2023 Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies in the Far Western US Region
14
Ranked Colleges
787
Degrees Awarded
$14,200
Avg Net Price*
With all of the options students have for higher education today, it can be tough to choose which direction to take. At College Factual, we’re committed to helping you make that decision by providing information such as that found in our “Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking.
In 2020-2021, 3,106 people earned their degree in parks, recreation and leisure studies, making the major the 218th most popular in the United States.
Across the Far Western US region, there were 787 parks, recreation and leisure studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $0 and $0 respectively.
This year’s “Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking looked at 14 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in parks, recreation and leisure studies. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent parks, recreation and leisure studies programs, but they also cost less that schools of similar quality.
To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the parks, recreation and leisure studies program at the school. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we’ve developed a number of rankings, including this “Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, to help you choose the best school for you.
One of our other unique offerings is College Combat. This tool lets you build your own customized comparisons utilizing the factors that are most important to you. We encourage you to try it out and pit your favorite colleges and universities head to head! If you don’t have time right now, you can bookmark it for later.
Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region
The colleges and universities below are the best for far western us region parks & rec students.
Top 14 Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies in the Far Western US Region
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend California State University - Long Beach. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region list. California State University - Long Beach is a large public school situated in Long Beach, California. It awarded 91 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.
CSULB did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #3 on our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Long Beach is $10,054 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.4% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 89%.
Read full report on Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at CSULB
Out of the 14 schools in the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region that were part of this year’s ranking, California State University - Chico landed the #2 spot on the list. California State University - Chico is a public institution located in Chico, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 99 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Chico State not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #2 on our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The yearly cost to attend Chico State is $16,218 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Full California State University - Chico Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Report
Out of the 14 schools in the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region that were part of this year’s ranking, San Jose State University landed the #3 spot on the list. San Jose State is a large public school situated in San Jose, California. It awarded 40 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.
San Jose State also took the #4 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend San Jose State University is $16,542 for far western us region parks & rec students.
With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Read full report on Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at San Jose State
Out of the 14 schools in the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region that were part of this year’s ranking, California State University - Sacramento landed the #4 spot on the list. Sac State is located in Sacramento, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 100 ’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.
In addition to being on our far western us region parks & rec students list, Sac State has also earned the #5 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. It costs about $11,178 for far western us region parks & rec students per year to attend Sac State.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Full California State University - Sacramento Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Report
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend San Francisco State University. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region list. San Francisco, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s parks and rec degrees to 46 students in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our far western us region parks & rec students list, SFSU has also earned the #7 rank in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for San Francisco State University is $14,459 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.3% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.
Read full report on Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at SFSU
With a ranking of #6, California State University - Fresno did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Fresno State is a large public school situated in Fresno, California. It awarded 37 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.
Fresno State did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #9 on our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The yearly cost to attend Fresno State is $6,230 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.2% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.
Full Fresno State Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Report
California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo is located in San Luis Obispo, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 119 ’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #1 on our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The yearly cost to attend California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo is $20,677 for far western us region parks & rec students.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 0.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 94%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.
Full Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Report
Western Washington University came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Western Washington University is a public institution located in Bellingham, Washington. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 48 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
WWU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #6 on our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The yearly cost to attend WWU is $17,070 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.
Read full report on Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at WWU
California State University - East Bay ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region list. This fairly large school is located in Hayward, California, and it awarded 31 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.
Cal State East Bay not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #11 on our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The yearly cost to attend California State University - East Bay is $13,298 for Far Western US Region Parks & Rec students.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.4%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Read full report on Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at Cal State East Bay
San Diego State University landed the #10 spot on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Located in San Diego, California, this large public school handed out 32 degrees to qualified ’s parks and rec students in 2020-2021.
SDSU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #8 on our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The yearly cost to attend San Diego State University is $13,845 for far western us region parks & rec students.
With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.2%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Read full report on Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at SDSU
Eastern Washington University landed the #11 spot on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Located in Cheney, Washington, this fairly large public school handed out 10 degrees to qualified ’s parks and rec students in 2020-2021.
EWU also made our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #10. The yearly cost to attend EWU is $12,335 for far western us region parks & rec students.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Read more about Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at EWU
Humboldt State University landed the #12 spot on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Humboldt State University is located in Arcata, California and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 31 ’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.
Humboldt State University also made our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #14. It costs about $14,956 for far western us region parks & rec students per year to attend Humboldt State University.
Read full report on Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at Humboldt State University
Southern Oregon University ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Southern Oregon University is a medium-sized public school situated in Ashland, Oregon. It awarded 27 ’s parks and rec degrees in 2020-2021.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at Southern Oregon University, the school also landed the #13 spot in our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. It costs about $10,187 for far western us region parks & rec students per year to attend Southern Oregon University.
Full Southern Oregon University Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Report
Oregon State University landed the #14 spot on the 2023 Best Value Parks & Rec Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Oregon State University is located in Corvallis, Oregon and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 14 ’s parks and rec degrees to qualified students.
Oregon State also made our “Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #12. It costs about $21,508 for far western us region parks & rec students per year to attend Oregon State University.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 85%.
Read full report on Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies at Oregon State University
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Best Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the Far Western US Region
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Most Focused Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies in the Far Western US Region
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students in the Far Western US Region
Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies in the Far Western US Region (With Aid)
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students getting aid in the Far Western US Region
Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies (Income $30-$48k) in the Far Western US Region
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students with family income $30-$48k in the Far Western US Region
Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies (Income $75-$110k) in the Far Western US Region
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students with family income $75-$110k in the Far Western US Region
Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies in the Far Western US Region
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students in the Far Western US Region
Highest Paid Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Graduates in the Far Western US Region
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students in the Far Western US Region
Most Popular Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies in the Far Western US Region
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students in the Far Western US Region
Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies (Income $0-$30k) in the Far Western US Region
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students with family income less than $30k in the Far Western US Region
Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies (Income $48-$75k) in the Far Western US Region
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students with family income $48-$75k in the Far Western US Region
Best Value Colleges for Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies (Income Over $110k) in the Far Western US Region
Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies students with family income exceeding $110k in the Far Western US Region
Notes and References
References
- 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).
- Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.
Read more about our data sources and methodologies
- *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
- Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.
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