2027 Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in Missouri
[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 best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 3 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for parks, recreation & leisure studies students.
What’s on this page:
2027 Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools in Missouri
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the parks, recreation & leisure studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools
Northwest Missouri State University earned the #1 spot for value among parks, recreation & leisure studies schools in Missouri. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical student debt for parks, recreation & leisure studies graduates is $25,250. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of Northwest Missouri State University earn a median of $42,389 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #2 makes Missouri State University Springfield one of the best values for parks, recreation & leisure studies. Located in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,457 to complete the parks, recreation & leisure studies program here. Soon after graduation, parks, recreation & leisure studies degree recipients from Missouri State University Springfield generally make around $28,345. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Students looking for strong value in parks, recreation & leisure studies will find it at University Of Missouri Columbia, which ranked #3. University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates of University Of Missouri Columbia earn a median of $38,725 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.
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Notes and References
This list is compiled 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 · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 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.
