2027 Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools
[Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/parks-recreation-leisure-studies/parks-recreation-and-leisure-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong parks, recreation & leisure studies education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 53 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for parks, recreation & leisure studies students.
What’s on this page:
Finding the Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies School for You
Where you study parks, recreation & leisure studies affects both what you pay and what you earn. That is why we developed our Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.
Read more about our methodology
Customizing Your List
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.
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2027 Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in parks, recreation & leisure studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools
Leading the list is California State University Fresno, our #1 best value for parks, recreation & leisure studies in the United States. Set in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $14,061 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates make about $32,697. Set against $14,061 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.
A rank of #2 makes South Georgia Technical College one of the best values for parks, recreation & leisure studies. Set in the town of Americus, South Georgia Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,992, while out-of-state students pay about $7,202. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $10,423 in student loans. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of South Georgia Technical College earn a median of $40,497 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation & leisure studies will find it at Cuny Kingsborough Community College, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Kingsborough Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,252, compared with $8,132 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $7,858. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of Cuny Kingsborough Community College earn a median of $35,562 early in their careers. Set against $7,858 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Allan Hancock College came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation & leisure studies schools. Set in the city of Santa Maria, Allan Hancock College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,156, while out-of-state students pay about $9,892. Median earnings reach $42,786 ten years out.
A rank of #5 makes California State University Sacramento one of the best values for parks, recreation & leisure studies. Set in the city of Sacramento, California State University Sacramento is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $20,024 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates make about $40,338. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.
California State University East Bay landed the #6 spot for parks, recreation & leisure studies value this year. Located in the suburb of Hayward, California State University East Bay is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,583, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,306 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from California State University East Bay generally make around $43,700. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%.
California State University Long Beach earned the #7 position for value in parks, recreation & leisure studies this year. Located in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $14,500. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from California State University Long Beach generally make around $35,532. Set against $14,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.
Sierra College landed the #8 spot for parks, recreation & leisure studies value this year. Set in the suburb of Rocklin, Sierra College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,446 in tuition and fees. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $12,733 in student loans. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of Sierra College earn a median of $29,214 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,733 median debt.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College placed #9 among the best values for parks, recreation & leisure studies. Located in the rural area of Perkinston, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,250 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,850. Students borrow a median of $11,653 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure studies program here. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College earn a median of $34,214 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,653 median debt.
San Francisco State University earned the #10 position for value in parks, recreation & leisure studies this year. Set in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $16,797. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of San Francisco State University earn a median of $28,427 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Francisco State University admits about 96% of applicants.
San Jose State University earned the #11 position for value in parks, recreation & leisure studies this year. San Jose State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Jose. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
Southern Utah University earned the #12 position for value in parks, recreation & leisure studies this year. Set in the town of Cedar City, Southern Utah University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,962 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,192 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $12,886 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates make about $44,998. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro placed #13 among the best values for parks, recreation & leisure studies. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a very large public school located in the city of Greensboro. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure studies program here. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of University Of North Carolina At Greensboro earn a median of $31,561 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #14 for value in parks, recreation & leisure studies this year. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,447 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates make about $41,234. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.
Northern Arizona University landed the #15 spot for parks, recreation & leisure studies value this year. Set in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,619, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of Northern Arizona University earn a median of $31,672 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.
California State University Chico earned the #16 position for value in parks, recreation & leisure studies this year. Located in the city of Chico, California State University Chico is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,472, while out-of-state students pay about $21,072. Students borrow a median of $18,179 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure studies program here. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of California State University Chico earn a median of $33,920 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Chico admits about 93% of applicants.
Humboldt State University came in at #17 for value in parks, recreation & leisure studies this year. Humboldt State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Arcata. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,397, with out-of-state students paying around $20,997. Students borrow a median of $19,129 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from Humboldt State University generally make around $26,224. Set against $19,129 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Humboldt State University admits about 98% of applicants.
Shepherd University landed the #18 spot for parks, recreation & leisure studies value this year. Shepherd University is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Shepherdstown. Students from in state pay about $9,056 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,082 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $24,950. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of Shepherd University earn a median of $34,287 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,950 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%.
San Diego State University came in at #19 for value in parks, recreation & leisure studies this year. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Students borrow a median of $14,999 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from San Diego State University generally make around $33,692. That is a strong return on a $14,999 median debt. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants.
Arizona State University placed #20 among the best values for parks, recreation & leisure studies. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $22,396 in student loans. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $43,149 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,396 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Brigham Young University Provo landed the #21 spot for parks, recreation & leisure studies value this year. Set in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates make about $47,596. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%.
Northern Michigan University earned the #22 position for value in parks, recreation & leisure studies this year. Set in the town of Marquette, Northern Michigan University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,322, while out-of-state students pay about $19,944. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $23,855. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of Northern Michigan University earn a median of $28,890 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,855 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Utah State University landed the #23 spot for parks, recreation & leisure studies value this year. Set in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,560 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $16,191. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates make about $35,079. That is a strong return on a $16,191 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
Jacksonville State University placed #24 among the best values for parks, recreation & leisure studies. Jacksonville State University is a large public school located in the suburb of Jacksonville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,894, compared with $23,334 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates make about $31,303. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Pittsburg State University ranked #25 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation & leisure studies schools. Set in the town of Pittsburg, Pittsburg State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400, while out-of-state students pay about $19,744. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $19,661. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of Pittsburg State University earn a median of $35,587 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Pittsburg State University admits about 89% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for parks, recreation & leisure studies this year:
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Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. See all related rankings.
Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 53 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 53 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
