2027 Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS

Our analysis ranked Pittsburg State University the best value for a degree in parks, recreation & leisure studies in the The Plains States Region. Located in the town of Pittsburg, Pittsburg State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,744. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $19,661 in student loans. 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.

2

University Of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA

University Of Northern Iowa is a great value for students pursuing a degree in parks, recreation & leisure studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,936 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $23,907 in student loans. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates make about $37,233. That is a strong return on a $23,907 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Kearney, NE

University Of Nebraska At Kearney came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation & leisure studies schools. University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Kearney. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,564, compared with $16,484 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $23,500. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates make about $28,241. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Kearney admits about 90% of applicants.

4

Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO

Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation & leisure studies will find it at Northwest Missouri State University, which ranked #4. Located in the town of Maryville, Northwest Missouri State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $25,250. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from Northwest Missouri State University generally make around $42,389. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.

5

Emporia State University
Emporia, KS

Emporia State University came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value parks, recreation & leisure studies schools. Located in the town of Emporia, Emporia State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,106, while out-of-state students pay about $15,419. Students borrow a median of $23,131 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure studies program here. Early-career parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates make about $46,440. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

6

Winona State University
Winona, MN

Winona State University placed #6 among the best values for parks, recreation & leisure studies. Winona State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Winona. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $21,148. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from Winona State University generally make around $35,062. Set against $21,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Winona State University admits about 76% of applicants.

7

Missouri State University Springfield
Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield landed the #7 spot for parks, recreation & leisure studies value this year. Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public school located in the city of Springfield. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $27,457 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from Missouri State University Springfield generally make around $28,345. That is a strong return on a $27,457 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

8

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #8 spot for parks, recreation & leisure studies value this year. University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from University Of Missouri Columbia generally make around $38,725. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants.