—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
San Jose State University's Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies program leads with graduates earning $61,694. The story reinforces how program selection trumps school prestige—SJSU outperforms the field while the statewide average sits at $46,945. Cal State Chico follows at $54,762, with Sacramento State close behind at $52,683, proving regional publics dominate this field.
Highest program earnings: $61,694
Strong outcomes ($54,762) with 94% acceptance
5.3% payment burden | Excellent
13.6% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $61,694 | 31 | $15,000 | Excellent | $20,820 | Manageable | |
| #2 | $54,762 | 87 | $16,552 | Excellent | $17,585 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $52,683 | 121 | $15,000 | Excellent | $16,507 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $50,525 | 35 | $15,371 | Excellent | $19,732 | Challenging | |
| #5 | $47,830 | 32 | $16,544 | Good | $15,738 | Challenging | |
| #6 | $46,193 | 37 | $14,505 | Good | $12,050 | Manageable | |
| #7 | $45,975 | 41 | $15,000 | Good | $25,565 | High | |
| #8 | $44,407 | 87 | $14,289 | Good | $15,177 | Challenging | |
| #9 | $39,157 | 81 | $18,500 | Manageable | $35,000 | High | |
| #10 | $26,224 | 13 | $18,000 | High | $18,257 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
